Starke, Florida, a small city and the county seat of Bradford County, is a tight-knit community with a population of approximately 5,821 as of 2023. The city has a rich history, established in the mid-19th century around the Fernandina to Cedar Key railroad, which spurred early settlement and growth. Today, Starke maintains a strong sense of community pride, reflected in local traditions like the Bradford County Strawberry Festival, held annually since 1998 to celebrate the region’s agricultural heritage. The historic Call Street District, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, serves as a focal point for community gatherings, with landmarks like the Andrews Center and the Florida Twin Theatre, one of North Florida’s oldest movie theaters. The city’s residents, predominantly employed in retail trade, administrative services, and public administration, foster a family-friendly environment, with 53% of households having children under 18.

Demographically, Starke is diverse yet predominantly White (Non-Hispanic) at 64%, followed by Black or African American (Non-Hispanic) at 28.5%, and Two or More Races (Non-Hispanic) at 5.02%. Hispanic residents make up 6.7% of the population, though only 1.36% identify as Hispanic ethnically. The median age is 33.8 years, younger than the state average, with a gender ratio skewed slightly toward males (55.02% male vs. 44.98% female). Education levels show 45.7% of residents holding a high school degree, while 9.47% have a bachelor’s degree. The city’s population is largely U.S.-born (95.66%), with 2.7% foreign-born, and 95.7% of households speak English as their primary language. Starke’s median household income is $46,291, below the state average, and 39.4% of residents live below the poverty line, significantly higher than the national average of 12.4%, with poverty most prevalent among young males (ages 6–11) and females (ages 25–34).

Starke’s community faces challenges, including economic disparities and a high poverty rate, but its resilience is evident in its active civic engagement and historical significance. The city’s proximity to Camp Blanding and Florida State Prison shapes its identity, with the latter drawing national attention during events like the Ted Bundy execution in 1989. Controversies, such as the legal battle over a cross on the city’s water tower in the early 2000s, highlight the community’s strong ties to tradition and faith. Despite these tensions, Starke’s demographic trends suggest gradual growth, with a projected population of 6,083 by 2025. The city’s blend of rural charm, historical roots, and diverse population fosters a unique community spirit, making it a notable part of North Central Florida’s cultural landscape.

Community and Demographics in Starke

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