CountyScore

Citrus County

Florida · FL

#25 in Florida
65.8
County Score

County Report Card

About Citrus County, Florida

Citrus County outpaces national average

Citrus County's composite score of 73.6 sits well above the national median of 50.0, placing it in the upper half of U.S. counties. This 47% advantage over the national baseline suggests residents enjoy above-average livability across measured dimensions. The county's strength lies primarily in affordability and tax efficiency rather than income levels.

Solid performer in Florida rankings

At 73.6, Citrus County scores 4.2 points above Florida's average composite score of 69.4, placing it in the top tier of the state's 67 counties. The county ranks among Florida's most tax-efficient jurisdictions, making it attractive for budget-conscious families and retirees. Its above-state-average performance reflects strong cost affordability relative to its peers.

Tax efficiency and housing affordability lead

Citrus County excels with a tax score of 85.6 and an effective tax rate of just 0.591%—among the lowest in the state. Housing remains highly accessible, with a median home value of $223,200 and median rent of $1,069/month, well below state averages. These two dimensions combine to make the county particularly attractive to those prioritizing financial flexibility.

Income levels lag behind state benchmarks

The county's income score of 19.5 reflects a median household income of $55,355, significantly below both the state average and the incomes of neighboring counties. Data on safety, health, schools, environmental risk, and water quality remain unavailable, limiting a complete livability assessment. Prospective residents should seek additional local information on these important quality-of-life factors.

Ideal for cost-conscious retirees and remote workers

Citrus County suits retirees, remote workers, and families prioritizing low taxes and affordable housing over high local incomes. The county's strong tax and cost dimensions make it an excellent choice for those with fixed incomes or seeking to stretch their savings. Its above-average national score suggests solid livability, though income-focused households may want to explore neighboring Clay or Duval counties.

Score breakdown

5 dimensions have live data. 3 more coming as vertical sites launch.

Tax85.6Cost78.2SafetyComing SoonHealth65SchoolsComing SoonIncome19.5Risk5.3WaterComing Soon
🏛85.6
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠78.2
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼19.5
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤65
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡5.3
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧Coming Soon
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncomeincomebycounty.com
Compare Citrus County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Jefferson County
Arkansas
65.8
Median income: $48,552
Kent County
Delaware
65.8
Median income: $72,872
Jefferson County
Georgia
65.8
Median income: $46,561
Polk County
Georgia
65.8
Median income: $55,308
Walker County
Georgia
65.8
Median income: $55,887

Deep Dives

Citrus County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 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

Cost of Living in Citrus County

via CostByCounty

Citrus rents slightly above national stretch

At 23.2%, Citrus County's rent-to-income ratio edges above the national comfort zone, where most experts recommend staying under 30% of income. The county's median rent of $1,069 is affordable relative to the national median household income of $74,755, but Citrus residents earn $19,400 less annually than the national average at $55,355.

Citrus ranks middle of the pack statewide

Citrus County's 23.2% rent-to-income ratio sits slightly above Florida's state average of 22.5%, placing it in the middle tier for affordability across the state's 67 counties. The county's $1,069 median rent runs $164 below the state average of $1,233, offering residents modest savings compared to pricier coastal markets.

More affordable than nearby coastal counties

Citrus County undercuts its neighbors significantly: renters here pay $1,069 monthly versus $1,385 in Duval County and $1,234 in Escambia County. Meanwhile, homebuyers face median values of $223,200—well below Duval's $274,900 and comparable to Escambia's $234,200.

Renters stretch their budgets further

Citrus renters spend 23.2% of their $55,355 median income on rent, while homeowners dedicate roughly 15.4% to mortgage payments on a $223,200 median home. The gap shows renters here face tighter constraints than their mortgage-holding neighbors, with less flexibility for other essentials.

Consider Citrus for reasonable retirement living

If you're weighing Florida counties, Citrus offers breathing room below state averages without the premium prices of coastal areas. Both rents and home values remain accessible for middle-income households seeking a quieter lifestyle away from major metro sprawl.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

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

Health in Citrus County

via HealthByCounty

Citrus lags behind on life expectancy

Citrus County residents live to an average of 72.5 years, nearly 6 years shorter than the U.S. average of 78.1 years. The county's 16.3% poor/fair health rate exceeds the national average, signaling persistent health challenges that deserve attention and resources.

Among Florida's healthier counties

While Citrus County's life expectancy of 72.5 years trails Florida's state average of 75.8 years, the county ranks above 17 other Florida counties on this measure. Its uninsured rate of 13.2% is notably better than the state average of 14.4%, suggesting good health coverage access.

Competing with nearby rural counties

Citrus County's life expectancy of 72.5 years falls between Dixie County (73.3) and Columbia County (72.4), reflecting shared challenges in Florida's rural north. The county has 46 primary care providers per 100,000 residents, lower than Clay County's 54 but higher than Columbia's regional alternatives.

Healthcare access is workable here

Citrus County's 13.2% uninsured rate means about 1 in 8 residents lack health coverage, while the county maintains 46 primary care providers per 100,000 people. With 110 mental health providers per 100,000, residents have decent access to behavioral health services, though primary care capacity could expand.

Strengthen your health coverage today

If you're among the 13.2% of uninsured Citrus County residents, open enrollment offers your chance to explore marketplace plans. Visit healthcare.gov or contact a local enrollment specialist to find coverage that fits your budget and health needs.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Citrus County

via RiskByCounty

Citrus ranks in nation's top tier

With a composite risk score of 94.69, Citrus County faces substantially higher natural disaster risk than the typical U.S. county. This "Relatively High" rating reflects exposure to multiple hazard types, particularly hurricanes and flooding that threaten coastal and low-lying communities throughout the region.

Among Florida's riskiest counties

Citrus County's 94.69 score significantly exceeds Florida's state average of 75.74, placing it in the upper tier of the state's 67 counties. This elevated risk stems from the county's geography along Florida's Gulf Coast, where storm surge and hurricane winds pose persistent threats.

Comparable risk to nearby Gulf counties

Citrus County's risk profile closely mirrors Escambia County (95.10) to the west, though it exceeds Columbia County (69.72) to the north and inland DeSoto County (81.65). The Gulf Coast location shared with Escambia drives similarly high hurricane and flood risks across the region.

Hurricanes and flooding dominate threats

Hurricane risk scores 98.79—among the highest in the nation—while flood risk reaches 92.60, reflecting the county's vulnerability to storm surge and heavy rainfall. Wildfire risk at 90.46 rounds out the triple threat, affecting both residential and forested areas during dry seasons.

Hurricane and flood insurance essential

Residents should prioritize comprehensive homeowners insurance that explicitly covers wind and hail damage from hurricanes, plus separate flood insurance through the National Flood Insurance Program. Given the 98.79 hurricane risk score, wind mitigation improvements—reinforced roofs, impact-resistant windows—can reduce insurance costs while protecting your investment.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality

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