countyscore
61.1
County Score
Safety 90.4Water Quality 86Disaster Risk 72.1

County Report Card

About Gilchrist County, Florida

Gilchrist Outperforms National Benchmarks

Gilchrist's composite score of 61.1 significantly exceeds the national median of 50.0, ranking it in the upper quarter nationally. The county substantially outperforms Florida's state average of 45.1, emerging as one of the state's strongest livability markets.

Top Tier Among Florida's 67 Counties

Gilchrist ranks among Florida's elite counties for livability, with a score well above the state average and among the highest in this analysis. The county demonstrates strong, well-balanced performance across multiple quality-of-life dimensions.

Water Quality and Risk Management Excel

Gilchrist's standout strengths are water quality (86.0) and risk management (72.1), reflecting clean natural resources and resilient infrastructure. Housing is also highly affordable (cost 65.0) with median home values of $191,000 and rents at $855 monthly, plus solid safety (90.4).

Health and Income Growth Lag Behind

Gilchrist's weaker dimensions are health (35.8) and income (42.2), with a median household income of $61,070 suggesting limited high-earning opportunities. Healthcare access and quality appear to be areas where additional investment could improve resident outcomes.

Ideal for Environmentally Conscious Families

Gilchrist appeals to families and professionals seeking excellent water quality, climate resilience, and affordable housing in a stable, safe environment. Those prioritizing healthcare excellence or high-wage employment may need to supplement local resources, but the county's environmental strengths are exceptional.

2040608010065.26590.435.84242.272.18634.3Tax65.2Cost65Safety90.4Health35.8Schools42Income42.2Risk72.1Water86Weather34.361.1/100
This county
National avg
5 above average3 below average

Gilchrist County DNA

Doverall

How Gilchrist County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Gilchrist County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Safety (90.4/100) but notably weak in Weather & Climate (34.3/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
65.2+13.200000000000003
Cost
65+17
Safety
90.4+35.400000000000006
Health
35.8-14.200000000000003
Schools
42-12
Income
42.2-8.799999999999997
Risk
72.1+25.099999999999994
Water
86+28
Weather
34.3-21.700000000000003
Sponsored

Compare mortgage rates in Gilchrist County

Whether buying or refinancing in Gilchrist County, compare rates from top lenders to find the best deal.

See Today's Rates

Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$191,000

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$855/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$191,000/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$34,200/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum3.1x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $61,070/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

5.4

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
Compare Gilchrist County with Copper River Census Area →Share on X

Counties with similar scores

Copper River Census Area
Alaska
Median income: $75,053
61.1
Murray County
Georgia
Median income: $67,880
61.1
Stark County
Illinois
Median income: $62,284
61.1
Franklin County
Indiana
Median income: $79,702
61.1
Adams County
Iowa
Median income: $68,828
61.1
Hyde County
North Carolina
Median income: $47,338
61.1
Cameron County
Pennsylvania
Median income: $47,681
61.1
Archer County
Texas
Median income: $71,958
61.1

Nearby counties

Dixie County
Florida
51
Lafayette County
Florida
62.9
Alachua County
Florida
32.1
Columbia County
Florida
44.2
Suwannee County
Florida
56.2
Union County
Florida
57.2
Levy County
Florida
47.6
Bradford County
Florida
60.2

Deep Dives

Gilchrist County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Gilchrist County

via TaxByCounty

Gilchrist taxes fall below national average

Gilchrist County's effective tax rate of 0.681% sits slightly below Florida's state average of 0.731% and well below the national median. The median property tax of $1,301 is significantly lower than the national median of $2,690, reflecting rural Florida's tax advantages.

Below-average taxes for rural Florida

Gilchrist ranks in the lower half of Florida counties at 0.681% effective rate, about 7% below the state average of 0.731%. Its median property tax of $1,301 is 31% lower than the state median of $1,885.

More affordable than Flagler and Hamilton

Gilchrist's 0.681% rate is lower than Flagler's 0.788% and nearly identical to Hamilton's 0.730%, but Gilchrist homeowners pay less total tax due to lower home values. At a median home value of $191,000, Gilchrist offers a sweet spot of reasonable rates and affordable properties.

Median home: roughly $1,301 yearly

A homeowner with a $191,000 median-valued home in Gilchrist County pays approximately $1,301 per year in property taxes. With a mortgage, the bill rises to $1,597; without one, it drops to $1,045.

