countyscore
34.9
County Score
Property Tax 53.2Safety 45.3Cost of Living 44.3

County Report Card

About Hendry County, Florida

Hendry lags far behind national livability

Hendry County's composite score of 34.9 sits well below the national median of 50.0, placing it in the bottom third nationally. The county faces significant headwinds across multiple dimensions, particularly income and health metrics, that drag down overall livability compared to typical U.S. counties.

Below-average performance within Florida

With a score of 34.9 versus Florida's state average of 45.1, Hendry County ranks among the state's weaker performers on the livability index. The 10-point gap reflects systemic challenges in income levels and health outcomes that distinguish it from stronger Florida counties.

Tax burden and housing remain bright spots

Hendry County offers competitive tax advantages with an effective tax rate of 0.801% and a tax score of 53.2. Housing affordability is reasonable, with a median home value of $189,700 and median gross rent of $958/month, providing entry points for budget-conscious buyers.

Income and health gaps demand attention

The county's income score of 20.8 reflects a median household income of just $53,044, significantly below state and national norms. Health outcomes also lag markedly with a score of 17.1, suggesting limited access to quality healthcare services and higher disease burden across the population.

Best suited for retirees seeking lowest cost

Hendry County's profile appeals primarily to retirees or income-limited households prioritizing rock-bottom housing costs and tax rates over broader amenities and services. The county's weak health and income metrics make it less ideal for working families or those requiring robust healthcare infrastructure.

2040608010053.244.345.317.125.820.821.313.39.2Tax53.2Cost44.3Safety45.3Health17.1Schools25.8Income20.8Risk21.3Water13.3Weather9.234.9/100
This county
National avg
6 below average

Hendry County DNA

Foverall

How Hendry County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Hendry County falls below the national average in most categories. The biggest gap is in Weather & Climate (9.2/100), though Property Tax (53.2/100) remains a relative bright spot.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
53.2
Cost
44.3
Safety
45.3-9.700000000000003
Health
17.1-32.9
Schools
25.8-28.2
Income
20.8-30.2
Risk
21.3-25.7
Water
13.3-44.7
Weather
9.2-46.8
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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$189,700

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$958/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$189,700/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$38,320/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum3.6x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $53,044/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

12.3

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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Nearby counties

Collier County
Florida
45.8
Glades County
Florida
54.1
Lee County
Florida
36.4
Highlands County
Florida
48.5
Charlotte County
Florida
44.5
DeSoto County
Florida
31.5
Okeechobee County
Florida
31.6
Broward County
Florida
41.8

Deep Dives

Hendry County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Hendry County

via TaxByCounty

Hendry's tax rate runs lean nationwide

At 0.801%, Hendry County's effective property tax rate sits well below the national median of 0.92%, putting it in the bottom 40% of U.S. counties by tax burden. Homeowners here pay a median of $1,519 annually—just 56% of the national median of $2,690—on homes worth roughly $189,700.

Slightly above Florida's average rate

Hendry County's 0.801% rate edges above Florida's statewide average of 0.731%, ranking it in the middle tier of the state's 67 counties. The county's median property tax of $1,519 falls $366 short of Florida's state average of $1,885.

Higher taxes than most rural neighbors

Hendry sits in Southwest Florida among smaller, rural counties with mixed tax profiles. Its 0.801% rate exceeds Holmes County (0.520%) and Jackson County (0.549%), but trails Highlands County (0.728%) and Hernando County (0.720%).

Median annual tax on typical home

A Hendry County homeowner with a median-valued property at $189,700 pays roughly $1,519 per year in property taxes. Add mortgage-related assessments, and that figure rises to about $1,905 annually.

Many Hendry homeowners can appeal

Studies consistently show 15-20% of properties are overassessed relative to market value. If your home's appraised value seems high, you have the right to file a formal appeal with the county property appraiser—often at no cost.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Hendry County

via CostByCounty

Hendry's housing costs beat the nation

Hendry County residents spend 21.7% of income on rent, well below the national average and nearly a percentage point better than Florida's state median of 22.5%. With a median household income of $53,044—roughly 29% below the national average of $74,755—Hendry achieves relative affordability through lower rents averaging just $958 per month.

