Hernando County's composite score of 69.8 significantly exceeds the national median of 50.0, placing it firmly in the better-than-average range among U.S. counties. The county demonstrates solid livability across multiple measured dimensions.
2 / 5
Matches Florida's State Average
At 69.8, Hernando County performs right at Florida's state average of 69.4, indicating middle-of-the-pack performance among the state's 67 counties. The county maintains balance across measured livability factors.
3 / 5
Low Taxes and Reasonable Costs
Hernando leads with a tax score of 82.0 and an effective tax rate of 0.720%—among Florida's lowest. The county also offers reasonable housing affordability with a cost score of 72.0, median rents of $1,209, and median home values of $240,700.
4 / 5
Income Growth Lags Behind Costs
Hernando's income score of 24.6 reflects a median household income of $63,193, which doesn't keep pace with rising housing costs. Critical data on safety, health, schools, and environmental quality remains unavailable, limiting comprehensive livability assessment.
5 / 5
Best for Moderate-Income Families
Hernando County appeals to middle-class families seeking tax breaks and manageable housing expenses in a Florida setting. The county offers decent value, though residents should verify school quality and community safety before relocating.
Hernando County's composite score of 69.8 significantly exceeds the national median of 50.0, placing it firmly in the better-than-average range among U.S. counties. The county demonstrates solid livability across multiple measured dimensions.
Matches Florida's State Average
At 69.8, Hernando County performs right at Florida's state average of 69.4, indicating middle-of-the-pack performance among the state's 67 counties. The county maintains balance across measured livability factors.
Low Taxes and Reasonable Costs
Hernando leads with a tax score of 82.0 and an effective tax rate of 0.720%—among Florida's lowest. The county also offers reasonable housing affordability with a cost score of 72.0, median rents of $1,209, and median home values of $240,700.
Income Growth Lags Behind Costs
Hernando's income score of 24.6 reflects a median household income of $63,193, which doesn't keep pace with rising housing costs. Critical data on safety, health, schools, and environmental quality remains unavailable, limiting comprehensive livability assessment.
Best for Moderate-Income Families
Hernando County appeals to middle-class families seeking tax breaks and manageable housing expenses in a Florida setting. The county offers decent value, though residents should verify school quality and community safety before relocating.
Score breakdown
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Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
Hernando County's 0.720% effective tax rate sits about 22% below the national median of 0.92%, placing it in the lower half of taxed counties nationwide. At $1,732 median annual property tax, residents pay 35% less than the national median of $2,690.
Just below Florida's statewide average
Hernando's 0.720% rate trails Florida's 0.731% average by a slim margin, ranking it near the middle of the state's 67 counties. The county's $1,732 median tax falls short of Florida's $1,885 average.
Competitive with Southwest Florida peers
Hernando's 0.720% rate sits nearly equal to Highlands County (0.728%) and outperforms larger Hillsborough County (0.836%). It runs higher than rural Holmes (0.520%) and Jackson (0.549%), reflecting its more developed coastal character.
Typical annual tax on $240K home
A Hernando County homeowner with a $240,700 median-valued home pays approximately $1,732 per year in property taxes. With mortgage-related assessments factored in, that rises to roughly $1,919.
Appeal your assessment if unsure
One in six to seven homeowners holds an inflated property assessment, often due to outdated valuations or data errors. Hernando County residents can request a free reassessment through the Property Appraiser's office if they suspect overvaluation.
Hernando County residents allocate 23% of their income to rent—higher than Florida's 22.5% average and pushing toward the national concern threshold of 30%. With a median household income of $63,193 and median rent of $1,209, housing costs here claim a larger share than similarly-sized nearby counties.
Mid-range affordability across Florida
Hernando's rent-to-income ratio of 23% places it slightly above Florida's state average, signaling moderate affordability strain compared to peers. The county's median rent of $1,209 sits just below the state median of $1,233, making it representative of statewide housing cost trends.
Pricier than inland, cheaper than Tampa area
Hernando's $1,209 monthly rent sits between rural Hendry County ($958) and dense Hillsborough County ($1,543), reflecting its transitional position north of Tampa. Home values similarly position Hernando at $240,700—more expensive than rural alternatives but substantially cheaper than the Hillsborough median of $333,300.