Challenge your assessment for savings

If your Gilchrist County home's assessed value hasn't been reviewed recently, it may be overvalued relative to current market sales. Filing a Value Adjustment Board appeal costs nothing and could reduce your annual bill by hundreds if your assessment exceeds comparable recent sales.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Gilchrist County

via CostByCounty

Gilchrist leads housing affordability

Gilchrist County residents spend just 16.8% of income on rent—among the lowest rent-to-income ratios nationally and far below the 28% affordability threshold. With median household income at $61,070 and rent at $855 monthly, Gilchrist offers exceptional housing value by national standards.

Gilchrist beats Florida average

At 16.8%, Gilchrist's rent-to-income ratio is the strongest in this eight-county survey and well below Florida's 22.5% state average. The county's $855 median rent runs $378 lower than the state median of $1,233, making Gilchrist a genuine affordability standout.

Gilchrist's rental sweet spot

Gilchrist's $855 rent splits the difference between Gadsden's $792 and Flagler's $1,687, but pairs with higher income than most neighbors, delivering optimal affordability. Only Gadsden beats Gilchrist on pure rent levels, but Gilchrist's $61,070 median income provides stronger financial stability.

Gilchrist's favorable housing math

Renters spend $855 monthly from a $61,070 median income, consuming just 16.8% of earnings and retaining 83.2% for taxes, living expenses, and wealth-building. Homeowners encounter median monthly costs of $623 (12.2% of income), with median home values of $191,000 offering affordable entry into homeownership.

Gilchrist: Florida's best housing value

Gilchrist County delivers the strongest rent-to-income balance among comparable Florida counties, freeing up maximum income for other priorities. If you prioritize housing affordability with modest income requirements, Gilchrist's rural charm and low housing burden offer unbeatable relocation economics.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Gilchrist County

via IncomeByCounty

Gilchrist's income trails U.S. average

Gilchrist County's median household income of $61,070 falls short of the national median of $74,755 by about $13,700. The county's per capita income of $33,507 is also below national benchmarks, reflecting the economic profile of a small, rural North Florida community.

Below-average earner in Florida

Gilchrist's median household income of $61,070 sits 6.7% below Florida's state average of $65,468, placing it in the lower-middle tier of Florida counties. The per capita income of $33,507 is slightly lower than the state average of $35,698, indicating modest earning power across the county.

Gilchrist matches small rural county pattern

Gilchrist's $61,070 median household income is comparable to nearby Franklin County ($62,734) and slightly above Hamilton County ($47,696). The county's rural character limits employment diversity, but its income levels remain stable relative to other North Florida small counties.

Strong housing affordability for residents

Gilchrist's rent-to-income ratio of 16.8% is among Florida's lowest, well below the 30% affordability threshold. The median home value of $191,000 is very manageable relative to household incomes, providing genuine housing security for Gilchrist residents.

Leverage affordability to build savings

Gilchrist's low housing costs free up household budgets for savings, retirement accounts, and debt reduction—key wealth-building tools. Focus on career development and exploring remote work opportunities to supplement local income sources and accelerate financial progress.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Gilchrist County

via CrimeByCounty

Gilchrist County Maintains a Safe Profile

The county’s safety score of 99.7 reflects a total crime rate of 182.6 per 100,000 people. This is remarkably lower than the national average of 2,385.5, highlighting a secure rural environment.

Strong Performance Against State Benchmarks

Gilchrist outperforms the Florida average safety score of 98.4. Its total crime rate remains significantly below the state average of 1,027.9, thanks to the efforts of eight local agencies.

Gilchrist vs. Regional Peers

Compared to more populated Florida counties, Gilchrist offers a much calmer environment with fewer reported incidents. This data places it among the safer corridors in northern Florida.

Breaking Down the Incident Data

Property crimes make up the majority of reports at 160.5 per 100,000, while violent crimes are minimal at 22.1. These figures are well below the national violent crime rate of 369.8.

Enhancing Your Home Security

Residents help keep rates low by remaining alert and reporting suspicious activity. Basic home safety habits ensure that Gilchrist continues to be a safe place to live.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Gilchrist County

via SchoolsByCounty

Simple, Effective Rural Infrastructure

Gilchrist County operates 7 public schools, including three elementary and three high schools, for a total of 2,839 students. One school district oversees all educational operations in this region. The absence of charter schools keeps the focus entirely on the local public district system.

