countyscore
43.3
County Score
Property Tax 75.3Water 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.

Score breakdown

Tax75.3Cost45.1Safety48.4Health39.6Schools22.8Income25.8Risk5.3Water60.8Weather19.2
🏛75.3
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠45.1
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼25.8
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡48.4
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤39.6
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓22.8
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡5.3
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧60.8
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤19.2
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨32.4
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱16.2
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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Deep Dives

Citrus County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 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

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

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

Schools in Citrus County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Dedicated Network in Citrus County

The Citrus County school system operates 28 public schools across a single district, including 11 elementary and 9 high schools. This infrastructure supports a total enrollment of 15,951 students. The county also maintains four alternative schools and one dedicated special education facility to meet diverse needs.

Graduation Rates Outpace National Average

Citrus County achieves an 88.0% graduation rate, exceeding the national average of 87.0%. While the per-pupil expenditure of $5,604 is lower than both the state and national averages, the district maintains a school score of 49.5. This score sits just below the national median of 50.0, indicating a stable academic environment.

The Citrus District Powering Local Learning

The Citrus District manages all 28 public schools in the county, overseeing nearly 16,000 students. Charter school availability is limited here, with only one charter school representing just 3.6% of the county's total school options. This single-district model ensures a consistent educational approach across the entire county.

Rural Roots with Growing High Schools

Most students attend school in rural or suburban settings, with an average school size of 614 students. Lecanto High School serves as the largest campus with 1,630 students, while the county hosts 15 schools in rural locales. This mix creates a school experience that feels connected to the local landscape rather than an urban center.

Build a Future Near Citrus Schools

Families looking for a community-focused environment often choose homes near anchor institutions like Crystal River High. Educational performance remains a key driver for property values in this area. Start your home search today to find a place near Citrus County's top-rated classrooms.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

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

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 43.3 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 #40 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 $1,320, with an effective tax rate of 0.59%. This earns Citrus County a tax score of 75.3/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Citrus County?
The median household income in Citrus County, Florida is $55,355 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Citrus County earns an income score of 25.8/100 on CountyScore.
Is Citrus County, Florida a good place to live?
Citrus County scores 43.3/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #40 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.

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