Among Florida's most affordable counties

Hendry ranks favorably within Florida for housing affordability, with rent-to-income ratios better than the state average. The county's median rent of $958 trails Florida's state median of $1,233 by nearly $275 monthly, making it an accessible option for renters statewide.

Cheaper than surrounding rural counties

Hendry's $958 monthly rent undercuts neighboring Highlands County ($980) and significantly beats Hillsborough County ($1,543). For homebuyers, Hendry's median home value of $189,700 is roughly $50,000 less than Indian River County ($314,700) while maintaining similar monthly ownership costs around $800.

Rent or own, both are reasonable

Renters in Hendry spend an average $958 monthly (21.7% of income), while homeowners pay $797 monthly for mortgages and ownership costs. Combined with the modest median household income of $53,044, both housing pathways remain within reasonable affordability ranges compared to state and national standards.

Hendry offers rural Florida affordability

If you're relocating from higher-cost Florida metros, Hendry delivers significant savings: rents roughly 22% below state average and homes under $190K. The county's rent-to-income ratio of 21.7% means you'll keep more of your paycheck compared to pricier coastal alternatives.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Hendry County

via IncomeByCounty

Hendry trails US income benchmark

Hendry County's median household income of $53,044 falls about $21,700 below the national median of $74,755, placing it in the lower income tier nationwide. This 29% gap reflects economic patterns common to rural agricultural counties across America.

Below-average earnings in Florida

At $53,044, Hendry's median household income sits about $12,400 below Florida's state average of $65,468. The county ranks in the lower third of Florida's 67 counties for household earnings.

Hendry's income mirrors rural peers

Hendry County's $53,044 median is closest to neighboring Highlands County ($55,581) and Jackson County ($47,327), reflecting similar agricultural and small-town economies. The wealthier Hillsborough County ($75,011) shows what more urbanized areas earn in the state.

Housing remains affordable here

With a rent-to-income ratio of 21.7%, Hendry County keeps housing costs manageable—well within the 30% benchmark for affordability. The median home value of $189,700 is achievable for households earning the county median.

Build financial resilience today

Hendry households earning $53,000 can strengthen their future through employer retirement plans and emergency savings. Even modest contributions compound significantly over time, reducing reliance on housing debt and creating pathways to build generational wealth.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Hendry County

via CrimeByCounty

Hendry County's National Safety Standings

Hendry County maintains a total crime rate of 1220.5 per 100K residents, which is significantly lower than the national average of 2,385.5. This performance earns the county a safety score of 98.1 out of 100. Residents here enjoy a landscape that is notably safer than many other regions across the United States.

Comparing Hendry to Florida Standards

The county's total crime rate of 1220.5 sits slightly above the Florida state average of 1027.9 per 100K. Its safety score of 98.1 is just below the state average of 98.4, reflecting a competitive safety environment within the region. Local law enforcement works across 8 reporting agencies to manage these figures.

Safety Trends Among Neighboring Counties

While Hendry outperforms the national crime benchmarks, it faces a higher local crime rate than its neighbor Jackson County, which reports a low 597.4. Despite this, Hendry remains safer than more urbanized areas like Hillsborough County. The county maintains a stable middle ground for safety in South-Central Florida.

Understanding Violent and Property Crime

Property crime accounts for the bulk of local incidents at 969.9 per 100K, though this remains far below the national average of 2,015.7. The violent crime rate is 250.6 per 100K, which is safer than the national figure of 369.8. These numbers suggest that while theft occurs, physical safety remains relatively high.

Strengthening Your Local Security

Since property crime is the most frequent issue in Hendry, basic home security can make a significant difference. Motion-sensor lighting and secure locks are effective ways to protect your property. Staying informed through local alerts helps keep the community's safety score strong.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Hendry County

via SchoolsByCounty

Hendry's Centralized School Infrastructure

Hendry County manages a unified education system of 15 public schools serving 13,825 students under a single district. The landscape includes seven elementary schools, two middle schools, and two high schools, alongside four specialized centers. While the footprint is compact, the system supports a significant student population through localized town and rural hubs.

