countyscore
34.6
County Score
Water Quality 59.9Cost of Living 56.3Soil Quality 35.3

County Report Card

About Hardee County, Florida

Hardee Significantly Below National Livability

Hardee's composite score of 34.6 substantially underperforms the national median of 50.0 and falls well below Florida's state average of 45.1. The county represents below-average livability with multiple systemic challenges affecting resident quality of life.

Among Florida's Weakest County Performers

Hardee ranks in the bottom tier of Florida's 67 counties, falling significantly below the state average and reflecting serious livability constraints. The county's low composite score indicates widespread challenges across economic, health, and safety dimensions.

Water Quality and Moderate Affordability

Hardee's limited strengths include decent water quality (59.9) and moderate housing affordability, with median home values of $129,400 and rents at $954 monthly. These factors provide some foundation, but they're insufficient to offset the county's deeper structural challenges.

Severe Deficits in Taxes, Safety, and Health

Hardee struggles across nearly every dimension: the highest effective tax rate (1.050%) in this group, low safety (32.5), poor health outcomes (16.2), and modest incomes ($54,231 median). Schools (31.2) and risk management (30.8) also underperform, creating a challenging environment overall.

Avoid Unless Circumstances Dictate Otherwise

Hardee is difficult to recommend for most households due to low safety, poor health services, high tax burden, and limited economic opportunity. Only those with deep family or agricultural ties to the area should consider settling here; others will find superior livability throughout Florida.

2040608010034.656.332.516.231.223.430.859.913Tax34.6Cost56.3Safety32.5Health16.2Schools31.2Income23.4Risk30.8Water59.9Weather1334.6/100
This county
National avg
7 below average

Hardee County DNA

Foverall

How Hardee County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Hardee County falls below the national average in most categories. The biggest gap is in Weather & Climate (13/100), though Cost of Living (56.3/100) remains a relative bright spot.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
34.6-17.4
Cost
56.3+8.299999999999997
Safety
32.5-22.5
Health
16.2-33.8
Schools
31.2-22.8
Income
23.4-27.6
Risk
30.8-16.2
Water
59.9
Weather
13-43
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Think property taxes are too high in Hardee County?

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

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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$129,400

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$954/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$129,400/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$38,160/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.4x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $54,231/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

23.5

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
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Counties with similar scores

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Nearby counties

DeSoto County
Florida
31.5
Manatee County
Florida
45.3
Sarasota County
Florida
44
Highlands County
Florida
48.5
Polk County
Florida
38
Charlotte County
Florida
44.5
Hillsborough County
Florida
35.8
Osceola County
Florida
31.8

Deep Dives

Hardee County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Hardee County

via TaxByCounty

Hardee has one of Florida's highest rates

Hardee County's effective tax rate of 1.050% ranks among the highest in Florida and well above the national median. The median property tax of $1,358 reflects the county's steep taxation of modest home values, creating a real burden for residents.

Second-highest taxes in the state

Hardee ranks second-highest in Florida for property tax rate at 1.050%, just behind Glades County at 1.013%, and 44% above the state average of 0.731%. Its median property tax of $1,358 is 72% above the state median of $1,885 relative to home values.

Heaviest burden in South Central Florida

Hardee's 1.050% rate rivals only Glades County statewide and far exceeds surrounding rural counties like DeSoto and Polk. For homeowners with modest incomes in this agricultural region, Hardee's tax rate represents an unusually heavy burden.

Median home: $1,358 in annual taxes

A homeowner with a $129,400 median-valued home in Hardee County pays approximately $1,358 per year in property taxes. With a mortgage, the bill climbs to $1,693; without one, it falls to $1,118.

Appeal your assessment—savings are critical

With the state's second-highest tax rate, Hardee County homeowners should absolutely challenge overassessments. If your assessed value exceeds comparable recent sales in your area, a Value Adjustment Board appeal could recoup hundreds annually and ease the county's heavy tax burden.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Hardee County

via CostByCounty

Hardee keeps housing affordable

Hardee County residents spend 21.1% of income on rent, below the national affordability standard and well below Florida's state average. With a median household income of $54,231 and rent at $954 monthly, Hardee offers solid affordability for working families in rural central Florida.

