countyscore
43.3
County Score
Water Quality 86Cost of Living 77.8Property Tax 59.7

County Report Card

About Hamilton County, Florida

Hamilton Trails Both National and State Norms

Hamilton's composite score of 43.3 falls below both the national median of 50.0 and Florida's state average of 45.1. The county represents below-average livability and faces significant challenges across multiple dimensions.

Lower-Performing County in Florida Rankings

Hamilton ranks in the lower tier of Florida's 67 counties, below the state average and reflecting limited livability strengths. The county struggles with multiple quality-of-life indicators that warrant serious consideration from prospective residents.

Water Quality and Affordability Offer Hope

Hamilton's brightest spots are water quality (86.0) and housing affordability (cost 77.8), with median home values of just $110,400 and rents at $819 monthly. The county offers exceptional value for budget-conscious residents seeking natural amenities.

Safety, Health, and Income Paint Grim Picture

Hamilton faces critical weaknesses in safety (37.3), health (13.6—the lowest observed), and income (10.6), with median household income of just $47,696. These factors combined suggest residents may struggle with access to quality healthcare, economic opportunity, and personal security.

Risky Choice Except for Determined Buyers

Hamilton is suitable only for extremely budget-conscious residents willing to accept limited healthcare, weak safety conditions, and modest income prospects in exchange for rock-bottom housing costs. Families, healthcare-dependent seniors, and those seeking community vibrancy should avoid this county.

2040608010059.777.837.313.620.510.6578628.8Tax59.7Cost77.8Safety37.3Health13.6Schools20.5Income10.6Risk57Water86Weather28.843.3/100
This county
National avg
3 above average5 below average

Hamilton County DNA

Foverall

How Hamilton County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Hamilton County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Cost of Living (77.8/100) but notably weak in Income (10.6/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
59.7
Cost
77.8+29.799999999999997
Safety
37.3-17.700000000000003
Health
13.6-36.4
Schools
20.5-33.5
Income
10.6-40.4
Risk
57+10
Water
86+28
Weather
28.8-27.2
Sponsored

Think property taxes are too high in Hamilton County?

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

Check My Assessment

Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$110,400

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$819/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$110,400/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$32,760/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.3x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $47,696/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

52.1

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 Hamilton County with San Benito County →Share on X

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Ellis County
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Nearby counties

Echols County
Georgia
60.9
Suwannee County
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56.2
Lowndes County
Georgia
31.9
Madison County
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50.4
Columbia County
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44.2
Clinch County
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49.6
Lafayette County
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Lanier County
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41.7

Deep Dives

Hamilton County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 11 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

Safety in Hamilton County

via CrimeByCounty

Hamilton County Safety vs. National Trends

Hamilton reports a total crime rate of 1,445.3 per 100,000, which is lower than the national average of 2,385.5. Its safety score of 97.7 suggests a more active environment than national leaders.

Below the Florida State Average

The county’s safety score of 97.7 falls slightly under the Florida average of 98.4. Its total crime rate of 1,445.3 is higher than the state average of 1,027.9.

Comparing Hamilton to Neighbors

Ten local agencies report data that shows higher crime activity than some of its more rural neighbors. This volume of reports reflects specific local challenges within the county borders.

Violent and Property Crime Breakdown

Property crime drives the local rate at 1,193.3 per 100,000, while violent crime sits at 252.0. The violent rate is higher than the state average of 206.5 but below the national average of 369.8.

Securing Your Hamilton Residence

Higher property crime rates highlight the importance of securing valuables and using home alarm systems. Vigilance and community cooperation help drive these numbers back toward state averages.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Hamilton County

via SchoolsByCounty

Compact and Unified Hamilton Schools

Hamilton County operates 7 public schools for a total enrollment of 1,657 students. The system is comprised of one elementary school, two high schools, and four specialized facilities. A single school district manages all educational needs for this North Florida community.

Meeting Standards on a Lean Budget

Hamilton County achieves a graduation rate of 87.0%, perfectly matching the national average. This is accomplished with a per-pupil expenditure of $5,662, which falls below the Florida state average of $6,118. The composite school score of 49.1 sits just under the national median of 50.0.

District-Focused Education in Hamilton

The Hamilton School District serves as the exclusive provider for all 1,657 students, as there are no charter schools in the county. Hamilton County High School is the primary educational hub, enrolling 859 students. This centralized model allows the district to focus its resources on its core traditional campuses.

Deeply Rural and Close-Knit

The entire school landscape in Hamilton County is rural, with an average school size of 276 students. Hamilton County High and Hamilton County Elementary serve the vast majority of the population, with 859 and 741 students respectively. Smaller alternative programs, like Oak Grove Academy, provide a more tailored experience for fewer than 40 students.

Relocate to Hamilton's Quiet Communities

If you are looking for a small, rural district where your child is a name rather than a number, Hamilton County is an excellent choice. The 87.0% graduation rate provides peace of mind for parents prioritizing high school completion. Explore the rural acreage and town centers to find a home near these community-focused schools.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

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

Water Quality in Hamilton County

via WaterByCounty

Hamilton County Achieves Perfect Safety Grade

Hamilton County earned an A grade for drinking water, with zero health violations reported in the last five years. Its 0.0 violation rate per 100,000 residents is an exemplary performance compared to the Florida state average of 43.4. Local residents can have high confidence in the safety of their public tap water.

