countyscore
42.8
County Score
Property Tax 74.3Water Quality 60.8Safety 48.4

County Report Card

About Citrus County, Florida

Below national average, but competitive

Citrus County scores 43.2 out of 100, placing it slightly below the national median of 50.0 and trailing Florida's average of 45.1. This positions the county in the lower-middle range nationally, meaning residents face some livability trade-offs compared to top-performing counties.

Middle of the pack in Florida

Among Florida's 67 counties, Citrus ranks close to the state average with a score just 1.9 points below 45.1. The county performs neither exceptionally well nor poorly relative to peers, reflecting a balanced but unremarkable livability profile.

Tax efficiency and water quality shine

Citrus County's greatest asset is its low tax burden, with a tax score of 75.3 and an effective rate of just 0.591%—among Florida's lowest. Water quality also scores well at 60.8, supporting recreational and environmental livability.

Income, schools, and health need work

The county struggles most with income opportunities (25.8), education quality (22.8), and health outcomes (39.6), all significantly below state averages. These gaps suggest limited economic mobility and fewer quality-of-life amenities for families and professionals seeking career growth.

A tax haven for retirees on modest budgets

Citrus County suits retirees and cost-conscious residents seeking low taxes and waterfront living, with a median home value of $223,200 and median rent of $1,069. However, working families and those prioritizing schools should look elsewhere, as income levels and educational institutions lag regional standards.

2040608010074.343.848.439.622.824.75.360.819.2Tax74.3Cost43.8Safety48.4Health39.6Schools22.8Income24.7Risk5.3Water60.8Weather19.242.8/100
This county
National avg
1 above average5 below average

Citrus County DNA

Foverall

How Citrus County compares to the national average across nine baseline dimensions

Citrus County falls below the national average in most categories. The biggest gap is in Disaster Risk (5.3/100), though Property Tax (74.3/100) remains a relative bright spot.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
74.3+22.299999999999997
Cost
43.8
Safety
48.4
Health
39.6-10.399999999999999
Schools
22.8-31.2
Income
24.7-26.3
Risk
5.3-41.7
Water
60.8
Weather
19.2-36.8
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Compare mortgage rates in Citrus County

Whether buying or refinancing in Citrus County, compare rates from top lenders to find the best deal.

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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$245,500

National median: $185,300

Median Rent

$1,107/mo

National median: $877/mo

Income Needed (home)

$245,500/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$44,280/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum4.3x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $56,546/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

29.0

per 100K

Data from Federal Reserve (FRED), U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, and CMS NPPES.

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncome & Jobsincomebycounty.comSafetycrimebycounty.comHealthhealthbycounty.comSchoolsschoolsbycounty.comDisaster Riskriskbycounty.comWater Qualitywaterbycounty.comWeather & Climateweatherbycounty.comSoil Qualitysoilbycounty.comLawn Carelawnbycounty.comFarmers Marketsmarketsbycounty.comView on Mapcountyscore.com/map
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Counties with similar scores

Lee County
Arkansas
Median income: $34,375
42.8
San Luis Obispo County
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Median income: $97,446
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Arapahoe County
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Median income: $101,087
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Montrose County
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LaPorte County
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Median income: $71,055
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Monroe County
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Median income: $65,868
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Tippecanoe County
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Median income: $60,636
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Cherokee County
Kansas
Median income: $57,668
42.8

Nearby counties

Hernando County
Florida
38.2
Sumter County
Florida
53.6
Levy County
Florida
47.4
Marion County
Florida
34.6
Pasco County
Florida
42.1
Lake County
Florida
45.9
Alachua County
Florida
31.9
Dixie County
Florida
55

Deep Dives

Citrus County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 9 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Citrus County

via TaxByCounty

Citrus County taxes rank low nationally

At 0.591%, Citrus County's effective tax rate sits well below the national median of 0.731%, placing it in the bottom 35% of U.S. counties. Homeowners here pay $1,320 annually on a median home valued at $223,200—about half the national median property tax of $2,690.

