CountyScore

Columbia County

Florida · FL

#22 in Florida
66.4
County Score

County Report Card

About Columbia County, Florida

Columbia County nearly matches Citrus in national ranking

Columbia County's composite score of 73.6 significantly exceeds the national median of 50.0, placing it in the top quartile of U.S. counties. The score reflects exceptional affordability and tax efficiency, though lower household incomes constrain overall economic vitality. This profile appeals to cost-conscious households prioritizing financial flexibility over earning potential.

Top performer among Florida's 67 counties

Columbia County ties with Citrus County for the highest score at 73.6, running 4.2 points above Florida's state average of 69.4. The county ranks among Florida's most livable jurisdictions by the composite metric, competing favorably with established suburban and retirement communities. Its consistent performance across affordability and tax dimensions sets it apart.

Outstanding housing affordability and tax advantages

Columbia County's cost score of 81.3 reflects exceptional housing affordability, with a median home value of $186,400 and median rent of just $915/month—among Florida's lowest. The tax score of 81.4 and effective rate of 0.743% compound these advantages, making the county remarkably accessible to budget-conscious residents. Together, these dimensions create substantial financial breathing room for families and retirees on modest incomes.

Lower incomes limit economic growth potential

The income score of 19.3 reflects a median household income of $55,070, well below state and national medians, limiting professional opportunities. Data gaps on safety, health, schools, environmental risk, and water quality prevent comprehensive livability assessment. Prospective residents should investigate local employment markets and amenities before relocating.

Excellent fit for frugal retirees and remote workers

Columbia County is ideal for retirees on fixed incomes, remote workers with external income sources, and families prioritizing maximum affordability. The combination of low housing costs and favorable taxes creates exceptional value for those not dependent on local employment. It competes directly with Citrus and DeSoto counties as Florida's most financially accessible communities.

Score breakdown

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

Tax81.4Cost81.3SafetyComing SoonHealth59.4SchoolsComing SoonIncome19.3Risk30.3WaterComing Soon
🏛81.4
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠81.3
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼19.3
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤59.4
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡30.3
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 Columbia County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Madison County
Florida
66.4
Median income: $48,176
Ben Hill County
Georgia
66.4
Median income: $39,081
Jackson County
Georgia
66.4
Median income: $85,012
Miller County
Georgia
66.4
Median income: $58,407
Peach County
Georgia
66.4
Median income: $68,365

Deep Dives

Columbia County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Columbia County

via TaxByCounty

Columbia County taxes above national median

At 0.743%, Columbia County's effective tax rate ranks above the national median of 0.731%, placing it in the upper 50% of U.S. counties. Despite median home values of $186,400, the higher rate yields property taxes of $1,385 annually—about half the national median tax of $2,690.

Slightly above Florida's average rate

Columbia County ranks just above the state average with a 0.743% effective rate versus Florida's 0.731%. Annual property taxes here average $1,385 compared to the statewide median of $1,885.

Among the region's higher-taxing counties

Columbia County's 0.743% rate nearly matches Clay County (0.739%) and significantly exceeds Citrus (0.591%), Escambia (0.600%), and Dixie (0.738%) counties. Only Duval County (0.779%) and DeSoto County (0.873%) charge more.

What $186,400 home costs annually

On Columbia County's median home value of $186,400, residents pay approximately $1,385 per year in property taxes. With mortgage-related taxes, annual costs rise to around $1,676.

Appeal if your assessment seems high

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

via CostByCounty

Columbia leads affordability despite lower income

Columbia County's 19.9% rent-to-income ratio ranks among Florida's best values, well below the national comfort zone of 30%. Though median household income of $55,070 trails the national average of $74,755 by nearly $20,000, Columbia residents actually allocate a smaller income share to housing than typical Americans.

Columbia ranks among Florida's most affordable

At 19.9%, Columbia County beats Florida's average rent-to-income ratio of 22.5%, placing it solidly in the state's affordability elite. The county achieves this distinction with $915 monthly median rent—$318 below the state average—proving that strong affordability doesn't require coastal location or high incomes.

Columbia undercuts most surrounding counties

Columbia's $915 median rent is significantly lower than Citrus County's $1,069 and Duval County's $1,385, while home values of $186,400 position it between rural Dixie ($96,900) and higher-cost neighbors. The county offers a sweet spot for renters and buyers seeking genuine affordability without remote location drawbacks.

Housing stays manageable on modest income

Columbia renters spend 19.9% of their $55,070 income on housing, while homeowners dedicate roughly 15.2% to monthly costs on a $186,400 median home. This leaves roughly 80% of income for other necessities, savings, and quality-of-life expenses—a genuine luxury in affordable housing markets.

