Flagler County, Florida | |
|---|---|
.JPG) Flagler County Courthouse in Bunnell | |
 Location within the U.S. state ofFlorida | |
 Florida's location within theU.S. | |
| Coordinates:29°28′N81°18′W / 29.47°N 81.3°W /29.47; -81.3 | |
| Country |  United States |
| State |  Florida |
| Founded | April 28, 1917 |
| Named after | Henry Flagler |
| Seat | Bunnell |
| Largest city | Palm Coast |
| Area | |
• Total | 571 sq mi (1,480 km2) |
| • Land | 485 sq mi (1,260 km2) |
| • Water | 85 sq mi (220 km2) 15.0% |
| Population (2020) | |
• Total | 115,378 |
• Estimate (2023) | 131,439 |
| • Density | 238/sq mi (91.9/km2) |
| Time zone | UTC−5 (Eastern) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC−4 (EDT) |
| Congressional district | 6th |
| Website | www |
Flagler County is acounty located in thenortheastern portion of theU.S. state ofFlorida. As of the2020 census, the population was 115,378.[1] Itscounty seat isBunnell, and the largest city isPalm Coast.[2][3] Created in 1917 from portions ofSaint Johns andVolusia Counties, it was named forHenry Flagler, who built theFlorida East Coast Railway. Flagler County is included in theDeltona–Daytona Beach–Ormond Beach, FL metropolitan statistical area, and is also included in theOrlando–Deltona–Daytona Beach, FL Combined Statistical Area.[4]
In 1974,Marco Polo Park, atheme park offInterstate 95 opened. It was never profitable and closed soon after.
In 1998, when two brush fires threatened to becomeone huge brush fire in Flagler County, a mandatoryevacuation was ordered for the entire county. This was the first and so far the only time a whole county was evacuated in Florida for a wildfire.
According to theU.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 571 square miles (1,480 km2), of which 485 square miles (1,260 km2) is land and 85 square miles (220 km2) (15.0%) is water.[5]
| Census | Pop. | Note | %± |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1920 | 2,442 | — | |
| 1930 | 2,466 | 1.0% | |
| 1940 | 3,008 | 22.0% | |
| 1950 | 3,367 | 11.9% | |
| 1960 | 4,566 | 35.6% | |
| 1970 | 4,454 | −2.5% | |
| 1980 | 10,913 | 145.0% | |
| 1990 | 28,701 | 163.0% | |
| 2000 | 49,832 | 73.6% | |
| 2010 | 95,696 | 92.0% | |
| 2020 | 115,378 | 20.6% | |
| 2023 (est.) | 131,439 | [6] | 13.9% |
| U.S. Decennial Census[7] 1790-1960[8] 1900-1990[9] 1990-2000[10] 2010-2019[1] | |||
| Race | Pop 2010[13] | Pop 2020[14] | % 2010 | % 2020 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| White (NH) | 72,860 | 84,291 | 76.14% | 73.06% |
| Black or African American (NH) | 10,470 | 10,537 | 10.94% | 9.13% |
| Native American orAlaska Native (NH) | 223 | 291 | 0.23% | 0.25% |
| Asian (NH) | 2,020 | 2,450 | 2.11% | 2.12% |
| Pacific Islander (NH) | 47 | 59 | 0.05% | 0.05% |
| Some Other Race (NH) | 290 | 704 | 0.3% | 0.61% |
| Mixed/Multi-Racial (NH) | 1,535 | 4,747 | 1.6% | 4.11% |
| Hispanic or Latino | 8,251 | 12,299 | 8.62% | 10.66% |
| Total | 95,696 | 115,378 | 100.00% | 100.00% |
| Non-Hispanic White 50–60% 60–70% 70–80% 80–90% >90% |
The2020 United States census counted 115,378 people, 48,450 households, and 34,022 families in Flagler County, Florida.[15][16] The population density was 237.3 per square mile (91.6/km2). There were 55,565 housing units at an average density of 114.3 per square mile (44.1/km2).[16][17] The racial makeup was 75.98% (87,661)White orEuropean American (73.06%non-Hispanic white), 9.48% (10,935)black orAfrican-American, 0.33% (385)Native American orAlaska Native, 2.18% (2,512)Asian, 0.06% (65)Pacific Islander orNative Hawaiian, 2.98% (3,436) fromother races, and 9.0% (10,384) fromtwo or more races.[18]Hispanic orLatino of any race was 10.66% (12,299) of the population.[19]
Of the 48,450 households, 21.8% had children under the age of 18; 54.8% were married couples living together; 24.7% had a female householder with no spouse or partner present. 24.0% of households consisted of individuals and 14.8% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older.[16] The average household size was 2.5 and the average family size was 2.9.[20] The percent of those with a bachelor’s degree or higher was estimated to be 19.7% of the population.[21]
16.5% of the population was under the age of 18, 6.0% from 18 to 24, 17.4% from 25 to 44, 28.0% from 45 to 64, and 32.2% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 54.0 years. For every 100 females, there were 108.5 males.[16] For every 100 females ages 18 and older, there were 111.6 males.[16]
The 2016-2020 5-yearAmerican Community Survey estimates show that the median household income was $57,536 (with a margin of error of +/- $2,337). The median family income was $66,778 (+/- $2,998).[22] Males had a median income of $34,295 (+/- $3,092) versus $26,810 (+/- $1,300) for females. The median income for those above 16 years old was $30,465 (+/- $1,204).[23] Approximately, 7.8% of families and 11.0% of the population were below thepoverty line, including 16.4% of those under the age of 18 and 6.9% of those ages 65 or over.[24][25]
As of thecensus[26] of 2010, there were 95,696 people, 39,186 households, and 27,843 families residing in the county. Thepopulation density was 197.1 people per square mile. There were 48,595 housing units. The racial makeup of the county was 82.3%White, 11.4%Black orAfrican American. 8.6% of the population wereHispanic orLatino of any race.
