As of the census of 2000, there were 2,702 people, 966 households, and 705 families residing in the town. The population density was 491.7 inhabitants per square mile. There were 1,066 housing units at an average density of 194.0 per square mile. The racial makeup of the town was 84.09% White, 13.10% African American, 0.70% Native American, 0.48% Asian, and 1.63% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.00% of the population. There were 966 households, out of which 40.7% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 49.8% were married couples living together, 18.5% had a female householder with no husband present, and 27.0% were non-families. 24.5% of all households were made up of individuals, and 9.9% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.68 and the average family size was 3.17. In the town, the population was spread out, with 30.4% under the age of 18, 8.8% from 18 to 24, 27.9% from 25 to 44, 20.4% from 45 to 64, and 12.5% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 33 years. For every 100 females, there were 87.0 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 82.6 males. The median income for a household in the town was $34,531, and the median income for a family was $37,227. Males had a median income of $34,554 versus $23,713 for females. The per capita income for the town was $14,683. About 11.0% of families and 11.7% of the population were below the poverty line, including 10.2% of those under age 18 and 18.6% of those age 65 or over.
Economy
Along with Callahan, Hilliard is one of the major economic centers of western Nassau County. Its location on the railroad and at the intersection of several major roads have contributed significantly to economic growth. The area has significant stands of lumber used in the manufacture of paper as well as wood products. Much of the area land for tree farming is owned by either Rayonier or The Moyer Company. Hilliard is home to a Federal Aviation AdministrationAir Traffic Control Center, which coordinates most commercial and civilian air traffic for the southeastern United States. The FAA center is a major employer in Hilliard and there are many retired FAA employees who live in the area and enjoy the relaxed rural lifestyle. Hilliard is one of many towns along US 1 that saw its tourism trade dwindle when I-95 was opened. Logging is a major industry in the area surrounding Hilliard. Because of specific soil conditions and a great deal of open rural land in the area, Hilliard was at one time considered by the Department of Energy as a possible site for the Superconducting Super Collider; however, that never materialized.
Hilliard lies at the intersection of County Road 108 and US 1, which is also part of US 301 and US 23 as it runs south from the St. Mary's River to Callahan. CR 108 is known as Second Street while passing through Hilliard; at this intersection is the only complete set of traffic signals in the town. There is also a blinking yellow light approximately two miles south, at the intersection of Old Dixie Highway and US 1.
The Hilliard Airpark is a small, unpaved airstrip available for personal aircraft. This is a municipal facility, and has hangars available for those who want them. The Airpark can also be used as a landing site for helicopters to transport patients in urgent situations. The complex is located on Eastwood Road, across the street from Eastwood Oaks Apartments.
Government
Mayor: Cris W. McConnell Town Clerk: Lisa Purvis Council Members
John P. Beasley '
Kenny Sims '
Lee Pickett
Jared Wollitz
Callie Bishop
Nassau County Fire Rescue operates Station 40 in Hilliard, as well as Station 90 River Road.
