countyscore
51.4
County Score
Property Tax 83.9Cost of Living 76.5Disaster Risk 50.6

County Report Card

About Holmes County, Florida

Holmes exceeds national livability benchmark

Holmes County's composite score of 51.3 exceeds the national median of 50.0, placing it in the upper half of U.S. counties despite low income levels. The county achieves this standing through exceptional affordability and minimal tax burden, demonstrating how cost of living can offset income challenges.

Above Florida average with low costs

Holmes County's 51.3 score surpasses Florida's 45.1 state average by 6.2 points, a meaningful advantage driven by ultra-low housing costs and taxes. This performance ranks Holmes among Florida's more livable counties, particularly for budget-focused residents.

Tax rates and housing costs bottom out

Holmes County delivers the lowest effective tax rate in this cohort at 0.520% and a tax score of 83.9. Housing is bargain-basement affordable: median home value of $101,400, median rent of $823/month, and a cost score of 76.5—nearly unmatched among these eight counties.

Income and health outcomes need improvement

The income score of 11.5 reflects a median household income of just $48,236, the second-lowest among these counties and well below national norms. Health outcomes score 19.5, suggesting limited healthcare access or higher disease prevalence in the population.

Perfect for retirees on fixed incomes

Holmes County is tailor-made for retirees and income-limited households seeking the absolute minimum cost of living, with negligible taxes and affordable housing. Working-age families may find limited economic opportunity given low median incomes and thin healthcare infrastructure.

2040608010083.976.547.919.543.411.550.631.131.1Tax83.9Cost76.5Safety47.9Health19.5Schools43.4Income11.5Risk50.6Water31.1Weather31.151.4/100
This county
National avg
2 above average5 below average

Holmes County DNA

Foverall

How Holmes County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Holmes County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Property Tax (83.9/100) but notably weak in Income (11.5/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
83.9+31.900000000000006
Cost
76.5+28.5
Safety
47.9
Health
19.5-30.5
Schools
43.4-10.600000000000001
Income
11.5-39.5
Risk
50.6
Water
31.1-26.9
Weather
31.1-24.9
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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$101,400

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$823/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$101,400/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$32,920/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.1x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $48,236/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

25.5

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

Geneva County
Alabama
61.9
Washington County
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53.5
Walton County
Florida
52.6
Jackson County
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53.9
Houston County
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Dale County
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Coffee County
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Bay County
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Deep Dives

Holmes County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Holmes County

via TaxByCounty

Holmes County has Florida's lowest rate

Holmes County's 0.520% effective tax rate ranks among America's lowest-taxed counties, running 43% below the national median of 0.92%. At just $527 median annual property tax, residents pay less than one-fifth the national median of $2,690.

Statewide leader in tax affordability

Holmes County's 0.520% rate ranks last (lowest) among Florida's 67 counties, well below the state average of 0.731%. Its $527 median property tax represents the smallest tax bill of our eight counties examined.

Lowest-taxed county in this regional sample

Holmes County's 0.520% rate sits 30% below Jackson County (0.549%), its nearest competitor in this group, and dramatically undercuts all others from Hendry (0.801%) to Hillsborough (0.836%).

Minimal annual tax on $101K median home

A Holmes County homeowner with the county's $101,400 median-valued property pays only about $527 per year in property taxes. Even with mortgage-related assessments included, the annual bill remains just $730.

Even low taxes warrant an appeal check

While Holmes County offers the state's lowest tax rates, overassessment can still occur, especially if market values have dropped since your last appraisal. A free assessment review costs nothing and protects your pocket even in a low-tax county.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Holmes County

via CostByCounty

Holmes offers rock-bottom affordability

Holmes County residents spend just 20.5% of income on rent—the lowest ratio of all eight counties and nearly 2 percentage points below Florida's 22.5% average. With median household income of $48,236 and median rent of just $823, Holmes delivers exceptional housing affordability despite below-average incomes.