Strong Graduation Rates Despite Funding Gaps

The county boasts a 90.0% graduation rate, outperforming both the Florida average of 89.8% and the national benchmark of 87.0%. However, this success comes despite a per-pupil expenditure of just $4,060, which sits well below the state average of $6,118. The overall school score of 47.2 indicates there is still room for growth to meet the national median of 50.0.

One District, Zero Charter Schools

The Hendry School District operates all 15 public schools in the county, maintaining total control over the local curriculum with no charter schools currently in operation. The district's largest entity, Digital Academy of Florida, serves 6,396 students across all grades K-12. Following this, LaBelle High School anchors the traditional secondary education system with 1,451 students.

A Mix of Large Campus Life and Rural Roots

Education in Hendry primarily takes place in town settings, which host 12 of the 15 schools. Schools are relatively large with an average enrollment of 1,063 students, ranging from the massive Digital Academy to the 817-student LaBelle Middle School. Three rural schools provide a smaller, community-focused alternative for families outside the main town centers.

Settling Near Hendry's Town-Centered Schools

For families looking to move, Hendry County offers a high graduation rate and a school system concentrated in accessible town locations. Prospective buyers often prioritize proximity to established hubs like LaBelle or Clewiston to ensure easy access to the county's primary campuses. Explore local listings to find a home that puts your children within reach of these community-focused districts.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Hendry County

via RiskByCounty

Hendry sits slightly above national average

Hendry County's composite risk score of 78.66 places it in the Relatively Low category, just above the typical U.S. county profile. This score reflects a county where natural hazard exposure is present but manageable compared to the nation's highest-risk communities.

Mid-range risk among Florida counties

At 78.66, Hendry County ranks in the middle band of Florida's 67 counties, scoring slightly above the state average of 75.74. This positions Hendry as a moderate concern within Florida's higher-risk coastal and storm-prone landscape.

Lower risk than nearby Collier, higher than Jackson

Hendry County's 78.66 score sits between Jackson County (75.70) to the north and comparably risky peers. The county faces notably lower overall risk than coastal neighbors like Collier County, reflecting its more inland position and reduced hurricane surge exposure.

Hurricane and wildfire dominate your risk

Hurricanes (94.24) and wildfires (93.29) are Hendry's primary threats, both scoring in the high 90s and significantly outpacing tornado risk (37.60). These two hazards should anchor your emergency preparedness plan and home hardening decisions.

Prioritize wind and fire insurance now

With hurricane and wildfire risks both exceeding 93, ensure your homeowner's policy includes robust wind coverage and consider a separate wildfire policy if available. Verify flood coverage separately, as standard policies exclude it—particularly important in Hendry's flood-prone areas where risk scores reach 64.34.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Hendry County

via WaterByCounty

Hendry County Faces High Drinking Water Violations

The county earns a Grade F for drinking water compliance with 76 health-based violations over the past five years. Its violation rate of 228.3 per 100,000 residents is more than five times the Florida state average of 43.4.

Most Hendry Watersheds Fail Quality Standards

In the 2022 reporting cycle, 65.6% of assessed water bodies in Hendry County were classified as impaired, significantly higher than the state average of 38.8%. Primary causes for failure include mercury in fish tissue, low dissolved oxygen, and total phosphorus levels.

Extensive Monitoring Tracks Physical and Nutrient Data

Technicians recorded 51,039 measurements across 150 monitoring sites over the last five years. Data collection focuses heavily on nutrients, physical properties, and pesticides to track agricultural and environmental impacts.

Three Mile Canal Surges Far Above Normal

The USGS gauge at Three Mile Canal below G409 currently records a discharge of 119 cfs. This flow is a staggering 957% of the long-term mean, indicating extreme water movement in the local canal system.

Prioritize Filtration Given High Violation Rates

Because of the high violation rate and extreme canal surges, residents should use certified water filters and stay informed via annual Consumer Confidence Reports. Watershed impairments from phosphorus also suggest a need for local runoff management.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Hendry County

via WeatherByCounty

Exceptional Warmth in the Glades

Hendry County’s 74.0°F average makes it one of the warmest locations in the United States. It receives 52.6 inches of rainfall annually, which is well above the national median.

