Median Income
$46,291
38% lower than US avg
Home Value
$200,200
29% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
796/100K
109% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
19.8%
41% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$867
25% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
37.1%
16% higher than US avg
Unemployment
3.0%
17% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
19.2%
55% higher than US avg
How Starke Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population5,821
Median Age33.8 yrs
Density811/mi²
Male / Female47% / 53%
Largest GroupWhite 65%
Veterans11.3%
Economy
B
Median Income$46,291
Per Capita$20,143
Unemployment3.0%
Poverty19.2%
County GDP$976M
Commute28 min
Housing
A
Home Value$200,200
Rent$867
Ownership58.2%
Zillow$224,472
Housing Units2,586
Rent Burden32.4%
Crime
F
Violent796/100K
Property3,924/100K
Murder18.5/100K
Assault722/100K
Burglary259/100K
Health
Obesity37.1%
Uninsured16.1%
Smoking19.9%
Depression21.1%
Heart Disease7.1%
Climate
Avg Temp71°F (22°C)
AQI41 (Good)
Rain53.4 in/yr
Sunny Days314/yr
Elevation164 ft (50 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+19.8%
High School+88.6%
Graduate+3.7%
School Score4.82
Community
2024 VoteR 78% / D 21%
Commute28 min
Broadband95.3%
EV Stations2
Libraries2
Is Starke a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Starke receives an overall livability score of 2.7 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include low unemployment, affordable housing, abundant sunshine, strong internet connectivity. Areas to be aware of include elevated crime rates, an elevated poverty rate, a high uninsured rate. Starke has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Starke is $46,291, 38% below the national average of $75,149. Unemployment stands at 3.0%, indicating a healthy job market. The poverty rate of 19.2% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 28 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Starke is $200,200, 29% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $867 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. A price-to-income ratio of 4.3x indicates a reasonably affordable housing market.
Safety & Crime
With 796 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, public safety is a notable concern / this is significantly above the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,924 per 100,000, 100% above the national average.
Education
19.8% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 88.6% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 4.8/10.
Climate & Weather
Starke has a warm climate with an average annual temperature of 71°F. Winters average 57°F in January while summers reach 83°F in July. With 314 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 53.4 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41.
Starke has a population of 5,821 with a density of 811 people per square mile, spread across 7.2 square miles. The median age is 33.8 years, 13% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 52.7% female and 47.3% male. The city is predominantly White (65.1%), with 28.5% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 98.5% of residents. 11.3% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 20.8% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 86.9% have health insurance coverage.
Population
33.8yrs
Median Age
13% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
98.5%
25% above US avg
Spanish
1.5%
89% below US avg
The median household income in Starke is $46,291, which is 38% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $20,143 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $940, 34% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 3.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 19.2% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 566 business establishments, including 41 restaurants. The cost of living index is 103.4, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 28 minutes. 5.8% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $46,291 |
| 38% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $20,143 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $940 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $58,091 |
| Gini Index | 0.447 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 3.0% |
| 17% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 19.2% |
| 55% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 566 |
| County GDP | $976M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 41 |
| Healthcare | 42 |
| Retail | 84 |
| Manufacturing | 18 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,450 |
| 1% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 103.40 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 1.72% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 27.8 min |
| Drive Alone | 79.3% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 5.8% |
The median home value in Starke is $200,200, 29% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $224,472, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $867 (25% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $1,296 for a one-bedroom to $1,526 for a two-bedroom apartment. 58.2% of housing units are owner-occupied (below the 65.4% national rate). There are 2,586 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1967. The average annual property tax is $3,450. 32.4% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 4.3x.
