countyscore
30.3
County Score
Water Quality 71.8Income & Jobs 62.8Property Tax 55.1

County Report Card

About Duval County, Florida

Major urban center with serious livability issues

Duval County (Jacksonville) scores 30.3, far below the national median of 50.0 and Florida's average of 45.1—placing it in the bottom 20% nationally. Despite being Florida's most populous county and an economic hub, its livability profile is severely compromised by safety challenges.

Among Florida's lowest-scoring major counties

At 30.3, Duval ranks among Florida's bottom counties, trailing the state average by 14.8 points. The county's poor performance is particularly notable given its size and economic significance, indicating that urban growth has not translated to livability gains.

Income and water quality offer some hope

Duval County's income score of 62.8 reflects a diverse economy with median household income of $68,447, above state average. Water quality also scores respectably at 71.8, supporting environmental health.

Safety crisis dominates the county's profile

The county's safety score of 6.9 is among the worst in the nation, reflecting Jacksonville's well-documented crime challenges that deter residents and businesses. Housing costs (12.1) are also extremely high relative to income, squeezing household budgets further.

Urban opportunity hampered by safety concerns

Duval County suits only those who can afford safer enclaves within Jacksonville or who work in specific economic sectors that justify the trade-offs. Families prioritizing safety, affordability, and walkable neighborhoods should explore safer Florida counties or relocate outside the state.

Score breakdown

Tax55.1Cost12.1Safety6.9Health41.8Schools38.6Income62.8Risk2.8Water71.8Weather26.5
🏛55.1
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠12.1
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼62.8
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡6.9
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤41.8
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓38.6
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡2.8
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧71.8
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤26.5
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨31.5
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱23.3
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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Nearby counties

Nassau County
Florida
48.6
Clay County
Florida
44
St. Johns County
Florida
50.9
Charlton County
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53.1
Baker County
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Camden County
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Bradford County
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Union County
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Deep Dives

Duval County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Duval County

via TaxByCounty

Duval County taxes above national average

At 0.779%, Duval County's effective tax rate ranks above the national median of 0.731%, placing it in the top 40% of U.S. counties. With median home values of $274,900, residents pay $2,142 annually—nearly matching the national median property tax of $2,690.

Jacksonville's second-highest tax rate

Duval County (which includes Jacksonville) ranks near the top of Florida counties at 0.779% effective rate, above the state average of 0.731%. Annual property taxes here average $2,142 compared to Florida's statewide median of $1,885.

Duval second only to DeSoto statewide

Duval County's 0.779% rate ranks second-highest among our eight counties, trailing only DeSoto's 0.873%. It exceeds Clay (0.739%), Columbia (0.743%), Dixie (0.738%), Citrus (0.591%), Escambia (0.600%), and Collier (0.661%).

What $274,900 home costs annually

On Duval County's median home value of $274,900, residents pay approximately $2,142 per year in property taxes. Including mortgage-related taxes, annual costs rise to about $2,333.

Appeal if your assessment seems high

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

via CostByCounty

Duval's urban housing costs strain middle incomes

Duval County's 24.3% rent-to-income ratio approaches the affordability ceiling, despite the county's median household income of $68,447 being slightly below the national average of $74,755. The $1,385 median rent reflects Jacksonville's status as a major urban center where housing costs command premium prices relative to local earning power.

Duval ranks among Florida's less affordable counties

At 24.3%, Duval's rent-to-income ratio exceeds Florida's state average of 22.5%, placing it among the state's more expensive markets. The $1,385 median rent runs $152 above the state average of $1,233, reflecting Jacksonville's significant metro status and concentrated demand.

Duval costs more than most comparison counties

Duval's $1,385 median rent significantly exceeds Clay County ($1,464—actually comparable despite different affordability), Columbia ($915), DeSoto ($910), and Dixie ($792). Homebuyers face median values of $274,900—higher than most rural peers but lower than premium Collier County's $486,800.