One of Florida’s Hottest Counties

Hendry's 74.0°F average is nearly three degrees higher than the Florida state average of 71.1°F. It ranks as one of the warmest counties in the entire state.

Leading the Region in Heat

Hendry is hotter than neighboring Glades and Hardee counties, averaging 74.0°F. It also records 130 extreme heat days, the highest number in this regional group.

A Marathon of Extreme Heat

The county endures a staggering 130 days of temperatures at or above 90°F. Summers average 82.1°F, while winters remain the warmest in the region at 64.8°F with no snow.

Maximum Cooling for Extreme Heat

Residents must prepare for 130 days of extreme heat with high-efficiency air conditioning and heat-reflective roofing. Winter is the ideal time for outdoor projects, as temperatures stay at a comfortable 64.8°F.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Hendry County

via SoilByCounty

Acidic Sands in Hendry County

The county's soil features an average pH of 4.90, which is significantly more acidic than the national median of 6.5. While specific taxonomic data for the area is limited, the chemical profile is typical of Florida's prehistoric sea-floor origins.

High Sand, Low Clay Mix

The soil composition is 78.9% sand and just 2.0% clay, creating a very loose and gritty texture. With only 1.5% silt, the soil drains rapidly but struggles to retain essential plant nutrients without regular amendments.

Impressive Organic Matter Levels

Organic matter content reaches a high 13.69%, well above the state average of 8.03%. This organic richness boosts the available water capacity to 0.120 in/in, outperforming the state baseline of 0.108 in/in.

Rapid Drainage and Porous Structure

Specific drainage classes are not recorded for this area, but the high sand percentage suggests very high permeability. This helps prevent root rot in heavy rains but requires frequent irrigation for agricultural consistency.

Tropical Growth in Zone 10a

Hendry falls into Hardiness Zone 10a, making it a prime location for citrus and tropical fruits. The high organic matter provides a great foundation, so start your backyard orchard today.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Hendry County

via LawnByCounty

Tough Turf Conditions in Hendry County

Maintaining a lawn in Hendry County is a major challenge, reflected in a low difficulty score of 14.1 compared to the national median of 50.0. Situated in hardiness zone 10a, this area is even more demanding than the Florida state average of 19.2. Homeowners here must navigate extreme heat and tropical pressures that most of the country never faces.

Intense Heat Drives Constant Mowing

Hendry endures 130 extreme heat days per year, crushing the state average of 92 days. This heat, combined with 8,810 growing degree days, keeps grass in a state of rapid growth throughout most of the year. While 52.6 inches of annual rain is plentiful, the relentless sun necessitates a strict irrigation and mowing schedule.

Acidic Sands Demand Heavy Soil Prep

The soil foundation is highly acidic with a pH of 4.90, falling far below the 6.0 to 7.0 ideal range for most turf. With a sand content of 78.9% and only 2.0% clay, nutrients wash away quickly after heavy rains. Homeowners usually need significant lime applications and organic amendments to help the ground hold onto moisture and fertilizer.

Battling Severe Year-Round Drought

Currently, 100% of Hendry County is under severe drought conditions, and the area has spent 39 weeks in drought over the past year. This persistent dry spell makes water conservation vital for lawn survival. Deep, infrequent watering early in the morning is the most effective way to protect your grass during these dry cycles.

Planting for Success in Zone 10a

Heat-loving species like St. Augustine and Bermuda grass are the top choices for Hendry's tropical climate. With the last spring frost typically occurring by January 27, the window for seeding or laying sod is wide open early in the year. Start your lawn projects in late winter to establish strong roots before the peak summer heat arrives.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Hendry County's county score?
Hendry County, Florida has a composite county score of 34.9 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 Hendry County rank among counties in Florida?
Hendry County ranks #57 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 Hendry County, Florida?
The median annual property tax in Hendry County is $1,519, with an effective tax rate of 0.80%. This earns Hendry County a tax score of 53.2/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Hendry County?
The median household income in Hendry County, Florida is $53,044 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Hendry County earns an income score of 20.8/100 on CountyScore.
Is Hendry County, Florida a good place to live?
Hendry County scores 34.9/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #57 in Florida. The best way to evaluate Hendry 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 Hendry County with other counties side by side.
By Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & Data Editor

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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.