CountyScore

Hillsborough County

Florida · FL

#61 in Florida
58.8
County Score

County Report Card

About Hillsborough County, Florida

Hillsborough Exceeds National Baseline

Hillsborough County's composite score of 62.5 surpasses the national median of 50.0, demonstrating above-average livability. However, within Florida's competitive landscape, this score places it below state averages.

Below Florida State Average

With a score of 62.5, Hillsborough County falls below Florida's state average of 69.4, ranking in the lower half of the state's counties. The county faces affordability pressures compared to smaller, more rural Florida markets.

Strong Income and Tax Efficiency

Hillsborough leads with the highest income score of 32.3 among this group, reflecting a median household income of $75,011—well above state norms. The tax score of 78.8 and effective rate of 0.836% also provide reasonable efficiency.

Housing Costs Rising Faster Than Incomes

Hillsborough's cost score of just 57.8 reveals significant affordability stress: median home values reach $333,300 and rents average $1,543 monthly, among Florida's highest. Missing data on safety, health, and schools further limits livability clarity.

Suits Higher-Income Urban Professionals

Hillsborough County thrives as home for dual-income professionals and established families with solid earnings who can afford metro-area housing costs. The county's strong income profile and tax efficiency justify its higher living expenses for affluent relocators.

Score breakdown

5 dimensions have live data. 3 more coming as vertical sites launch.

Tax78.8Cost57.8SafetyComing SoonHealth68.1SchoolsComing SoonIncome32.3Risk1.2WaterComing Soon
🏛78.8
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠57.8
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼32.3
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤68.1
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡1.2
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧Coming Soon
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncomeincomebycounty.com
Compare Hillsborough County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Monroe County
Florida
58.8
Median income: $82,430
Jackson County
Illinois
58.8
Median income: $45,572
Madison County
Illinois
58.8
Median income: $74,800
Sangamon County
Illinois
58.8
Median income: $74,114
Genesee County
New York
58.8
Median income: $72,055

Deep Dives

Hillsborough County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Hillsborough County

via TaxByCounty

Hillsborough taxes rank above U.S. median

Hillsborough County's 0.836% effective tax rate exceeds the national median of 0.92% by a small margin, placing it in the upper third of taxed U.S. counties. Homeowners here pay a median of $2,787 annually—the highest among our eight counties—against a national median of $2,690.

Florida's 5th-largest county taxes highest here

Hillsborough's 0.836% rate tops Florida's statewide average of 0.731% by about 14%, ranking it among the state's higher-taxed counties. The $2,787 median property tax exceeds the state average by $902.

Steeper taxes than all regional competitors

Hillsborough's 0.836% rate outpaces every comparable county in this sample, from Hernando (0.720%) and Highlands (0.728%) to Hendry (0.801%). This reflects the county's larger, more urbanized economy and higher property values.

Tax bill on median $333K home annually

A Hillsborough County homeowner with the county's $333,300 median-valued home pays approximately $2,787 per year in property taxes. Including mortgage-related assessments, the total reaches roughly $3,154.

Higher taxes make appeals more valuable

In a county with above-average tax rates, even a small assessment error can cost hundreds of dollars yearly. Hillsborough residents should particularly consider requesting a free property appraisal review if they believe their home's listed value is inflated.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Hillsborough County

via CostByCounty

Tampa's housing squeeze is real

Hillsborough County residents dedicate 24.7% of income to rent—the highest ratio among these eight counties and notably above Florida's 22.5% state average. Despite a median household income of $75,011 (nearly matching the national average of $74,755), the county's median rent of $1,543 creates significant affordability pressure.

Florida's least affordable county here

Among Florida's 67 counties, Hillsborough ranks among the least affordable, with rent consuming nearly 25% of household income. The median rent of $1,543 towers over Florida's $1,233 median, reflecting Tampa Bay's status as a high-growth urban market.

Hillsborough costs far exceed regional peers

Hillsborough's $1,543 monthly rent nearly doubles Highlands County ($980) and Hendry County ($958), positioning it as the region's expensive anchor. Home values at $333,300 are double or triple rural alternatives, reflecting Tampa Bay's investment desirability and supply constraints.

High incomes needed for affordability

Renters face $1,543 monthly costs (24.7% of income) while homeowners pay $1,458 for mortgages and ownership expenses. The county's $75,011 median income barely covers these costs, leaving little room for the typical household to build wealth or weather emergencies.

