countyscore
54.1
County Score
Safety 97.5Cost of Living 64.5Disaster Risk 52

County Report Card

About Glades County, Florida

Glades Holds Steady Above National Average

Glades's composite score of 54.1 exceeds the national median of 50.0 and outperforms Florida's state average of 45.1. The county demonstrates solid, above-average livability by both national and state standards.

Upper-Half Ranking Among Florida Counties

Glades ranks in the upper half of Florida's 67 counties, clearly above the state average and representing better-than-typical livability conditions. Its score reflects particular strengths in select dimensions, balanced against some weaker areas.

Safety and Affordability Dominate Glades

Glades boasts an exceptional safety score of 97.5 and excellent housing affordability (cost 65.8), with median home values of just $114,800 and rents at $927 monthly. Schools perform reasonably (50.2), and the county supports agricultural and working-class lifestyles effectively.

Incomes and Taxes Need Substantial Improvement

Glades faces serious income challenges, with a score of just 2.4 and median household income of only $38,905—among the lowest statewide. The effective tax rate of 1.013% is the highest in this group, and health outcomes (33.7) and water quality (35.5) also need attention.

Suited for Agriculture Workers and Retirees

Glades is best for families in agricultural or manual trades seeking maximum affordability and safety in a rural setting, or retirees with fixed incomes. Higher-income professionals and those concerned about healthcare quality should explore other options, as economic mobility appears limited.

Score breakdown

Tax37.1Cost64.5Safety97.5Health33.7Schools50.2Income2.4Risk52Water35.5Weather10.8
🏛37.1
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠64.5
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼2.4
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡97.5
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤33.7
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓50.2
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡52
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧35.5
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤10.8
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨50.1
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱14.3
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 →
Sponsored

Think property taxes are too high in Glades County?

Many homeowners in Glades County pay more than they should. A professional appeal could save you hundreds per year.

Check My Assessment

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 Glades County with Clark County →Share on X

Counties with similar scores

Clark County
Idaho
Median income: $52,083
54.1
Jasper County
Iowa
Median income: $70,128
54.1
Blaine County
Montana
Median income: $65,050
54.1
Mineral County
Montana
Median income: $61,117
54.1
Hidalgo County
New Mexico
Median income: $49,076
54.1
Dewey County
South Dakota
Median income: $57,928
54.1
Benton County
Tennessee
Median income: $50,435
54.1
San Saba County
Texas
Median income: $54,855
54.1

Nearby counties

Highlands County
Florida
48.5
Okeechobee County
Florida
31.6
Hendry County
Florida
34.9
DeSoto County
Florida
31.5
Martin County
Florida
41.6
Hardee County
Florida
34.6
Charlotte County
Florida
44.5
St. Lucie County
Florida
36.6

Deep Dives

Glades County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Glades County

via TaxByCounty

Glades has Florida's highest tax rate

Glades County's effective tax rate of 1.013% is the highest in Florida and significantly above the national median. Despite a low median home value of $114,800, the median property tax of $1,163 reflects the county's heavy reliance on property taxation.

Heaviest tax burden in the state

Glades ranks first—or last, depending on perspective—among Florida counties at 1.013% effective tax rate, 39% higher than the state average of 0.731%. Its median property tax of $1,163 is 62% above the state median of $1,885 when adjusted for home values.

Costs far more than Hardee and Highlands

Glades's 1.013% rate is higher than Hardee County's 1.050%—making it a close competitor for highest—but Glades collects more per capita due to different assessment practices. Compared to surrounding rural counties, Glades significantly overtaxes modest home values.

Median home: $1,163 in annual taxes

A homeowner with a median-valued $114,800 home in Glades County pays approximately $1,163 per year in property taxes. With a mortgage, the bill jumps to $1,487; without one, it falls to $1,014.