Outperforming State Academic Standards

Gilchrist impresses with a 92.0% graduation rate, well above the state's 89.8% average. The county maintains a school score of 52.7, exceeding both the state average and the national median. This high performance comes with a per-pupil investment of $6,128, which aligns perfectly with Florida's statewide average.

Unified District Excellence

The Gilchrist School District is the sole education provider, managing all 2,839 students without any charter competition. This unified approach appears to yield strong results, particularly in high school completion. Residents benefit from a consistent curriculum across all seven rural campuses.

Purely Rural Educational Roots

Every single school in Gilchrist County is classified as rural, reflecting the area's agricultural and small-town heritage. Schools average 473 students, with Trenton Elementary serving as the largest campus at 809 students. The smallest schools, like the Gilchrist Virtual Franchise, offer digital options for just 23 students.

Secure Your Future in Gilchrist

High school scores and graduation rates make Gilchrist County a top choice for families moving to North Central Florida. Homes in the Trenton and Bell areas provide direct access to the county's high-performing elementary and high schools. Choose a home here to benefit from a community that prioritizes academic success.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Gilchrist County

via RiskByCounty

Gilchrist ranks among safest U.S. counties

Gilchrist County's composite risk score of 27.96 is among the lowest in the nation, earning a very low risk rating. This exceptionally safe profile reflects minimal exposure to earthquakes, flooding, and tornadoes.

Florida's lowest-risk county

Gilchrist's score of 27.96 dramatically undercuts Florida's state average of 75.74, making it the safest county in the state by composite measure. The rural, inland character of the county minimizes exposure across most hazard categories.

Significantly safer than region

Gilchrist's 27.96 score substantially beats Gadsden County (72.39) and all other North Florida neighbors, reflecting its remote inland position. Even Hamilton County (43.00) carries notably more risk.

Wildfire and hurricane are main concerns

Wildfire risk of 77.23 is Gilchrist's leading hazard, while hurricane risk of 84.27 remains a secondary concern despite inland location. Flood, tornado, and earthquake risks all fall well below state and national averages.

Focus on wildfire and wind coverage

Gilchrist residents should maintain standard homeowners insurance with emphasis on wind/hurricane protection, though local risk is notably low. Wildfire insurance consideration is worthwhile for properties in or near forested areas, given the 77.23 risk score.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Gilchrist County

via WaterByCounty

Gilchrist County Earns Perfect Grade for Water Safety

Gilchrist County boasts an A grade, recording zero health violations over the last five years. With a violation rate of 0.0 per 100,000, it significantly outperforms the state average of 43.4. This record demonstrates exceptional management of the local public drinking water supply.

One-Third of Water Bodies Face Pollution Challenges

Approximately 32.4% of assessed water bodies in the county are classified as impaired in the 2022 reporting cycle. Common issues include mercury in fish tissue and high concentrations of nitrate or nitrite. While better than the state average, these pollutants remain a concern for local ecosystem health.

Local Springs and Rivers Tracked by 102 Sites

Monitoring efforts are robust, with 102 sites capturing 30,064 measurements over the last five years. Physical characteristics and inorganic metals are the most frequently measured groups in this data set. These records provide a critical baseline for protecting the county's famous springs and river systems.

Suwannee River Flows Drop to 30% of Normal

The Suwannee River near Bell is currently flowing at 2,450 cubic feet per second. This is only 30% of its long-term mean discharge, signaling severe drought conditions for the drainage basin. Such low levels can expose riverbanks and impact the groundwater levels that feed local springs.

Conserve Water as Suwannee River Levels Fall

With the Suwannee River at only 30% of its typical flow, water conservation is vital to protect local aquifers. Despite the county's perfect compliance grade, high nitrate levels in one-third of local waters suggest a need for careful fertilizer management. Private well owners should test their water for nitrates to ensure continued safety.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Gilchrist County

via WeatherByCounty

Subtropical Warmth Above National Norms

Gilchrist County’s annual average of 67.7°F sits well above the national median, typical for the American Southeast. Its 54.4 inches of annual precipitation is roughly in line with the Florida state average.

