countyscore
54.7
County Score
Safety 94.7Property Tax 78.4Income & Jobs 59.9

County Report Card

About Gulf County, Florida

Gulf County Surpasses National Standards

Gulf's composite score of 54.7 exceeds the national median of 50.0 and outperforms Florida's state average of 45.1. The county represents above-average livability, particularly strong in specific dimension areas.

Strong Performer in Florida's County System

Gulf ranks solidly in the upper half of Florida's 67 counties, clearly above the state average and demonstrating better-than-typical livability. Its balanced score suggests strength across multiple quality-of-life measures.

Safety and Taxes Are Gulf's Twin Advantages

Gulf boasts an excellent safety score of 94.7 and strong tax efficiency at 78.4 (effective rate 0.566%), one of the state's lowest. Income levels are solid at 59.9 with median household income of $67,361, supporting a stable economic foundation.

Housing and School Quality Require Attention

Gulf's main weak points are housing affordability (cost 35.0) with median home values of $235,700 and rents at $1,161 monthly, plus modest school performance (33.5). Water quality (24.4) and health outcomes (36.7) also lag and may warrant external resources.

Perfect for Coastal Safety-Seeking Professionals

Gulf suits professionals and families earning stable middle-to-upper incomes who prioritize safety, low taxes, and coastal living—and can handle higher housing costs. Those seeking affordable homes or top-tier schools should look elsewhere, but established households will find Gulf a secure, tax-efficient haven.

Score breakdown

Tax78.4Cost35Safety94.7Health36.7Schools33.5Income59.9Risk40.5Water24.4Weather37.2
🏛78.4
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠35
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼59.9
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡94.7
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤36.7
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓33.5
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡40.5
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧24.4
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤37.2
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨29.1
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱16.1
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

Franklin County
Florida
55
Bay County
Florida
36.9
Liberty County
Florida
53.4
Calhoun County
Florida
62.2
Wakulla County
Florida
55.5
Washington County
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53.5
Gadsden County
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Jackson County
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53.9

Deep Dives

Gulf County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Gulf County

via TaxByCounty

Gulf County taxes well below national norm

Gulf County's effective tax rate of 0.566% ranks among Florida's lowest and sits well below the national median. The median property tax of $1,334 is half the national median of $2,690, offering Gulf County homeowners exceptional affordability.

Among Florida's most affordable counties

Gulf ranks in Florida's bottom tier for property tax burden at just 0.566% effective rate, 22% below the state average of 0.731%. Its median property tax of $1,334 is 29% lower than the state median of $1,885.

Cheapest taxes in Big Bend and Panhandle

Gulf County's 0.566% rate ties with Franklin County's rate and beats Gilchrist, Hamilton, and Flagler counties significantly. For coastal property on the Gulf of Mexico, Gulf County offers remarkably low tax rates compared to similar waterfront communities statewide.

Median home: $1,334 per year in taxes

A homeowner with a $235,700 median-valued home in Gulf County pays approximately $1,334 annually in property taxes. With a mortgage, the bill is $1,440; without one, it drops to $1,187.

Verify your assessment against market sales

Gulf County's low overall tax burden shouldn't discourage homeowners from checking if their assessed value aligns with recent comparable sales. Filing a Value Adjustment Board appeal could provide additional savings if your home's assessment exceeds current market conditions.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Gulf County

via CostByCounty

Gulf County balances affordability

Gulf County residents spend 20.7% of income on rent, comfortably below the national affordability standard and just below Florida's 22.5% state average. With a median household income of $67,361 and rent at $1,161, Gulf offers a moderate housing burden in a coastal setting.

Gulf near Florida average affordability

At 20.7%, Gulf's rent-to-income ratio sits just 1.8 percentage points below Florida's 22.5% state average, positioning it as an affordable coastal alternative. The $1,161 median rent falls $72 below the state median, reflecting Gulf's quieter, less-developed character compared to Florida's major markets.

