countyscore
48.5
County Score
Safety 97.5Property Tax 59.9Cost of Living 54.2

County Report Card

About Highlands County, Florida

Highlands meets the national livability bar

Highlands County's composite score of 48.5 nearly aligns with the national median of 50.0, placing it just slightly below average nationally. The county demonstrates balanced strengths and weaknesses rather than excelling or faltering dramatically in any single dimension.

Highlands edges ahead of Florida average

With a score of 48.5, Highlands County exceeds Florida's state average of 45.1 by 3.4 points, ranking in the upper-middle tier of state counties. This modest outperformance reflects particular strength in safety and housing affordability.

Safety and affordability anchor the county

Highlands County boasts an exceptional safety score of 97.5—the highest among all eight counties profiled—and strong housing affordability with a median home value of $177,900 and rent of $980/month. These cost advantages combine with moderate tax rates (0.728%) to create genuine financial breathing room for residents.

Schools and income lag significantly

The school score of 13.0 represents a critical weak point, suggesting limited educational quality and opportunity. Income levels are modest at $55,581 median household income, with an income score of 26.8, restricting earning potential and economic mobility for working-age residents.

Safe community for cost-conscious retirees

Highlands County appeals to retirees and older households seeking an exceptionally safe, affordable small-town environment away from urban sprawl. Families with school-age children should consider educational alternatives, as local schools do not rank competitively.

Score breakdown

Tax59.9Cost54.2Safety97.5Health29.3Schools13Income26.8Risk10.6Water25.8Weather11.3
🏛59.9
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠54.2
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼26.8
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡97.5
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤29.3
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓13
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡10.6
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧25.8
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤11.3
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨34.8
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱14.7
Lawn Care
Lawn difficulty score based on climate, soil, and grass suitability
LawnByCounty →
🛒
Farmers Markets
Local market density, SNAP/EBT acceptance, and product variety
MarketsByCounty →
Sponsored

Compare mortgage rates in Highlands County

Whether buying or refinancing in Highlands County, compare rates from top lenders to find the best deal.

See Today's Rates

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 Highlands County with Logan County →Share on X

Counties with similar scores

Logan County
Arkansas
Median income: $54,237
48.5
Kiowa County
Colorado
Median income: $56,389
48.5
Jenkins County
Georgia
Median income: $36,906
48.5
Shelby County
Indiana
Median income: $71,301
48.5
Thomas County
Kansas
Median income: $73,575
48.5
Walthall County
Mississippi
Median income: $45,444
48.5
Winston County
Mississippi
Median income: $49,071
48.5
Camden County
Missouri
Median income: $62,927
48.5

Nearby counties

Okeechobee County
Florida
31.6
Glades County
Florida
54.1
Hardee County
Florida
34.6
DeSoto County
Florida
31.5
Indian River County
Florida
45
St. Lucie County
Florida
36.6
Osceola County
Florida
31.8
Hendry County
Florida
34.9

Deep Dives

Highlands County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Highlands County

via TaxByCounty

Highlands taxes remain below national norm

Highlands County's 0.728% effective tax rate runs roughly 21% lower than the national median of 0.92%, landing it among America's lighter-taxed counties. The median annual property tax of $1,295 represents less than half the national median of $2,690.

Virtually tied with Florida's average rate

Highlands County's 0.728% rate nearly matches Florida's statewide average of 0.731%, placing it squarely in the middle of the state's tax rankings. Its $1,295 median tax, however, falls $590 below the state median of $1,885.

Lower taxes than most regional peers

Highlands' 0.728% rate undercuts neighboring Hernando (0.720%, similar), and significantly beats larger counties like Hillsborough (0.836%). It runs higher than the rural trio of Holmes (0.520%), Jackson (0.549%), and Hendry (0.801%).

Annual tax on typical $177K property

A Highlands County homeowner with the median-valued property of $177,900 pays roughly $1,295 per year in property taxes. Mortgage-related assessments bring the total to approximately $1,496 annually.