Over Forty Percent of Watersheds Face Impairment

Despite clean drinking water, 42.1% of the county's natural water bodies are classified as impaired. This exceeds the Florida state average of 38.8% for the 2022 assessment cycle. The primary pollutants of concern are mercury in fish tissue, low dissolved oxygen, and high nitrate levels.

Wide-Ranging Monitoring Tracks Metals and Pesticides

A network of 86 monitoring sites has produced 21,397 measurements over the most recent five-year period. Data collection focuses on a broad range of categories, including inorganics, metals, and pesticides. This comprehensive approach helps scientists track how agricultural and industrial activities affect the local environment.

Alapaha River Running at Only 8% of Typical Flow

The Alapaha River near Jennings is experiencing extremely low water levels, with a current discharge of 102 cubic feet per second. This is just 8% of the long-term mean, indicating a severe local water deficit. These conditions can significantly alter river chemistry and stress aquatic life.

Monitor Nitrate Levels and Conserve Surface Water

While public water is safe, the 42.1% impairment rate for local water bodies suggests that private well owners should test for nitrates regularly. The Alapaha River's critically low flow highlights the need for community-wide water conservation. Practice responsible fertilizer use to help reduce the nutrient load on the watershed.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Hamilton County

via WeatherByCounty

Typical Subtropical Southern Climate

Hamilton County's 67.7°F average temperature sits well above the national median. It features 53.1 inches of annual precipitation, consistent with the humid climate of the Deep South.

Cooler Relative to the Peninsula

Averaging 67.7°F, Hamilton is roughly 3.4 degrees cooler than the Florida state average. Its position on the Georgia border makes it one of the less intense heat zones in the state.

Higher Heat Than Coastal Neighbors

While it shares a 67.7°F average with Gilchrist, Hamilton endures 92 extreme heat days—20 more than its neighbor. It is also slightly drier than the state average of 54.8 inches.

A Long Season of Heat

Hamilton experiences 92 days above 90°F, contributing to an average summer temperature of 80.5°F. Winters are mild at 54.1°F with no recorded snowfall throughout the year.

Prepare for Three Months of Heat

The 92 days of extreme heat require robust cooling solutions and hydration for outdoor workers. Residents should plan for a dry-ish climate relative to the rest of the state, averaging 53.1 inches of rain.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Hamilton County

via SoilByCounty

Hamilton Soils Show Regional Acidity

Hamilton County averages a soil pH of 5.04, which is less acidic than the Florida average of 4.88. Even so, it remains well below the national median of 6.5, meaning most garden plants will need acid-tolerant roots. Regional data on taxonomic order is unavailable, but the pH remains consistent with North Florida standards.

High Sand and Moderate Clay Levels

The soil contains 84.4% sand and 6.4% clay, which is a higher clay content than many coastal Florida counties. This small amount of clay helps with nutrient binding, though the high sand percentage still dictates rapid drainage. Silt is low at 5.2%, keeping the soil from becoming too compacted.

Room for Improvement in Organic Matter

The organic matter content is 3.78%, which is less than half of the Florida average of 8.03%. Correspondingly, the available water capacity is low at 0.088 in/in compared to the state average of 0.108. To maximize growing potential, significant soil amendments are usually required.

Managing Rapidly Draining Sandy Soils

No specific drainage class is listed, but the 84.4% sand content suggests water moves through the earth very quickly. This reduces the risk of standing water but increases the need for consistent irrigation during dry months. Builders will find this soil easy to work with for drainage-sensitive projects.

Gardening in the 9a Hardiness Zone

Hamilton County's 9a climate is ideal for pecans, blueberries, and cool-weather greens in the winter. Because the organic matter is only 3.78%, successful gardeners often use compost or manure to boost fertility. It is a great time to start a garden; just be sure to water regularly.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Hamilton County

via LawnByCounty

Traditional Florida Turf Challenges Prevail

Hamilton County scores a 20.6 on the lawn difficulty scale, landing just slightly above the Florida state average. Located in Zone 9a, the county faces a difficulty level more than double the national average due to heat and soil constraints.

State-Average Heat Drives Summer Stress

The county experiences exactly the state average of 92 extreme heat days, requiring heat-tolerant grass varieties. Annual precipitation of 53.1 inches is nearly perfect for lawns, though 6,691 growing degree days keep mowing frequent.

Acidic Sand Limits Grass Nutrient Intake

With a soil pH of 5.04 and 84.4% sand, this ground is naturally acidic and poor at retaining nutrients. Lawns here typically need supplemental potassium and lime to thrive and reach the ideal 6.0-7.0 pH range.

Widespread Severe Drought Impacts All Lawns

Hamilton has seen 28 weeks of drought in the past year, and 100% of the county currently remains in severe drought. Effective water management and choosing drought-resistant varieties like Bahia can help maintain a lawn through these dry spells.

Prepare for a March Growing Start

The best time to start your lawn is after the final spring frost around March 11. While specific growing season lengths aren't recorded, the warm temperatures usually persist until the first fall frost in early December.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Hamilton County's county score?
Hamilton County, Florida has a composite county score of 43.3 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 Hamilton County rank among counties in Florida?
Hamilton County ranks #41 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 Hamilton County, Florida?
The median annual property tax in Hamilton County is $806, with an effective tax rate of 0.73%. This earns Hamilton County a tax score of 59.7/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Hamilton County?
The median household income in Hamilton County, Florida is $47,696 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Hamilton County earns an income score of 10.6/100 on CountyScore.
Is Hamilton County, Florida a good place to live?
Hamilton County scores 43.3/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #41 in Florida. The best way to evaluate Hamilton 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 Hamilton 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.