Florida's most affordable housing market

Holmes County ranks among Florida's most affordable counties with a 20.5% rent-to-income ratio and median rent of $823—33% cheaper than the state median of $1,233. The combination of low rents and reasonable incomes creates one of the state's best housing situations for renters.

Unbeatable rural Florida savings

Holmes' $823 rent significantly undercuts even the cheapest neighbors like Hendry County ($958) and Highlands County ($980). The median home value of $101,400 is the lowest of all eight counties, with monthly ownership costs of just $474—less than half of urban Hillsborough County.

Both rental and ownership are accessible

Renters pay $823 monthly (20.5% of income) while homeowners spend $474—an extraordinary cost advantage for ownership. Even at the county's modest median income of $48,236, both housing pathways remain genuinely affordable, allowing households to save meaningfully.

Holmes County rewards frugal movers

If you're escaping high-cost Florida or relocating nationally, Holmes County offers exceptional value: $823 rents and homes under $102K with $474 monthly payments. The 20.5% rent-to-income ratio is the best among these eight counties, maximizing your savings and financial flexibility.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Holmes County

via IncomeByCounty

Holmes faces significant income gap

Holmes County's median household income of $48,236 falls $26,519 below the national median of $74,755, placing it among the lowest-income counties in America. The 35% shortfall reflects the challenges of rural Panhandle economies.

Holmes ranks among Florida's lowest

At $48,236, Holmes County's median household income trails Florida's state average of $65,468 by more than $17,000. The county ranks near the bottom of Florida's 67 counties for household earnings.

Holmes struggles alongside Jackson County

Holmes County's $48,236 matches the income levels of nearby Jackson County ($47,327), both facing similar rural economic constraints. Together they represent some of Florida's most economically challenged regions.

Housing affordability is a strength

Holmes County's low rent-to-income ratio of 20.5% and median home value of $101,400 make housing the county's economic advantage. For households earning $48,000, local housing remains significantly more affordable than state and national norms.

Start small, build steady

Holmes County households at $48,000 income can build wealth through automatic savings programs and employer retirement plans, no matter how modest. Consistent contributions over time create financial progress and reduce long-term economic vulnerability.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Holmes County

via CrimeByCounty

Holmes County Safety Insights

Holmes County maintains a safety score of 98.2 with a total crime rate of 1167.5 per 100K. This is roughly half of the national crime rate, which sits at 2,385.5. It remains a comparatively safe place to live within the national landscape.

Comparing Holmes to the Florida Average

The county's total crime rate of 1167.5 is slightly above the Florida average of 1027.9. However, its safety score of 98.2 nearly matches the state average of 98.4. Eight reporting agencies work to keep these figures documented for the local population.

Safety Trends in the Panhandle

Holmes County sees nearly double the crime rate of neighboring Jackson County, which sits at 597.4 per 100K. Despite this local difference, it remains significantly safer than more populous Florida counties. Its rural character helps keep property crime lower than the national average.

Violent and Property Crime Details

The violent crime rate in Holmes is 419.9 per 100K, which is higher than the national average of 369.8. Conversely, its property crime rate of 747.6 is exceptionally low compared to the national average of 2,015.7. Residents face higher personal risks but lower risks of theft than the typical American.

Safety Best Practices for Holmes

Because violent crime rates are higher than the national average, personal awareness and home security systems are vital. Installing high-quality locks and external lighting can improve overall peace of mind. Community engagement remains a key factor in keeping neighborhoods secure.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Holmes County

via SchoolsByCounty

Intimate School Network in Holmes

Holmes County operates a small, focused education system consisting of 10 public schools for its 3,233 students. The county relies on a streamlined structure of three elementary and three high schools, with several campuses serving multiple grade levels. This single-district approach ensures a tight-knit educational community for local families.

Exceptional Graduation and Academic Scores

Holmes County stands out with a 93.0% graduation rate, significantly higher than the national 87.0% average. The county achieves a school score of 52.6, which outperforms both the state and national medians. These results are achieved with a per-pupil spend of $5,839, demonstrating high efficiency in their educational programs.