Challenge your valuation today

Many Highlands County homeowners never question their property assessments, even when values have declined or market conditions shift. Filing an appeal costs nothing and can uncover significant tax savings if your home is overvalued.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Highlands County

via CostByCounty

Highlands offers solid national affordability

Highlands County residents spend just 21.2% of income on rent, beating Florida's state average of 22.5% and well below the national 30% concern level. The county's median household income of $55,581 and median rent of $980 combine to create one of Florida's more favorable housing situations.

Top-tier affordability within Florida

Highlands ranks among Florida's most affordable counties with a rent-to-income ratio of 21.2%—one of the lowest statewide. The median rent of $980 significantly undercuts Florida's median of $1,233, positioning Highlands as a genuine savings destination for cost-conscious renters.

Competitive with rural peers, beats growth areas

Highlands' $980 monthly rent rivals Hendry County ($958) while crushing Hillsborough's $1,543, offering clear cost advantages across the spectrum. For homebuyers, Highlands' $177,900 median home value is the lowest among comparable counties, with ownership costs of just $643 monthly.

Owning is significantly cheaper here

Renters pay $980 monthly (21.2% of income) while homeowners spend just $643—a $337 monthly gap favoring ownership. With a median household income of $55,581, this spread means homeowners recoup significant savings, making Highlands particularly attractive for buyers seeking true value.

Highlands County champions affordability

If budget is your priority, Highlands delivers: rents around $980 and homes under $178K with monthly costs under $650. The county's 21.2% rent-to-income ratio is among Florida's best, freeing up money for savings or quality of life investments.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Highlands County

via IncomeByCounty

Highlands income trails US benchmark

Highlands County's median household income of $55,581 sits $19,174 below the national median of $74,755, placing it in the lower-middle tier nationally. The county reflects income patterns typical of agricultural and rural regions across America.

Below Florida's earnings standard

At $55,581, Highlands County's median household income falls approximately $9,887 short of Florida's state average of $65,468. The county ranks in the lower half of Florida's income distribution.

Highlands echoes rural economic peers

Highlands County's $55,581 sits between Hendry County ($53,044) and Hernando County ($63,193), reflecting similar rural and agricultural employment bases. All three counties significantly underperform more urbanized Florida regions like Hillsborough.

Housing costs stay within reach

Highlands County's rent-to-income ratio of 21.2% keeps housing costs comfortably below the 30% affordability threshold. With a median home value of $177,900, residents have reasonable housing options relative to local incomes.

Invest in your financial foundation

Highlands County households at $55,600 income can build wealth through consistent retirement savings and low-cost index investments. Even on modest incomes, compound growth over decades creates meaningful financial security.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Highlands County

via CrimeByCounty

National Data Reporting in Highlands

Highlands County technically holds a safety score of 100.0, though this is primarily due to a lack of reported crime data for 2022. While the national total crime rate is 2,385.5, local data for this period is effectively unavailable. We encourage checking with local law enforcement for the most current neighborhood trends.

Highlands Within the Florida System

Because 9 reporting agencies provided limited data, Highlands appears as an outlier compared to Florida's average safety score of 98.4. Its reported rate of 0.0 per 100K does not reflect an absence of crime, but rather a reporting gap. This lack of data makes direct state rankings difficult for this specific year.

How Highlands Compares Regionally

Neighboring counties like Hendry report crime rates of 1220.5, which likely more accurately reflects the regional experience. Without active 2022 data, Highlands cannot be reliably compared to its peers. Residents should look to historical averages or neighboring trends for context.

Breaking Down Reported Incidents

With zero reported violent or property crimes in the 2022 dataset, there is no statistical breakdown available for this period. In a typical year, national averages show property crime is much more prevalent than violent crime. Residents should maintain standard safety precautions despite the data gap.

Maintaining Vigilance at Home

Data gaps should not lead to complacency regarding home security. Ensure your property is well-lit and that all entry points are secured at night. Engaging with neighbors is a great way to stay informed when official data is unavailable.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Highlands County

via HealthByCounty

Highlands County life expectancy near national average

At 75.0 years, Highlands County residents live about 4 years less than the U.S. average of 79.3 years. However, 21% reporting poor or fair health sits slightly above the national rate of 18%, indicating room for health improvement.