Appeal now—savings are substantial

Glades County's highest-in-state tax rate makes assessment appeals especially worthwhile for homeowners. If your assessed value exceeds comparable recent sales in your area, a Value Adjustment Board appeal could recoup hundreds annually given the county's steep tax rate.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Glades County

via CostByCounty

Glades struggles with rent burden

Glades County residents spend 28.6% of income on rent—higher than the 28% affordability ceiling and among the nation's most cost-burdened renters. The median household income of $38,905 is the lowest in this survey, amplifying the impact of $927 monthly rent on household finances.

Glades faces affordability crisis

At 28.6%, Glades's rent-to-income ratio towers above Florida's 22.5% state average, signaling acute housing stress in this rural South Florida community. The county's $927 median rent strains residents earning just $38,905 annually, the lowest median income among surveyed counties.

Glades most burdened in region

Glades's 28.6% rent burden substantially exceeds Hardee (21.1%), Gilchrist (16.8%), and Franklin (20%), despite modest absolute rent levels. The burden reflects Glades's exceptionally low median income, which stretches housing costs beyond safe affordability thresholds.

Glades income stretched thin

Renters allocate $927 monthly from a median income of $38,905, consuming 28.6% of earnings and leaving just $2,260 monthly for all other expenses. Homeowners fare slightly better at $531 monthly owner costs (16.4% of income), but with median home values of just $114,800, the county's overall economic capacity is severely constrained.

Glades: understand affordability limits

Glades County's low housing costs mask deeper affordability challenges rooted in limited incomes and economic opportunity. Consider relocating here only if you have remote income or significant savings; the rent-to-income burden leaves little margin for unexpected expenses or economic disruption.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Glades County

via IncomeByCounty

Glades faces steepest income gap in state

Glades County's median household income of $38,905 ranks among Florida's lowest, trailing the national median of $74,755 by roughly $36,000. The county's per capita income of $25,697 is substantially below national averages, indicating severe economic constraints for most households.

Lowest-income county among the group

Glades County's median household income of $38,905 ranks in Florida's very lowest tier, running 40.6% below the state average of $65,468. The per capita income of $25,697 is the lowest among all comparison counties and 28.0% below Florida's state average, signaling significant economic hardship.

Glades struggles economically versus neighbors

Glades's $38,905 median household income is substantially lower than all adjacent counties, including nearby Hardee ($54,231) and Hendry counties. The county's economic isolation in South Florida's agricultural region limits employment diversity and wage growth compared to more developed areas.

Affordability crisis despite low housing costs

Glades's rent-to-income ratio of 28.6% approaches the 30% affordability ceiling, meaning many households struggle with housing payments despite the low median home value of $114,800. For low-income residents, housing remains a significant budget burden relative to available earnings.

Pursue economic mobility strategies

Glades residents should prioritize skills training, remote work opportunities, and relocation to higher-wage regions when possible to build sustainable income. Local economic development and community lending programs can help entrepreneurs create business opportunities and boost household earnings.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Glades County

via CrimeByCounty

Glades County Reports Zero Crime

The county achieves a perfect safety score of 100.0 with no reported crimes per 100,000 residents. This stands in stark contrast to the national average crime rate of 2,385.5.

Leading the State in Safety

Glades far exceeds the Florida average safety score of 98.4 and the state average crime rate of 1,027.9. Seven local agencies contribute to this pristine statistical record for the year 2022.

Regional Safety Leader

Compared to other counties in the region, Glades offers an exceptionally secure environment. Its data reflects a community where reported criminal activity is virtually non-existent.

Breakdown of Local Crime Data

Both property and violent crime rates are currently 0.0 per 100,000 residents. While this indicates a very safe area, it relies on the consistency of reports from all seven agencies.

Stay Vigilant at Home

Even with a perfect safety score, residents should maintain standard security practices like locking windows and doors. Good habits ensure the community remains a safe haven for everyone.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Glades County

via HealthByCounty

Glades shows longest life span paradox

Glades County reports the highest life expectancy in this group at 80.0 years, exceeding the U.S. average of 76.1 years by nearly four years. Yet this masks deeper challenges: 26.8% of residents report poor or fair health—well above the national average of 17.8%.

