Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Starke, FL
Considering a move to Starke, FL? This welcoming small town of 5,300 offers a low cost of living, with median home prices around $158,000 and average rents at $900. Residents enjoy warm, sunny weather most of the year, and local schools include both public and private options. Commute times average 27 minutes, and while crime rates are higher than average, Starke provides access to essential healthcare and a relaxed lifestyle. Explore more about housing, schools, and the local community to see if Starke fits your needs.
Demographics - Starke, FL
Demographics - Starke, FL
Starke, FL is a diverse small town of about 5,300 residents, with a median age of nearly 40 and a balanced gender ratio. The population is majority White and Black, with smaller percentages of other backgrounds, and around 7.5% of residents speak a language other than English at home. The town's moderate population density creates a close-knit community feel.
Population:
5,300
Density:
1,350 per sq mi
Median Age:
39.6
Gender Ratio:
94 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
7.5%

Ethnic Composition
White:
56.8%
Black:
37.7%
Asian:
0.6%
Others:
4.9%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Starke, FL?
Starke offers an affordable cost of living, with a median home value of $158,000 and average rents around $900 per month. The overall cost of living index is significantly below the national average, making it attractive for budget-conscious movers. Residents also benefit from Florida’s 0% state income tax.
Median House Value:
$158,000
Gross Rent:
$900
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$155
Auto Insurance:
$2,080
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,180
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$420
State Taxes:
Low:
0%
|
High:
0%
Cost Of Living Index:
83.0
Grocery:
98.1
Housing:
65.8
Utilities:
104.7
Transportation:
85.2
Health Care:
98.5
Miscellaneous:
92.0
Crime
Is Starke, FL a safe place to live?
Crime rates in Starke are higher than national averages, with a property crime rate of 2,250 per 100,000 people and a violent crime rate of 410 per 100,000. The chance of experiencing a property crime is about 1 in 44. Residents should be mindful of safety and take common precautions as in any small town.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
410
Property Crimes Per 100k:
2,250
Crime Index:
2,660
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 244
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 44
Weather
What is the weather like in Starke, FL year-round?
Starke enjoys a warm, subtropical climate with mild winters in the low 40s to upper 60s and hot, humid summers reaching the low 90s. The city receives about 51 inches of rainfall annually and experiences sunshine roughly 61% of the year, making it ideal for outdoor activities.

Winter
Min:
42°F
Max:
67°F

Spring
Min:
55°F
Max:
80°F

Summer
Min:
72°F
Max:
92°F

Fall
Min:
57°F
Max:
83°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
51.0 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
61%
Neighbors
Households in Starke have a median income of approximately $41,200, though about a quarter of residents live below the poverty line. Most people commute around 27 minutes for work, and public transportation usage is low. The community is primarily English-speaking, with over 80% having completed high school.
Median Income:
$23,900
Household Income:
$41,200
Family Income:
$50,100
Per Capita Income:
$18,400
Income Male:
$35,500
Income Female:
$30,200
Poverty Rate:
23.6%
Non English Speakers:
7.5%
Rent:
$900
Unemployment Rate:
5.2%
Public Transport Usage:
0.7%
Commute Time:
26.8 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
80.5%
Bachelors or More:
14.9%
Education
How are the schools in Starke, FL?
Education options in Starke include several public and private schools, such as Bradford High School and Northside Christian Academy, as well as access to Santa Fe College’s Andrews Center campus in town. The University of Florida in Gainesville is just 34 miles away, offering higher education opportunities close to home. Student-to-teacher ratios in local schools are typical for the region.

Public Schools
Name:
Bradford High School
Street:
581 N Temple Ave
Phone:
904-966-6075
Students:
760
Student Teacher Ratio:
19.2
Name:
Starke Elementary School
Street:
1000 W Weldon St
Phone:
904-966-6045
Students:
600
Student Teacher Ratio:
15.4

Private Schools
Name:
Northside Christian Academy
Street:
935 N Temple Ave
Phone:
904-964-7124
Students:
250

Colleges
Name:
Santa Fe College - Andrews Center
City:
Starke
State:
FL
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
1,100
Name:
University of Florida
City:
Gainesville
State:
FL
Distance:
34 miles
Students:
55,000
Healthcare
Starke residents have access to essential healthcare services at Shands Starke Regional Medical Center, which provides emergency care and general surgical services. There are about 1.3 physicians per 1,000 people, and 83.9% of the population has health insurance coverage. Healthcare in the area is reliable for routine and emergency needs.

Major Hospitals
Name:
Shands Starke Regional Medical Center
Address:
922 E Call St, Starke, FL 32091
Phone:
(904) 368-2300
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.3
Health Insurance Coverage:
83.9%
Health Care Index:
66.8
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Starke, FL?
The housing market in Starke is affordable, with median home prices at $158,000 and typical rent for a two-bedroom apartment around $900. Over half of homes are owner-occupied, and the area sees steady home value appreciation. Rental vacancy rates are moderate, providing options for both buyers and renters.
Median Home Price:
$158,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$900
Owner Occupied Rate:
55.2%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
9.6%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
5.2%
New Construction Rate:
0.8%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.7%
DMV Information
Local motor vehicle services are provided by the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles at 945 N Temple Ave in Starke. Residents can easily access driver's license and vehicle registration services, with further details available on the state DMV website.
State:
Florida
Department:
Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles
Address:
945 N Temple Ave, Starke, FL 32091
Phone:
(904) 966-6247
Website:
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is based on publicly available sources including AccuWeather, U.S. Census Bureau, local government data, and third-party partners such as Neustar. While we strive to ensure accuracy, all data is provided “as is” and should be independently verified before making any decisions. Movers.com makes no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the information.