countyscore
51.7
County Score
Safety 92.2Property Tax 80.3Cost of Living 65.8

County Report Card

About Gadsden County, Florida

Gadsden Edges Out National Median

Gadsden's composite score of 51.7 modestly exceeds the national median of 50.0 and clearly outpaces Florida's state average of 45.1. The county represents above-average livability by national standards, though gains are narrow.

Upper-Half Performer Among Florida Counties

Gadsden ranks in the upper half of Florida's 67 counties, solidly above the state average and representing one of the stronger livability profiles in the state. Its composite score reflects particular strengths in specific dimensions.

Affordability and Low Taxes Lead the Way

Gadsden's greatest strengths are housing affordability (cost score 65.8) and the lowest tax burden in this group, with an effective rate of 0.552% and median home values of just $154,700. Safety is also exceptional at 92.2, creating a secure, budget-friendly environment.

Income and School Quality Are Significant Gaps

Gadsden's critical weaknesses are income (8.3) and schools (6.0)—among the lowest scores observed—with a median household income of only $46,047. Health outcomes (19.5) also lag significantly, suggesting residents may struggle with access to quality medical services.

Best for Retirees and Low-Income Households

Gadsden suits retirees and households on modest budgets seeking maximum affordability and safety in a small-town setting. Families with school-age children or those needing advanced healthcare should carefully evaluate alternatives, as these services appear limited.

2040608010080.365.892.219.568.327.658.132.5Tax80.3Cost65.8Safety92.2Health19.5Schools6Income8.3Risk27.6Water58.1Weather32.551.7/100
This county
National avg
3 above average5 below average

Gadsden County DNA

Foverall

How Gadsden County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Gadsden County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Safety (92.2/100) but notably weak in Schools (6/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
80.3+28.299999999999997
Cost
65.8+17.799999999999997
Safety
92.2+37.2
Health
19.5-30.5
Schools
6-48
Income
8.3-42.7
Risk
27.6-19.4
Water
58.1
Weather
32.5-23.5
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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$154,700

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$792/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$154,700/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$31,680/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum3.4x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $46,047/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

9.2

per 100K

Data from Federal Reserve (FRED), U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, and CMS NPPES.

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncome & Jobsincomebycounty.comSafetycrimebycounty.comHealthhealthbycounty.comSchoolsschoolsbycounty.comDisaster Riskriskbycounty.comWater Qualitywaterbycounty.comWeather & Climateweatherbycounty.comSoil Qualitysoilbycounty.comLawn Carelawnbycounty.comFarmers Marketsmarketsbycounty.comView on Mapcountyscore.com/map
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Nearby counties

Decatur County
Georgia
30.8
Leon County
Florida
34.5
Liberty County
Florida
53.4
Seminole County
Georgia
45.5
Calhoun County
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62.2
Grady County
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Jackson County
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53.9
Wakulla County
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55.5

Deep Dives

Gadsden County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 11 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Gadsden County

via TaxByCounty

Gadsden has Florida's lowest tax rate

Gadsden County's effective tax rate of 0.552% is the lowest in Florida and far below the national median. The median property tax of just $854 is one-third the national median of $2,690, making it exceptionally affordable for homeowners.

Dead last—in a good way

Gadsden ranks at the very bottom of Florida counties for property tax rate at 0.552%, well below the state average of 0.731%. Its median property tax of $854 is the lowest statewide, less than half the state median of $1,885.

Unbeatable taxes in the Big Bend region

Gadsden's 0.552% effective rate significantly undercuts Franklin (0.618%), Gilchrist (0.681%), and Hamilton (0.730%). Even compared to other rural North Florida counties, Gadsden offers the most tax-friendly environment for homeowners.

Median home costs only $854 yearly

A homeowner with a median-valued $154,700 home in Gadsden County pays approximately $854 annually in property taxes. This remarkable affordability reflects both low tax rates and modest home values in this rural county.

Even low taxes can be appealed

Gadsden County homeowners should still verify assessments against recent comparable sales in their areas. While taxes are already among Florida's lowest, successful appeals could save hundreds more if your assessed value exceeds what similar homes sell for.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Gadsden County

via CostByCounty

Gadsden offers working-class relief

Gadsden County residents spend 20.6% of income on rent, a full 7.4 percentage points below Florida's state average and among the nation's most affordable markets. With a median household income of $46,047, Gadsden demonstrates that true affordability can exist in a lower-income community when rents stay proportionally modest.