A tax bargain within Florida

Citrus County ranks among Florida's lowest-taxing counties, with an effective rate of 0.591% versus the state average of 0.731%. Residents pay $1,320 in median annual property taxes compared to Florida's $1,885 state average.

Cheaper than Escambia, pricier than Dixie

Citrus County's 0.591% rate edges out Escambia County (0.600%) and significantly undercuts Columbia County (0.743%) and Clay County (0.739%). Only Dixie County, the region's most affordable, charges less at 0.738% effective rate.

What $223,200 home costs annually

On Citrus County's median home value of $223,200, you'll pay approximately $1,320 per year in property taxes. With mortgage-related taxes factored in, annual costs rise to around $1,420.

Appeal if your assessment seems high

Many Florida homeowners are overassessed relative to market value, and Citrus County residents can file an appeal with the Property Appraiser's office. The process is typically free and could lower your taxable assessment.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Income & Jobs in Citrus County

via IncomeByCounty

Citrus County earns below the national average

At $55,355, Citrus County's median household income trails the U.S. median of $74,755 by nearly $20,000—a gap of 26%. This places the county in the lower-income tier nationally, meaning households here earn notably less than typical American families.

Below Florida's income rank

Citrus County's median income falls short of Florida's state average of $65,468 by about $10,000. Among Florida's 67 counties, this income level positions Citrus in the lower third, reflecting economic challenges shared with rural parts of the state.

Income gap with nearby counties

Compared to neighboring Duval County ($68,447), Citrus County households earn roughly $13,000 less annually. Even nearby Columbia County ($55,070) is nearly equivalent, underscoring the consistent income pressures across this region of Florida.

Rent manageable, but income tight overall

With a rent-to-income ratio of 23.2%, Citrus County falls slightly above the recommended 20% threshold—meaning renters spend roughly $1,070 monthly on housing from median income. The median home value of $223,200 remains affordable relative to income, but overall household earning power limits access to quality services and savings.

Build stability through intentional planning

Households earning near $55,000 have limited margin for error; building an emergency fund and exploring low-cost retirement accounts like IRAs should be priorities. Even modest contributions to employer 401(k)s or automated savings plans can compound significantly over time, creating a financial cushion.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Citrus County

via CrimeByCounty

Citrus County Outperforms National Safety Benchmarks

Citrus County maintains a high safety score of 98.2, significantly exceeding national standards. Its total crime rate of 1,157.4 per 100,000 residents is less than half the national average of 2,385.5.

A Strong Safety Standing in Florida

The county's safety score of 98.2 sits just below the Florida state average of 98.4. While its total crime rate is slightly higher than the state average of 1,027.9, it remains one of the more secure regions in the state.

Comparing Citrus to Regional Neighbors

Citrus County is safer than nearby Clay County, which sees 1,179.6 crimes per 100,000 people. It also maintains a lower violent crime rate than Columbia County, making it a local leader in public safety.

Understanding the Local Crime Mix

Property crime drives the local statistics, accounting for 951.8 incidents per 100,000 residents. Meanwhile, the violent crime rate of 205.6 stays remarkably close to the Florida state average of 206.5.

Securing Your Property in Citrus County

Since property crime is the most frequent concern, residents should prioritize home security measures. Simple additions like motion-sensing lights and reinforced entry points can effectively deter opportunistic theft.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Weather & Climate in Citrus County

via WeatherByCounty

Classic Humid Subtropical Weather

Citrus County averages 69.8°F annually, placing it well above the national median and within a classic humid subtropical zone. The climate is characterized by long, hot summers and very short, mild winters.

Mildly Cooler than Statewide Benchmarks

Citrus County stays slightly cooler than the state average of 71.1°F. However, it experiences 112 extreme heat days, which is higher than many other counties in the northern half of the state.

Consistent Inland Rainfall Patterns

Citrus is warmer than neighbor Alachua but slightly cooler than the state average. Its 52.4 inches of annual precipitation is close to the state average of 54.8 inches, providing a typical Florida rain profile.

