countyscore
35.8
County Score
Income & Jobs 77.3Water Quality 68.4Health 54.1

County Report Card

About Hillsborough County, Florida

Hillsborough trails national livability median

Hillsborough County's composite score of 35.8 falls notably below the national median of 50.0, reflecting the high cost of living in the Tampa region. Despite strong income levels and health outcomes, prohibitive housing costs and modest safety metrics undercut overall livability.

Second-lowest rank among Florida counties

Hillsborough County scores 35.8 against Florida's 45.1 state average, marking one of the state's weaker livability profiles despite being Florida's most populous urban county. The gap highlights the trade-offs inherent in large metropolitan areas: economic opportunity coupled with affordability constraints.

Income and health excel in urban setting

Hillsborough stands out with the highest income score (77.3) and median household income ($75,011) among these eight counties, reflecting Tampa's economic vitality. Health outcomes also rank well at 54.1, with robust healthcare infrastructure typical of major metropolitan areas.

Housing costs create profound affordability crisis

Housing affordability is acute, with a cost score of only 7.8, median home values at $333,300, and median rent at $1,543/month—by far the highest in this cohort. Safety concerns also emerge with a score of 36.1, common to large urban areas with diverse populations.

For affluent professionals seeking urban jobs

Hillsborough County suits high-earning professionals and dual-income households attracted to Tampa's job market who can afford steep housing costs. The county is less suitable for families prioritizing affordability or those on fixed or modest incomes seeking quiet neighborhoods.

2040608010050.17.836.154.13477.31.268.410.8Tax50.1Cost7.8Safety36.1Health54.1Schools34Income77.3Risk1.2Water68.4Weather10.835.8/100
This county
National avg
2 above average5 below average

Hillsborough County DNA

Foverall

How Hillsborough County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Hillsborough County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Income (77.3/100) but notably weak in Disaster Risk (1.2/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
50.1
Cost
7.8-40.2
Safety
36.1-18.9
Health
54.1
Schools
34-20
Income
77.3+26.299999999999997
Risk
1.2-45.8
Water
68.4+10.400000000000006
Weather
10.8-45.2
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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$333,300

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$1,543/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$333,300/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$61,720/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum4.4x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $75,011/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

16.6

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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Isabella County
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Nearby counties

Pinellas County
Florida
36.3
Pasco County
Florida
42.4
Manatee County
Florida
45.3
Hardee County
Florida
34.6
Hernando County
Florida
38.1
Polk County
Florida
38
Sarasota County
Florida
44
Sumter County
Florida
53.5

Deep Dives

Hillsborough County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 11 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

Safety in Hillsborough County

via CrimeByCounty

Hillsborough County Safety Rankings

Hillsborough County reports a total crime rate of 1480.9 per 100K, remaining significantly safer than the national average of 2,385.5. This results in a safety score of 97.7. Despite being a major metropolitan hub, it maintains a strong safety profile compared to large counties nationwide.

State Comparison for Hillsborough

The county's crime rate of 1480.9 is higher than the Florida state average of 1027.9 per 100K. Its safety score of 97.7 is just below the state average of 98.4, which is expected for a high-population area. Fourteen different reporting agencies contribute to this data, providing a comprehensive view of local safety.

Comparing Tampa Bay Neighbors

Hillsborough has a higher crime rate than Hernando County's 1421.5, reflecting its denser urban population. However, its violent crime rate of 293.3 is still lower than the national average of 369.8. It remains one of the more active but monitored regions in the state.

Metropolitan Crime Breakdown

Property crime drives the local statistics with a rate of 1187.6 per 100K residents. Violent crime is lower at 293.3 per 100K, meaning physical safety is relatively high for a county of this size. These figures suggest that theft is a more common concern than personal confrontation.

Protecting Urban Properties

In a busy county like Hillsborough, visible security measures like doorbell cameras are highly effective. Always lock vehicles and remove valuables to prevent property crime. Staying alert in urban environments is the best way to maintain personal and home safety.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Hillsborough County

via SchoolsByCounty

One of Florida's Largest Education Systems

Hillsborough County manages a massive network of 305 public schools serving 224,384 students. The infrastructure is extensive, featuring 182 elementary schools, 44 middle schools, and 53 high schools. This scale allows for a wide variety of specialized programs and diverse educational pathways across the Tampa metro area.

High Performance Across a Massive District

Despite its size, Hillsborough maintains a 90.0% graduation rate, exceeding the national average of 87.0%. The county spends $6,130 per pupil, almost exactly matching the Florida state average of $6,118. A school score of 51.6 places the county slightly above the state average, reflecting a solid return on investment for its large student body.

Innovation Through Extensive Charter Options

The Hillsborough district is notable for its 55 charter schools, representing 18% of all public campuses in the county. While the district-run Jule F. Sumner High School is a giant with 3,827 students, the Florida Connections Academy charter also serves over 5,100 students. This blend of traditional and charter options provides families with numerous choices for their children's education.

Suburban Life with Large-Scale Campuses

Hillsborough is primarily a suburban district, with 177 schools located in residential suburbs and 102 in city centers. Average school size is 750 students, but high schools like Newsome and Alonso often exceed 2,700 students. The environment ranges from intimate urban elementary schools to sprawling, high-energy secondary campuses.