Gadsden's affordability strength

Gadsden's 20.6% rent-to-income ratio ranks well below Florida's 22.5% state average, a significant achievement given the county's $46,047 median income. The $792 monthly median rent—the lowest among surveyed Florida counties—underscores Gadsden's position as a genuinely accessible housing market.

Lowest rents in North Florida

Gadsden's $792 rent is dramatically lower than Flagler ($1,687), Gulf ($1,161), and Gilchrist ($855), positioning it as North Florida's most economical rental choice. This affordability advantage persists despite Gadsden's lower median income, reflecting smaller-scale community demand and rural character.

Gadsden's lean housing economy

Renters allocate $792 monthly from a median income of $46,047, consuming just 20.6% of earnings and freeing up substantial funds for other needs. Homeowners pay $719 monthly on properties valued at $154,700 (18.7% of income), making homeownership accessible to working families in this North Florida county.

Gadsden for genuine affordability

If Florida housing costs have you priced out elsewhere, Gadsden County offers the state's lowest rent without sacrificing respectability or services. The trade-off: smaller-scale employment and less tourism infrastructure than coastal peers, but unbeatable housing economics for those working remotely or locally.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Gadsden County

via IncomeByCounty

Gadsden's income gap widens nationally

Gadsden County's median household income of $46,047 falls significantly below the national median of $74,755—a gap of nearly $29,000. The county's per capita income of $23,206 is also well below national averages, indicating substantial economic challenges requiring targeted financial strategies.

Among Florida's lowest-income counties

Gadsden's median household income of $46,047 ranks in Florida's lowest quartile, running 29.6% below the state average of $65,468. The county's per capita income of $23,206 is significantly lower than Florida's state average of $35,698, reflecting limited economic opportunities and wages.

Gadsden faces steeper income challenges

Gadsden's $46,047 median household income trails most adjacent North Florida counties, including Leon County (the capital region) and rural neighbors. The county's income gap signals unique structural economic challenges compared to neighboring areas with more diverse employment bases.

Housing remains affordable despite low income

Gadsden's rent-to-income ratio of 20.6% is well below the 30% threshold, providing strong housing affordability even for lower-income households. However, the median home value of $154,700 still represents significant burden relative to the county's $46,047 median household income, requiring careful financial management.

Build wealth through intentional planning

Gadsden residents should prioritize budgeting, emergency savings, and exploring higher-wage employment opportunities or career advancement. Community resources, vocational training, and local economic development initiatives can help households increase earning potential and build long-term financial security.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Gadsden County

via CrimeByCounty

Gadsden County Boasts High Safety Ratings

With a safety score of 99.8, Gadsden is far safer than the typical American community. Its total crime rate of 121.2 per 100,000 is a fraction of the national average of 2,385.5.

Outpacing the Florida State Average

Gadsden’s total crime rate of 121.2 is nearly ten times lower than the Florida state average of 1,027.9. This puts the county in an elite tier of safety compared to its peers.

Regional Comparison with Neighbors

Twelve local agencies keep crime rates low, resulting in a profile much quieter than surrounding areas. The county's safety score of 99.8 consistently beats the state average of 98.4.

Low Rates Across Crime Categories

Violent crime is rare at 16.0 incidents per 100,000, while property crime is also low at 105.2. These numbers indicate minimal risk compared to the national property crime rate of 2,015.7.

Protecting Your Local Property

Securing your home provides peace of mind and deters opportunistic theft. Modern security systems complement the hard work of Gadsden's twelve reporting agencies.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Gadsden County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Diverse Network of Town Schools

Gadsden County features a broad infrastructure of 17 public schools supporting 4,616 students. The landscape includes six elementary, two middle, and two high schools, along with seven specialized facilities. A single district manages this network across a mix of town and rural locales.

Navigating Performance and Funding

Gadsden's 77.0% graduation rate sits below the national benchmark of 87.0%. Per-pupil expenditure is currently $5,496, which is lower than the Florida average of $6,118. The county's school score of 43.4 reflects the challenges of balancing performance with available financial resources.

