Bradford County
countyBradford County is located in Northeast Florida. It's a small, rural community known for its close-knit atmosphere and conservative values. The county seat and largest city is Starke. As of 2020, the population was 28,303. Bradford County's economy is supported by industries such as retail trade, public administration, and healthcare. Key institutions include the Florida State Prison and North Florida Technical College. The county benefits from its location with access to major highways, making it a potential logistics hub. Bradford County offers a blend of historical significance and natural beauty. Originally named New River County, it was renamed in honor of Confederate Captain Richard Bradford. Outdoor enthusiasts can explore areas like the Santa Fe Swamp Conservation Area and Gold Head Branch State Park.
Bradford County, Florida
- Classification
- County
- Country
- United States
- County
- Bradford County
- Region
- Northeast Florida
- Total Area
- 300 sq mi
- Land Area
- 294 sq mi
- Water Area
- 6.5 sq mi
- Latitude
- 29.95
- Longitude
- -82.17
- Notable Features
- Santa Fe Swamp Conservation Area · Gold Head Branch State Park · Lake Sampson · Kingsley Lake
- Neighboring Areas
- Alachua County, FL · Baker County, FL · Clay County, FL · Putnam County, FL · Union County, FL
- Population (2020)
- 28,303
- Est. Population (2023)
- 27,888
- Median Age
- 40.5
- Median Income
- $59,740
- Poverty Rate
- 16.77%
- Owner-Occupied
- 70.9%
- Racial & Ethnic Composition
- 72.6% White (Non-Hispanic), 17.3% Black or African American (Non-Hispanic), 3.59% Two Races Excluding Other, & Three or More Races (Non-Hispanic), 1.48% Two Races Including Other (Hispanic), and 1.33% White (Hispanic)
- Government Type
- Board of County Commissioners
- Governing Body
- Board of County Commissioners
- Body Size
- 5 members
- School District
- Bradford County School District
- Municipal Services
- Law enforcement · Detention · Court security · Emergency Management · Fire/Rescue
- Unemployment Rate
- 3.6%
- Economic Profile
- Rural · Potential logistics hub
- Employment Sectors
- Retail Trade · Public Administration · Health Care and Social Assistance
- Schools
- 12
- Students
- 2,950
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 22:1
- School Districts
- Bradford County School District
- Colleges & Universities
- North Florida Technical College
- Outdoor Access
- Yes
- Major Recreation Areas
- Santa Fe Swamp Conservation Area · Gold Head Branch State Park · Lake Sampson · Hampton Lake · Little Lake Santa Fe · Santa Fe Lake
- Parks & Trails
- Speedville Park · Pleasant Grove Park · Thomas Street Recreational Facility · Lincoln City Park · Palatka-to-Lake Butler State Trail
- Founded
- 1858
- Named After
- Confederate Captain Richard Bradford
- Historical Significance
- Named after the first Florida officer killed in the Civil War
- Key Events
- County created from Columbia and Alachua counties · Renamed in 1861 · Location of Florida State Prison