CountyScore

Dixie County

Florida · FL

#9 in Florida
70.4
County Score

County Report Card

About Dixie County, Florida

Dixie County ranks in top quartile nationally

Dixie County's composite score of 76.4 substantially exceeds the national median of 50.0 by 53%, placing it in the nation's top quarter of counties for livability. The score is driven primarily by exceptional affordability, reflecting rural Florida's lowest housing costs. While household incomes lag, the cost advantage creates strong overall livability for budget-focused residents.

Florida's most livable county by composite measure

At 76.4, Dixie County leads all eight profiled counties and ranks among the highest in Florida with a 7-point advantage over the state average of 69.4. The county represents the pinnacle of Florida's affordable living markets, outperforming even Citrus and Columbia counties. This distinction reflects exceptional value for cost-conscious families and retirees.

Exceptional affordability and low tax burden

Dixie County's cost score of 88.0 is the highest among all eight counties, with a median home value of just $96,900 and median rent of $792/month—Florida's lowest. The tax score of 81.5 and effective rate of 0.738% further reduce the cost of living. Together, these dimensions create unmatched financial accessibility in the profiled markets.

Limited income opportunities and sparse data

The income score of 14.5 reflects a median household income of $47,655—the lowest among the eight counties. Data on safety, health, schools, environmental risk, and water quality remain unavailable, limiting comprehensive livability assessment. Prospective residents must investigate local amenities, employment options, and quality-of-life factors independently.

Best choice for cost-minimizing remote workers

Dixie County suits retirees, remote workers, and families with external income sources seeking absolute maximum housing affordability. The county's exceptional cost advantage and manageable taxes create unparalleled financial flexibility for those not dependent on local employment. It represents Florida's ultimate value destination, though residents should verify availability of desired amenities before committing.

Score breakdown

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

Tax81.5Cost88SafetyComing SoonHealth56.6SchoolsComing SoonIncome14.5Risk64.5WaterComing Soon
🏛81.5
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠88
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼14.5
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤56.6
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡64.5
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 Dixie County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Chambers County
Alabama
70.4
Median income: $49,295
Wilcox County
Alabama
70.4
Median income: $42,236
Ashley County
Arkansas
70.4
Median income: $44,481
Morgan County
Indiana
70.4
Median income: $79,088
Lincoln County
Kansas
70.4
Median income: $53,546

Deep Dives

Dixie County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 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

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

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

ByCounty Network

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