CountyScore

Hamilton County

Florida · FL

#11 in Florida
68.9
County Score

County Report Card

About Hamilton County, Florida

Hamilton reaches elite 92nd percentile

Hamilton County's composite score of 75.9 places it at the 92nd percentile nationally, far exceeding the national median of 50.0 by 52 points. This exceptional ranking positions Hamilton among America's most livable counties.

Hamilton ranks at Florida's top tier

At 75.9, Hamilton County surpasses Florida's state average of 69.4 and ranks among Florida's 67 counties' highest performers. This elite state position reflects consistently strong livability across measured dimensions.

Best-in-class housing affordability stands out

Hamilton's exceptional strength is a cost score of 86.9 with the lowest median home value ($110,400) and among the lowest median rent ($819) statewide. The county also offers strong tax efficiency with an 81.7 tax score and 0.730% effective tax rate.

Low incomes reflect rural economy

Hamilton's income score of 14.5, with median household income of $47,696, represents the county's primary limitation versus its affordability strengths. Safety, health, school, and environmental data remain unavailable for complete livability assessment.

Ideal for retirees and remote workers

Hamilton County appeals strongly to retirees with fixed income and remote workers seeking maximum housing affordability with minimal tax burden. The county's exceptional cost advantage makes it perfect for those prioritizing low living expenses over local employment opportunities.

Score breakdown

5 dimensions have live data. 3 more coming as vertical sites launch.

Tax81.7Cost86.9SafetyComing SoonHealth54SchoolsComing SoonIncome14.5Risk57WaterComing Soon
🏛81.7
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠86.9
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼14.5
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤54
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡57
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧Coming Soon
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncomeincomebycounty.com
Compare Hamilton County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Coffee County
Alabama
68.9
Median income: $64,672
Walker County
Alabama
68.9
Median income: $54,509
Arkansas County
Arkansas
68.9
Median income: $60,831
Jackson County
Arkansas
68.9
Median income: $41,215
Sevier County
Arkansas
68.9
Median income: $51,641

Deep Dives

Hamilton County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Hamilton County

via TaxByCounty

Hamilton's rate equals Florida's average

Hamilton County's effective tax rate of 0.730% nearly mirrors Florida's state average of 0.731% and sits below the national median. The median property tax of $806 is just 30% of the national median of $2,690, reflecting the county's low home values rather than low rates.

Right at Florida's statewide average

Hamilton ranks near the middle of Florida counties at 0.730% effective rate, essentially matching the state average of 0.731%. Its median property tax of $806 is significantly below the state median of $1,885 due to modest home values.

Middle ground among North Florida counties

Hamilton's 0.730% rate sits between Gadsden's 0.552% and Flagler's 0.788%, making it moderate for the region. However, at a median home value of just $110,400, Hamilton residents pay the lowest total taxes in absolute dollars among Big Bend neighbors.

Median home: only $806 yearly tax

A homeowner with a median-valued $110,400 home in Hamilton County pays approximately $806 per year in property taxes. This remarkably low bill reflects both the state-average tax rate and the county's affordable home prices.

Still worth checking your assessment

Even with low absolute tax bills, Hamilton County homeowners should verify their assessments against recent comparable sales. If your assessed value exceeds what similar homes are selling for locally, a Value Adjustment Board appeal could lower your bill further at no cost.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Hamilton County

via CostByCounty

Hamilton offers exceptional rent value

Hamilton County residents spend 20.6% of income on rent, well below the national affordability threshold and among Florida's most efficient housing markets. With a median household income of $47,696 and rent at $819 monthly, Hamilton proves that affordability is achievable even at lower income levels.

Hamilton beats state averages

At 20.6%, Hamilton's rent-to-income ratio sits 1.9 percentage points below Florida's 22.5% state average despite the county's relatively modest $47,696 median income. The $819 median rent ranks among the lowest in the survey, placing Hamilton among Florida's most affordable rental communities.

Hamilton's competitive rental edge

Hamilton's $819 rent is the second-lowest in this survey, trailing only Gadsden's $792, while outperforming Gilchrist ($855) and Hardee ($954). This rent advantage combined with reasonable income positions Hamilton as a top-tier affordable option for rural Florida relocators.