Local District and Magnet Opportunities

The Gadsden School District manages all 4,616 students, with Crossroad Academy operating as a prominent charter school for 553 students. Havana Magnet School is another key pillar, serving 505 primary students. Charter and magnet programs represent a significant portion of the county's specialized educational offerings.

Town and Rural School Life

School life in Gadsden is split between nine town-based schools and eight rural locations. The average school size is relatively small at 289 students, though Gadsden County High School serves as a major center with 1,006 pupils. This mix provides families with the choice between intimate rural classrooms and larger town campuses.

Finding Community Near Gadsden Schools

Homebuyers in Gadsden often prioritize residences near Havana or Quincy to stay close to the county's largest school hubs. The variety of school types, from magnet to charter, offers diverse pathways for children in the community. Explore the town-center neighborhoods to find a home within walking distance of local campuses.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Gadsden County

via RiskByCounty

Gadsden's risk sits near national average

Gadsden County's composite risk score of 72.39 falls just below the national average, marking it as relatively low risk overall. This score reflects inland protection from some coastal hazards, though tornado and hurricane exposure persist.

Below-average risk for Florida

Gadsden's score of 72.39 sits slightly below Florida's state average of 75.74, positioning it among the safer counties in the state. The county benefits from its inland location while remaining vulnerable to several hazard types.

Comparable to North Florida peers

Gadsden's 72.39 score aligns closely with Leon County and slightly above Gilchrist County (27.96), reflecting the diversity of risk across the Big Bend region. As a northern tier county, it faces less hurricane exposure than coastal neighbors.

Tornadoes and hurricanes lead threats

Tornado risk of 83.81 is Gadsden's highest hazard, paired with hurricane risk of 91.45 that remains significant despite inland location. Wildfire risk of 79.61 adds another threat, particularly during dry seasons.

Bundle tornado and hurricane coverage

Gadsden residents should prioritize homeowners insurance that covers wind damage from both tornadoes and hurricanes, given the 83.81 and 91.45 risk scores. Flood insurance is recommended for low-lying properties, though tornado damage is the more immediate local threat.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Gadsden County

via WaterByCounty

Gadsden County Maintains Strong Drinking Water Compliance

Gadsden County earns a C grade with only 3 health violations recorded over the last five years. Its violation rate of 7.9 per 100,000 residents is far superior to the Florida average of 43.4 and beats national trends. This suggests a reliable level of safety within the local public water infrastructure.

Healthy Watersheds Show Low Levels of Impairment

Only 20.3% of assessed water bodies in Gadsden County fail to meet Clean Water Act standards as of the 2022 cycle. This impairment rate is roughly half the state average of 38.8%. Mercury in fish tissue and total nitrogen remain the primary stressors identified by environmental regulators.

Extensive Records Focus on Organic and Pesticide Data

Nearly 100 monitoring sites across the county have collected 44,224 measurements in the past five years. Analysts prioritize tracking organics and pesticides to ensure the safety of the local environment. This consistent data stream helps identify potential pollution events before they impact the broader watershed.

Apalachicola River at Chattahoochee Faces Low Flow

The primary USGS gauge at Chattahoochee currently reports a discharge of 9,120 cubic feet per second. This is just 43% of the typical flow level for this time of year. Reduced volumes in this major river system can affect everything from local recreation to power plant cooling.

Maintain Vigilance Over Mercury and Nutrient Runoff

While drinking water compliance is high, the presence of mercury and nitrogen in local streams requires community awareness. Reducing fertilizer use on lawns can help lower the nitrogen levels in the 20% of waters currently listed as impaired. Follow local guidelines for fish consumption to avoid mercury exposure from the watershed.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Gadsden County

via WeatherByCounty

A Warmer Subtropical Profile

Gadsden County averages 67.4°F annually, which is significantly warmer than the national median temperature. This humid subtropical climate receives 59.8 inches of rain, far exceeding the average precipitation seen across the United States.

One of Florida’s Cooler Corners

At 67.4°F, Gadsden is roughly four degrees cooler than the Florida state average of 71.1°F. It ranks as one of the state's cooler counties due to its northern Panhandle location.