Renters face tighter budget constraints

Duval renters spend 24.3% of their $68,447 income on housing, while homeowners dedicate roughly 22.4% to monthly ownership costs on a $274,900 median home. Both figures leave less discretionary income than rural counties, making dual-income households or above-average earnings necessary for comfortable living.

Duval suits those prioritizing urban access

Consider Duval if job opportunities and urban amenities outweigh housing costs—Jacksonville offers major employment, culture, and services worth the premium pricing. For budget-conscious relocators, rural peers like Clay, Columbia, or DeSoto offer better affordability without sacrificing state residency.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Duval County

via IncomeByCounty

Duval County slightly lags national average

Duval County's median household income of $68,447 falls about $6,000 short of the U.S. median of $74,755—an 8% gap. As Florida's largest urban county, Duval earns modestly below the national typical household, reflecting a mix of professional and service-sector employment.

Middle-tier income within Florida

At $68,447, Duval County ranks slightly above Florida's state average of $65,468 by roughly $3,000. As home to Jacksonville and significant military presence, Duval County's income reflects a balanced mix of public and private sector employment.

Outearns rural peers, trails wealthy counties

Duval County's $68,447 income comfortably exceeds rural Columbia County ($55,070) and DeSoto County ($50,868) by $13,000+, but falls well short of Clay County ($86,094) and Collier County ($86,173) by roughly $18,000. This reflects Duval's urban economy relative to rural and wealthy coastal counterparts.

Housing costs lean toward upper threshold

Duval County's rent-to-income ratio of 24.3% exceeds the ideal 20% benchmark, meaning renters spend roughly $1,383 monthly on housing. The median home value of $274,900 is accessible for many households, though tight rental markets strain lower-income residents.

Opportunity for balanced wealth strategies

Duval County households earning near $68,000 have meaningful capacity for retirement savings and modest investments. Employer 401(k) matching, home equity building, and diversified savings accounts offer realistic pathways to financial security over time.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Duval County

via CrimeByCounty

Duval County Faces Significant Safety Challenges

Duval County reports a safety score of 95.1, placing it well below national safety averages. The total crime rate of 3,132.8 per 100,000 people is much higher than the national average of 2,385.5.

Below the Florida Safety Benchmark

Duval County's safety score of 95.1 lags behind the Florida state average of 98.4. Its total crime rate is triple the state average of 1,027.9, indicating high activity across its 16 reporting agencies.

Duval vs. Its Safer Neighbors

Duval County is the least safe in this comparison, with crime rates far exceeding Clay and Citrus counties. Residents here experience nearly three times the crime found in nearby Clay County.

Analyzing High Crime Volumes

Both violent crime (634.0) and property crime (2,498.8) are significantly elevated compared to state and national norms. These numbers mean that 1 in every 32 residents may be impacted by crime annually.

Prioritizing Comprehensive Home Security

In high-crime areas, comprehensive security systems are a necessity rather than a luxury. Residents should utilize monitored alarms, high-quality cameras, and neighborhood watch programs to increase safety.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Duval County

via HealthByCounty

Duval trails national life expectancy slightly

Duval County residents live to 74.3 years on average, falling 3.8 years short of the U.S. average of 78.1 years. The county's 18.5% poor/fair health rate exceeds national averages, reflecting concentrated health disparities in Jacksonville's urban core and economically disadvantaged neighborhoods.

Mid-tier health outcomes for major metro

Duval County's 74.3-year life expectancy falls 1.5 years below Florida's state average of 75.8 years, placing it in the lower half of Florida's counties. However, its 11.9% uninsured rate is notably better than the state average of 14.4%, showing relatively strong insurance coverage despite urban poverty concentrations.

Jacksonville underperforms Clay County

Duval County's 74.3-year life expectancy significantly trails neighboring Clay County's 75.4 years, despite being a much larger metropolitan area. Yet Duval matches Clay's primary care density at 81 providers per 100,000 residents, suggesting that provider supply alone does not explain the longevity gap.