Consistency Through District Management

All 10 schools in Holmes County are managed directly by the local school district, with no charter schools in the area. The largest campus is Bonifay K-8 School, which serves 1,192 students and acts as a central hub for the county’s youth. Traditional high schools like Holmes County High and Poplar Springs High serve smaller cohorts of roughly 450 students each.

Small-Town Feel and Community Campuses

Schools in Holmes County are evenly split between town and rural settings, with six located in towns and four in more remote areas. With an average enrollment of only 404 students, the schools offer a personalized environment where educators often know every student. This small-scale character defines the local academic experience, from Bonifay to Ponce de Leon.

A Perfect Fit for Small-Town Living

If you value a high-performing school system with small class sizes and high graduation rates, Holmes County is an ideal choice. The lack of large-scale urban campuses means families can enjoy a peaceful, small-town lifestyle without sacrificing academic quality. Explore homes in Bonifay or the surrounding rural areas to become part of this successful school community.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Holmes County

via RiskByCounty

Holmes ranks well below national average

Holmes County's composite risk score of 49.43 places it in the Relatively Low category, far below the typical U.S. county profile. This score reflects a rural Panhandle community with significantly lower natural hazard exposure than most American counties.

Florida's safest county by overall risk

At 49.43, Holmes County ranks among the lowest-risk counties in Florida, falling substantially below the state average of 75.74. The county's inland location and distance from major coasts shield it from the severe hurricane and storm surge threats that affect much of Florida.

Notably safer than Jackson, Washington

Holmes County's 49.43 is significantly lower than neighboring Jackson County (75.70) and other Panhandle peers, making it the region's safest community. This advantageous position reflects the county's inland setting and lower exposure to coastal storms.

Hurricane risk remains significant hazard

Despite Holmes County's overall low composite score, hurricane risk (91.49) remains unexpectedly high and represents the county's primary natural hazard exposure. Tornado risk (52.99) poses moderate threat, while flood (26.46) and wildfire (32.22) risks remain comparatively low.

Focus wind coverage, consider full package

While Holmes County has lower overall risk than most Florida counties, hurricane risk (91.49) still demands robust wind insurance and emergency preparedness. Standard homeowner's coverage combined with windstorm protection should be sufficient, though a flood policy provides comprehensive peace of mind at reasonable cost.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Holmes County

via WaterByCounty

Population Size Drives High Violation Rate

Holmes County receives a Grade F for drinking water compliance, reporting 3 health violations over five years. Due to its small population, this translates to a rate of 61.2 per 100,000, which exceeds the state average of 43.4.

Watershed Health Better Than State Average

Only 22.8% of assessed water bodies in Holmes County are impaired, a much cleaner rate than the Florida average of 38.8%. Primary concerns include dissolved oxygen, mercury, and alkalinity levels identified in the 2022 cycle.

Focused Monitoring Along Local Waterways

The county utilizes 44 monitoring sites that have recorded 13,934 measurements in the last five years. Testing primarily tracks physical characteristics, organic compounds, and pesticides.

Choctawhatchee River maintains Stable Levels

The Choctawhatchee River at Caryville is currently discharging 4,750 cfs. This flow is 90% of its long-term mean of 5,299 cfs, indicating relatively normal conditions for this major waterway.

Verify Local System Reports for Peace of Mind

With a Grade F violation rate, residents should double-check the specific sources of their drinking water for recent safety notices. Fortunately, the healthy Choctawhatchee River flow and lower watershed impairment provide a solid environmental baseline.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Holmes County

via WeatherByCounty

A temperate Panhandle climate

Holmes County averages 66.9°F annually, which is warm nationally but cool for Florida. It offers a more traditional seasonal progression than the southern peninsula.

