Bradford County Information

Summary

Located in North Florida, Bradford County is largely rural with a focus on agriculture and has a population of over 28,000. The county seat is Starke, known for its strategic location along major highway routes.

History

Created in 1858, the county was initially named 'New River County' and later renamed in honor of Captain Richard Bradford, who fought in the Civil War.
The County seat had changed from Lake Butler to Starke due to Starke's growth. A legal challenge in 1885 moved the seat back to Lake Butler and then back to Starke in 1887. bringing the disputes to the attention of Florida legislature. Later in 1921, a portion of the western area of Bradford County and Lake Butler was separated to form Union County.
Florida State Prison was built on the Bradford-Union County line in Raiford.

Natural Disasters

While not directly on the coast, Bradford County is prone to inland flooding and occasionally experiences the peripheral effects of hurricanes and tropical storms.

Statistics for 2020

  • Population: 28,201
  • Area: 300 square miles
  • Median Income: $42,665