In the county, the population was spread out, with 19.9% under the age of 18, and 24.5% who were 65 years of age or older.
The median income for a household in the county was $51,049, and the median income for a family was $58,327.
Flagler County was ranked the fastest-growing county in the nation by the US Census Bureau from 2000 to 2005, boasting a 53.3% change, with a July 1, 2005, population estimate at 76,410. As of 2016 the largest ancestry group in the county wasEnglish-American at 18.1% of the county, followed byGerman-American at 12.7% andIrish-American also at 12.7%.[27]
Flagler County's foremost elected body is the Board of County Commissioners, a five-seat board elected in partisan races with four-year terms. The County Commission has the following members:[29][30]
| Position | Name | Party | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commissioner, District 1 | Andy Dance | Republican | |
| Commissioner, District 2 | Greg Hansen | Republican | |
| Commissioner, District 3 | Kim Carney (Vice Chair | Republican | |
| Commissioner, District 4 | Leann Pennington (Chair) | Republican | |
| Commissioner, District 5 | Pam Richardson | Republican | |
Commissioners Pennington and Hansen are in office until 2026, having each been elected in 2022.[31] Dance's term expires in 2028, having been re-elected in the 2024 primary election.[32] Carney and Richardson were elected in 2024, and their terms will expire in 2028.[33]
The county is also served by the Flagler School Board, who are elected in non-partisan races to four-year terms in office.[34] One member, Derek Barrs, is poised to leave office upon potential confirmation as the U.S. Administrator of theFederal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. The members are as follows:[35]
| Position | Name |
|---|---|
| School Board Member, District 1 | Derek Barrs |
| School Board Member, District 2 | Will Furry (Chair) |
| School Board Member, District 3 | Janie Ruddy |
| School Board Member, District 4 | Christy Chong (Vice Chair) |
| School Board Member, District 5 | Lauren Ramirez |
Furry and Chong are in office until 2026, having both been elected in 2022.[36] Barrs was defeated by Ruddy in the 2024 election, but was then appointed by Gov. Ron DeSantis to fulfill the vacancy created by member Sally Hunt's resignation.[34][37] The county elected Janie Ruddy to the District 3 seat and Lauren Ramirez to the District 5 seat in the 2024 election respectively.[38]
Flagler County voters elect three individuals to the East Flagler Mosquito Control District Board of Commissioners in non-partisan races, with each serving a four-year term in office. The commissioners are responsible for overseeing the management of mosquito breeding and population within the county. The members are as follows:[39]
| Position | Name |
|---|---|
| Commissioner, Seat 1 | Julius 'Jules' Kwiatkowski |
| Commissioner, Seat 2 | Mike Martin (Chair) |
| Commissioner, Seat 3 | Lance Alred |
Kwiatkowski and Alred were last elected in 2024, winning terms that expire in 2028. Martin was also up for election in 2024, but faced no opposition.[40]
The county is also served by five elected constitutional officers: Sheriff Rick Staly, Property Appraiser Jay Gardner, Clerk of Courts Tom Bexley, Tax Collector Suzanne Johnston, and Elections Supervisor Kaiti Lenhart.[41]
According to the Secretary of State's office, Republicans are a plurality of registered voters in Flagler County. The last Democrat to win the county wasBarack Obama in 2008, and since then it has seen a gradual increase in Republican support in every election. In 2024,Donald Trump performed better in the county than any Republican sinceNixon's 1972 landslide.