Home Values
| Census Median | $200,200 |
| 29% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $224,472 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $867 |
| 25% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 32.4% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $1,212 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,296 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,526 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,971 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,261 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 58.2% |
| Owner-Occupied | 58.2% |
| Renter-Occupied | 41.8% |
| Housing Units | 2,586 |
| Median Year Built | 1967 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,450 |
| 1% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 1.72% |
In Starke, 37.1% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 13.6% have diabetes (above the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 7.1% of residents, above the national average. 36.4% have high blood pressure. 19.9% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 15.3% report binge drinking. 32.6% are physically inactive, above the national average. 21.1% report depression. 21.7% experience frequent mental distress. 16.1% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:7,135. The dentist ratio is 1:3,902. 61.1% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.1 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Starke vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 37.1% |
| 16% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 13.6% |
| Heart Disease | 7.1% |
| High Blood Pressure | 36.4% |
| Asthma | 11.2% |
| COPD | 9.4% |
| Cancer | 7.2% |
| Stroke | 4.2% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 19.9% |
| 42% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 15.3% |
| Physical Inactivity | 32.6% |
| Depression | 21.1% |
| Mental Distress | 21.7% |
| Physical Distress | 16.7% |
| Short Sleep | 43.5% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 86.9% |
| Uninsured | 16.1% |
| 87% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:7,135 |
| Dentists | 1:3,902 |
| Mental Health | 1:844 |
| Checkup Rate | 76.4% |
| Dental Visits | 49.0% |
| Premature Death | 11,049/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.1/10 |
| Exercise Access | 61.1% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 42 |
Starke has a violent crime rate of 796 per 100,000 residents, 109% above the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 722.0 per 100,000, robbery at 55.5, rape at 0.0. The murder rate is 18.5 per 100,000 (above the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 3,924 per 100,000, 100% above the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 3,425, burglary at 259, vehicle theft at 241 per 100,000 residents. The county recorded 7 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Starke receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Starke vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 796.0/100K |
| 109% above US avg |
| Murder | 18.5/100K |
| 194% above US avg |
| Rape | 0.0/100K |
| Robbery | 55.5/100K |
| Assault | 722.0/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 3,924.5/100K |
| 100% above US avg |
| Burglary | 259.2/100K |
| Theft | 3,424.7/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 240.7/100K |
| Arson | 0.0/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 7 |
| Traffic Accidents | 272 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Starke has a warm climate with an average annual temperature of 71°F (22°C). Winters average 57°F in January while summers reach 83°F in July. The area gets 314 sunny days per year, well above the U.S. average of 205 / making it one of the sunnier locations in the country. Annual precipitation totals 53.4 inches (wetter than the 38-inch national average). Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41. The city sits at an elevation of 164 feet.
Temperature
57°F Jan (14°C)
83°F Jul (29°C)
| Annual Average | 70.9°F |
| 31% above US avg |
| January Average | 57°F (14°C) |
| July Average | 83°F (29°C) |
| Sunny Days | 314 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 164 ft (50 m) |
| Area | 7.2 sq mi (18.7 km²) |
| Population Density | 811/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 29.9475°N, 82.1129°W |
| Timezone | America/New_York |
| County | Bradford County County |
| Nearest Airport | Gainesville Regional (GNV) 20 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
53.4"
40% above US avg
Wettest Month (Aug)
7.64"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 41.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 36.9 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 48.3 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 37.9 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Relatively Moderate |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Very Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Very Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Moderate |
| Drought |
Very Low |
| Cold Wave |
Very Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
| Coastal Flood |
No Rating |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Hurricane History
23 hurricanes (Cat 1+) within 500 km since 1980.
Strongest: Category 4. Most recent: Helene (2024, Cat 4).