Hardee below Florida average

At 21.1%, Hardee's rent-to-income ratio undershoots Florida's 22.5% state average, making it a genuinely affordable county despite lower overall incomes. The $954 median rent falls $279 below the state median, positioning Hardee as an accessible rental market in the state.

Hardee's moderate affordability

Hardee's $954 rent sits between Gilchrist ($855) and Gulf ($1,161), with the county's $54,231 income providing reasonable balance for working residents. Among comparable rural counties, Hardee occupies the middle ground—not the absolute cheapest, but offering good value without sacrificing economic diversity.

Hardee's working-family housing

Renters spend $954 monthly from a $54,231 median income, consuming 21.1% of earnings and preserving adequate funds for family needs. Homeowners encounter median monthly costs of $636 (14% of income), with median home values of $129,400 making homeownership genuinely attainable for working families.

Hardee: affordable working-family choice

Hardee County suits working families seeking moderate housing costs without extreme rurality, positioned between Florida's most affordable and average markets. If you need reliable affordability with reasonable economic opportunity, Hardee's balanced profile delivers solid relocation value for household builders and savers.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Hardee County

via IncomeByCounty

Hardee's income moderately below national mark

Hardee County's median household income of $54,231 trails the national median of $74,755 by about $20,500, placing it solidly below the U.S. average. The county's per capita income of $26,225 is also below national benchmarks, reflecting limited economic opportunities in this agricultural region.

Below-average earner within Florida

Hardee County's median household income of $54,231 sits 17.1% below Florida's state average of $65,468, ranking it in the lower half of Florida counties. The per capita income of $26,225 is also below the state average of $35,698, indicating modest earning power across households.

Hardee competes with agricultural counties

Hardee's $54,231 median household income is higher than Glades County ($38,905) and Hamilton County ($47,696) but trails Gadsden ($46,047). The county's economy remains agriculture-focused, limiting employment diversity and wage growth compared to more urbanized neighboring areas.

Housing remains very affordable

Hardee's rent-to-income ratio of 21.1% sits well below the 30% affordability threshold, making housing costs manageable for most households. With a median home value of $129,400, the county offers excellent housing values that don't strain household budgets significantly.

Build savings through smart budgeting

Hardee's low housing costs provide households with opportunities to save, pay down debt, and invest for future growth despite modest incomes. Explore agricultural employment advancement, vocational training, and remote work opportunities to supplement local income sources and strengthen financial foundations.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Hardee County

via CrimeByCounty

Hardee County Crime and National Context

Hardee’s total crime rate of 1,582.6 per 100,000 is lower than the national average of 2,385.5. However, its safety score of 97.5 indicates it faces more challenges than the typical Florida community.

Hardee Faces Challenges in Florida

Hardee sits below the state average safety score of 98.4. Its total crime rate of 1,582.6 is significantly higher than the Florida state average of 1,027.9 per 100,000 residents.

Neighboring County Comparisons

With nine reporting agencies, Hardee shows more frequent activity than some of its quieter Florida counterparts. This data suggests residents should stay aware of local trends compared to surrounding areas.

Detailed Crime Statistics for Hardee

Property crime is the most common issue at 1,237.9 per 100,000, while violent crime is reported at 344.7. The violent crime rate is notably higher than the Florida average of 206.5.

Investing in Home Protection

Given higher property crime rates, investing in smart locks and security cameras is a practical move. Taking these precautions helps safeguard your property in a more active crime environment.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Hardee County

via SchoolsByCounty

Educational Growth in Hardee County

Hardee County manages 11 public schools that serve a growing population of 4,901 students. The infrastructure includes six elementary schools, two high schools, and three specialized learning centers. A single district provides a consistent educational framework for the entire county.

Strong Graduation Rates and Value

Hardee County excels with a 91.0% graduation rate, surpassing the Florida state average of 89.8%. The county achieves this with a per-pupil spend of $5,440, demonstrating high efficiency compared to the state's $6,118 average. The current school score of 50.7 places the county just above the national median.

