countyscore
45.8
County Score
Income & Jobs 89.4Property Tax 67.4Schools 58

County Report Card

About Collier County, Florida

Slightly above national average despite costs

Collier County scores 45.7, exceeding the national median of 50.0 by just 4.3 points despite being one of Florida's most expensive markets. The county's strong income and education scores offset its extreme housing costs, creating a polarized livability profile.

Among Florida's top performers

At 45.7, Collier County ranks above Florida's 45.1 state average, placing it in the upper third of state counties. The county demonstrates stronger overall livability than most of its peers, driven by wealth and educational investment.

Wealthy, educated, and disaster-resistant

Collier County's income score of 89.4 (median $86,173) and school score of 58.0 reflect a highly educated, affluent community. Its risk score of just 1.1 is exceptional, indicating minimal disaster vulnerability and strong infrastructure resilience.

Housing costs among Florida's steepest

The county's cost score of 5.8 is among the worst in the state, with a median home value of $486,800 and median rent of $1,752. These prices make homeownership and rental living accessible only to high-income households, limiting economic diversity.

Luxury living for the affluent and educated

Collier County is designed for wealthy families and retirees seeking top-tier schools, excellent health infrastructure, and minimal natural disaster risk. Those with limited budgets will find this southwestern Florida community financially inaccessible, despite its undeniable quality and prestige.

Score breakdown

Tax67.4Cost5.8Safety54.8Health56.1Schools58Income89.4Risk1.1Water56.2Weather7.1
🏛67.4
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠5.8
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼89.4
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡54.8
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤56.1
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓58
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡1.1
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧56.2
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤7.1
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱13.8
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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Compare Collier County with Butts County →Share on X

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Nearby counties

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Glades County
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Highlands County
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Deep Dives

Collier County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Collier County

via TaxByCounty

Collier County's high values drive high taxes

Collier County's effective tax rate of 0.661% sits below the national median of 0.731%, but median home values of $486,800 mean residents pay $3,219 annually—significantly more than the national median property tax of $2,690. This affluent county ranks in the top 25% of U.S. counties by absolute tax dollars paid.

Expensive homes, above-average tax bills

While Collier County's 0.661% effective rate ranks below Florida's 0.731% average, the county's median home value of $486,800 is the highest among our eight counties. Annual property taxes here average $3,219, well above Florida's statewide median of $1,885.

Collier stands apart from regional peers

Collier County's median home value of $486,800 dwarfs neighboring DeSoto ($151,500) and Duval County ($274,900). With a 0.661% rate, Collier charges less per dollar of value than most peers, but the sheer home values result in the region's highest tax bills.

What $486,800 home costs annually

On Collier County's median home value of $486,800, you'll pay approximately $3,219 per year in property taxes. For those with mortgages, annual costs are about $3,150; without mortgages, they're approximately $3,306.

Appeal if your assessment seems high

Many Florida homeowners are overassessed relative to market value, and Collier 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 Collier County

via CostByCounty

Collier's housing demands premium income levels

Collier County's 24.4% rent-to-income ratio pushes toward the ceiling of affordability, despite median household income of $86,173—15% above the national average. The county's median rent of $1,752 and median home value of $486,800 reflect premium coastal positioning that requires above-average earnings to access comfortably.

Collier ranks among Florida's priciest markets

At 24.4%, Collier's rent-to-income ratio exceeds Florida's state average of 22.5%, placing it among the state's least affordable counties. The $1,752 median rent runs $519 above the state average of $1,233, signaling Collier's status as a premium destination that commands above-average prices.

Collier commands significantly higher prices

Collier County's median home value of $486,800 towers over most neighbors: DeSoto County at $151,500, Dixie County at $96,900, and even Columbia County at $186,400. Renters face $1,752 monthly rents—the highest among comparable counties—reflecting the region's desirability and limited affordable stock.

Housing eats a larger slice of income here

Collier renters spend 24.4% of their $86,173 income on housing, while homeowners dedicate approximately 21.2% to monthly ownership costs on properties worth $486,800 median. These percentages leave less discretionary income than neighboring counties, requiring higher earnings to maintain comparable quality of life elsewhere.

Collier suits high-income professionals and retirees

Consider Collier if you're relocating with strong income or assets—the premium prices reflect desirable amenities, coastal access, and strong property values. For middle-income households, neighboring Clay or Columbia counties offer superior affordability without sacrificing Florida's lifestyle appeal.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Collier County

via IncomeByCounty

Collier County wealth clearly above average

Collier County's median household income of $86,173 beats the national median of $74,755 by $11,418—a 15% lead. Additionally, the per capita income of $59,973 ranks far above the typical American, signaling a prosperous county community.

Among Florida's wealthiest counties

At $86,173, Collier County ranks at the top of Florida's income ladder, exceeding the state average of $65,468 by over $20,000. This positions the county alongside Florida's most affluent regions, driven by tourism, real estate, and professional services.

Strong income advantage in Southwest Florida

Collier County's $86,173 income comfortably outpaces DeSoto County ($50,868) by roughly $35,000 annually. This significant disparity reflects Collier's role as Southwest Florida's economic anchor, attracting higher-wage employment and affluent retirees.