| Year |
Name |
Category |
Closest |
| 2024 |
Helene |
Category 4 |
153 km |
| 2024 |
Milton |
Category 3 |
220 km |
| 2024 |
Debby |
Category 1 |
124 km |
| 2023 |
Idalia |
Category 4 |
125 km |
| 2022 |
Ian |
Category 2 |
227 km |
| 2020 |
Isaias |
Category 1 |
270 km |
| 2019 |
Dorian |
Category 3 |
233 km |
| 2018 |
Michael |
Category 3 |
286 km |
| 2017 |
Irma |
Category 1 |
195 km |
| 2016 |
Matthew |
Category 3 |
139 km |
| 2016 |
Hermine |
Category 1 |
186 km |
| 2014 |
Arthur |
Category 1 |
281 km |
| 2004 |
Jeanne |
Category 2 |
217 km |
| 2004 |
Frances |
Category 2 |
276 km |
| 2004 |
Charley |
Category 1 |
128 km |
| 2000 |
Gordon |
Category 1 |
272 km |
| 1999 |
Floyd |
Category 3 |
290 km |
| 1999 |
Irene |
Category 1 |
224 km |
| 1995 |
Erin |
Category 1 |
281 km |
| 1985 |
Elena |
Category 3 |
207 km |
Source: NOAA IBTrACS (Cat 1+, 1980–2026)
Tornado History
463 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF3. Total: 9 fatalities, 161 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Dec 31, 1975 |
EF3 |
97 km |
1 |
| Feb 7, 1971 |
EF3 |
55 km |
0 |
| Feb 25, 1960 |
EF3 |
57 km |
0 |
| Apr 15, 1958 |
EF3 |
79 km |
0 |
| Oct 12, 2023 |
EF2 |
93 km |
0 |
| Sep 10, 2017 |
EF2 |
89 km |
0 |
| Mar 7, 2008 |
EF2 |
58 km |
1 |
| Apr 15, 2007 |
EF2 |
66 km |
0 |
| Dec 25, 2006 |
EF2 |
36 km |
0 |
| Aug 12, 2004 |
EF2 |
65 km |
0 |
| Mar 29, 2001 |
EF2 |
36 km |
0 |
| Mar 13, 2001 |
EF2 |
99 km |
0 |
| Feb 2, 1996 |
EF2 |
56 km |
0 |
| Apr 24, 1995 |
EF2 |
50 km |
0 |
| Mar 12, 1993 |
EF2 |
97 km |
0 |
| Mar 12, 1993 |
EF2 |
89 km |
3 |
| Mar 14, 1986 |
EF2 |
39 km |
0 |
| Feb 27, 1984 |
EF2 |
21 km |
0 |
| Apr 23, 1983 |
EF2 |
80 km |
0 |
| Apr 9, 1983 |
EF2 |
87 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: BIG TURNAROUND COMPLEX (328,827 ac, 2007).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2007 |
BIG TURNAROUND COMPLEX |
328,827 |
76 km |
| 2017 |
WEST MIMS |
166,737 |
80 km |
| 2011 |
HONEY PRAIRIE |
147,065 |
85 km |
| 2011 |
CRAVENS HAMMOCK |
142,688 |
98 km |
| 2002 |
BLACKJACK BAY COMPLEX |
107,076 |
84 km |
| 1999 |
FRIENDLY |
75,089 |
72 km |
| 2001 |
UNNAMED |
59,179 |
91 km |
| 2012 |
COUNTY LINE |
35,440 |
71 km |
| 2004 |
IMPASSABLE ONE |
29,836 |
60 km |
| 1998 |
UNNAMED |
24,956 |
88 km |
| 1998 |
OAK |
21,478 |
56 km |
| 1990 |
SHORTS |
21,413 |
89 km |
| 2004 |
UNNAMED |
18,577 |
57 km |
| 1998 |
UNNAMED |
16,594 |
57 km |
| 1989 |
PIN HOOK |
16,471 |
67 km |
| 2014 |
UNNAMED |
14,543 |
49 km |
| 1998 |
UNNAMED |
13,873 |
23 km |
| 2007 |
UNNAMED |
13,806 |
13 km |
| 2006 |
JUNIPER |
11,998 |
91 km |
| 2011 |
IMPASSABLE BAY |
11,889 |
61 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
57°F (14°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| February |
57°F (14°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| March |
62°F (17°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| April |
67°F (20°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| May |
74°F (23°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| June |
79°F (26°C) |
6.6 in |
|
| July |
83°F (29°C) |
6.6 in |
Warmest |
| August |
80°F (27°C) |
7.6 in |
Wettest |
| September |
78°F (26°C) |
5.7 in |
|
| October |
70°F (21°C) |
2.5 in |
|
| November |
63°F (17°C) |
2.3 in |
Driest |
| December |
56°F (13°C) |
2.8 in |
Coldest |
Starke has a seasonal temperature swing of 27°F / from 56°F in December to 83°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 51.8 inches, with August being the wettest month (7.6") and November the driest (2.3").
