City of Bradenton ( Manatee County )
Bradenton is a city located in Manatee County, Florida, United States. It is situated on the Gulf Coast of Florida and is about 46 miles south of Tampa and 29 miles north of Sarasota. As of the 2020 census, the population of Bradenton was approximately 60,000 people.
Bradenton is known for its beautiful beaches, historic downtown district, and cultural attractions. Some of the most popular attractions in the area include the South Florida Museum, which houses a planetarium, aquarium, and natural history exhibits, and the Village of the Arts, a vibrant community of artists and galleries.
In addition to its cultural attractions, Bradenton is also home to a number of outdoor recreational opportunities, including several parks and nature preserves. Some of the most popular parks in the area include the Robinson Preserve, which features hiking and biking trails, kayaking and canoeing opportunities, and fishing spots, and the Bradenton Riverwalk, which offers stunning views of the Manatee River and access to a playground, skate park, and splash fountain.
Population:
- Population (2023): 57,076
- Median age (2022): 45.34
- Residents under 18 (2023): 20.9%
- Residents over 65 (2023): 26.7%
- Population by sex (2023): Male 47.6%, Female 52.4%
- Homeowners and renters (2022): Homeowners 59%, Renters 61%
- Married population (2023): 54%
- Population change (2010-2020): Appx. 10% Increase
- Poverty rate compared to the US national average (2022): 14.6% vs the average of 11.5%
Demographics (2022):
- White Non Hispanic – 57.9%
- Black Non Hispanic – 14.7%
- White Hispanic – 13.6%
- Multiracial Hispanic – 5.7%
- Other Hispanic – 2.94%
- Multiracial Non Hispanic – 2.5%
| Median Listing Home Price (08/25) | Median Home price per sq ft (08/25) | Median Home Sale Price (08/25) | Median Rent (08/25) | 5 year price change (‘19 - 11/24) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 430K | $258 | 387K | $2,350 | Appx. +60% |
*Prices shown are based only on activity for the dates specified
Income:
- Median household income (2022): $55,795
- Median income (2022): $32,378
Tax:
- County property tax rate: .93% of a property’s assessed fair market value (2023)
- Combined state and county sales tax rate: 7% (2023)
Cost of Living:
- Average cost of living compared to the US national average (2023): Higher
- Cost of housing compared to the Florida average (2023): Lower
- Cost of food compared to the US national average (2023): Appx. same
- Cost of healthcare compared to the US national average (2023): 3% Higher
- Cost of utilities compared to the US national average (2023): Appx. same
- Cost of transportation compared to the US national average (2023): 3% Lower
Political affiliation based on the 2024 election results ( Manatee County ):
Republican – 61.13%
Democratic – 37.29%
Other – 1.58%
Largest 3 employers: Tropicana Products, Bealls Inc, Manatee County School District
School ratings: B+ (Niche rating)
Coastal: Yes
Average low and high temperature: Low 55°F (13°C), High 83°F (28°C) (2021)
Location and Amenities:
Highways:
- The closest major highway is I – 75
Airports:
- Sarasota – Bradenton International Airport is the closest airport
- Tampa International Airport (TPA) is approximately 45 miles north of Bayshore Gardens.
Universities:
- University of South Florida – Approximaterly I – hour north
Hospitals:
- Blake Medical Center is located in Bradenton, about 5 miles north of Bayshore Gardens.
- Sarasota Memorial Hospital is located in Sarasota, approximately 10 miles south of Bayshore Gardens.
Shopping:
- Desoto Square Mall is situated in Bradenton, about 3 miles north of Bayshore Gardens.
- The Mall at University Town Center is located in Sarasota, approximately 14 miles south of Bayshore Gardens.
Amenities/Attractions:
- DeSoto Square Mall, Village of the Arts, South Florida Museum, Robinson Preserve, Riverwalk Park
Fun facts: Bradenton is the spring training home of MLB’S The Pittsburgh Pirates and has the largest arts district on the Gulf Coast.
Short Term Rental Regulations:
** All short term rental operations in Florida must obtain a business license regulation ( DBPR ) and a Florida Department of Revenue Certificate of Sales and Use. ** Short term rental regulations can be subject to change and should always be confirmed with city / towns or county departments.
| County (Tourist / Transient) Tax | YES | 6% |
|---|---|---|
| City / Town Registration Fee | YES | |
| Property Inspection | YES | |
| Restrictions | YES | *see below |
Restrictions:
- In the city of Bradenton rental periods of less than 30 Days or more than 3 times per calendar year are considered short term rentals
- Maximum 12 occupants are allowed per dwelling
For more information visit – cityofbradenton.com

