countyscore
45.5
County Score
Income & Jobs 73.8Safety 66.8Health 63.8

County Report Card

About Flagler County, Florida

Flagler Slightly Below National Average

Flagler's composite score of 45.5 falls just shy of the national median of 50.0, placing it near the middle of the pack nationally. The county performs close to Florida's state average of 45.1, suggesting fairly typical livability conditions for the state.

Middle-of-Road Among Florida Counties

Flagler ranks in the middle tier among Florida's 67 counties, neither a clear leader nor a laggard in overall livability. Its score mirrors the state average, indicating it represents a typical Florida county experience.

Strong Incomes and Safety Stand Out

Flagler's standout strength is its income score of 73.8, with a median household income of $72,923—well above both state and national benchmarks. The county also boasts solid safety (66.8) and health (63.8) scores, supported by reasonable tax rates of 0.788%.

Housing Costs and Risk Are Concerns

The county's major weakness is affordability: a cost score of just 11.9 reflects median home values of $333,400 and rents averaging $1,687 monthly, making it one of Florida's pricier markets. Risk mitigation (17.2) and school quality (35.4) also lag, requiring attention from potential residents.

Ideal for Well-Earning, Risk-Tolerant Households

Flagler suits established professionals and retirees with solid incomes seeking a safe, healthy coastal community—if they're comfortable with higher real estate costs. Families prioritizing schools or risk management may want to explore more affordable alternatives elsewhere in Florida.

Score breakdown

Tax54.3Cost11.9Safety66.8Health63.8Schools35.4Income73.8Risk17.2Water46.2Weather32.4
🏛54.3
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠11.9
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼73.8
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡66.8
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤63.8
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
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🎓35.4
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
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⚡17.2
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧46.2
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤32.4
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨33.2
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱27.6
Lawn Care
Lawn difficulty score based on climate, soil, and grass suitability
LawnByCounty →
🛒
Farmers Markets
Local market density, SNAP/EBT acceptance, and product variety
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Nearby counties

Putnam County
Florida
37.5
Volusia County
Florida
34.2
St. Johns County
Florida
50.9
Clay County
Florida
44
Lake County
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46
Marion County
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Seminole County
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Bradford County
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Deep Dives

Flagler County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Flagler County

via TaxByCounty

Flagler taxes slightly above US average

Flagler County's effective tax rate of 0.788% sits above the state average of 0.731%, placing it in the middle-to-upper tier nationally. The median property tax here is $2,628, nearly matching the national median of $2,690, despite homes being worth more ($333,400 vs. $281,900 nationally).

Higher than most Florida counties

Flagler ranks in the upper third of Florida counties for effective tax rate at 0.788%, well above the state average of 0.731%. Its median property tax of $2,628 exceeds the state median of $1,885 by 39%.

Most expensive taxes in Northeast Florida

Compared to neighboring counties, Flagler carries the highest effective tax rate (0.788%) and the highest median property tax ($2,628). Franklin County to the west taxes at just 0.618%, and Volusia County residents typically pay less despite similar home values.

Own a median home? Expect $2,628 yearly

A homeowner with a $333,400 median-valued home in Flagler County pays approximately $2,628 annually in property taxes. With a mortgage, that bill stays roughly the same at $2,606; without one, it rises slightly to $2,662.

You may be overassessed—appeal it

Many Flagler County homeowners discover their properties were assessed higher than market value during appeals. If your tax bill seems steep relative to recent sales in your neighborhood, filing a Value Adjustment Board appeal costs nothing and could lower your assessment.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Flagler County

via CostByCounty

Flagler rents eat into incomes

Flagler County residents spend 27.8% of income on rent, significantly above the national norm where housing should consume no more than 28% of gross income. The county's rent-to-income ratio pushes renters into affordability strain compared to the national median household income of $74,755, which is $1,832 higher than Flagler's $72,923.