High housing costs offset strong incomes

Despite strong earnings, Collier County's rent-to-income ratio of 24.4% exceeds the 20% threshold, reflecting the county's status as an expensive housing market. The median home value of $486,800 demands careful financial planning, even for households in Collier's income bracket.

Leverage income for wealth diversification

High-earning Collier County households should look beyond primary residences to build multi-faceted wealth. Real estate investment, stock portfolios, and business ownership become realistic opportunities at this income level—each with potential for substantial long-term growth.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Collier County

via CrimeByCounty

Collier County Among the Safest Nationally

With a safety score of 98.4, Collier County is significantly more secure than the typical American community. Its total crime rate of 1,026.8 is less than half the national average of 2,385.5.

A Model for Florida Public Safety

Collier County perfectly matches the Florida state average safety score of 98.4. Its total crime rate of 1,026.8 also aligns almost exactly with the state average of 1,027.9, demonstrating consistent performance.

Outperforming Regional Crime Averages

Collier County is notably safer than DeSoto County, which has a much higher crime rate of 2,440.3. It also maintains lower property crime levels than its neighbors Citrus and Clay.

Low Crime Rates Across the Board

The county reports 214.6 violent crimes and 812.2 property crimes per 100,000 residents. These figures represent a balanced and controlled safety environment managed by nine reporting agencies.

Maintaining a Safe Home Environment

Property crime remains the most likely threat, making home monitoring systems a wise investment. Simple habits like locking all windows and utilizing outdoor lighting go a long way in this community.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Collier County

via HealthByCounty

Collier achieves exceptional life expectancy

Collier County residents live an average of 84.0 years, a full 5.9 years longer than the U.S. average of 78.1 years—among the highest life expectancies in the nation. This remarkable achievement reflects strong healthcare access, affluent demographics, and healthy lifestyle patterns across the county.

Florida's longevity champion by far

Collier County's 84.0-year life expectancy far exceeds Florida's state average of 75.8 years, making it the clear longevity leader among these eight counties. Despite this exceptional longevity, 18.6% of residents lack health insurance—higher than the state average of 14.4%—revealing an access paradox.

Dramatically outpacing Southwest Florida

Collier County's 84.0-year life expectancy is a striking 7.4 years higher than DeSoto County (76.6), its closest neighbor in Southwest Florida. With 82 primary care providers per 100,000 residents, Collier far exceeds rural neighboring counties and offers exceptional provider density.

Affluence masks uninsured population

Collier County's 18.6% uninsured rate—the highest among these eight counties—suggests that wealth does not guarantee universal coverage, with seasonal workers and service industry employees likely driving this gap. The county compensates with 82 primary care providers and 123 mental health providers per 100,000, among the best ratios statewide.

Don't let coverage gaps endanger you

Even in wealthy Collier County, nearly 1 in 5 residents go uninsured, risking catastrophic medical bills and delayed care. Reach out to a healthcare navigator at healthcare.gov to explore subsidized marketplace plans or community health center options suited to your situation.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Collier County

via SchoolsByCounty

Expansive School Choice in Collier

Collier County hosts 73 public schools, serving a total of 48,082 students within a single district. The infrastructure is well-distributed with 35 elementary, 13 middle, and 17 high schools. A strong alternative and special education network of 10 schools further expands student opportunities.

High Investment and Superior Outcomes

Collier invests $7,382 per pupil, which is significantly higher than the Florida state average of $6,118. This investment translates to a 92.0% graduation rate and an impressive school score of 55.4. Both metrics comfortably beat state and national averages, reflecting a high-quality education system.

Collier District and the Charter Movement

The Collier District manages all 73 public schools, maintaining a large enrollment of 48,082. Charter schools play a significant role here, with 9 schools accounting for 12.3% of the total educational landscape. This provides families with diverse options ranging from traditional district schools to charter alternatives.

Diverse Locales from Coast to Town

Collier offers a varied school experience with 41 schools in suburbs and 14 in town settings. The average enrollment of 707 students per school creates a medium-sized feel, though Gulf Coast High stands out with 2,447 students. Whether in a city or rural setting, the schools are designed to handle significant populations.

Settle Near Success in Collier County

With per-pupil spending and graduation rates well above averages, Collier is an ideal place for families. Real estate near Gulf Coast High or Palmetto Ridge High offers access to some of the state's most resourced programs. Invest in your family's future by exploring homes in this high-performing county.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Collier County

via RiskByCounty

Collier ranks among nation's highest risks

Collier County's composite risk score of 98.92 places it in the top tier of U.S. counties for natural disaster vulnerability, earning a "Relatively High" rating. This near-perfect risk score reflects extreme exposure to hurricanes (99.75), flooding (98.25), and wildfire (96.44)—a triple threat unmatched in most American communities.

Florida's most hazardous county

At 98.92, Collier County significantly exceeds Florida's state average of 75.74 and ranks among the state's highest-risk jurisdictions. The Gulf Coast location, combined with extensive low-lying areas and seasonal wildfire exposure, creates one of Florida's most multifaceted disaster vulnerability profiles.