Strong access masks persistent disparities

Duval County maintains 81 primary care providers and 265 mental health providers per 100,000 residents—excellent healthcare infrastructure for a major city. Yet its 11.9% uninsured rate and 18.5% poor/fair health rate suggest that geographic, social, and economic barriers prevent some residents from translating access into better health outcomes.

Ensure you have coverage this year

Duval County's 11.9% uninsured rate means nearly 1 in 8 residents lack health coverage; if you're one of them, open enrollment is your gateway. Visit your local CareerSource office, community health center, or healthcare.gov to find a plan that fits your Jacksonville family's budget.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Duval County

via SchoolsByCounty

Florida’s Urban Education Powerhouse

Duval County manages a massive network of 211 public schools serving 130,896 students. This includes 126 elementary and 42 high schools, making it one of the largest systems in the state. The infrastructure also features 17 alternative and 6 special education schools to support its vast population.

High Performance Across a Massive Scale

Duval County maintains a strong 91.0% graduation rate, exceeding the state average of 89.8%. The county achieves a school score of 52.4 and spends $6,231 per pupil, which is above the state average. These figures demonstrate that the district effectively manages quality even with its high enrollment.

A Leader in Charter School Choice

The Duval District is the primary provider, but charter schools have a major presence with 44 schools representing 20.9% of the total. These charters serve a significant portion of the county's 129,680 district students. Families here have access to one of the most diverse ranges of educational models in Florida.

The Heart of the City School Experience

With 197 schools located in city settings, Duval offers a truly urban educational environment. Schools average 629 students, but the largest high schools like Sandalwood serve upwards of 2,771 students. This provides an energetic, high-capacity school experience with endless extracurricular opportunities.

Living Near Jacksonville’s Top Schools

From historic neighborhoods to new developments, Duval County offers diverse housing near high-performing schools. Academic quality is a major driver of the local real estate market in areas like Sandalwood and Mandarin. Browse available homes to find your place in this thriving educational hub.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Duval County

via RiskByCounty

Duval ranks among nation's riskiest

Duval County's composite risk score of 97.20 places it in the "Relatively High" category and among the most hazard-exposed counties in America. This elevated profile reflects its Atlantic location, dense urban development in Jacksonville, and exposure to multiple simultaneous disaster types including hurricanes (97.66), flooding (97.55), and tornadoes (91.54).

Second-riskiest county in Florida

At 97.20, Duval County significantly exceeds Florida's state average of 75.74 and ranks as one of the state's two or three highest-risk jurisdictions. The county's Atlantic Coast position, major port infrastructure, and extensive urban footprint create compounded vulnerability to multiple disaster types.

Extreme risk even among Gulf peers

Duval County (97.20) substantially exceeds nearby Clay County (81.08) and approaches or exceeds the state's riskiest coastal counties including Collier (98.92) and Escambia (95.10). As the urban anchor of Northeast Florida, Duval concentrates both population exposure and infrastructure at risk.

Hurricanes, floods, and tornadoes converge

Hurricane risk scores 97.66, flood risk 97.55, and tornado risk 91.54—a devastating combination that threatens the Jacksonville metropolitan area from multiple directions. Storm surge, inland flooding, and severe thunderstorms create compounded seasonal hazards for this densely populated Atlantic County.

Comprehensive multi-hazard insurance critical

With a 97.66 hurricane score and 97.55 flood score, robust homeowners insurance covering wind, hail, and impact damage plus separate flood insurance are non-negotiable for Duval residents. Impact-resistant windows, reinforced roofs, and storm shutters provide practical protection; those in flood-prone neighborhoods should prioritize elevation or relocation if feasible.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Duval County

via WeatherByCounty

Northeast Florida's Temperate Edge

Duval County maintains a 70.0°F annual average, which is warm by national standards but moderate for the Southeast. The region avoids the heavy snowfall found in the northern U.S. entirely.