Slightly below Florida's health average

Highlands County's 75.0-year life expectancy trails Florida's 75.8-year state average by less than 1 year. At 19.1% uninsured, the county exceeds the state average of 14.4%, suggesting a notable segment lacks consistent healthcare coverage.

Competitive primary care provider supply

With 58 primary care providers per 100,000 residents, Highlands County matches or exceeds many rural Florida counties like Hendry and Jackson. The 90 mental health providers per 100K also reflects a meaningful behavioral health infrastructure for the region.

Uninsured rate complicates preventive care

Nearly 1 in 5 Highlands County residents lack health insurance, potentially delaying diagnosis and treatment of chronic conditions. While the county maintains 58 primary care providers per 100,000 residents, the uninsured population may struggle to afford their services.

Get covered and stay healthy

If you're uninsured in Highlands County, marketplace plans and Medicaid options can connect you to local doctors and reduce out-of-pocket costs. Contact 1-800-985-2550 or visit Healthcare.gov to compare plans and find one that works for your budget.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Highlands County

via SchoolsByCounty

Diverse School Levels in the Heartland

Highlands County features 24 public schools serving a total enrollment of 12,362 students. The district includes nine elementary schools, four middle schools, and six high schools, providing a balanced infrastructure across different age groups. These schools are distributed across the county's distinct urban, suburban, and rural locales.

Focusing on Student Achievement Goals

Highlands County currently maintains an 83.0% graduation rate, which sits below the Florida average of 89.8% and the national mark of 87.0%. Per-pupil expenditure is $5,721, approaching the state average of $6,118. With a school score of 47.1, the county continues to work toward meeting state and national academic benchmarks.

Unified District Management in Highlands

The Highlands School District manages all 24 campuses in the county with no charter schools currently available to residents. Sebring High School stands as the largest academic hub, enrolling 1,809 students and acting as a primary community landmark. Other significant schools include Avon Park High and Lake Placid High, which anchor their respective regional areas.

A Mix of Settings and Moderate Sizes

The county offers a diverse geographic mix of school settings, including nine rural, seven city, and five suburban locations. With an average school size of 562 students, the campuses feel more personal than in Florida’s larger metropolitan counties. Families can choose between larger city-based schools like Woodlawn Elementary or smaller rural options across the county.

Discovering Community-Centric Schools

If you are looking for a community where schools are deeply integrated into the local towns and rural landscapes, Highlands County is worth exploring. The diverse school locales offer homebuyers various lifestyle options, from quiet rural settings to active city neighborhoods near Sebring High. School proximity remains a key factor for families evaluating real estate in this region.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Highlands County

via RiskByCounty

Highlands faces notably above-average risks

Highlands County's composite risk score of 89.44 places it firmly in the Relatively Moderate category, well above the typical U.S. county profile. This score reflects a rural county with significant exposure to multiple storm and fire hazards.

Top tier of Florida's riskiest counties

At 89.44, Highlands County ranks among Florida's higher-exposure counties, exceeding the state average of 75.74 by nearly 14 points. This puts the county in the top third of Florida's natural hazard risk distribution.

Slightly less risky than Polk, more exposed than Glades

Highlands County's 89.44 places it squarely in the central Florida risk tier, comparable to nearby Polk County. The county faces notably higher composite risk than western neighbors like Glades County, reflecting its greater exposure to multiple hazard types.

Hurricanes and wildfires drive most exposure

Hurricane risk (95.70) and wildfire risk (92.72) dominate the county's profile, both exceeding 92 on the risk scale. Tornado risk (82.54) and flood risk (78.40) add additional layers of vulnerability in this multi-hazard environment.

Secure wind and fire insurance immediately

Highlands County's hurricane (95.70) and wildfire (92.72) risks are severe—prioritize comprehensive wind coverage and investigate wildfire insurance options specific to your location. Add a separate flood policy to your homeowner's insurance, as standard policies exclude flood damage despite your 78.40 flood risk score.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Highlands County

via WeatherByCounty

Highlands County is significantly warmer than national averages

With an annual average temperature of 73.0°F, Highlands County is nearly 20 degrees warmer than the national median. This subtropical climate is defined by mild winters and consistent heat throughout the year.