Above Florida's housing burden

At 27.8%, Flagler's rent-to-income ratio ranks higher than Florida's state average of 22.5%, signaling tighter affordability across the county. Median gross rent here is $1,687 monthly—$454 above the state median—making Flagler one of Florida's pricier rental markets despite moderate incomes.

Flagler vs. nearby counties

Flagler's $1,687 median rent substantially exceeds neighboring Franklin County ($1,044) and Gulf County ($1,161), though it reflects Flagler's slightly higher income base and coastal demand. Among comparable central Florida counties, Flagler occupies the higher end of the rental spectrum, with only a handful of state peers commanding steeper rents.

Where Flagler income goes

Renters in Flagler allocate $1,687 monthly to rent from a median household income of $72,923, consuming 27.8% of earnings before taxes and other expenses. Homeowners fare better, with median monthly owner costs of $1,163 (19.1% of income), reflecting a median home value of $333,400 that appeals to retirees and affluent relocators.

Considering Flagler? Compare wisely

Flagler's coastal charm and retirement appeal come at a rental premium—expect to pay significantly more than inland Florida counties. If you're budget-conscious, neighboring Franklin or Gulf counties offer similar lifestyles at lower housing costs, though Flagler's higher incomes suggest better long-term earning potential.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Flagler County

via IncomeByCounty

Flagler's income edges past national average

Flagler County's median household income of $72,923 sits just shy of the nation's $74,755 median, placing it in the upper-middle tier nationally. The county's per capita income of $43,100 exceeds the national per capita benchmark, signaling relatively strong earning power across households.

Above-average earner among Florida counties

At $72,923, Flagler's median household income runs 11.3% above Florida's state average of $65,468. The county ranks solidly in the upper half of Florida's 67 counties by household income, reflecting a more affluent demographic mix than most of the state.

Flagler leads nearby rural counties

Flagler's $72,923 median household income significantly outpaces neighboring Volusia County's typical rural margins and matches or beats income levels across Central Florida's smaller counties. The county's per capita income of $43,100 is notably higher than most adjacent rural areas in north-central Florida.

Housing costs remain manageable here

Flagler's rent-to-income ratio of 27.8% falls within the federal affordability threshold of 30%, meaning housing payments take up a reasonable share of household earnings. With a median home value of $333,400, the county offers relatively balanced housing costs for its income level compared to coastal Florida.

Build financial security in Flagler

With income above national and state averages, Flagler households are well-positioned to save and invest for retirement and long-term wealth. Consider leveraging your above-average earnings to establish emergency funds, diversify investments, and take advantage of employer retirement plans.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Flagler County

via CrimeByCounty

Flagler County Outperforms National Safety Standards

Flagler County maintains a high safety score of 98.8 out of 100. Its total crime rate of 780.3 per 100,000 residents remains significantly lower than the national average of 2,385.5.

A Leader in Florida Public Safety

The county exceeds the Florida state average safety score of 98.4. Its total crime rate of 780.3 is notably lower than the state average of 1,027.9 per 100,000 residents.

Regional Safety Trends Favor Flagler

Compared to nearby Florida counties, Flagler reports a much lower volume of incidents. Nine local reporting agencies coordinate to maintain this impressive safety profile across the region.

Low Rates for Violent and Property Crime

Property crime accounts for 611.0 incidents per 100,000 residents, while violent crime remains low at 169.3. These figures are both well below national averages of 2,015.7 and 369.8, respectively.

Prioritizing Home Security Awareness

While crime remains low, residents should still practice basic home security measures. Securing entry points and using outdoor lighting help maintain the county's strong safety record.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Flagler County

via HealthByCounty

Flagler residents live longer than average

At 77.9 years, Flagler County's life expectancy outpaces the U.S. average of 76.1 years by nearly two years. The county's 15.7% poor or fair health rate sits below the national average of 17.8%, suggesting residents here report better overall health outcomes.

Among Florida's healthier counties

Flagler's 77.9-year life expectancy ranks it above Florida's state average of 75.8 years, a notable advantage of 2.1 years. With an uninsured rate of 11.4%—below the state's 14.4%—more residents here have coverage than the Florida norm.