Gulf's competitive rental market

Gulf's $1,161 rent undercuts Flagler ($1,687) by $526 but exceeds Franklin ($1,044) by $117, placing it in the middle tier of comparable counties. The $67,361 median income paired with moderate rent creates a balanced profile attractive to coastal relocators seeking affordability.

Gulf's sustainable housing balance

Renters spend $1,161 monthly from a $67,361 median income, consuming 20.7% of earnings and preserving substantial funds for other obligations. Homeowners encounter median monthly costs of $815 (14.5% of income), with median home values of $235,700 offering reasonable access to coastal property ownership.

Gulf County: coastal at a discount

Gulf County delivers Gulf Coast lifestyle at affordable rates, avoiding the premium pricing of Flagler while offering similar natural appeal. If you value coastal living without overextending your housing budget, Gulf County's modest rent and reasonable incomes make it a practical relocation target.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Gulf County

via IncomeByCounty

Gulf County approaches national income average

Gulf County's median household income of $67,361 falls modestly below the national median of $74,755 by about $7,400. The county's per capita income of $38,258 exceeds the national average, suggesting more distributed earnings across household members despite lower overall household income.

Above-average earner in Florida

Gulf County's median household income of $67,361 exceeds Florida's state average of $65,468 by 2.9%, placing it solidly in the upper-middle tier of Florida counties. The per capita income of $38,258 also surpasses the state average of $35,698, reflecting relatively stable earning power throughout the county.

Gulf leads peer group of rural counties

Gulf County's $67,361 median household income outpaces most nearby rural counties, including Franklin ($62,734) and Gilchrist ($61,070). The county's coastal and tourism-related economy provides more employment diversity than typical inland rural Florida communities, supporting higher average incomes.

Balanced housing affordability profile

Gulf County's rent-to-income ratio of 20.7% sits comfortably below the 30% affordability threshold, indicating manageable housing costs for most households. With a median home value of $235,700, the county offers reasonable housing values relative to its income level.

Invest in long-term financial security

Gulf County's above-average income creates opportunities for meaningful retirement savings and investment portfolio building. Take advantage of employer benefits, explore homeownership equity-building, and consider diversifying income through side ventures in the county's growing tourism sector.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Gulf County

via CrimeByCounty

Gulf County Reports Exceptional Safety

With a safety score of 100.0, Gulf County ranks as one of the safest spots in the nation. Its total crime rate of 6.7 per 100,000 is nearly invisible compared to the national average of 2,385.5.

Leading the Way in Florida

Gulf County’s crime rate of 6.7 is vastly lower than the Florida state average of 1,027.9. This impressive performance places it well ahead of the state average safety score of 98.4.

A Regional Safety Standout

Eight local reporting agencies contribute to a crime profile that is significantly lower than neighboring counties. While others see hundreds of incidents, Gulf remains nearly crime-free.

Rare Property and Violent Crime

Violent crime is non-existent at 0.0 per 100,000, and property crime is negligible at 6.7. This means residents rarely experience the types of incidents common in larger Florida metro areas.

Proactive Home Security Habits

Even in a high-safety area, locking doors and installing motion lights helps maintain the status quo. These small steps ensure Gulf County stays at the top of the safety rankings.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Gulf County

via HealthByCounty

Gulf falls below U.S. life expectancy

Gulf County's 74.3-year life expectancy lags the U.S. average of 76.1 years by 1.8 years. With 18.7% of residents reporting poor or fair health, the county slightly exceeds the national average of 17.8%.

Below Florida's health baseline

Gulf's 74.3-year life expectancy trails Florida's state average of 75.8 years, and its 14.1% uninsured rate sits just below the state average of 14.4%. The county's modest uninsured rate masks deeper life expectancy shortfalls.

