countyscore
44.5
County Score
Safety 68.1Health 59.1Income & Jobs 57.4

County Report Card

About Charlotte County, Florida

Charlotte meets national livability baseline

Charlotte County's composite score of 44.5 sits just below the national median of 50.0, placing it squarely in the middle range of American counties. Strong health infrastructure and school quality are offset by affordability challenges and moderate income levels, creating a balanced but unexceptional livability profile. The score suggests Charlotte is competitive but unremarkable nationally.

Essentially matches Florida's county average

At 44.5, Charlotte County virtually matches Florida's 45.1 average, ranking it among the state's middle-tier performers. The county achieves this standing through well-rounded strengths: no major weaknesses but no standout advantages either. Charlotte's profile reflects stable, moderate livability typical of mid-sized Florida counties.

Health and education lead the county

Charlotte's health score of 59.1 and school score of 41.1 rank among Florida's strongest, supporting families and those requiring medical care. Safety score of 68.1 ensures residents enjoy above-average security, while the tax burden (45.9 score, 0.887% effective rate) is reasonable. These strengths reflect institutional investment in public services.

Housing costs strain moderate incomes

The cost score of 21.1 reflects affordability pressure: median home values of $291,000 and rents of $1,289/month consume substantial household budgets. Median household income of $66,154 is moderate, leaving limited margin after housing costs. Environmental risk (4.8) also signals vulnerability to flooding and coastal hazards.

Best for families prioritizing schools and health

Charlotte County suits families seeking solid public schools and health infrastructure who can manage moderate housing costs on dual incomes around $66,000. Those seeking exceptional affordability or retirees on fixed incomes should explore lower-cost regions; this county offers stability over bargain pricing. The livability profile rewards those valuing educational and medical access over cost minimization.

Score breakdown

Tax45.9Cost21.1Safety68.1Health59.1Schools41.1Income57.4Risk4.8Water48.8Weather7.4
🏛45.9
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠21.1
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼57.4
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡68.1
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤59.1
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓41.1
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡4.8
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧48.8
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤7.4
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨41.8
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱20.3
Lawn Care
Lawn difficulty score based on climate, soil, and grass suitability
LawnByCounty →
🛒
Farmers Markets
Local market density, SNAP/EBT acceptance, and product variety
MarketsByCounty →
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Nearby counties

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31.5
Sarasota County
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Lee County
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36.4
Hardee County
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Manatee County
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Hendry County
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Deep Dives

Charlotte County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Charlotte County

via TaxByCounty

Charlotte taxes run moderately high

Charlotte's effective tax rate of 0.887% exceeds the national median of 0.73%, placing it near the 60th percentile nationally. The median property tax of $2,581 runs close to the national median of $2,690, despite a similar median home value of $291,000.

Charlotte ranks among higher-tax counties

Charlotte's 0.887% effective rate exceeds Florida's state average of 0.731%, placing it in the upper tier of state counties. The median property tax of $2,581 surpasses the state average of $1,885 by $696 annually.

Charlotte rivals Alachua for high taxes

Charlotte's 0.887% rate ranks second in this sample, exceeded only by Broward at 0.949% and Alachua at 0.983%. Compared to lower-tax peers like Bay (0.597%) and Calhoun (0.554%), Charlotte carries a substantial tax premium.

Your annual tax bill in Charlotte

On a median home value of $291,000, Charlotte homeowners pay approximately $2,581 in annual property taxes. With mortgage-related fees, the full bill reaches roughly $2,706 per year.

High taxes make appeals essential

Charlotte's elevated tax rates mean overassessments translate to larger dollar losses for homeowners. Filing a free informal appeal with the Property Appraiser could recoup significant annual savings.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Charlotte County

via CostByCounty

Charlotte County's housing costs run reasonable

Charlotte County renters devote 23.4% of income to housing—slightly below the national threshold—on a $1,289 monthly rent. A median income of $66,154 provides workable cushion, though it trails the U.S. average by roughly $8,600.

Moderate costs for a coastal county

Charlotte's 23.4% rent-to-income ratio slightly exceeds Florida's 22.5% state average, while its $1,289 median rent tracks just above the state median of $1,233. For a Gulf Coast county, Charlotte delivers reasonable value.