Warmer than the average Florida county

The county's 73.0°F average exceeds the Florida state average of 71.1°F. It ranks as one of the warmer inland territories in the state, driven by its southern-central location.

Staying hotter than its northern neighbors

Highlands stays slightly cooler than coastal Hillsborough (74.4°F) but is significantly warmer than Lake County (72.0°F). It receives 52.8 inches of annual rain, which is slightly less than the state average of 54.8 inches.

A staggering four months of extreme heat

Residents face 126 days per year where temperatures reach or exceed 90°F. Winters are very mild with a 63.3°F average and absolutely no recorded snowfall.

Plan for extreme heat and high humidity

High-efficiency HVAC systems are essential to manage the 126 days of extreme heat. Outdoor activities are most comfortable during the 61.3°F January mornings before the humidity peaks.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Highlands County

via SoilByCounty

Highly Acidic Highlands Soils

The soil pH here averages 4.61, making it considerably more acidic than the Florida average of 4.88. This sharp acidity is much lower than the national median of 6.5 and defines local growing conditions.

Sand-Dominant Soil Structure

This soil is 76.7% sand and only 2.0% clay, offering a very loose and airy structure. The low silt content of 1.3% means the soil has very little natural cohesion or nutrient-holding capacity.

Excellent Organic Nutrient Density

Organic matter is exceptionally high at 14.08%, nearly doubling the state average of 8.03%. This organic wealth drives an available water capacity of 0.124 in/in, which is superior to the state average.

Fast Drainage with High Absorption

Local data does not specify a drainage class, but the sand-heavy profile indicates water moves through the soil rapidly. The high organic matter helps sponge up some of that water, providing a buffer against quick drying.

Citrus Success in Zone 9b

The acidic soil and Zone 9b climate are perfect for citrus trees and azaleas. Take advantage of the high organic matter and start planting your dream landscape this season.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Highlands County

via LawnByCounty

High Difficulty for Central Florida Lawns

Highlands County presents a challenging environment with a lawn difficulty score of 14.7, trailing both the state and national averages. Located in hardiness zone 9b, this region demands more effort and resources than 85% of the country to maintain a lush lawn. Growers must adapt to high heat and very specific soil chemistry.

Extended Seasons and Intense Heat

With 126 extreme heat days, Highlands is much hotter than the state average of 92. The region receives 52.8 inches of rain annually, which is near the Florida average, but the 8,448 growing degree days indicate a very long growing season. This combination requires careful irrigation management to prevent turf from scorching during the peak summer months.

Correcting Highly Acidic Ridge Soils

Highlands County features some of the state's most acidic soil with a pH of 4.61, far lower than the ideal 6.0-7.0 range. The soil is 76.7% sand and only 2.0% clay, providing very little natural nutrient retention. Aggressive liming and the addition of organic matter are essential steps to stabilize the soil foundation.

Navigating 100% Severe Drought Coverage

The entire county is currently experiencing severe drought, having spent 34 weeks in drought conditions over the past year. Without proper intervention, these conditions can lead to permanent turf loss in sandy areas. Prioritizing water conservation through mulch-mowing and morning-only irrigation is vital for preserving your lawn.

Starting Your Highlands County Lawn

St. Augustine grass remains a popular choice for zone 9b due to its heat tolerance, though Bahia is better for low-water sites. Plan your major lawn work for after February 1, which marks the typical end of the spring frost risk. This early start gives your turf time to mature before the 126 days of 90-degree heat arrive.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Highlands County's county score?
Highlands County, Florida has a composite county score of 48.5 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 Highlands County rank among counties in Florida?
Highlands County ranks #26 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 Highlands County, Florida?
The median annual property tax in Highlands County is $1,295, with an effective tax rate of 0.73%. This earns Highlands County a tax score of 59.9/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Highlands County?
The median household income in Highlands County, Florida is $55,581 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Highlands County earns an income score of 26.8/100 on CountyScore.
Is Highlands County, Florida a good place to live?
Highlands County scores 48.5/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #26 in Florida. The best way to evaluate Highlands 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 Highlands County with other counties side by side.

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality🌤Weather & Climate🪨Soil Quality🌱Lawn Care🛒Farmers Markets

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