Much cooler than the Florida state average

The county sits 4.2 degrees below the Florida average of 71.1°F. This makes it one of the cooler counties in the state due to its northern Panhandle location.

Cooler than its eastern neighbor Jackson

Holmes County’s 66.9°F average is lower than Jackson County’s 68.3°F. While precipitation data is limited for this area, the temperature trends follow the cooler northern border.

Crisp winters and hot, humid summers

Winter temperatures average a cool 52.2°F, while summers still reach a hot 80.6°F. The county experiences 91 days of extreme heat over 90°F each year.

Prepare for both heating and cooling

Unlike South Florida, residents here need heating for 49.9°F January lows. However, summer cooling remains vital for the 91 days of extreme heat.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Holmes County

via SoilByCounty

Panhandle Acidity in Holmes

The soil pH in Holmes County averages 5.19, which is slightly more neutral than the Florida average of 4.88. It remains significantly more acidic than the national 6.5 median, typical for northern Florida regions.

Higher Silt Content Mix

The soil is 84.0% sand but contains a relatively high 9.0% silt and 7.1% clay. This mixture provides a bit more structural stability than coastal sands, though it remains a very fast-draining profile.

Low Organic Matter Challenges

Organic matter is quite low at 1.31%, which is far below the state average of 8.03% and the national 2.0% average. This results in a low available water capacity of 0.084 in/in, requiring heavy supplementation.

Porous Soils with Low Retention

Specific drainage classes are not provided, yet the high sand content guarantees rapid water movement. Gardeners will find that nutrients leach away quickly, making slow-release fertilizers a necessity for healthy growth.

Cooler Seasons in Zone 8b

Located in Zone 8b, this county supports cool-season crops like kale and hardy perennials. Because organic matter is low, building up your soil with mulch will yield the best results for your new garden.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Holmes County

via LawnByCounty

Panhandle Challenges in Holmes County

Holmes County sits at a difficulty score of 18.2, slightly below the Florida state average of 19.2. Located in hardiness zone 8b, it experiences cooler winters than central Florida but still presents a score far below the national median of 50.0. Homeowners here must balance heat tolerance with occasional winter frost protection.

Monitoring Moisture Without Precise Data

While local precipitation data is limited, the 91 extreme heat days closely mirror the state average of 92. With 6,480 growing degree days, Holmes has a shorter and more manageable growing season than southern Florida. However, 91 days of 90-degree heat still require consistent monitoring to prevent lawn scorch.

Managing Sand-Heavy Soils for Turf

The soil in Holmes is 84.0% sand, which leads to very rapid drainage and nutrient leaching. A pH level of 5.19 is too acidic for optimal lawn health, falling short of the 6.0-7.0 ideal range. Regular soil testing is necessary to determine exactly how much lime is needed to balance these acidic conditions.

Severe Drought Affects the Entire County

Currently, 100% of Holmes County is under severe drought, and the area has spent 28 weeks in drought over the last year. This puts significant stress on lawns, especially those in the high-sand areas. To save water and grass, mow at a higher setting during dry spells to shade the soil and reduce evaporation.

Optimal Planting Times for Zone 8b

Centipede and Zoysia grasses are excellent performers in the cooler 8b zone of the Florida Panhandle. Because the last spring frost typically waits until March 10, wait until mid-spring to start seeding or sodding. This avoids late-season freezes that can damage new, tender grass shoots.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Holmes County's county score?
Holmes County, Florida has a composite county score of 51.4 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 Holmes County rank among counties in Florida?
Holmes County ranks #20 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 Holmes County, Florida?
The median annual property tax in Holmes County is $527, with an effective tax rate of 0.52%. This earns Holmes County a tax score of 83.9/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Holmes County?
The median household income in Holmes County, Florida is $48,236 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Holmes County earns an income score of 11.5/100 on CountyScore.
Is Holmes County, Florida a good place to live?
Holmes County scores 51.4/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #20 in Florida. The best way to evaluate Holmes 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 Holmes 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.