Bradford County, Florida

History New River County was created in 1858. It was renamed Bradford County in 1861. It was named for Captain Richard Bradford, who fought in the American Civil War and was kinned in the Battle of Santa Rosa Island.

Geography According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 777 km² (300 mi²). 759 km² (293 mi²) of it is land and 18 km² (7 mi²) of it is water. The total area is 2.30% water.

Demographics As of the census of 2000, there are 26,088 people, 8,497 households, and 6,194 families residing in the county. The population density is 34/km² (89/mi²). There are 9,605 housing units at an average density of 13/km² (33/mi²). The racial makeup of the county is 76.28% White, 20.79% African American, 0.34% Native American, 0.61% Asian, 0.10% Pacific Islander, 0.65% from other races, and 1.24% from two or more races. 2.38% of the population are Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There are 8,497 households out of which 31.90% have children under the age of 18 living with them, 55.40% are married couples living together, 13.30% have a female householder with no husband present, and 27.10% are non-families. 22.90% of all households are made up of individuals and 9.70% have someone living alone who is 65 years of age or older. The average household size is 2.58 and the average family size is 3.01.

In the county the population is spread out with 21.90% under the age of 18, 9.50% from 18 to 24, 32.10% from 25 to 44, 23.50% from 45 to 64, and 12.90% who are 65 years of age or older. The median age is 37 years. For every 100 females there are 127.00 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there are 132.50 males.

The median income for a household in the county is $33,140, and the median income for a family is $39,123. Males have a median income of $29,494 versus $20,745 for females. The per capita income for the county is $14,226. 14.60% of the population and 11.10% of families are below the poverty line. Out of the total people living in poverty, 18.30% are under the age of 18 and 17.60% are 65 or older.

Cities and Towns

• Brooker
• Hampton
• Keystone Heights
• Lawtey
• Starke