Coastal balance between affordability tiers

Charlotte's $1,289 rent and 23.4% burden sit between Brevard ($1,456, 23.0%) and Alachua ($1,255, 25.2%), positioning it as the Gulf Coast middle ground. It substantially undercuts Broward ($1,804) while commanding more than inland rural peers.

Renters pay notably more than homeowners

Charlotte renters face a 23.4% burden while homeowners spend just 16.5%—a 6.9-point gap favoring buyers. The $291,000 median home value and $1,014 monthly cost reflect strong equity-building potential for those with down payment savings.

Gulf Coast option for moderate earners

Charlotte County offers reasonable coastal living for middle-income households, balancing beach proximity with manageable rents. If you want Gulf Coast access without Broward's affordability crisis, Charlotte's 23.4% burden and $66,000 median income create a viable path.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Charlotte County

via IncomeByCounty

Charlotte matches national income levels

Charlotte County's median household income of $66,154 sits $8,601 below the national median of $74,755, placing it in the middle tier of U.S. counties. While below the national average, Charlotte's income reflects a solid middle-class economy supported by tourism, retirees, and professional services.

Just above Florida's state average

Charlotte's $66,154 income edges out Florida's state average of $65,468 by just $686, positioning it right at the state median. The county's economy reflects a mix of seasonal tourism employment and year-round residents in healthcare and professional services.

Mid-tier earner in Southwest Florida

Charlotte ($66,154) ranks in the middle of this eight-county group, notably below Brevard ($75,817) and Broward ($74,534) but well ahead of Calhoun ($46,901). Its per capita income of $40,603 suggests a community with meaningful professional and managerial positions balancing lower-wage service jobs.

Housing costs reasonable for income

Charlotte's rent-to-income ratio of 23.4% sits squarely in the sustainable range, despite median home values of $291,000. The county offers reasonable housing affordability for its income level, supporting household savings and financial stability.

Capitalize on retiree economy growth

Charlotte's growing retiree population creates service and healthcare job opportunities; residents should pursue certifications in nursing, elder care, or hospitality management for stable, growing careers. Leverage the county's affordable housing relative to its income to build home equity and invest in supplemental income streams.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Charlotte County

via CrimeByCounty

Charlotte County Leads in National Safety

Charlotte County holds a safety score of 98.8, with a total crime rate of 747.2 per 100,000. This is less than a third of the national average crime rate of 2,385.5.

Beating Florida’s Statewide Safety Average

Charlotte’s safety score of 98.8 outperforms the Florida average of 98.4. Its total crime rate of 747.2 is also notably lower than the state average of 1027.9.

A Secure Option for Gulf Coast Living

Charlotte County is significantly safer than Brevard County, which sees a crime rate of 1241.2. It remains a top choice for residents seeking a secure environment on Florida's west coast.

Breakdown of Property and Violent Offenses

Property crime sits at 646.1 per 100,000, while violent crime is just 101.1. Both metrics are vastly lower than national averages of 2,015.7 and 369.8, respectively.

Effective Security for Charlotte Residents

To deter property crime, residents should consider installing high-definition security cameras. Ensuring that all gates and fences are properly maintained adds an essential layer of physical security.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Charlotte County

via HealthByCounty

Charlotte County lives above average

At 78.8 years, Charlotte County residents live nearly 2.7 years longer than the U.S. average of 76.1 years. With 16.3% reporting poor or fair health—well below the national average of 21%—Charlotte reflects strong population health and effective disease management.

Among Florida's healthiest counties

Charlotte's 78.8-year life expectancy exceeds the Florida state average of 75.8 years by 3 years, ranking it among the state's top health performers. The 16.3% poor/fair health rate reinforces this strength, suggesting a well-maintained population with access to preventive and chronic care.

A bright spot in Southwest Florida

Charlotte's 78.8-year life expectancy towers over Northern Florida counties like Bradford (74.1) and Baker (73.5) by 4-5 years. With 62 primary care providers per 100,000 and 126 mental health providers per 100,000, Charlotte offers reasonable but modest specialty access, relying partly on retiree health systems and seasonal fluctuations.