A tale of two health metrics

Glades' 80.0-year life expectancy far surpasses Florida's 75.8-year state average, but its 24.8% uninsured rate is the highest among these eight counties—more than 10 points above the state average of 14.4%. This disconnect suggests aggregate health outcomes may not reflect broad-based access to care.

Highest uninsured rate signals access issues

While Glades' life expectancy is the best regionally, its 24.8% uninsured rate stands far above all peers in this group. With mental health provider data but limited primary care information, the county's healthcare landscape appears incomplete.

High uninsured rate reflects real barriers

Nearly one in four Glades residents (24.8%) lack health insurance, the highest proportion in this analysis. Primary care provider data is limited, but 8 mental health providers per 100,000 suggests sparse access to behavioral health services overall.

Insurance enrollment is urgent here

Glades' quarter of residents without coverage face serious barriers to routine and preventive care that could prevent health crises. Visit healthcare.gov or call 1-800-318-2596 to enroll in a health plan—it's among the most important health actions you can take.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Glades County

via SchoolsByCounty

Diverse School Levels in Glades

Glades County supports 1,819 students across 9 public schools managed by a single district. The landscape features three elementary schools, two high schools, and four specialized educational facilities. This variety ensures that students have access to different learning paths within a small community.

Exceptional Scores and Graduation Rates

Glades County earns a high composite school score of 54.2, which is significantly better than the state average of 51.5. The county achieves an elite 92.0% graduation rate while spending $6,817 per pupil. This higher-than-average investment correlates with some of the best academic metrics in the region.

Spotlight on Glades District and Charters

The Glades School District oversees all local education, including the Pemayetv Emahakv Charter Our Way School. This charter school serves 282 students and represents about 11% of the county's total schools. West Glades School stands as the largest traditional facility with 646 students.

Small-Town Feel in Every Classroom

With an average school size of 303 students, Glades County offers an intimate educational experience. The county splits its schools between five town locales and four rural settings, catering to diverse residential preferences. From Moore Haven Middle High to the tiny 14-student Virtual Franchise, options remain personalized.

Top-Tier Education Awaits in Glades

With school scores far exceeding the national median, Glades County is an attractive market for families. Investing in a home here means joining a community with graduation rates that lead the state. Explore properties near Moore Haven to stay close to the county's primary educational hubs.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Glades County

via RiskByCounty

Glades carries below-average U.S. risk

Glades County's composite risk score of 48.03 falls comfortably below the national average, earning a relatively low risk rating. The county's inland position in South Florida insulates it from extreme coastal hazards.

Well below Florida's state average

Glades's score of 48.03 sits significantly below Florida's 75.74 state average, ranking it among the safer counties in the state. This advantage reflects minimal flood and tornado exposure in the agricultural heartland.

Safer than surrounding South Florida

Glades's 48.03 score beats nearby Hardee County (69.18) and ranks among the safest in the region despite hurricane exposure. The county's inland elevation and distance from major coasts provide natural protection.

Wildfire and hurricane dominate hazards

Wildfire risk of 87.66 is Glades's chief concern, driven by the county's agricultural and forested landscape, while hurricane risk of 87.61 remains significant. Flood and tornado risks of 44.56 and 20.90 are substantially lower than state peers.

Prioritize wildfire and wind insurance

Glades residents should secure homeowners insurance with strong wind coverage for hurricane protection, given the 87.61 risk score. Wildfire insurance is equally important—seek policies covering structure loss from wildfire or negotiate riders with standard insurers.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Glades County

via WeatherByCounty

Tropical Warmth in South Florida

Glades County averages a balmy 73.4°F, placing it significantly higher than the national median temperature. This tropical environment maintains high humidity with 52.8 inches of annual rainfall.

Warmer Than the State Median

Glades County is warmer than the Florida average, recording 73.4°F compared to the state's 71.1°F. It ranks among the warmer southern counties of the peninsula.

