countyscore
51
County Score
Cost of Living 81.9Disaster Risk 64.5Property Tax 59

County Report Card

About Dixie County, Florida

Solid performer above national median

Dixie County scores 51.0, exceeding the national median of 50.0 and Florida's average of 45.1, placing it among stronger-performing counties. The score reflects a balanced livability profile built on affordability and safety rather than wealth or income.

Above Florida's state average

At 51.0, Dixie County ranks above Florida's 45.1 state average, placing it in the upper-middle tier of state counties. The county outperforms most of its peers despite low income levels, suggesting effective resource management and community strength.

Affordability and safety lead the way

Dixie County's cost score of 81.9 is exceptional, with median home values of just $96,900 and rent of $792—among Florida's lowest. Safety also scores well at 57.8, creating a secure, affordable rural environment.

Income and health remain persistently weak

The county's income score of just 10.5 with median household income of $47,655 severely limits economic opportunity and career growth. Health score of 20.1 also indicates significant healthcare access or outcome challenges that require investment.

Rural haven for affordable, safe living

Dixie County appeals to retirees, rural lifestyle seekers, and those prioritizing safety and affordability over economic advancement. Working-age families and professionals should be cautious, as low incomes and health limitations may hinder career development and access to quality healthcare.

Score breakdown

Tax59Cost81.9Safety57.8Health20.1Schools39.2Income10.5Risk64.5Water47.1Weather26.1
🏛59
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠81.9
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼10.5
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡57.8
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤20.1
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓39.2
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡64.5
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧47.1
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤26.1
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨31.7
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱18.9
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

Dixie County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Dixie County

via TaxByCounty

Dixie County offers the deepest tax savings

At 0.738%, Dixie County's effective tax rate sits just above the national median of 0.731%, but median home values of only $96,900 mean residents pay just $715 annually—the lowest among our eight counties and 73% less than the national median property tax of $2,690. This rural county offers exceptional affordability.

Low values, low tax bills in Dixie

Dixie County's 0.738% effective rate closely tracks Florida's 0.731% state average, but its median home value of $96,900 is the lowest in the analysis. Annual property taxes average just $715 compared to Florida's statewide median of $1,885.

Dixie's lowest homes, lowest total taxes

Dixie County's median home value of $96,900 significantly trails all regional peers; the next-lowest is Columbia County at $186,400. With a $715 annual tax bill, Dixie residents pay less in absolute dollars than any comparable county.

What $96,900 home costs annually

On Dixie County's median home value of $96,900, residents pay approximately $715 per year in property taxes. With mortgage-related costs included, annual taxes rise to around $954.

Appeal if your assessment seems high

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

via CostByCounty

Dixie delivers exceptional value for budget movers

Dixie County's 19.9% rent-to-income ratio ranks among Florida's absolute best, well below the national comfort threshold of 30%. With median rent of just $792 monthly and median home value of $96,900, Dixie offers genuine affordability for households earning the state's lowest incomes at $47,655 median.

Dixie ranks among Florida's most affordable counties

At 19.9%, Dixie ties Columbia County for Florida's lowest rent-to-income ratio, beating the state average of 22.5% decisively. The $792 median rent runs $441 below the state average, positioning Dixie as a leader in housing accessibility despite rural location.

Dixie undercuts all comparable Florida counties

Dixie's $792 median rent and $96,900 median home value rank lowest among all comparison counties, making it Florida's genuine affordability champion. Even compared to rural peers like DeSoto ($910 rent, $151,500 homes), Dixie delivers substantially deeper savings for relocating families.

Housing consumes smallest income share statewide

Dixie renters spend just 19.9% of their $47,655 income on housing, while homeowners dedicate roughly 10.2% to monthly ownership costs on a $96,900 median home. This leaves residents with maximum income flexibility—a rarity in Florida's increasingly expensive housing markets.

Dixie suits those prioritizing maximum affordability

If housing affordability is your deciding factor, Dixie County offers unmatched value in Florida—truly deep pockets for lower-income households, retirees on fixed income, and families building financial security. Trade urban convenience for genuine, sustainable housing stability.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Dixie County

via IncomeByCounty

Dixie County ranks among lowest earners

Dixie County's median household income of $47,655 falls short of the national median of $74,755 by over $27,000—a 36% shortfall. This is among the lowest median incomes in Florida, reflecting the county's reliance on forestry, fishing, and limited service employment.

Bottom tier in Florida's income rankings

At $47,655, Dixie County ranks near the very bottom of Florida's 67 counties, trailing the state average of $65,468 by nearly $18,000. Only a handful of Florida counties earn less, underscoring Dixie's severe economic constraints.

Lowest among comparable rural counties

Dixie County's $47,655 income falls below even DeSoto County ($50,868) by over $3,000, making it the lowest-earning county examined here. This gap reflects Dixie's geographic isolation and lack of proximity to urban employment centers.

