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Brandon is an unincorporated community and census-designated place in Hillsborough County, Florida, United States. It is part of the Tampa–St. Petersburg–Clearwater Metropolitan Statistical Area. The population was 114,626 at the 2020 census, up from 103,483 at the 2010 census.

Population: 116,365 (2023)

Area code: 813

Elevation: 46 ft (14 m)

Founded: 1857

Zip Codes: 33508, 33509, 33510, 33511

Longitude, Latitude: 27°56′16″N, 82°17′09″W

From “New Hope” to a Suburban Powerhouse 🏡

The story of Brandon begins not with a corporation or a developer, but with a single family. In 1857, a man from Mississippi named John Brandon arrived with his wife, Martha, and their six sons. He purchased land in the area, and in what would become a common Florida practice, he named the burgeoning community after himself.

For decades, Brandon was a tiny, quiet settlement. Its first real community building was a church and schoolhouse, aptly named the “New Hope School.” The crucial turning point came in 1890 with the arrival of the Florida Central and Peninsular Railroad, which established a depot and finally put the small town on the map. Still, for the first half of the 20th century, Brandon remained a small, rural outpost surrounded by farms, citrus groves, and open pastures.

The explosive growth that defines modern Brandon began after World War II and went into hyperdrive with the construction of Interstate 75. This major highway, along with the widening of State Road 60, transformed the sleepy town into a prime bedroom community for Tampa. Families flocked to the area for its affordable land and new housing, and Brandon quickly became the quintessential American suburb.

A City in All But Name 🛍️

The most crucial thing to understand about Brandon is its governance, or lack thereof. With a population well over 100,000, it is one of the largest unincorporated communities in the United States. It has no mayor, no city council, and no municipal government. All civic services, from law enforcement and fire rescue to parks and libraries, are provided directly by Hillsborough County.

Modern Brandon’s identity is defined by its commercial corridors, especially the bustling east-west artery of State Road 60 (Brandon Boulevard). This road is a seemingly endless stretch of shopping plazas, big-box retailers, chain restaurants, and car dealerships. It’s the primary economic engine for the community and the main shopping destination for tens of thousands of residents in the surrounding areas of Valrico, Seffner, and Riverview. Beyond the commercial strips, Brandon is composed of hundreds of subdivisions, ranging from older, established neighborhoods built in the 1970s and ’80s to newer gated communities.

Brandon by the Numbers 🚗

The scale of this unincorporated community is truly impressive.

• Official Designation: Census-Designated Place (CDP)
• County: Hillsborough
• Established: Settled in 1857; railroad arrived in 1890.
• Named For: Its founder, John Brandon.
• Population: Approximately 115,000 residents.
• Area: About 35 square miles.
• Median Age: Roughly 38 years old, reflecting its family-oriented population.
• Racial & Ethnic Composition: A very diverse suburban community:
  • White (non-Hispanic): ~43%
  • Hispanic or Latino: ~26%
  • Black or African American: ~22%
  • Asian: ~5%
• Median Household Income: Approximately $73,000.

Local Landmarks and Community Hubs ⚾

While known for its national chains, Brandon has key local institutions that anchor the community.

• Westfield Brandon: The dominant commercial hub of the region. This large indoor shopping mall features major department stores, a diverse food court, and a movie theater, serving as the primary retail and social gathering spot.
• Topgolf Tampa: Located right on the edge of Brandon, this high-tech driving range and entertainment venue is a major regional draw for corporate events, family outings, and nightlife.
• HCA Florida Brandon Hospital: Formerly Brandon Regional Hospital, this is the main medical center for the eastern half of the county, providing comprehensive healthcare services and serving as a major local employer.
• O’Brien’s Irish Pub & Grill: A long-standing community favorite. O’Brien’s is a classic example of a successful local restaurant and pub that has served as a beloved gathering place for decades.
• Florida State Fairgrounds: Situated just to the west of Brandon, this massive complex is a huge part of local life, hosting the annual Florida State Fair, concerts, trade shows, and other large-scale events throughout the year.