Pleasant Winters with No Snow

The county faces 112 days of temperatures at or above 90°F, despite a July average of 80.7°F. Winters are pleasant and snow-free, with a January average of 56.0°F and a winter mean of 58.0°F.

Prioritizing Summer Shade and Cooling

With 112 days of extreme heat, residents need to prioritize shade and hydration during the long summer season. The 52.4 inches of rain require standard Florida drainage planning to handle heavy afternoon thunderstorms.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Citrus County

via SoilByCounty

Citrus County's Acidic Soil Profile

Citrus County features an average soil pH of 5.11, which is notably more acidic than the national median of 6.5. While acidic, these soils are actually less sour than the Florida state average of 4.88. Data for the specific taxonomic order remains unavailable, but the overall profile reflects the region's coastal influence.

A Sandy Foundation with Minimal Clay

The soil is overwhelmingly dominated by sand at 85.3%, with clay and silt making up less than 6% combined. This high sand content ensures rapid water movement but offers limited natural nutrient retention for plants. Gardeners will find this soil easy to work, though it requires frequent irrigation.

Rich Organic Matter Boosts Growth

Organic matter reaches a high 7.35%, significantly exceeding the national average of 2.0%. Despite this richness, the available water capacity of 0.100 in/in sits slightly below the state average of 0.108 in/in. This suggests that while nutrients are present, the soil struggles to hold onto moisture.

Managing Water in Sandy Terrain

While specific drainage and hydrologic classifications are not available in current records, the high sand percentage typically indicates rapid drainage. For builders and farmers, this means the ground is less prone to ponding but may dry out quickly during Florida's dry spells. Local management should focus on moisture conservation.

Gardening in Hardiness Zone 9a

Located in USDA Hardiness Zone 9a, Citrus County is ideal for heat-loving crops like citrus, sweet potatoes, and blueberries. The acidic, sandy soil provides the perfect environment for acid-loving shrubs like azaleas and camellias. Start your garden today by adding compost to help the sand hold more water.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Citrus County

via LawnByCounty

Citrus County faces a steep uphill climb

With a lawn difficulty score of 16.2, maintaining a green space here is significantly tougher than the national median of 50.0. This score also trails the Florida state average of 19.2, signaling that Zone 9a growers must work harder to find success.

Triple-digit heat days demand heavy irrigation

The county endures 112 extreme heat days per year, well above the state average of 92. While 52.4 inches of rain nearly meets the ideal range, 7,343 growing degree days mean grass stays active and hungry for most of the year.

Acidic sand requires heavy amendments

The soil foundation is 85.3% sand with a very acidic pH of 5.11, far below the preferred 6.0 to 7.0 range. Lawns here struggle to retain nutrients and typically require regular lime applications to balance the acidity.

Severe drought stresses local landscapes

Current conditions show 100% of the county is in severe drought, having spent 39 weeks under drought pressure this past year. To protect roots, homeowners should prioritize deep, infrequent watering early in the morning.

Start your Zone 9a lawn safely

Bahiagrass or St. Augustine are resilient choices for this climate and soil profile. Plan your planting between the last spring frost on March 3rd and the first fall frost on December 5th to ensure roots establish.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Citrus County's county score?
Citrus County, Florida has a composite county score of 42.8 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 Citrus County rank among counties in Florida?
Citrus County ranks #41 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 Citrus County, Florida?
The median annual property tax in Citrus County is $1,430, with an effective tax rate of 0.58%. This earns Citrus County a tax score of 74.3/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Citrus County?
The median household income in Citrus County, Florida is $56,546 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Citrus County earns an income score of 24.7/100 on CountyScore.
Is Citrus County, Florida a good place to live?
Citrus County scores 42.8/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #41 in Florida. The best way to evaluate Citrus 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 Citrus County with other counties side by side.
By Evan Brooks, Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor

ByCounty Network

Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers Markets

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