Coverage near state average

At 14% uninsured, Charlotte nearly matches the state average of 14.4%, with most residents protected against catastrophic medical costs. The 62 primary care providers per 100,000 serve an aging, relatively stable population well, though the 126 mental health providers per 100,000 may stretch thin during mental health crises.

Sustain Charlotte's health edge

Even with solid overall health, 14% of Charlotte residents lack coverage, risking their wellbeing and financial security. Check healthcare.gov or Florida's marketplace to confirm your coverage status and explore options—being insured keeps you healthy and protects your retirement.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Charlotte County

via SchoolsByCounty

Comprehensive Schooling on the Gulf Coast

Charlotte County features 25 public schools that serve a total enrollment of 16,834 students. The system is well-distributed with 10 elementary, 4 middle, and 6 high schools, plus five specialized centers. A single county-wide district manages all public education within the region.

Above-Average Results and Strong Investment

Charlotte County outranks the state in multiple categories, including a 90.0% graduation rate and a school score of 53.0. The county spends $6,733 per pupil, which is notably higher than the Florida state average of $6,118. This increased investment correlates with performance that exceeds both state and national medians.

A Strong Centralized District

The Charlotte District oversees all 16,834 students, providing a consistent educational framework across the county. Charter schools are present but limited, with only 2 schools representing 8.0% of the total landscape. This allows the district to maintain a dominant role in shaping the local curriculum and student experience.

A Suburban Educational Landscape

The vast majority of schools (19) are located in suburban settings, providing a familiar and accessible environment for families. The average school size is 701 students, though major hubs like Charlotte High School enroll nearly 2,000 students. This mix offers a standard suburban feel with significant resources at the larger secondary schools.

Move Near High-Performing Gulf Schools

Charlotte County is an excellent choice for families seeking a suburban lifestyle backed by strong school metrics. With graduation rates at 90% and higher-than-average per-pupil spending, the local schools are a major draw for home buyers. Explore neighborhoods in Punta Gorda and Port Charlotte to find the best proximity to these top-rated campuses.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Charlotte County

via RiskByCounty

Charlotte faces substantial disaster exposure

Charlotte County's composite risk score of 95.20 ranks in the "Relatively High" category, placing it among America's most hazard-prone counties. This Gulf Coast location concentrates extreme hurricane, flood, and wildfire risks that most U.S. regions don't experience.

Third-riskiest county in Florida

Charlotte's score of 95.20 exceeds Florida's 75.74 state average by 26 percent, ranking it in the top tier of the state's 67 counties. Only Broward (99.46) and Brevard (98.41) surpass Charlotte's composite risk level.

High-risk Gulf Coast position

Charlotte County (95.20) approaches the extreme risk of coastal neighbors Brevard (98.41) and Broward (99.46), and far exceeds inland Calhoun (44.94). Its Gulf Coast geography aligns it with Florida's most vulnerable coastal counties.

Hurricanes and floods threaten year-round

Hurricane risk dominates at 99.00, followed by flood risk (90.40) and wildfire risk (92.53)—all extremely elevated for this Gulf Coast county. Together, these three hazards create compounded, seasonal, and ongoing threats to property and residents.

Robust insurance coverage is imperative

Charlotte County residents must secure comprehensive homeowners insurance with maximum hurricane wind protection and separate flood insurance for coastal and low-lying properties. Elevate critical utilities, reinforce your roof and doors, and maintain evacuation plans as standard practice.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Charlotte County

via WeatherByCounty

Exceptional Tropical-Adjacent Warmth

Charlotte County’s 75.0°F average temperature puts it in the top tier of warm American climates, far exceeding the national median. This Gulf Coast region experiences a tropical-adjacent climate with very little temperature variance.

High Rankings for Extreme Heat

At 75.0°F, Charlotte is much warmer than the Florida state average of 71.1°F. It is particularly notable for its extreme heat, recording a staggering 130 days per year above 90°F.

Hotter and Sunnier than Peers

Charlotte is hotter and sees more extreme heat days than Broward County on the opposite coast. Despite the heat, its 53.5 inches of rainfall is actually slightly lower than the state average of 54.8 inches.