Hardee District's Traditional Foundation

The Hardee School District manages all 4,901 students without any charter school presence. Hardee Senior High School is the largest campus, hosting 1,403 students, followed closely by the Junior High with 1,141 students. This traditional structure ensures a unified academic experience for all local families.

Town-Centered School Life

Most students in Hardee County attend one of the nine town-based schools, with an average school enrollment of 545 students. This creates a bustling town-center feel for the community's children, though two rural schools remain for those on the outskirts. Wauchula Elementary is a key primary hub, serving 616 students in a lively town setting.

Find Your Place in Hardee County

With a 91.0% graduation rate, Hardee County is a smart choice for families who value academic success and efficiency. Homes in the Wauchula and Zolfo Springs areas put you right in the heart of the county's active school community. Consider this region for its high-performing high schools and family-oriented town atmosphere.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Hardee County

via RiskByCounty

Hardee County sits below national average

Hardee County's composite risk score of 69.18 falls below the national average, earning a relatively low risk rating. The inland South Florida location provides protection from extreme coastal hazards, though hurricane exposure remains meaningful.

Below Florida's state average risk

Hardee's score of 69.18 sits below Florida's state average of 75.74, positioning it among the safer counties in the state. The agricultural inland character limits flood and tornado exposure compared to coastal peers.

Riskier than nearby Glades County

Hardee's 69.18 score exceeds nearby Glades County (48.03) while remaining below Polk and Highlands counties, reflecting its mid-range position in Central Florida. The county sits between coastal and interior risk zones.

Wildfires and hurricanes lead threats

Wildfire risk of 82.89 is Hardee's highest hazard, driven by agricultural burning and forested areas, while hurricane risk of 91.36 remains substantial. Tornado risk of 42.49 and flood risk of 26.37 lag well behind these primary concerns.

Balance wildfire and hurricane coverage

Hardee residents should prioritize homeowners insurance with strong wind coverage for hurricanes, given the 91.36 risk score. Wildfire coverage through riders or supplemental policies is equally important for protecting structures in agricultural and forested zones.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Hardee County

via WaterByCounty

Hardee County Maintains Strong Compliance Record

Hardee County earns a C grade for its drinking water systems, with only one health violation recorded in five years. Its violation rate of 6.4 per 100,000 residents is far lower than the state average of 43.4. This indicates that local utilities are largely successful in meeting federal safety standards.

One-Third of Water Bodies Listed as Impaired

In the 2022 reporting cycle, 34.9% of assessed water bodies in Hardee County failed to meet health standards. This is slightly better than the Florida-wide average of 38.8%. Top impairment causes include mercury in fish tissue, total nitrogen, and elevated chlorophyll-a levels.

Nutrient Tracking Leads Local Monitoring Efforts

A total of 78 monitoring sites across the county have logged 21,515 measurements in the last five years. The primary focus of these efforts is on nutrients and inorganic non-metals. This data is critical for understanding the impact of local land use on the health of the Peace River watershed.

Peace River Faces Near-Dry Conditions at Zolfo Springs

The Peace River at Zolfo Springs is currently recording a discharge of only 13 cubic feet per second. This represents just 2% of its long-term mean flow, indicating an extreme lack of water in the system. Such low flow levels can impact water availability for both agriculture and local wildlife.

Reduce Nutrient Runoff to Protect the Peace River

With the Peace River at only 2% of its typical flow, protecting the quality of remaining water is essential. Reducing nitrogen and fertilizer runoff can help address the nutrient-related impairments seen in 35% of local waters. Residents should also stay aware of fish consumption advisories due to mercury levels in the watershed.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Hardee County

via WeatherByCounty

Inland Heat Above National Levels

Hardee County averages 72.4°F annually, which is significantly warmer than the national median. This inland region experiences a humid subtropical climate with 52.0 inches of annual rain.