Consider Hillsborough's trade-offs carefully

Moving to Hillsborough means accepting Florida's highest housing costs—$1,543 rents and homes averaging $333K—in exchange for Tampa Bay's urban economy and amenities. If you're relocating from higher-income metros or prioritize big-city lifestyle, the trade-off may work; budget-conscious movers should explore rural alternatives saving $500+ monthly.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Hillsborough County

via IncomeByCounty

Hillsborough edges above national average

Hillsborough County's median household income of $75,011 exceeds the national median of $74,755 by $256, placing it squarely in the national middle-to-upper tier. The county punches above its weight as Florida's most economically diverse region.

Hillsborough leads Florida earnings

At $75,011, Hillsborough County's median household income runs $9,543 above Florida's state average of $65,468, ranking it among the state's top earners. The county's size and economic diversity drive higher incomes than most peers.

Hillsborough far outpaces regional peers

Hillsborough County's $75,011 towers over neighboring rural counties like Hendry ($53,044) and Highlands ($55,581), and exceeds even wealthier communities like Indian River ($71,049). The Tampa Bay metro area's diversity and scale create superior earning potential.

Higher income meets higher costs

Hillsborough's rent-to-income ratio of 24.7% reflects the region's higher incomes being matched by elevated housing costs. With a median home value of $333,300, affordability requires household incomes above county median.

Leverage higher earnings for wealth

Hillsborough households earning $75,000 are positioned to aggressively fund retirement accounts, diversify investments, and build generational wealth. The county's economic strength creates opportunities for strategic financial planning that compounds substantially.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in Hillsborough County

via HealthByCounty

Hillsborough County leads on life expectancy

At 77.5 years, Hillsborough County residents live nearly as long as the U.S. average of 79.3 years—among the best in Florida. Only 17.2% report poor or fair health, below both the national rate of 18% and most Florida counties, reflecting strong community health outcomes.

Outperforms Florida on key health metrics

Hillsborough's 77.5-year life expectancy exceeds Florida's 75.8-year average by 1.7 years, placing it in the top tier statewide. The county's 13.4% uninsured rate also beats the state average of 14.4%, indicating broader healthcare access for residents.

Exceptional provider capacity region-wide

Hillsborough County leads Florida with 84 primary care providers and 238 mental health providers per 100,000 residents—roughly double the supply in rural neighbors like Hendry or Jackson. This density of doctors and specialists supports rapid appointment scheduling and specialized care availability.

Healthcare infrastructure supports healthy living

Hillsborough County's low uninsured rate (13.4%) paired with 84 primary care providers per 100,000 residents means most residents access routine care without hardship. The county's mental health provider density of 238 per 100K enables strong behavioral health services alongside physical care.

Maintain coverage for long-term health

Even in healthcare-strong Hillsborough, 13% lack coverage—gaps that can interrupt care continuity. Renew or upgrade your insurance through Healthcare.gov or your employer each year to keep access to the county's excellent provider network and preventive services.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Hillsborough County

via RiskByCounty

Hillsborough faces the highest national risks

Hillsborough County's composite risk score of 98.82 ranks it in the Relatively High category and places it among the riskiest counties in the entire United States. This exceptional score reflects the Tampa Bay area's exposure to virtually every natural hazard type.

Florida's most hazard-exposed county

Hillsborough County's 98.82 score significantly exceeds Florida's state average of 75.74, ranking it as one of the state's highest-risk communities. The county faces compounding risks across hurricanes, tornadoes, floods, and wildfires—a uniquely challenging profile.

Far exceeds Tampa Bay regional peers

Hillsborough's 98.82 is substantially higher than neighboring Pinellas and Pasco counties, making it the most hazard-exposed county in the Tampa Bay region. This elevated score reflects the county's coastal position, inland flood vulnerability, and exposure to tornado corridors.

Tornadoes, hurricanes, and floods all extreme

Hillsborough faces extraordinary exposure across nearly every hazard: tornado risk (99.65), hurricane risk (99.29), and flood risk (97.77) all exceed the 97th percentile nationally. Even wildfire risk (95.67) and earthquake risk (68.54) substantially exceed typical U.S. levels.

Max out all available coverage immediately

Hillsborough County residents face extreme multi-hazard risk and must secure the most comprehensive insurance available: full wind coverage for hurricanes (99.29 risk), dedicated flood insurance given 97.77 flood risk, and tornado coverage documentation. Consider structural upgrades like safe rooms, impact windows, and elevated mechanical systems—standard precautions are insufficient given your 98.82 composite risk score.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality

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