Bradford County Public RecordsFlorida

Bradford County, FL has 12 public schools, including Bradford High School, serving nearly 3,000 students. High school graduation rate is approximately 83%, but only about 13% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. The average school test scores are below the Florida state average, with a rating around 4/10. The district offers vocational and adult education programs, including GED preparation. School safety measures include secure entrances and resource officers. Educational enrichment includes career academies and dual enrollment with Santa Fe College.

As of 2023, Bradford County, FL, has an employment rate of approximately 54.8%. The largest industries include Health Care & Social Assistance (16%), Educational Services (13%), and Retail Trade (12%). Leading occupation types are Office & Administrative Support (14%) and Sales (11%). About 77% of the workforce commutes by car, with an average commute time of 27 minutes. Major employment locations include Starke and nearby Gainesville, with around 40% of residents working outside the county for more diverse opportunities.

Bradford County, FL, boasts a homeownership rate of about 71%, with median home values around $180,000 as of 2023. The median rent is approximately $950 per month. Predominant housing types include single-family homes and manufactured houses, with rural neighborhoods like Starke and Lawtey being popular. Property values have risen roughly 8% year-over-year, reflecting growing demand. Property taxes average 0.9% of assessed value, meaning a $180,000 home faces about $1,620 in annual taxes. The market remains accessible but competitive for buyers and renters.

As of 2023, Bradford County, Florida has about 28,000 residents. The median age is around 43 years. The population is approximately 54% male and 46% female. Racial and ethnic composition is 73% White, 20% Black or African American, 4% Hispanic or Latino, and 3% other races or multiracial. This rural county shows a stable population with a mix of young families and older adults.

Bradford County, FL had approximately 19,000 registered voters as of 2024, primarily Republican (57%) and Democrat (32%). The county conducts primary, general, and municipal elections, with recent general election turnout around 70%. Polling locations include the Bradford County Supervisor of Elections office and designated precincts in Starke and Lawtey. Key issues in recent elections include education funding and public safety. Election administration is overseen by the Bradford County Supervisor of Elections, ensuring ballot integrity and accessibility. Third-party and non-affiliated voters comprise roughly 11% of registrants, reflecting moderate political diversity in the electorate.

Bradford County, FL has a crime rate lower than the national average, with recent data indicating a total crime rate of approximately 1,230 incidents per 100,000 residents (2023). Violent crime represents about 290 cases per 100,000, while property crime is around 940 per 100,000. The sheriff’s office actively reports and addresses safety concerns, contributing to a decline in annual crime figures. Residents generally experience a moderate to high sense of community safety, supported by local law enforcement transparency and regular public crime reports.