| Flagler County Voter Registration & Party Enrollment as of April 30, 2025[42] | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Political Party | Total Voters | Percentage | |||
| Republican | 49,478 | 49.41% | |||
| Democratic | 24,392 | 24.36% | |||
| No party affiliation | 22,635 | 22.61% | |||
| Minor parties | 3,624 | 3.62% | |||
| Total | 100,129 | 100.00% | |||
| Year | Republican | Democratic | Third party(ies) | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| No. | % | No. | % | No. | % | |
| 1920 | 74 | 19.79% | 206 | 55.08% | 94 | 25.13% |
| 1924 | 75 | 20.16% | 202 | 54.30% | 95 | 25.54% |
| 1928 | 325 | 58.14% | 219 | 39.18% | 15 | 2.68% |
| 1932 | 94 | 16.52% | 475 | 83.48% | 0 | 0.00% |
| 1936 | 106 | 17.29% | 507 | 82.71% | 0 | 0.00% |
| 1940 | 136 | 19.74% | 553 | 80.26% | 0 | 0.00% |
| 1944 | 114 | 22.14% | 401 | 77.86% | 0 | 0.00% |
| 1948 | 154 | 23.77% | 153 | 23.61% | 341 | 52.62% |
| 1952 | 512 | 51.30% | 486 | 48.70% | 0 | 0.00% |
| 1956 | 498 | 41.92% | 690 | 58.08% | 0 | 0.00% |
| 1960 | 426 | 31.35% | 933 | 68.65% | 0 | 0.00% |
| 1964 | 718 | 43.31% | 940 | 56.69% | 0 | 0.00% |
| 1968 | 360 | 20.25% | 601 | 33.80% | 817 | 45.95% |
| 1972 | 1,409 | 74.08% | 493 | 25.92% | 0 | 0.00% |
| 1976 | 1,262 | 37.41% | 2,086 | 61.84% | 25 | 0.74% |
| 1980 | 2,895 | 51.70% | 2,503 | 44.70% | 202 | 3.61% |
| 1984 | 4,913 | 62.08% | 3,000 | 37.91% | 1 | 0.01% |
| 1988 | 6,504 | 60.32% | 4,244 | 39.36% | 34 | 0.32% |
| 1992 | 6,246 | 38.19% | 6,693 | 40.92% | 3,416 | 20.89% |
| 1996 | 8,234 | 41.01% | 9,585 | 47.74% | 2,260 | 11.26% |
| 2000 | 12,618 | 46.53% | 13,897 | 51.25% | 601 | 2.22% |
| 2004 | 19,633 | 51.02% | 18,578 | 48.28% | 269 | 0.70% |
| 2008 | 23,951 | 48.66% | 24,726 | 50.24% | 540 | 1.10% |
| 2012 | 26,969 | 53.19% | 23,207 | 45.77% | 531 | 1.05% |
| 2016 | 33,850 | 58.38% | 22,026 | 37.98% | 2,111 | 3.64% |
| 2020 | 43,043 | 59.90% | 28,161 | 39.19% | 659 | 0.92% |
| 2024 | 51,014 | 63.59% | 28,431 | 35.44% | 772 | 0.96% |
| Year | Republican | Democratic | Third parties |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 66.76%39,183 | 32.67%19,177 | 0.57%336 |
| 2018 | 58.60%30,951 | 40.11%21,183 | 1.29%682 |
| 2014 | 52.82%19,996 | 42.25%15,994 | 4.93%1,868 |
| 2010 | 52.91%17,711 | 43.11%14,430 | 3.98%1,335 |
| 2006 | 51.81%15,376 | 45.79%13,589 | 2.40%714 |
| 2002 | 55.97%14,407 | 43.25%11,133 | 0.77%199 |
| 1998 | 54.01%9,779 | 45.99%8,326 | |
| 1994 | 47.37%7,160 | 52.63%7,954 |
Flagler County Public Schools operates the following public schools:
TheRoman Catholic Diocese of Orlando operates St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic School.
In addition,Daytona State College maintains a branch campus in Palm Coast.
Flagler County Library System consists of two branches with over 57,000 borrowers.[44] The Main Branch is located at 2500 Palm Coast Pkwy NW, Palm Coast and the Bunnell Branch is located at 103 E Moody Blvd, Bunnell. The Flagler County Library system currently employees eighteen staff, with fourteen full-time employees and four part-time employees with an annual operating budget of $1 million.[45]
The Flagler County Public Library was created by the County Commission in 1987, but as early as 1937, a room of the County Courthouse inBunnell was set aside for a small library, which was sponsored by the Colony Club. The current library director is Holly Albanese.
The Flagler County Library System offers a wide variety of services beyond traditional library services. They have an e-book collection through Overdrive and Axis360. The library system will assist patrons in filing taxes, and applying for some government programs, as well as with passport applications. Both libraries offer fax services, and the Main Branch also offers scanning services.[46]
In 2001, the Flagler County Library System began a local oral history project called the "Flagler County Memories Project". This project is currently being recorded and then preserved on compact discs. The project mission states, "This collection of oral life histories seeks to sample the common themes and unique stories of selected local residents."[47]
Places adjacent to Flagler County, Florida | ||||||||||||||||
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Municipalities and communities ofFlagler County, Florida,United States | ||
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| Cities |  | |
| Towns | ||
| Unincorporated communities | ||
| Footnotes | ‡This populated place also has portions in an adjacent county or counties | |
| Topics |  Map of North Florida | |
|---|---|---|
| Counties | ||
| Major cities | ||
| Cities and towns 50k–100k | ||
| Cities and towns 10k–40k | ||
| Metro areas | ||
| Regions | ||
29°28′N81°18′W / 29.47°N 81.30°W /29.47; -81.30
| International | |
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| National | |
| Geographic | |
| Other | |