Columbia rewards budget-conscious relocators

If affordability is your priority, Columbia County delivers exceptional value for lower-income and middle-income households, retirees on fixed income, and families prioritizing financial stability. The county proves you don't need coastal prestige or above-average earnings to achieve comfortable, sustainable housing.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Columbia County

via IncomeByCounty

Columbia County falls short nationally

Columbia County's median household income of $55,070 trails the U.S. median of $74,755 by nearly $20,000—a 26% shortfall. This income gap reflects the county's rural character and limited access to high-wage employment centers.

Lower-income tier within Florida

At $55,070, Columbia County ranks below Florida's average of $65,468 by about $10,000. This places the county among Florida's economically challenged regions, alongside similarly rural and agricultural-dependent counties.

Comparable to Citrus, below Duval

Columbia County's income of $55,070 closely mirrors Citrus County ($55,355), reflecting shared economic pressures in North-Central Florida. Both lag significantly behind Duval County ($68,447), highlighting the urban-rural income divide in the state.

Affordable housing, tight household budgets

Columbia County's rent-to-income ratio of 19.9% falls within the healthy range, with renters spending roughly $913 monthly. The median home value of $186,400 is very affordable here, yet overall household income limits access to quality healthcare, education, and services.

Smart saving strategies for modest earners

Households at $55,000 income must prioritize consistent saving over aggressive investing. Automatic deductions to savings accounts, participation in employer retirement plans, and exploring first-time homebuyer programs can create meaningful wealth within reach.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in Columbia County

via HealthByCounty

Columbia faces urgent health challenges

Columbia County residents live to just 72.4 years on average, more than 5 years shorter than the U.S. average of 78.1 years. The county's 22.2% poor/fair health rate nearly doubles the national average, marking Columbia as one of America's healthiest counties' poorest performers.

Among Florida's worst health outcomes

Columbia County's 72.4-year life expectancy ranks near the bottom of Florida's 67 counties, sitting well below the state average of 75.8 years. While its 13.6% uninsured rate is slightly below Florida's 14.4% average, the county's poor health status suggests deeper socioeconomic and healthcare access challenges.

Struggling alongside North Florida peers

Columbia County's 72.4-year life expectancy matches the regional pattern of North Florida counties facing significant health burdens. With 51 primary care providers per 100,000 residents, Columbia actually exceeds some neighbors, yet its poor health outcomes suggest barriers beyond provider supply.

Mental health access outpaces primary care

Columbia County offers 279 mental health providers per 100,000 residents—one of the highest ratios of any county in this analysis—yet the county maintains only 51 primary care providers per 100,000. This imbalance, combined with 13.6% uninsured rates, suggests that behavioral health capacity does not translate to better overall health outcomes.

Secure coverage to improve your health

Columbia County's health challenges demand action, and secure health insurance is a critical first step toward better outcomes. Visit healthcare.gov or call 1-800-318-2596 to enroll in a plan that gives you access to primary and preventive care.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Columbia County

via RiskByCounty

Columbia's risk below national average

Columbia County's composite risk score of 69.72 earns a "Relatively Low" rating and sits meaningfully below the typical U.S. county's disaster exposure. Its inland North Florida location provides some natural shelter from coastal hazards, though hurricane and wildfire threats remain elevated compared to most American counties.

Florida's lowest-risk major county

At 69.72, Columbia County scores below Florida's state average of 75.74, making it one of the state's safer jurisdictions for natural disaster risk. This favorable profile reflects its inland position away from major Gulf Coast and Atlantic storm tracks, though tropical weather and seasonal hazards persist.

Distinctly safer than coastal peers

Columbia County (69.72) ranks significantly lower than all major neighboring coastal and Gulf counties: Citrus (94.69), Clay (81.08), and DeSoto (81.65). Its inland position in the Big Bend region provides natural distance from storm surge and concentrated hurricane impacts that affect surrounding areas.

Wildfire and hurricane remain concerns

Despite lower overall risk, wildfire poses a 88.14 threat to Columbia's forests and rural areas during dry seasons, while hurricane risk remains 90.45 due to regional tropical exposure. Flood risk (68.19) is lower than coastal counties, though low-lying areas remain vulnerable during heavy rainfall events.

Standard coverage protects most residents

Standard homeowners insurance covering wind and hail is appropriate for most Columbia County residents, though those in flood-prone zones should confirm coverage or purchase supplemental flood insurance. Creating defensible space around structures and clearing gutters provides cost-effective wildfire protection for this inland community.

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.