Finding Your Place in a Top-Tier District

For families moving to the Tampa area, Hillsborough County offers some of the most diverse and high-performing school options in the state. From quiet suburban cul-de-sacs near top-rated elementary schools to urban lofts near specialized charters, your home search can be tailored to your specific school preferences. Use the county’s strong academic data to guide your investment in local real estate.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

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

Water Quality in Hillsborough County

via WaterByCounty

Strong Compliance Performance in Hillsborough County

Hillsborough County earns a Grade B with a low violation rate of 1.7 per 100,000 residents. This is remarkably lower than the state average of 43.4, despite serving a large metropolitan population.

Urban Watershed Challenges Lead to Impairments

About 45% of the 1,479 assessed water bodies in the county are listed as impaired. The top causes identified in 2022 include mercury in fish tissue, dissolved oxygen depletion, and chlorophyll-a.

Massive Data Network Monitors Regional Water

Hillsborough boasts a high density of 2,243 monitoring sites, producing 478,896 measurements over five years. This vast dataset tracks everything from basic physical properties to complex biological and algae indicators.

Hillsborough River Flowing at 11% of Mean

Current discharge at the Hillsborough River gauge near Temple Terrace is 58 cfs. This represents only 11% of its long-term average flow of 506 cfs, signaling reduced surface water availability.

Watch for Impairments During Low Flow

Reduced flow in the Hillsborough River can concentrate pollutants like chlorophyll-a, which is already a top impairment cause. While drinking water compliance is high, residents should support local watershed restoration to improve river health.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Hillsborough County

via WeatherByCounty

Tropical warmth far above the national median

Hillsborough County maintains a 74.4°F average annual temperature, far outpacing the typical U.S. climate. The region stays warm year-round with virtually no cold-weather extremes.

One of Florida's hottest coastal hubs

At 74.4°F, the county is 3.3 degrees warmer than the Florida state average of 71.1°F. Its coastal proximity does little to lower the overall annual heat levels.

Hotter than neighboring Highlands and Lake

Hillsborough is notably warmer than Highlands (73.0°F) and Lake County (72.0°F). It receives 52.9 inches of rain annually, mirroring the precipitation patterns of its neighbors.

Blistering summers and non-existent winters

Summer temperatures average 83.4°F and contribute to 103 days of extreme heat annually. Winter is remarkably warm with a 64.1°F average and no snow.

Prepare for 103 days of extreme heat

Reliable cooling is a health necessity given the frequent 90°F+ days. The 52.9 inches of annual rain often comes in heavy bursts, requiring sturdy storm gear.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Hillsborough County

via SoilByCounty

Milder Acidity in Hillsborough

Hillsborough County soil has a pH of 5.46, which is more neutral than the state average of 4.88. While still more acidic than the national 6.5 median, it offers a more versatile base for various plants.

Dominated by Gritty Sands

The composition is a staggering 86.7% sand with only 4.8% clay and 2.0% silt. This makes the soil exceptionally well-aerated but very poor at holding onto liquid fertilizers or moisture.

Lower Organic Matter Levels

Organic matter stands at 4.58%, which is below the Florida average of 8.03% but still double the national average of 2.0%. The available water capacity is 0.097 in/in, trailing the state benchmark of 0.108 in/in.

Highly Permeable Sand Profiles

Specific hydrologic data is missing, but the high sand percentage ensures water drains away from the surface almost immediately. This is beneficial for preventing flood damage to plant roots but requires diligent watering.

Strawberry Capital of Zone 9b

Hardiness Zone 9b is famous for strawberries and various tropical ornamentals. Focus on adding compost to your soil to improve its water-holding capacity and start your garden today.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Hillsborough County

via LawnByCounty

Hillsborough Beats the State Difficulty Average

Hillsborough County is slightly easier to manage than the rest of Florida, earning a lawn difficulty score of 21.3. While this is better than the state average of 19.2, it remains far more challenging than the national median of 50.0. Residents in this 9b zone must still contend with significant heat and sandy conditions.

Tropical Growth with High Heat

Hillsborough experiences 103 extreme heat days, exceeding the state average of 92. The area gets a healthy 52.9 inches of annual rain, but 8,947 growing degree days mean the grass grows almost continuously. Expect a demanding mowing schedule that lasts from early spring through late autumn.

The Challenge of Sandy Substrates

Hillsborough soils are extremely sandy at 86.7%, meaning they drain almost instantly and hold few nutrients. The pH of 5.46 is acidic and requires adjustment with lime to reach the 6.0-7.0 range that grass prefers. Adding compost or topsoil is a smart move here to improve the soil's ability to hold moisture.

Managing Water During Frequent Dry Spells

Over 80% of the county is currently in a severe drought, and the region has faced 38 weeks of drought in the past year. These frequent dry periods mean your irrigation system must be highly efficient. Focus on deep-root watering to help the lawn withstand the 103 days of extreme heat each year.

Establish Your Lawn in Early Spring

Bermuda and St. Augustine grasses thrive in Hillsborough's zone 9b heat and sandy soils. The last spring frost typically occurs by January 30, providing a very early window for planting and sodding. Early February is the perfect time to start your lawn projects to ensure they are established before the heavy summer rains.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Hillsborough County's county score?
Hillsborough County, Florida has a composite county score of 35.8 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 Hillsborough County rank among counties in Florida?
Hillsborough County ranks #55 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 Hillsborough County, Florida?
The median annual property tax in Hillsborough County is $2,787, with an effective tax rate of 0.84%. This earns Hillsborough County a tax score of 50.1/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Hillsborough County?
The median household income in Hillsborough County, Florida is $75,011 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Hillsborough County earns an income score of 77.3/100 on CountyScore.
Is Hillsborough County, Florida a good place to live?
Hillsborough County scores 35.8/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #55 in Florida. The best way to evaluate Hillsborough 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 Hillsborough 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.