Provider access supports regional standing

Gulf's 74.3-year life expectancy ranks below most neighbors but its 49 primary care providers per 100,000 is among the highest in this group. With 140 mental health providers per 100,000, the county offers above-average behavioral health access relative to other rural areas.

Strong provider presence despite challenges

Gulf offers 49 primary care providers per 100,000 residents and 140 mental health providers per 100,000, indicating decent infrastructure for a rural county. With only 14.1% uninsured, most residents have paths to care, though health outcomes suggest utilization or quality barriers.

Ensure your coverage is current

If you're among Gulf's 14.1% uninsured residents, now is the time to explore your options on healthcare.gov. With strong local providers available, insurance is your ticket to preventive care that could extend both lifespan and quality of life.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Gulf County

via SchoolsByCounty

Rural Schooling by the Coast

Gulf County provides a focused educational system with 7 public schools serving 1,928 students. The network includes three elementary schools and four high schools, all managed by one central district. The system maintains a traditional public school structure with no charter schools currently operating.

Consistent Performance and Strong Funding

Gulf County matches the national graduation rate of 87.0% and maintains a school score of 51.6. The county invests $6,823 per student, surpassing the Florida state average of $6,118. This strong financial commitment supports a steady academic environment for the coastal community.

Unified Leadership in the Gulf District

The Gulf School District manages all 1,928 students across its seven campuses. Port St. Joe Elementary and Port St. Joe High School are the largest facilities, each serving over 500 students. This district-led approach ensures that resources are distributed across the county's rural school sites.

A Fully Rural Educational Landscape

All 7 schools in Gulf County are located in rural areas, fostering a close-knit, community-driven atmosphere. Schools are moderately sized, averaging 386 students, which balances social opportunities with personalized attention. The largest campus is Port St. Joe Elementary, while the PreK ESE program offers specialized care for just 15 students.

Discover Coastal Living Near Great Schools

Families looking for a rural, coastal lifestyle will find Gulf County's schools to be a perfect match. With per-pupil spending above the state average, the county shows a clear commitment to its students. Look for homes in Port St. Joe or Wewahitchka to be near the heart of the district's best facilities.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Gulf County

via RiskByCounty

Gulf County faces moderate-low risk

Gulf County's composite risk score of 59.54 sits below the national average, earning a relatively low risk rating. The coastal location brings hurricane and flood exposure, but tornado and earthquake risks remain minimal.

Below-average risk for coastal Florida

Gulf County's score of 59.54 falls notably below Florida's state average of 75.74, making it one of the safer coastal counties in the state. The Panhandle location provides some geographic buffering from peak hurricane tracks.

Safer than Panhandle peer Franklin

Gulf County's 59.54 score slightly exceeds Franklin County (46.53) while remaining well below Gadsden County (72.39), positioning it in the middle of the regional risk spectrum. Its small population and rural character contribute to the favorable profile.

Hurricanes and flood are primary threats

Hurricane risk of 93.41 is Gulf County's dominant hazard, paired with flood risk of 61.60 reflecting coastal and low-lying exposure. Wildfire risk of 74.20 adds a secondary threat, particularly in forested inland areas.

Secure comprehensive coastal insurance

Gulf residents must prioritize windstorm/hurricane coverage given the 93.41 risk score—essential for coastal and near-coastal properties. Flood insurance is strongly recommended for any property in mapped flood zones or near tidal waters.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Gulf County

via WeatherByCounty

Coastal Humidity and High Rainfall

Gulf County’s average temperature of 67.1°F is much higher than the national median, though it is quite wet. The county receives 63.1 inches of rain annually, nearly double the national average.

A Cooler Coastal Retreat

Gulf County is one of Florida's coolest locations, with a 67.1°F average that is four degrees lower than the state mean. The coastal proximity helps moderate the extreme heat seen further inland.

The Wettest in the Region

Gulf County receives 63.1 inches of rain, significantly more than neighboring Gadsden or the state average of 54.8. It also records fewer extreme heat days than any of its immediate neighbors.