Wet and Mild Compared to Neighbors

Gadsden is wetter than neighboring Gilchrist, receiving nearly five more inches of annual rain. While its 79 extreme heat days are higher than coastal Gulf County, it remains cooler than the central peninsula.

Hot Summers and Snowless Winters

The county endures 79 days of extreme heat above 90°F during summers that average 80.7°F. Winters are mild at 53.3°F, and while snowfall data is unavailable, frozen precipitation is historically rare here.

Prepare for Rain and Humidity

Residents should maintain heavy-duty gutters to manage the 59.8 inches of annual rainfall. With 79 days of extreme heat, reliable air conditioning and humidity control are essential for home comfort.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Gadsden County

via SoilByCounty

Typical Florida Acidity in Gadsden Soils

Gadsden County soil records an average pH of 5.12, making it less acidic than the Florida average of 4.88 but much more so than the national 6.5 median. This acidity is common for the region and influences both forest health and agricultural output. Taxonomical classifications are limited, but the pH suggests a soil requiring regular management.

Heavy Sand and Low Silt Mix

With a composition of 86.6% sand and only 5.8% clay, Gadsden's soil is very light and prone to erosion. The silt content remains low at 6.7%, resulting in a soil that does not compact easily. This texture is ideal for root crops but requires frequent watering and feeding.

Lower Organic Matter and Water Retention

The organic matter content is just 2.22%, which is significantly lower than the Florida average of 8.03% but slightly above the national average. Available water capacity is also low at 0.082 in/in compared to the state average of 0.108. Growers here must work harder to build up soil health through composting.

Dry Conditions in Highly Permeable Ground

While drainage class data is not available, the 86.6% sand content points toward a soil that drains very rapidly. This helps prevent root rot but means the ground holds little moisture for long periods. Farmers and builders must plan for high infiltration rates across the county.

Gardening in the Zone 9a Climate

Gadsden County's 9a hardiness zone is perfect for peaches, pecans, and various citrus varieties. Because the organic matter is low at 2.22%, adding mulch and compost is the key to a productive backyard garden. Start small and focus on building your soil's ability to hold water and nutrients.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Gadsden County

via LawnByCounty

Upland Florida Turf Faces Steep Hurdles

Gadsden County has a lawn difficulty score of 18.8, falling below even the challenging Florida state average of 19.2. Located in Zone 9a, this area requires high-maintenance strategies to overcome environmental stresses that are twice as difficult as the national median.

High Precipitation Demands Superior Lawn Drainage

At 59.8 inches of annual rain, Gadsden is significantly wetter than the 50-inch ideal limit for many turf types. This moisture, combined with 79 extreme heat days, creates a prime environment for fungal diseases and rapid weed growth.

High Sand Content Limits Nutrient Retention

The soil is 86.6% sand and only 5.8% clay, resulting in very low nutrient-holding capacity. Because the pH sits at 5.12, lawns generally need significant lime applications to approach the ideal 6.0-7.0 level.

Current Drought Spells Impact Turf Recovery

Gadsden has endured 28 weeks of drought in the past year, and the entire county currently experiences severe drought conditions. Residents must use supplemental irrigation during these dry spells to prevent permanent grass dormancy in the sandy soil.

Spring Planting Window Begins in Mid-March

Centipede and Bermuda grasses are hardy choices for Zone 9a once the final frost passes around March 13. While local growing season data is unavailable, the high growing degree days suggest grass will stay active until the November frosts.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Gadsden County's county score?
Gadsden County, Florida has a composite county score of 51.7 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 Gadsden County rank among counties in Florida?
Gadsden County ranks #19 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 Gadsden County, Florida?
The median annual property tax in Gadsden County is $854, with an effective tax rate of 0.55%. This earns Gadsden County a tax score of 80.3/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Gadsden County?
The median household income in Gadsden County, Florida is $46,047 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Gadsden County earns an income score of 8.3/100 on CountyScore.
Is Gadsden County, Florida a good place to live?
Gadsden County scores 51.7/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #19 in Florida. The best way to evaluate Gadsden 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 Gadsden County with other counties side by side.
By Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & Data Editor

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Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers Markets

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