Cooler Than Its Southern Neighbor

While hot, Glades is slightly cooler than neighboring Hendry County, which averages 74.0°F. Both counties share an identical 117 days of extreme heat per year.

Extreme Heat and No Snow

Residents face 117 days of temperatures at or above 90°F during summers that average 81.8°F. Winters are exceptionally mild at 64.0°F with zero inches of annual snowfall.

Gear Up for Triple-Digit Heat

High-efficiency HVAC systems are critical for managing 117 days of extreme heat. With 52.8 inches of rain concentrated in summer, residents should prepare for a wet, tropical hurricane season.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Glades County

via SoilByCounty

Acidic Entisols Dominate Glades County

Glades County features Entisols with a very low average pH of 3.93, making it one of the most acidic regions in Florida. This is significantly lower than the state average of 4.88 and the national median of 6.5. These soils are young and have seen little development in their taxonomic profile.

Fine Sands with High Organic Blend

The dominant texture is fine sand, comprising 65.4% of the soil, with negligible silt and clay. Unlike its neighbors, this sand is mixed with an enormous amount of organic material. This creates a unique physical profile that is highly workable but chemically complex.

Massive Organic Matter Boosts Fertility

Glades County boasts a staggering 22.07% organic matter, nearly three times the Florida average of 8.03%. This leads to an available water capacity of 0.175 in/in, which is far superior to the state average of 0.108. These soils have incredible potential for growth if the extreme acidity is managed.

Well Drained Soils in Group A

The soil is classified as 'Well drained' and belongs to Hydrologic Group A, indicating high infiltration rates and low runoff potential. This is ideal for development and farming as it prevents surface flooding. Water moves efficiently through the profile, aided by the high sand content.

Lush Growing in Tropical Zone 10a

The warm 10a hardiness zone allows Glades residents to grow tropical fruits like mangoes and avocados. The 22.07% organic matter provides an incredible nutrient bank for any gardener. Despite the 3.93 pH, the soil's moisture-holding ability makes it a fantastic place to start a lush, tropical landscape.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Glades County

via LawnByCounty

Intense Heat Makes Lawn Care Difficult

Glades County has a low lawn difficulty score of 14.3, reflecting the harsh realities of maintenance in Zone 10a. This score is significantly tougher than the Florida average and ranks among the more challenging environments nationally.

Blistering Heat Dominates the Growing Calendar

The county endures 117 extreme heat days annually, far exceeding the state average of 92 and stressing even the toughest grasses. While 52.8 inches of rain is near ideal, the massive 8,592 growing degree days mean grass almost never stops growing.

Fine Sand and Acidic Soil Stunt Growth

The soil is classified as well-drained fine sand with a very low pH of 3.93, which is extremely acidic for most lawns. You must aggressively manage soil chemistry and drainage to keep roots from failing in these poor-quality conditions.

Long Drought Periods Threaten Grass Survival

The county has faced 34 weeks in drought over the last year and currently sits at 100% severe drought coverage. High heat and frequent dry spells mean only the most drought-tolerant species can survive without constant irrigation.

Choose Heat-Hardy Grasses for Zone 10a

Seeding should happen after the brief frost window ends in late January to take advantage of the long growing season. Bermuda or Zoysia are ideal choices for this tropical climate, as they can handle the relentless summer sun.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Glades County's county score?
Glades County, Florida has a composite county score of 54.1 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 Glades County rank among counties in Florida?
Glades County ranks #11 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 Glades County, Florida?
The median annual property tax in Glades County is $1,163, with an effective tax rate of 1.01%. This earns Glades County a tax score of 37.1/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Glades County?
The median household income in Glades County, Florida is $38,905 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Glades County earns an income score of 2.4/100 on CountyScore.
Is Glades County, Florida a good place to live?
Glades County scores 54.1/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #11 in Florida. The best way to evaluate Glades 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 Glades County with other counties side by side.

ByCounty Network

🏛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.