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 killed in the Battle of Santa Rosa Island, becoming the first Confederate officer from Florida to die during the Civil War. Union County was carved out of Bradford in 1921.

Geography

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 300 square miles (780 km²), of which 294 square miles (760 km²) is land and 6.5 square miles (17 km²) (2.2%) is water. It is the third-smallest county in Florida by land area and second-smallest by total area.

Adjacent counties

National protected area

Demographics

As of the census of 2000, there were 26,088 people, 8,497 households, and 6,194 families residing in the county. The population density was 89 people per square mile (34/km²). There were 9,605 housing units at an average density of 33 per square mile (13/km²). The racial makeup of the county was 76.28% White, 20.79% Black or 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 were Hispanic or Latino of any race.

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

In the county, the population was 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 were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 37 years. For every 100 females there were 127.00 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 132.50 males.

The median income for a household in the county was $33,140, and the median income for a family was $39,123. Males had a median income of $29,494 versus $20,745 for females. The per capita income for the county was $14,226. About 11.10% of families and 14.60% of the population were below the poverty line, including 18.30% of those under age 18 and 17.60% of those age 65 or over.

Government and infrastructure

The Florida Department of Corrections operates several correctional facilities in unincorporated areas. The facilities include Florida State Prison, Florida State Prison – West Unit, and New River Correctional Institution. Florida State Prison houses one of Florida's two male death rows and the State of Florida execution chamber.

Voter registration

According to the Secretary of State's office, Democrats hold a narrow plurality among registered voters in Bradford County.

Statewide elections

Like much of rural northern Florida, Bradford County votes heavily Republican in presidential and congressional races, although still occasionally supporting conservative Democrats in local and state contests.

Library

The main library serving Bradford County is the Bradford County Public Library. The current library director is Robert E. Perone.

Cities

Town