Average costs for common services in Starke. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$259 ($155–$414) |
| Specialist Visit |
$362 ($207–$569) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$207 ($103–$362) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,275 ($827–$5,170) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$134 ($78–$207) |
| Dental Filling |
$259 ($155–$414) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$47 ($26–$78) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$78 ($52–$124) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$310 ($155–$517) |
| Tire Rotation |
$41 ($21–$78) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$620 ($414–$1,034) |
| Battery Replacement |
$207 ($103–$362) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$103 ($62–$155) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$93 ($52–$145) |
| HVAC Repair |
$414 ($155–$827) |
| HVAC System Install |
$7,238 ($4,136–$12,408) |
| Roof Repair |
$1,034 ($414–$2,068) |
| Roof Replacement |
$9,306 ($5,687–$15,510) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,551 ($517–$3,619) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$15,510 ($5,170–$31,020) |
| DUI Defense |
$5,170 ($2,068–$10,340) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,551 ($827–$3,102) |
| Will Preparation |
$517 ($207–$1,034) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,585 ($1,034–$5,170) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$26 ($16–$47) |
| Women's Haircut |
$57 ($31–$103) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$155 ($78–$259) |
| Manicure |
$26 ($16–$47) |
| Pedicure |
$41 ($26–$67) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$83 ($52–$134) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$4.24 ($3.10–$5.69) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.62 ($2.59–$5.17) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.93 ($2.59–$5.69) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.65 ($3.10–$6.72) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.69 ($4.14–$7.76) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$1.03 ($0.62–$1.86) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$145 ($83–$259) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$72 ($31–$155) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$72 ($41–$124) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$72 ($41–$103) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$67 ($31–$103) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$88 ($52–$155) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$207 ($78–$517) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$2,068 ($1,241–$3,619) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$72 ($31–$134) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$16 ($8.27–$26) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$103 ($31–$259) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$31 ($16–$78) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,241 ($620–$2,585) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$1,034 ($517–$2,068) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$414 ($207–$724) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$52 ($26–$103) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$1,034 ($414–$2,585) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$12,925 ($5,170–$31,020) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$62 ($31–$103) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$103 ($52–$207) |
| Dog Grooming |
$62 ($31–$103) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$41 ($21–$78) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$310 ($155–$517) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$207 ($103–$414) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $758 |
| Toddler | $714 |
| Preschool | $628 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Starke
What is the population of Starke?
Starke has a population of 5,821 residents and is located in Florida. The population density is 811 people per square mile, spread across 7.2 square miles. The median age of residents is 33.8 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 52.7% female and 47.3% male.
Is Starke expensive to live in?
Starke has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 103.4 (baseline: 100). The median household income is $46,291, 38% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $200,200 (29% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $867 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 4.3x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Starke safe?
Public safety is a concern in Starke, with a violent crime rate of 796 per 100,000 / significantly above the national average of 380. However, crime tends to concentrate in certain areas, and many neighborhoods remain relatively safe. Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,924 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Starke receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Starke?
Starke has a warm climate with an average annual temperature of 71°F (22°C). Winter temperatures average 57°F in January, while summers reach an average of 83°F in July. The area receives 314 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 53.4 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 41.
How is the job market in Starke?
Starke has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 3.0%, near the national average of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $940. There are 566 business establishments in the area, including 41 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 28 minutes, and 5.8% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Starke?
The median home value in Starke is $200,200. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $224,472. For renters, the median monthly rent is $867. Fair market rent is $1,296 for a 1-bedroom and $1,526 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 58.2%. The average annual property tax is $3,450.
How are the schools in Starke?
Schools in Starke have an average test score of 4.8 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 19.8% of adults in Starke hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 88.6% have completed high school. 3.7% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Starke?
The obesity rate in Starke is 37.1% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 19.9% of adults are smokers. 32.6% are physically inactive. 21.1% of residents report depression. 16.1% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 61.1% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:7,135.
What is transportation like in Starke?
The average commute in Starke is 28 minutes. 79.3% of workers drive alone to work, and 5.8% work from home.
What are the demographics of Starke?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Starke is 65.1% White, 28.5% Black or African American, 0.6% Hispanic or Latino. 98.5% of residents speak only English at home. 11.3% of the population are military veterans. 20.8% of residents have a disability. 86.9% have health insurance coverage.