Holmes County posts a composite score of 78.0, significantly outpacing the national median of 50.0. The county ranks among the top tier of all U.S. counties for measurable livability factors.
2 / 5
Highest Scorer in Florida's Group
At 78.0, Holmes County substantially outperforms Florida's state average of 69.4 and ranks among the state's very best counties. The county demonstrates exceptional livability on available dimensions.
3 / 5
Rock-Bottom Taxes and Housing Costs
Holmes County dominates with a tax score of 87.7 and an astounding effective tax rate of just 0.520%—the lowest in this group. Its cost score of 86.4 delivers median home values of $101,400 and rents of $823 monthly, enabling genuine affordability.
4 / 5
Limited Income Growth Opportunities
Holmes's income score of 14.9 reflects a median household income of only $48,236, among the state's lowest. Safety, health, school, and environmental data remain unavailable, and limited economic diversity may constrain wage growth for residents.
5 / 5
Ideal for Retirees and Remote Workers
Holmes County is perfect for retirees living on fixed incomes or remote workers unconcerned with local wages. The county delivers exceptional tax savings and genuine housing affordability, making it one of Florida's best values for those prioritizing cost control.
Holmes County posts a composite score of 78.0, significantly outpacing the national median of 50.0. The county ranks among the top tier of all U.S. counties for measurable livability factors.
Highest Scorer in Florida's Group
At 78.0, Holmes County substantially outperforms Florida's state average of 69.4 and ranks among the state's very best counties. The county demonstrates exceptional livability on available dimensions.
Rock-Bottom Taxes and Housing Costs
Holmes County dominates with a tax score of 87.7 and an astounding effective tax rate of just 0.520%—the lowest in this group. Its cost score of 86.4 delivers median home values of $101,400 and rents of $823 monthly, enabling genuine affordability.
Limited Income Growth Opportunities
Holmes's income score of 14.9 reflects a median household income of only $48,236, among the state's lowest. Safety, health, school, and environmental data remain unavailable, and limited economic diversity may constrain wage growth for residents.
Ideal for Retirees and Remote Workers
Holmes County is perfect for retirees living on fixed incomes or remote workers unconcerned with local wages. The county delivers exceptional tax savings and genuine housing affordability, making it one of Florida's best values for those prioritizing cost control.
Score breakdown
5 dimensions have live data. 3 more coming as vertical sites launch.
🏛87.7
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
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.
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.
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.
At 71.2 years, Holmes County residents live 8 years less than the U.S. average of 79.3 years—the lowest life expectancy in this cohort. With 21.6% reporting poor or fair health, the county grapples with serious underlying health conditions and limited healthcare resources.
Major gap from Florida average
Holmes County's 71.2-year life expectancy lags Florida's 75.8-year state average by 4.6 years, one of the largest gaps in the state. While its 15.4% uninsured rate exceeds the state average of 14.4%, the primary challenge appears to be deeper socioeconomic and health infrastructure factors.
Rural provider scarcity compounds challenges
With only 35 primary care providers per 100,000 residents, Holmes County lacks the provider density of even other rural Florida counties like Jackson (32) or Hendry (27). The 70 mental health providers per 100K suggest some behavioral health resources, but overall medical infrastructure remains limited.
Limited provider access forces difficult choices
Holmes County residents often travel 30+ miles to reach primary care specialists, making routine checkups time-consuming and costly. With 15.4% uninsured and only 35 doctors per 100,000 residents, delayed care and preventable complications are common outcomes.
Insurance and outreach critical here
Healthcare coverage is essential in Holmes County, where medical resources are scarce and distances long. Call 1-800-985-2550 to explore Medicaid, marketplace subsidies, and community health center options that reduce costs and connect you to available providers.
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.