Extreme risk even among Gulf neighbors

Collier County (98.92) surpasses nearby Citrus County (94.69) and Escambia County (95.10), making it the riskiest of Florida's major Gulf Coast counties. Its hurricane and flood scores exceed regional averages, reflecting both the open Gulf exposure and the county's dense network of vulnerable developments.

Hurricane and flood risk off the charts

Hurricane risk peaks at 99.75—the highest possible exposure level—while flood risk reaches 98.25, reflecting storm surge vulnerability and low topography throughout the county. Wildfire risk at 96.44 adds a third critical hazard during Florida's dry seasons, affecting both developed and natural areas.

Comprehensive insurance non-negotiable

With a 99.75 hurricane score, robust homeowners insurance covering wind, hail, and impact damage is essential; consider supplemental coverage options. Flood insurance is mandatory in most Collier neighborhoods due to high-risk zones, and residents should prioritize property elevation, impact-resistant construction, and defensible space against wildfire risk.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Collier County

via WeatherByCounty

A Truly Tropical Escape

Collier County maintains an average annual temperature of 75.3°F, placing it significantly higher than the national median. This tropical climate provides a warm environment that far exceeds the typical American experience.

Warmer Than the Florida Average

The county's 75.3°F average temperature sits well above Florida's state average of 71.1°F. It ranks as one of the warmest counties in the state, driven by its southern latitude.

Heat Leader of the Region

Collier is substantially warmer than its northern neighbor DeSoto County, which averages 72.2°F. While both regions share 0.0 inches of snowfall, Collier's proximity to the Everglades keeps its baseline temperature higher.

The Reality of Intense Heat

Residents face 119 extreme heat days per year where temperatures reach or exceed 90°F. Even winter remains mild, with a seasonal average of 66.7°F and no recorded snowfall.

Planning for Year-Round Sun

With nearly a third of the year seeing extreme heat, high-efficiency HVAC systems are essential for home comfort. Plan outdoor activities for the early morning to avoid the peak of the 119 intense heat days.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Collier County

via SoilByCounty

The Unique Terrain of Collier

Collier County's soil data presents a challenge, as specific pH and taxonomic records are currently unavailable for this area. We know the region is defined by its low-lying Everglades landscape and limestone bedrock. Without a recorded pH, local testing is essential to understand your specific plot's acidity.

Evaluating Soil Texture and Mix

Specific percentages for sand, silt, and clay are not currently tracked in the primary dataset for this county. Much of the region consists of marl or organic muck associated with wetlands, which behaves differently than standard sandy soils. Understanding your local composition is the first step toward successful land management.

Potential for High Organic Growth

While specific organic matter and water capacity numbers are not available, Collier's wetland history often leads to pockets of very rich soil. The state average organic matter is 8.03%, a benchmark that many local muck soils likely exceed. This suggests high fertility potential if water levels are managed correctly.

Navigating High Water Tables

Data regarding drainage classes and hydrologic groups is limited for this county. Given the proximity to the coast and Everglades, drainage is often poor and tied directly to the water table. Landowners should expect moist conditions that may require specialized raised-bed techniques for gardening.

Tropical Possibilities in Zone 10b

As one of the few Zone 10b regions in the country, Collier allows for true tropical gardening. You can successfully grow mangoes, papayas, and carambola that would freeze elsewhere in Florida. Even with limited data, the warm climate and potential for rich muck soils make this a gardener's paradise.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Collier County

via LawnByCounty

Tropical conditions present extreme challenges

Collier County has a very low lawn difficulty score of 13.8, making it one of the most challenging places in the state for traditional turf. This Zone 10b climate is significantly harsher than the national median score of 50.0.

Non-stop growth in tropical heat

With a staggering 119 days above 90°F and 9,261 growing degree days, grass essentially never stops growing in Collier. The 54.6 inches of rain provides plenty of water, but the heat intensity can scorch sensitive grass varieties quickly.

Professional testing is your best tool

Specific soil data for pH and sand content is limited in this area, necessitating a local soil test before you plant. Because South Florida soils often sit on limestone, you may encounter drainage challenges that require specific organic amendments.

Long-term drought grips the coast

The county has endured 41 weeks of drought over the past year, with 100% of the area currently in severe drought. Water conservation is critical; consider installing a smart irrigation controller to manage the high moisture demand.

Year-round planting in Zone 10b

Seashore Paspalum or St. Augustine thrive in these coastal tropical conditions. Since the frost window is incredibly short—between January 16th and January 23rd—you have a nearly year-round window to establish a new lawn.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Collier County's county score?
Collier County, Florida has a composite county score of 45.8 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 Collier County rank among counties in Florida?
Collier County ranks #31 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 Collier County, Florida?
The median annual property tax in Collier County is $3,219, with an effective tax rate of 0.66%. This earns Collier County a tax score of 67.4/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Collier County?
The median household income in Collier County, Florida is $86,173 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Collier County earns an income score of 89.4/100 on CountyScore.
Is Collier County, Florida a good place to live?
Collier County scores 45.8/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #31 in Florida. The best way to evaluate Collier 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 Collier 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.