Very low costs, but very low income

Dixie County's rent-to-income ratio of 19.9% indicates affordable housing, with renters spending roughly $790 monthly. The median home value of just $96,900 is extremely accessible, yet the low overall income limits household purchasing power and wealth accumulation.

Focus on stability and community resources

At median incomes below $50,000, traditional wealth-building strategies require adaptation. Dixie County households should prioritize steady employment, explore local nonprofit financial coaching, and take advantage of government assistance programs to build foundational security.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Dixie County

via CrimeByCounty

Dixie County Ranks High for National Safety

Dixie County is exceptionally safe with a score of 98.5, beating the national average. Its total crime rate of 967.9 per 100,000 residents is far lower than the national figure of 2,385.5.

A Top Performer in Florida

Dixie County’s safety score of 98.5 is better than the Florida state average of 98.4. Its total crime rate of 967.9 is also superior to the state average of 1,027.9.

Leading the Way in Regional Safety

Dixie County is safer than neighboring Columbia and Citrus counties. With eight agencies reporting, it maintains a crime rate below 1,000, setting a high bar for the region.

Property vs. Violent Crime Trends

While the property crime rate is low at 657.2, the violent crime rate of 310.7 is actually higher than the state average of 206.5. This suggests that personal safety remains a priority even as theft stays low.

Keeping Your Home Secure in Dixie

Low property crime rates are a community asset, but they require residents to stay alert. Using smart home technology to monitor entrances can help keep local theft numbers trending downward.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Dixie County

via HealthByCounty

Dixie trails national life expectancy

Dixie County residents live to 73.3 years on average, falling 4.8 years short of the U.S. average of 78.1 years. The county's 24.9% poor/fair health rate indicates that nearly 1 in 4 residents report poor or fair health status, well above national norms.

Rural Florida county facing health crisis

Dixie County's 73.3-year life expectancy falls notably below Florida's state average of 75.8 years, ranking it among the state's most troubled counties. Its 14.8% uninsured rate is marginally higher than Florida's 14.4% average, but the county's 24.9% poor/fair health rate reveals deeper, structural health problems.

Typical challenges of Florida's rural north

Dixie County's 73.3-year life expectancy aligns with the pattern of North Florida rural counties, slightly above Columbia (72.4) but below Citrus (72.5). With just 23 primary care providers per 100,000 residents—the lowest among these eight counties—Dixie residents face acute provider shortages.

Provider shortage drives health crisis

Dixie County's healthcare landscape is stark: only 23 primary care providers per 100,000 residents means residents must travel for routine care, while mental health capacity is nearly absent at 17 providers per 100,000. Combined with 14.8% uninsured rates, this provider drought likely explains the county's severe 24.9% poor/fair health rate.

Get insured and access rural health resources

Dixie County residents deserve coverage that works in rural areas; visit healthcare.gov to explore plans covering telemedicine and rural health clinics. The Dixie County Health Department also offers resources for uninsured residents seeking preventive and urgent care options.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Dixie County

via SchoolsByCounty

Small-Scale Success in Dixie County

Dixie County runs a tight network of 9 public schools catering to a student population of 2,090. The system includes 4 elementary schools and 1 high school, all coordinated by a single district. This small scale ensures that every school is a major pillar of the community.

Dixie Outperforms Benchmarks in Graduation

The county boasts a 92.0% graduation rate, which is higher than both the state and national averages. With a school score of 52.1, Dixie County also beats the Florida state average of 51.5. Despite lower per-pupil spending of $5,861, the district achieves high academic rankings.

One District with Local Charter Options

The Dixie District serves 2,090 students across 9 total schools. One of these is a charter school, Kinder Cub School Inc, representing 11.1% of the county's school landscape. This gives local families a choice between traditional district programs and a specialized charter alternative.

Quiet Town and Rural Learning

Education in Dixie County takes place in town and rural settings, with 6 schools located in towns. Schools are quite intimate, with an average size of only 418 students. Dixie County High School is the largest campus, yet it remains relatively small with 714 students.

A Strong Community for Growing Families

Dixie County's high graduation rates make it an attractive spot for families seeking quality education. The smaller school sizes allow for more personalized attention for every student. Explore homes near these high-achieving, tight-knit schools today.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Dixie County

via RiskByCounty

Dixie among America's safest counties

Dixie County's composite risk score of 35.50 earns a "Very Low" rating and places it well below the typical U.S. county's natural disaster exposure. This exceptionally low profile reflects its remote Big Bend location and distance from major storm tracks, though hurricane and flood risks persist at modest regional levels.

Florida's lowest-risk county

At 35.50, Dixie County ranks far below Florida's state average of 75.74 and represents the safest major jurisdiction in the state. The Big Bend's isolated geography naturally buffers the county from the concentrated hurricane and coastal hazard exposure that defines most of Florida.