Outperforming nearby rural counties

Flagler's life expectancy of 77.9 years significantly exceeds neighboring Volusia County's 76.8 years and rural Gilchrist County's 74.9 years. The county also maintains lower uninsured rates than Franklin County (19.7%) and Gadsden County (16.4%), indicating better healthcare access in the region.

Strong provider presence supports care

Flagler offers 53 primary care providers per 100,000 residents—above the state median—and 90 mental health providers per 100,000, making specialty care accessible. Only 11.4% of residents lack health insurance, one of the lowest rates across these eight counties.

Explore your health insurance options

If you're among the 11.4% of Flagler residents without coverage, healthcare.gov and Florida's marketplace offer plans to fit your budget and health needs. With strong local providers ready to see you, getting insured is your next step to better health.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Flagler County

via SchoolsByCounty

Large-Scale Learning in Flagler County

Flagler County operates a robust infrastructure of 13 public schools, including seven elementary and four high schools. A single district manages the education of 13,331 students across the county. This concentrated system provides a streamlined academic path for local families.

High Graduation Rates Lead the Way

The county boasts an impressive 92.0% graduation rate, significantly outpacing the national average of 87.0%. While per-pupil expenditure sits at $5,369—lower than the state average of $6,118—the county maintains a solid school score of 51.1. These metrics suggest the district achieves high outcomes despite leaner spending.

The Power of the Flagler District

The Flagler School District serves as the sole provider, managing all 13,331 students in the region. Charter school options are available but limited, representing just 7.7% of the total school landscape. This centralized structure ensures consistent standards across the diverse student population.

A Suburuban Educational Environment

Most students attend one of the eight suburban schools, where the average school size is a large 1,111 students. Flagler-Palm Coast High School leads the county with 2,523 students, while Belle Terre Elementary provides a smaller primary setting for 1,190 children. The remaining five schools offer a more rural experience for residents on the outskirts.

Find a Home Near Flagler Schools

Families seeking high-performing high schools often look for homes near the top-rated Flagler-Palm Coast area. With graduation rates beating both state and national benchmarks, Flagler County remains a premier destination for education-focused homebuyers. Explore the mix of suburban and rural neighborhoods to find your perfect fit.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Flagler County

via RiskByCounty

Flagler faces above-average disaster risk

Flagler County's composite risk score of 82.76 places it well above the national average, marking it as a relatively moderate risk zone. This score reflects exposure to multiple hazards, particularly hurricanes and wildfires that threaten the region.

Higher risk than most Florida counties

With a score of 82.76, Flagler ranks among Florida's higher-risk counties compared to the state average of 75.74. The county's vulnerability stems from its coastal location and susceptibility to multiple concurrent hazards.

Riskier than nearby inland counties

Flagler's 82.76 score significantly exceeds neighboring inland counties like Volusia and St. Johns, driven by its exceptional hurricane risk of 94.95. Its wildfire risk of 88.17 also outpaces most central Florida neighbors.

Hurricanes and wildfires dominate

Hurricane risk reaches 94.95 in Flagler—among the highest in the state—while wildfire risk of 88.17 threatens both structures and forests. Combined flood risk of 79.20 means coastal and low-lying areas face compounding storm surge and rainfall hazards.

Prioritize comprehensive hurricane coverage

Flagler residents should ensure robust homeowners insurance with separate windstorm/hurricane coverage, given the 94.95 hurricane risk score. Consider flood insurance as a critical supplement, especially within mapped flood zones, to protect against storm surge and heavy rainfall.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Flagler County

via WeatherByCounty

Consistent Coastal Warmth

Flagler County enjoys a 71.4°F annual average, typical of the warm Atlantic coast. This temperature profile is significantly higher than the national median.

Mirroring the State Average

Flagler's 71.4°F average nearly perfectly matches the Florida state average of 71.1°F. It serves as a great benchmark for the state's overall climate.