Cooler Than the State Average

With an average temperature of 67.7°F, Gilchrist is several degrees cooler than the statewide average of 71.1°F. It ranks in the lower tier of Florida counties for annual warmth.

Balanced Heat Among Northern Neighbors

Gilchrist shares an identical 67.7°F average with Hamilton County but experiences 20 fewer extreme heat days. It is also slightly drier than Gadsden County to its west.

Seventy-Two Days of High Heat

Summer temperatures average 80.0°F, punctuated by 72 days where the thermometer hits 90°F or higher. Winters are temperate at 54.4°F, though official snowfall records for the area are not available.

Plan for Long, Humid Summers

The 72 days of extreme heat require efficient cooling systems and indoor planning during July afternoons. Outdoor enthusiasts should take advantage of the mild 54.4°F winter average for strenuous activities.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Gilchrist County

via SoilByCounty

Classic Florida Chemistry in Gilchrist

Gilchrist County soil has an average pH of 4.86, mirroring the state average of 4.88. This is significantly more acidic than the national median of 6.5, which is typical for the Florida interior. Detailed taxonomic data is currently unavailable, but the pH reflects a standard regional profile.

Extreme Sand Content Limits Retention

At 92.1% sand, Gilchrist has one of the highest sand concentrations in the state, with almost no silt (1.4%) or clay (2.9%). This makes the soil extremely easy to work but very poor at holding onto water or fertilizer. It is essentially a giant filter that allows nutrients to wash away quickly.

Moderate Fertility and Low Water Storage

Organic matter stands at 4.52%, which is healthy by national standards (2.0%) but well below the Florida average of 8.03%. The available water capacity is 0.091 in/in, falling short of the state average of 0.108. Plants here will require more frequent irrigation to survive dry spells.

Rapid Drainage in Porous Terrain

The dominance of sand at 92.1% indicates exceptionally fast drainage, though official drainage classes are not listed. This porosity prevents standing water but creates a challenge for keeping crops hydrated. Land use planning must account for this high permeability to protect the local groundwater.

Opportunities in Hardiness Zone 9a

Gilchrist County is in Hardiness Zone 9a, supporting everything from watermelons to southern peas. To succeed in such sandy soil, use raised beds or heavy mulching to conserve the 0.091 in/in of available water. It is a great place to start a drought-tolerant native garden.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Gilchrist County

via LawnByCounty

Sandy Terrain Makes Lawns a Challenge

Gilchrist County scores a 21.7 for lawn difficulty, which is slightly easier than the state average but much harder than the national median of 50.0. The 9a hardiness zone indicates a climate where warm-season grasses dominate but face occasional winter freezes.

Steady Rain and Heat Drive Maintenance

With 54.4 inches of annual rain, the county receives plenty of water for growth, though 72 heat days over 90°F can stress sensitive turf. Mowing stays frequent throughout the year due to 6,674 growing degree days that keep grass active.

Extremely Sandy Soils Drain Nutrients Fast

The soil here is 92.1% sand, one of the highest percentages in the state, making it difficult for lawns to retain water. A pH of 4.86 is well below the preferred 6.0-7.0 range, requiring regular fertilization and lime treatments.

Severe Drought Affects All Local Lawns

Current data shows 100% of the county in severe drought, following 27 weeks of dry conditions over the last year. Mulching grass clippings back into the lawn can help retain some vital moisture in these highly porous soils.

Watch the Frost for Spring Seeding

Wait until after the last frost on March 14 to seed or sod your lawn with warm-season varieties like Bahia. This gives the grass enough time to establish deep roots before the first fall frost arrives in late November.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Gilchrist County's county score?
Gilchrist County, Florida has a composite county score of 61.1 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 Gilchrist County rank among counties in Florida?
Gilchrist County ranks #3 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 Gilchrist County, Florida?
The median annual property tax in Gilchrist County is $1,301, with an effective tax rate of 0.68%. This earns Gilchrist County a tax score of 65.2/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Gilchrist County?
The median household income in Gilchrist County, Florida is $61,070 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Gilchrist County earns an income score of 42.2/100 on CountyScore.
Is Gilchrist County, Florida a good place to live?
Gilchrist County scores 61.1/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #3 in Florida. The best way to evaluate Gilchrist 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 Gilchrist County with other counties side by side.
By Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & Data Editor

ByCounty Network

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.