Slightly Warmer Than State Average

At 72.4°F, Hardee is more than a degree warmer than the Florida state average of 71.1°F. It lacks the cooling sea breezes that moderate temperatures in coastal Florida counties.

Matching the Heat of the South

Hardee's 117 extreme heat days match those of Glades County to the south. It is slightly warmer and sees 17 more heat days than neighboring Hernando County.

Sweltering Summers and Dry Winters

Summers average 81.6°F with a heavy 117 days of extreme heat over 90°F. Winters are quite warm at 62.0°F, and snowfall is non-existent with a 0.0-inch annual average.

Manage Intense Central Florida Heat

With 117 days of extreme heat, ensuring your HVAC system is serviced annually is a top priority. Indoor activities are recommended during the summer peaks when temperatures frequently exceed 90°F.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Hardee County

via SoilByCounty

Mild Acidity in the Heart of Florida

Hardee County's soil pH of 5.14 is one of the highest in this group, sitting above the Florida average of 4.88. It is still more acidic than the national median of 6.5, requiring a specific approach to agriculture. While taxonomic details are sparse, this pH level is favorable for many of Florida’s signature crops.

Predominantly Sandy Soil Structure

With 87.9% sand and only 2.9% clay, Hardee’s soil is very light and extremely well-aerated. The silt content is minimal at 1.4%, meaning there is very little to hold the sand particles together. This makes the soil easy to dig but prone to leaching nutrients during heavy rains.

Strong Organic Matter and Water Retention

Hardee County features 7.83% organic matter, which is very close to the state average of 8.03%. This organic presence helps the soil achieve an available water capacity of 0.120 in/in, which is better than the Florida average of 0.108. It is a productive soil that holds moisture better than many sandy neighbors.

Fast Drainage for Inland Farming

Despite the lack of an official drainage classification, the 87.9% sand content points to very rapid water infiltration. This ensures that even after a tropical downpour, the ground will not stay saturated for long. This characteristic is particularly beneficial for the citrus groves that define the local economy.

Citrus and More in Zone 9b

Located in Hardiness Zone 9b, Hardee County is world-famous for its citrus production. The soil's 0.120 in/in water capacity and healthy organic levels make it a premier spot for backyard farming. Whether it is oranges or strawberries, the conditions here are ripe for your first garden.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Hardee County

via LawnByCounty

High Heat and Dry Spells Test Turfs

Hardee County has a lawn difficulty score of 17.1, making it more challenging than the average Florida county. In Zone 9b, the intense inland heat and prolonged dry periods create a stressful environment for traditional lawn grasses.

Intense Summer Sun Accelerates Growth

With 117 extreme heat days, Hardee is significantly hotter than the Florida average of 92. The 8,218 growing degree days indicate that grass remains active nearly all year, requiring year-round maintenance and attention.

Highly Sandy Soil Lacks Vital Structure

The soil is 87.9% sand and has an acidic pH of 5.14, which is well below the 6.0-7.0 ideal for most turf. This texture means that water and fertilizers drain away quickly, necessitating frequent, light applications to be effective.

Long-Term Drought Conditions Peak Here

Hardee experienced 38 weeks of drought over the past year, and 100% of the county is currently in severe drought. These conditions are among the toughest in the region, making irrigation systems or drought-hardy xeriscaping essential.

Establish Lawns Early in the Year

The short frost window ends by February 4, allowing for an early start on planting St. Augustine or Bermuda grass. Given the high heat and drought risk, establishing a strong root system before the peak summer heat is vital.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Hardee County's county score?
Hardee County, Florida has a composite county score of 34.6 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 Hardee County rank among counties in Florida?
Hardee County ranks #58 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 Hardee County, Florida?
The median annual property tax in Hardee County is $1,358, with an effective tax rate of 1.05%. This earns Hardee County a tax score of 34.6/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Hardee County?
The median household income in Hardee County, Florida is $54,231 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Hardee County earns an income score of 23.4/100 on CountyScore.
Is Hardee County, Florida a good place to live?
Hardee County scores 34.6/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #58 in Florida. The best way to evaluate Hardee 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 Hardee 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.