Milder Than Inland Counties

Despite its warmth, Flagler only sees 46 extreme heat days, far fewer than DeSoto’s 114. The Atlantic Ocean helps regulate temperatures, preventing the extreme spikes seen inland.

The Most Pleasant Summers

Summer averages a manageable 81.7°F, and snowfall data is unfortunately not recorded for this region. Winter stays very mild, averaging 59.3°F during the coldest months.

Coastal Gear is Key

The moderate number of extreme heat days makes this a great spot for outdoor planning. Focus on rust-resistant outdoor furniture to combat the coastal air and 51.4 inches of rain.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Flagler County

via SoilByCounty

Acidic Sands Define the Flagler Landscape

Flagler County features an average soil pH of 5.08, which is slightly less acidic than the Florida average of 4.88. However, this level remains significantly more acidic than the national median of 6.5, requiring specific plant choices. Local data on taxonomic order remains limited, but the chemical profile suggests a typical coastal Florida chemistry.

A Heavily Sandy Composition Affects Drainage

The soil is overwhelmingly sand at 83.3%, with minimal silt and clay at 3.0% and 4.1% respectively. This high sand content ensures easy workability but offers very little natural nutrient retention. Gardeners here must manage a substrate that moves water and minerals through the profile rapidly.

Rich Organic Matter Boosts Growing Potential

With 8.28% organic matter, Flagler outperforms both the state average of 8.03% and the national average of 2.0%. The available water capacity sits at 0.109 in/in, providing a stable foundation for plant health. This combination helps offset the nutrient leaching common in sandy soils.

Managing Water Flow in Coastal Soils

While specific drainage and hydrologic classifications are not formally listed for this area, the 83.3% sand content suggests high permeability. Building and farming projects must account for rapid infiltration rather than surface runoff. These characteristics generally favor structures that require well-draining foundations.

Thriving in Hardiness Zone 9b

Flagler County sits in USDA Hardiness Zone 9b, making it ideal for citrus, blueberries, and salt-tolerant ornamentals. The high organic matter provides a head start for backyard vegetable gardens if you monitor the acidic pH. Start your garden today with acid-loving varieties like azaleas or camellias.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Flagler County

via LawnByCounty

Coastal Conditions Create a Moderate Lawn Challenge

Flagler earns a lawn difficulty score of 27.6, which is notably better than the Florida average of 19.2 but well below the national median of 50.0. In USDA Hardiness Zone 9b, homeowners must manage turf that grows nearly year-round in a subtropical environment.

High Rainfall Drives Aggressive Growth Cycles

The county receives 51.4 inches of annual precipitation, slightly exceeding the ideal lawn range of 50 inches. While the 46 extreme heat days are fewer than the state average of 92, the 7,885 growing degree days demand a rigorous mowing schedule.

Acidic Sands Require Nutrient and pH Support

With a soil pH of 5.08, the ground is significantly more acidic than the 6.0-7.0 range turfgrass prefers. The soil is 83.3% sand, meaning water and nutrients leach away quickly and require frequent organic amendments.

Severe Drought Conditions Grip the Coastline

Flagler spent 28 weeks in drought over the last year, and 100% of the county currently faces severe drought. Property owners should focus on deep watering cycles to encourage deep root systems before the heat intensifies.

Start Your Turf After the January Frost

St. Augustine and Zoysia are the top choices for this 9b zone once the risk of frost passes after January 24. While specific growing season data is limited, the warm climate allows for a long, productive window for establishing new sod.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Flagler County's county score?
Flagler County, Florida has a composite county score of 45.5 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 Flagler County rank among counties in Florida?
Flagler County ranks #33 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 Flagler County, Florida?
The median annual property tax in Flagler County is $2,628, with an effective tax rate of 0.79%. This earns Flagler County a tax score of 54.3/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Flagler County?
The median household income in Flagler County, Florida is $72,923 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Flagler County earns an income score of 73.8/100 on CountyScore.
Is Flagler County, Florida a good place to live?
Flagler County scores 45.5/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #33 in Florida. The best way to evaluate Flagler 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 Flagler 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.