Renters bear the heavier load
Renters in Hernando dedicate $1,209 monthly (23% of income) compared to homeowners paying $943 for mortgages and costs. The median household income of $63,193 leaves renters with tighter margins than homeowners, suggesting ownership provides better long-term value in this market.
Hernando balances growth and affordability
Relocating to Hernando offers escape from Tampa's $1,543 rents while staying in an active housing market with growing amenities. Homebuyers find median values near $241K and monthly costs around $943—reasonable for the region and for those seeking suburban Florida living.
Hernando County's median household income of $63,193 sits just $11,562 below the national median of $74,755, putting it closer to the middle of the national earnings distribution. The county performs better than most rural and mid-size American counties.
Hernando ranks close to state median
At $63,193, Hernando's median household income runs about $2,275 below Florida's state average of $65,468, placing it just slightly below the middle of Florida counties. The county sits near the statewide norm for household earnings.
Hernando moderately outpaces rural counties
Hernando County's $63,193 exceeds nearby Hendry ($53,044) and Highlands ($55,581) but falls short of wealthier Indian River County ($71,049). The county benefits from both retiree migration and small-business activity.
Housing costs edge toward concern
Hernando's rent-to-income ratio of 23.0% indicates housing takes up nearly a quarter of median household income, approaching the affordability threshold. With a median home value of $240,700, first-time buyers should budget carefully.
Strategic investing bridges income gaps
Hernando households at $63,000 income can use tax-advantaged accounts and diversified investments to accelerate wealth building. Starting early with retirement and investment planning helps households reach long-term financial security despite regional income variations.
Hernando County health metrics near national norms
Hernando County's 74.4-year life expectancy sits about 5 years below the U.S. average of 79.3 years, though only 19.1% of residents report poor or fair health—below the national average of 18%. The county shows mixed performance against national benchmarks.
Slightly below state average on life expectancy
At 74.4 years, Hernando County trails Florida's 75.8-year average by 1.4 years. However, its 14.1% uninsured rate aligns nearly perfectly with the state average of 14.4%, suggesting more stable healthcare access than many Florida counties.
Strong primary care capacity
Hernando County boasts 56 primary care providers per 100,000 residents, matching or exceeding most nearby counties and well above state medians. With 102 mental health providers per 100K, the county offers robust behavioral health resources for residents.
Healthcare access supports preventive care
Hernando's 14.1% uninsured rate and 56 primary care providers per 100,000 residents create a relatively stable healthcare environment for routine checkups and preventive services. Most residents can access doctors without excessive travel, supporting early disease detection and ongoing health management.
Explore coverage for better health outcomes
Even with good baseline coverage, gaps remain—14% of Hernando residents still lack insurance. Visit Healthcare.gov or contact your local health department to review marketplace plans and see if you qualify for subsidies or Medicaid expansion benefits.
Hernando County's composite risk score of 87.98 ranks it firmly in the Relatively Moderate category, placing it in the riskier half of all U.S. counties. This score reflects a community exposed to multiple significant natural hazards across its 14-county footprint.
Upper third of Florida risk rankings
Hernando County's 87.98 score sits well above Florida's state average of 75.74, putting it among the state's higher-risk counties. This reflects the county's coastal position and vulnerability to the full spectrum of Florida's environmental threats.
Riskier than Pasco, comparable to Citrus
Hernando's 87.98 positions it as one of the more exposed counties in the Tampa Bay region, with notably higher risk than inland Pasco County. Its score aligns closely with other Gulf Coast counties facing similar hurricane and storm surge vulnerabilities.
Hurricanes and tornadoes rank as top threats
Hurricane risk (96.08) and tornado risk (91.83) dominate Hernando's hazard profile, both exceeding the 85th percentile. Flood risk (85.59) and wildfire risk (88.01) round out a multi-dimensional threat environment that demands comprehensive preparation.
Bundle wind, flood, and tornado coverage
With all major hazard risks between 85 and 96, you need comprehensive coverage: wind insurance for hurricanes, a separate flood policy (standard homeowner policies exclude it), and documentation for tornado damage. Consider wind-resistant upgrades like impact-resistant windows and reinforced roof attachments, especially critical given your 91.83 tornado risk score.