Just Below State Averages

Duval is slightly cooler than the 71.1°F Florida state average. Its coastal location in the northeast corner provides a bit more seasonal variety than southern counties.

Comparing Coastal Hubs

Duval is cooler than Flagler County to the south but warmer than Columbia County inland. The annual precipitation of 50.8 inches is lower than the state average of 54.8 inches.

Hot Summers, Brisk Winters

Summer averages reach 81.8°F with 74 days topping 90°F. Winter temperatures dip to a brisk average of 57.2°F, though snow remains nonexistent.

Manage the Summer Humidity

With 74 extreme heat days, efficient air conditioning is a standard requirement for Jacksonville residents. Outdoor enthusiasts should track the 50.8 inches of rain to plan activities around summer storms.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Duval County

via SoilByCounty

Northeast Florida's Acidic Edge

Duval County has an average pH of 4.56, making it one of the most acidic counties in the state. This is significantly lower than the national median of 6.5 and even the Florida average of 4.88. Such acidity strongly influences what types of native vegetation and crops can thrive without intervention.

Sand Dominance in the Urban Hub

The soil is 78.7% sand, with silt and clay making up 3.8% and 4.8% of the mix. This provides a bit more texture and 'body' than the state's sandiest regions but remains highly permeable. It is generally easy to work for landscaping, though its acidity is the primary limiting factor.

High Organic Content Supports Growth

Organic matter is a strong point for Duval at 9.57%, well above the state average of 8.03%. This organic richness helps achieve an available water capacity of 0.116 in/in, surpassing the state's typical 0.108 in/in. These numbers suggest that the soil is quite fertile if the pH is managed.

Hydrologic Realities in Duval

While specific hydrologic and drainage classes are currently unrecorded, the 78.7% sand suggests a generally well-drained profile. The high organic matter likely helps mitigate the extreme 'drying out' often seen in sandy soils. This balance makes it a versatile, though acidic, foundation for both gardens and development.

Growing Success in Zone 9b

Duval County is located in Zone 9b, supporting everything from palms to winter kale. The acidic, organic-rich soil is perfect for camellias, gardenias, and blueberries. Home gardeners should focus on using compost and occasionally lime to balance the high acidity for the best results.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Duval County

via LawnByCounty

Duval offers better growing conditions

Duval County is one of the more lawn-friendly areas in Florida with a difficulty score of 23.3. While still below the national average of 50.0, it is notably easier than the state average of 19.2.

Fewer extreme heat days than average

With only 74 extreme heat days, Duval is significantly cooler than the Florida average of 92 days. The 50.8 inches of annual rain is slightly lower than the state average but still falls within the ideal range for most grasses.

Very acidic soil needs careful management

Duval's soil pH of 4.56 is the lowest in this group, making it very acidic and difficult for nutrients to reach the roots. The soil is 78.7% sand, which allows for decent drainage but requires regular organic matter additions.

Managing 27 weeks of drought stress

The county is currently 100% in severe drought, matching the pattern seen across much of the state. To keep your lawn resilient, avoid over-fertilizing during dry spells, as this can increase the grass's need for water.

A long season for Zone 9b turf

St. Augustine grass thrives here, especially if you manage the soil pH. With the last spring frost typically passing by February 9th, you have a very early start to the growing season compared to northern neighbors.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Duval County's county score?
Duval County, Florida has a composite county score of 30.3 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 Duval County rank among counties in Florida?
Duval County ranks #67 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 Duval County, Florida?
The median annual property tax in Duval County is $2,142, with an effective tax rate of 0.78%. This earns Duval County a tax score of 55.1/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Duval County?
The median household income in Duval County, Florida is $68,447 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Duval County earns an income score of 62.8/100 on CountyScore.
Is Duval County, Florida a good place to live?
Duval County scores 30.3/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #67 in Florida. The best way to evaluate Duval 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 Duval County with other counties side by side.

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🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality🌤Weather & Climate🪨Soil Quality🌱Lawn Care🛒Farmers Markets

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