Far safer than surrounding counties

Dixie County (35.50) sits dramatically below Columbia County (69.72), Citrus County (94.69), and all other surrounding jurisdictions. Its remote position and distance from population centers and major transportation corridors create natural shelter from the disaster risks that concentrate in developed Florida regions.

Hurricane and flood are residual risks

Despite very low overall risk, hurricane still scores 87.11—reflecting Florida's tropical exposure even in remote areas—while flood risk reaches 73.60 in vulnerable low areas. Wildfire risk (72.93) affects the county's forests during dry seasons, though the combination remains modest compared to state and national peers.

Basic insurance provides ample protection

Standard homeowners insurance is typically sufficient for Dixie County residents, with wind and hail coverage addressing the primary seasonal threats. Those in documented flood zones or near waterways should confirm coverage, while defensible space management provides cost-effective wildfire protection in this low-risk environment.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Dixie County

via WeatherByCounty

Gulf Coast Subtropical Climate

Dixie County records an average annual temperature of 68.6°F. This reflects a warm subtropical environment that stays well above national median temperatures.

North Florida Moderation

The 68.6°F average is slightly below the Florida state average of 71.1°F. This makes Dixie one of the more temperate counties in the state, avoiding the extreme heat of the south.

A Coastal Matchup

Dixie's temperatures are nearly identical to Escambia County’s 68.5°F. Both counties benefit from Gulf breezes that help mitigate some of the extreme inland heat.

Wet Summers and Mild Winters

Summer averages 80.7°F while the county sees 91 days above 90°F annually. Rainfall is significant at 54.7 inches, roughly matching the statewide average.

Prepare for the Rain

High-quality rain gear is essential for the 54.7 inches of annual precipitation. HVAC systems should be rated for high humidity to prevent mold during the 91 extreme heat days.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Dixie County

via SoilByCounty

Coastal Acidity in Dixie County

Dixie County features an average soil pH of 4.70, matching the state's trend of high acidity compared to the national 6.5 median. This level is slightly more acidic than the Florida average of 4.88. While taxonomic data is unavailable, the chemical profile is shaped by the county's coastal marshes and forests.

Sand-Driven Drainage Patterns

The soil consists of 83.2% sand, which dictates how water and nutrients move through the ground. Silt and clay are present in small amounts, at 1.3% and 2.4% respectively. This high sand percentage means the soil is easy to till but may require amendments to prevent nutrients from washing away.

Rich Organic Matter and Solid Storage

With 9.07% organic matter, Dixie County exceeds the Florida state average of 8.03% and is over four times the national average. The available water capacity of 0.115 in/in also beats the state average of 0.108 in/in. These metrics indicate a soil that is fertile and capable of supporting sustained plant growth.

Understanding the Coastal Hydrology

Specific drainage classes and hydrologic groups are not listed in the current data for Dixie County. However, the high organic content and above-average water capacity suggest a soil that holds onto moisture better than pure sand. This is beneficial for native plants but requires attention when planning building foundations.

Thriving in USDA Zone 9a

Dixie County sits in Zone 9a, where mild winters allow for a long growing season for peppers, tomatoes, and citrus. The rich organic matter is particularly well-suited for heavy feeders in a home garden. Start a plot today and enjoy the benefits of some of the more fertile soil in the state.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Dixie County

via LawnByCounty

Dixie County follows the Florida trend

The lawn difficulty score of 18.9 is nearly identical to the state average, though still a far cry from the national 50.0 median. In Zone 9a, growers face the classic Florida mix of high heat and sandy ground.

Consistent rainfall meets growth demands

The county receives 54.7 inches of rain annually, matching the state average perfectly. Combined with 91 extreme heat days and 6,967 growing degree days, the climate supports vigorous grass growth from spring through late fall.

High sand content limits nutrient storage

The soil is 83.2% sand with a low pH of 4.70, which is common but challenging for standard turf. Because only 2.4% of the soil is clay, nutrients wash away quickly, requiring slow-release fertilizers to maintain a green color.

Severe drought blankets the county

Dixie County is currently 100% in severe drought after experiencing 27 dry weeks over the last year. Focus on evening or early morning watering to minimize loss to the Florida sun and help your lawn survive the dry spell.

Wait for the March frost break

Bahiagrass is the most reliable option for these acidic, sandy conditions in Zone 9a. Planting should wait until after the last spring frost on March 6th to ensure the young shoots don't suffer cold damage.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Dixie County's county score?
Dixie County, Florida has a composite county score of 51 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 Dixie County rank among counties in Florida?
Dixie County ranks #21 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 Dixie County, Florida?
The median annual property tax in Dixie County is $715, with an effective tax rate of 0.74%. This earns Dixie County a tax score of 59/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Dixie County?
The median household income in Dixie County, Florida is $47,655 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Dixie County earns an income score of 10.5/100 on CountyScore.
Is Dixie County, Florida a good place to live?
Dixie County scores 51/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #21 in Florida. The best way to evaluate Dixie 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 Dixie 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.