A Long Season of Extreme Heat

Summers are dominated by heat, with an average of 130 days hitting at least 90°F and a July mean of 83.8°F. Winter is mild and dry, averaging 65.5°F with no snowfall ever recorded.

Essential Heat Protection Strategies

High-performance HVAC systems are critical to combat the 130 days of extreme heat each year. Residents should plan outdoor activities for the mild 65.5°F winter months to avoid the intense summer sun.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Charlotte County

via SoilByCounty

Less acidic soils in Charlotte

Charlotte County features an average soil pH of 5.44, making it one of the less acidic areas in the state. This is higher than the Florida average of 4.88, though still below the national median of 6.5.

High sand content and drainage

The soil is 87.1% sand, with very little silt (1.4%) or clay (1.9%). This composition is extremely porous, facilitating very fast drainage but requiring careful management of fertilizer runoff.

Strong organic matter levels

The organic matter content is robust at 9.42%, exceeding the state average of 8.03%. The available water capacity is 0.107 in/in, which is nearly identical to the state benchmark of 0.108 in/in.

Watching the coastal water levels

Specific drainage classes are not provided for Charlotte County in this dataset. Given the high sand percentage, most areas will drain quickly unless impacted by the high coastal water table.

Subtropical growth in Zone 10a

In Hardiness Zone 10a, residents can enjoy a nearly frost-free environment for gardening. The high organic matter in these sandy soils supports a diverse array of subtropical flowers and vegetables.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Charlotte County

via LawnByCounty

The Heat-Heavy Challenge of Charlotte County

Charlotte County scores a 20.3 on the lawn difficulty scale, placing it slightly above the Florida state average. Despite being in Hardiness Zone 10a, the county faces some of the most intense temperature challenges in the region. Maintaining a lawn here requires a specialized focus on heat-tolerant species and water management.

Surviving 130 Days of Extreme Heat

With 130 extreme heat days annually, Charlotte County is significantly hotter than the state average of 92 days. The 53.5 inches of annual rain helps, but it is often offset by the incredible 9,164 growing degree days. This constant heat means your lawn is essentially always growing and always under thermal stress.

Sandy Coastal Soils Require Care

Charlotte's soil is 87.1% sand, which is among the highest sand contents in the state, leading to very rapid drainage. The pH of 5.44 is acidic but more manageable than the soils in North Florida. You will need to focus on adding organic matter to slow down drainage and keep your fertilizer from leaching into the groundwater.

Extended Drought in a High-Heat Zone

The county has spent 36 weeks in drought over the last year and currently faces 100% severe drought conditions. In this climate, the 130 days of heat can kill a lawn quickly if irrigation isn't managed carefully. Grouping plants with similar water needs and using mulch in non-grass areas can help conserve the water your lawn needs to survive.

Success in the South Florida Sun

Bermuda grass is an excellent choice for Charlotte County because it is highly drought-tolerant and recovers quickly from heat stress. You can safely start your lawn as early as January 22, the typical date of the last spring frost. With so much heat, choosing a variety that can handle 130 days over 90°F is the single most important decision you'll make.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Charlotte County's county score?
Charlotte County, Florida has a composite county score of 44.5 out of 100 on CountyScore. This score is calculated from a weighted average of available data dimensions including property tax, cost of living, income, safety, health, and schools.
How does Charlotte County rank among counties in Florida?
Charlotte County ranks #36 among all counties in Florida on CountyScore's composite ranking. Rankings are based on available data dimensions and updated as new data is added.
What are property taxes like in Charlotte County, Florida?
The median annual property tax in Charlotte County is $2,581, with an effective tax rate of 0.89%. This earns Charlotte County a tax score of 45.9/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Charlotte County?
The median household income in Charlotte County, Florida is $66,154 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Charlotte County earns an income score of 57.4/100 on CountyScore.
Is Charlotte County, Florida a good place to live?
Charlotte County scores 44.5/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #36 in Florida. The best way to evaluate Charlotte County is to compare individual dimension scores — property tax, cost of living, income, safety, health, and schools — based on your personal priorities. Use CountyScore to compare Charlotte County with other counties side by side.

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Data from U.S. Census Bureau ACS, FBI UCR, CDC, FEMA NRI, NCES, EPA SDWIS, NOAA — informational only.