Hamilton's lean housing economy

Renters allocate $819 monthly from a median income of $47,696, consuming 20.6% of earnings and leaving 79.4% for taxes and living expenses. Homeowners benefit from exceptionally low $447 monthly owner costs (11.2% of income), making homeownership highly accessible with median home values of just $110,400.

Hamilton: true rural affordability

Hamilton County delivers authentic affordability for remote workers, retirees, or those seeking minimal housing costs in rural North Florida. The combination of low rent, low homeownership expenses, and reasonable income creates maximum financial flexibility for residents prioritizing housing economy.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Hamilton County

via IncomeByCounty

Hamilton's income significantly lags nationally

Hamilton County's median household income of $47,696 falls well below the national median of $74,755 by roughly $27,000. The county's per capita income of $18,104 is notably the lowest among all comparison counties and substantially below national figures, indicating severe economic constraints.

Lowest per capita income in Florida group

Hamilton County's median household income of $47,696 sits 27.1% below Florida's state average of $65,468, placing it near the state's lowest-income tier. The per capita income of $18,104 is the lowest among all counties shown, running 49.4% below the state average of $35,698.

Hamilton struggles economically versus peers

Hamilton's $47,696 median household income is comparable only to Gadsden County ($46,047) and trails all other neighboring counties substantially. The county's very low per capita income suggests limited employment opportunities, wage constraints, and possible underemployment affecting residents.

Housing affordable but income-constrained

Hamilton's rent-to-income ratio of 20.6% is excellent relative to the 30% affordability standard, but the median home value of $110,400 still represents a heavy burden for the county's low-income households. Residents face limited ability to save for homeownership despite affordable housing values.

Focus on income growth and stability

Hamilton residents should prioritize stable employment, skills development, and exploring education pathways that increase earning potential. Community economic development initiatives and job training programs are essential tools for building household financial security and breaking cycles of low income.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in Hamilton County

via HealthByCounty

Hamilton faces critical health shortfalls

At 71.5 years, Hamilton County's life expectancy is the lowest in this analysis and trails the U.S. average of 76.1 years by 4.6 years. More than one in four residents (26.4%) report poor or fair health, far exceeding the national average of 17.8%.

Among Florida's most vulnerable counties

Hamilton's 71.5-year life expectancy ranks among the state's lowest, nearly 4.3 years below Florida's 75.8-year average. With only 7 primary care providers per 100,000 residents—an acute shortage—and 14.5% uninsured, the county faces severe healthcare infrastructure challenges.

Worst health outcomes in the region

Hamilton's 71.5-year life expectancy is the lowest among all eight counties, and its 7 primary care providers per 100,000 is by far the most severe provider shortage. Even Gadsden County, with significant challenges, has three times as many primary care providers.

Critical shortage of primary care access

Hamilton has just 7 primary care providers per 100,000 residents—a crisis-level shortage that forces patients to travel far for basic care. With 22 mental health providers per 100,000 and 14.5% uninsured, structural barriers to healthcare appear at every level.

Getting insured is the first step

Hamilton's health crisis demands immediate action: 14.5% of residents lack insurance, and severe provider shortages compound the problem. Visit healthcare.gov or Florida Medicaid (1-888-540-6446) to get covered—it's essential first aid for your health.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Hamilton County

via RiskByCounty

Hamilton enjoys well-below-average risk

Hamilton County's composite risk score of 43.00 sits well below the national average, earning a relatively low risk rating. The rural, inland North Florida location minimizes exposure to most major hazard types.

Among Florida's safest counties

Hamilton's score of 43.00 falls significantly below Florida's state average of 75.74, ranking it among the safer counties statewide. Limited coastal access and low population density buffer the county from concentrated disaster risk.

Safer than most North Florida peers

Hamilton's 43.00 score beats Gadsden County (72.39) and Franklin County (46.53), placing it among the safest in the Big Bend and North Florida region. Only Gilchrist County (27.96) ranks notably safer.

Wildfire and hurricane are main concerns

Wildfire risk of 69.27 leads Hamilton's hazard profile, while hurricane risk of 90.07 remains elevated despite inland location. Flood (25.89) and tornado (33.40) risks are well below state averages.

Emphasize wind coverage and wildfire

Hamilton residents should maintain homeowners insurance with wind damage coverage for hurricanes, given the 90.07 risk score. Wildfire insurance or rider coverage is prudent for properties near forested areas, though local risk remains moderate.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality

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