Mild Summers and Wet Winters

Summers average 79.9°F with 68 days of extreme heat, which is relatively low for Florida. Winters are steady at 53.4°F, and the county records zero inches of snowfall annually.

Focus on Moisture and Flood Control

Given the massive 63.1 inches of annual rain, homeowners must prioritize flood insurance and drainage maintenance. Outdoor plans should always include a backup for frequent coastal thunderstorms.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Gulf County

via SoilByCounty

Moderate Acidity on the Gulf Coast

Gulf County soils have an average pH of 4.59, which is slightly more acidic than the state average of 4.88. This level is significantly below the national median of 6.5, characteristic of the coastal Florida panhandle. Specific taxonomic orders are not categorized, but the chemical makeup is typical for the region.

Sandy Loam Characteristics without the Silt

The soil is 78.6% sand, 6.4% silt, and 5.7% clay, providing a relatively balanced mix for Florida. This composition allows for better structural stability than counties with 90% sand. It remains easy to till while offering slightly better moisture retention than pure sand.

Solid Organic Foundation for Growth

At 7.26%, the organic matter in Gulf County is just under the state average of 8.03% but far exceeds the national average of 2.0%. The available water capacity is 0.110 in/in, which is slightly better than the Florida average of 0.108. This suggests a soil that can support healthy plant life with minimal intervention.

Stable Hydrology for Local Projects

Though official drainage classes are missing from the record, the 78.6% sand content suggests moderately rapid drainage. The soil avoids the extreme porosity of other counties, potentially retaining water slightly longer. This balance is helpful for both agricultural irrigation and home foundation stability.

Cultivating Success in Zone 9b

In Hardiness Zone 9b, Gulf County is a haven for blueberries, citrus, and sweet potatoes. The soil’s 7.26% organic matter gives your plants the fuel they need to thrive. If you start a garden here, you will find the 0.110 in/in water capacity provides a forgiving environment for beginners.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Gulf County

via LawnByCounty

Wet and Salty Conditions Create Struggles

Gulf County scores a 16.1 for lawn difficulty, making it one of the more challenging areas in Florida to maintain a perfect green. In Zone 9b, the proximity to the coast adds salt spray and humidity to an already difficult growing environment.

Abundant Rain Leads to Saturated Soils

Gulf receives 63.1 inches of rain per year, which is well above the 50-inch ideal and can lead to waterlogged roots and fungus. However, 68 extreme heat days provide a slightly milder summer compared to the inland Florida average of 92.

Low pH Soils Require Significant Lime

The soil is 78.6% sand and has an acidic pH of 4.59, far below the 6.0-7.0 range that most turfgrasses prefer. Adding organic matter and lime is necessary to improve the soil's foundation and support healthy grass growth.

Severe Drought Persists Despite High Rainfall

Even with high annual rain, the county is currently 100% in severe drought after 27 weeks of dry conditions last year. High-drainage sandy soils mean that even short breaks in rain can quickly lead to parched and browning turf.

Plant for High Humidity Resilience

Wait until the March 1 frost risk passes to establish moisture-loving, salt-tolerant grasses like St. Augustine. The warm 9b climate supports growth through November, providing a substantial window for lawn establishment.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Gulf County's county score?
Gulf County, Florida has a composite county score of 54.7 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 Gulf County rank among counties in Florida?
Gulf County ranks #10 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 Gulf County, Florida?
The median annual property tax in Gulf County is $1,334, with an effective tax rate of 0.57%. This earns Gulf County a tax score of 78.4/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Gulf County?
The median household income in Gulf County, Florida is $67,361 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Gulf County earns an income score of 59.9/100 on CountyScore.
Is Gulf County, Florida a good place to live?
Gulf County scores 54.7/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #10 in Florida. The best way to evaluate Gulf 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 Gulf County with other counties side by side.

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