Jefferson County's composite score of 75.8 substantially exceeds the national median of 50.0. The county ranks among the top tier of U.S. counties for overall measurable livability.
2 / 5
Among Florida's Top-Ranked Counties
At 75.8, Jefferson County significantly outperforms Florida's state average of 69.4 and ranks among the state's best counties. The county demonstrates strong livability across available measured dimensions.
3 / 5
Exceptional Affordability and Low Taxes
Jefferson County excels with a cost score of 84.1 and median home values of just $198,800, plus rents averaging $790 monthly. The tax score of 83.2 and effective rate of 0.678% ensure minimal tax burden for residents.
4 / 5
Below-Average Income Levels
Jefferson's income score of 20.6 reflects a median household income of $56,984, below state benchmarks. Critical data on safety, health, schools, and environmental quality remains unavailable, and limited economic diversity may restrict income growth.
5 / 5
Ideal for Budget-Minded Rural Families
Jefferson County suits families and retirees seeking maximum housing affordability and tax savings in a quiet rural setting. The county delivers exceptional value for those comfortable with lower incomes in exchange for outstanding cost control.
Jefferson County's composite score of 75.8 substantially exceeds the national median of 50.0. The county ranks among the top tier of U.S. counties for overall measurable livability.
Among Florida's Top-Ranked Counties
At 75.8, Jefferson County significantly outperforms Florida's state average of 69.4 and ranks among the state's best counties. The county demonstrates strong livability across available measured dimensions.
Exceptional Affordability and Low Taxes
Jefferson County excels with a cost score of 84.1 and median home values of just $198,800, plus rents averaging $790 monthly. The tax score of 83.2 and effective rate of 0.678% ensure minimal tax burden for residents.
Below-Average Income Levels
Jefferson's income score of 20.6 reflects a median household income of $56,984, below state benchmarks. Critical data on safety, health, schools, and environmental quality remains unavailable, and limited economic diversity may restrict income growth.
Ideal for Budget-Minded Rural Families
Jefferson County suits families and retirees seeking maximum housing affordability and tax savings in a quiet rural setting. The county delivers exceptional value for those comfortable with lower incomes in exchange for outstanding cost control.
Score breakdown
5 dimensions have live data. 3 more coming as vertical sites launch.
🏛83.2
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
Jefferson County's 0.678% effective tax rate sits about 26% below the national median of 0.92%, positioning it among America's lower-taxed counties. At $1,348 median annual property tax, residents pay half the national median of $2,690.
Below Florida's average, mid-state ranking
Jefferson County's 0.678% rate runs 7% below Florida's statewide average of 0.731%, placing it in the lower-tax half of the state's 67 counties. The $1,348 median property tax falls $537 below Florida's average.
Lower-taxed than most regional peers
Jefferson's 0.678% rate outperforms Hendry (0.801%), Hernando (0.720%), Highlands (0.728%), and Hillsborough (0.836%), but trails the ultra-low rates of Holmes (0.520%) and Jackson (0.549%).
Annual tax on $198.8K median home value
A Jefferson County homeowner with the median-valued property of $198,800 pays roughly $1,348 per year in property taxes. Mortgage-related assessments bring the total to approximately $1,437 annually.
Even rural counties see overassessments
Jefferson County's lower property values and smaller tax bills don't protect against overvaluation; assessment errors happen everywhere. A free property appraisal review can confirm your home's listed value matches recent sales in your area.
Jefferson County residents spend just 16.6% of income on rent—the lowest ratio of all eight counties and dramatically below Florida's 22.5% state average. With a median household income of $56,984 and median rent of $790, Jefferson achieves exceptional affordability that few Florida markets can match.
Florida's most affordable county overall
Jefferson County's 16.6% rent-to-income ratio stands alone among Florida's 67 counties, making it the state's gold standard for housing affordability. The median rent of $790 trails only Holmes County ($823) and Jackson County ($846), creating unmatched savings for renters.
Unmatched value in the region
Jefferson's $790 monthly rent is the cheapest of all eight counties, with only Holmes County ($823) coming close. The median home value of $198,800 sits mid-range regionally, but the 16.6% rent-to-income ratio means Jefferson renters save more than any peer, leaving money for savings or other needs.
Rents and ownership both exceptionally cheap
Renters dedicate just $790 monthly (16.6% of income) while homeowners pay $664 for mortgages and ownership costs. At a median household income of $56,984, Jefferson residents enjoy the county's remarkable property tax or land cost advantages, enabling genuine wealth-building opportunities.
Jefferson County is Florida's affordability champion
Relocating to Jefferson means maximizing savings: $790 rents (lowest in the region) and a 16.6% rent-to-income ratio that frees up nearly one-quarter more income than the state average. For budget-conscious Floridians or out-of-state movers, Jefferson offers the state's best opportunity to achieve genuine housing affordability.
Jefferson County's median household income of $56,984 trails the national median of $74,755 by $17,771, placing it in the lower-middle tier nationally. The county reflects income patterns of smaller agricultural and rural regions.
Jefferson below Florida average
At $56,984, Jefferson County's median household income runs approximately $8,484 below Florida's state average of $65,468. The county ranks in the lower-middle tier of Florida's income distribution.
Jefferson outperforms poorest peers
Jefferson County's $56,984 exceeds Holmes ($48,236) and Jackson ($47,327), but trails more populous Highlands ($55,581) and Hernando ($63,193). The county sits in the middle range of rural Florida economies.
Excellent housing affordability
Jefferson County's rent-to-income ratio of 16.6% is the lowest among these eight counties, providing exceptional housing affordability. With a median home value of $198,800, housing costs remain highly manageable for local incomes.
Build on housing cost advantage
Jefferson County households earning $57,000 save significant housing expenses compared to state and national peers, freeing dollars for retirement and investment accounts. Redirect housing savings into systematic wealth building for accelerated financial growth.
Jefferson County life expectancy near national average
At 75.3 years, Jefferson County residents live about 4 years less than the U.S. average of 79.3 years. However, 19.5% reporting poor or fair health sits just above the national rate of 18%, suggesting moderate but manageable health challenges for the population.
Slightly below Florida state average
Jefferson County's 75.3-year life expectancy trails Florida's 75.8-year average by 0.5 years—nearly matching the state. Its 15.3% uninsured rate exceeds the state average of 14.4% by 1 percentage point, indicating a modest coverage gap among residents.
Limited provider infrastructure
Jefferson County has only 28 primary care providers per 100,000 residents, among the lowest in this cohort. With 78 mental health providers per 100K, the county shows some behavioral health resources but overall primary care capacity remains constrained for a rural population.
Coverage gaps limit preventive care access
With 15.3% of residents uninsured and just 28 primary care providers per 100,000, Jefferson County residents face compounded barriers to routine health services. Many uninsured or underinsured residents likely delay or forego preventive care, increasing risks of late-stage disease diagnosis.
Find affordable coverage today
In Jefferson County, securing health insurance is a critical first step toward regular care and lower out-of-pocket costs. Visit Healthcare.gov or call 1-800-985-2550 to explore Medicaid, marketplace plans, and community health center services that serve uninsured residents.
Jefferson County's composite risk score of 38.99 places it in the Very Low category, significantly below the typical U.S. county profile. This score reflects a rural Big Bend community with substantially lower natural hazard exposure than most American counties.
Florida's lowest-risk county overall
At 38.99, Jefferson County represents the lowest composite risk score among all Florida counties, falling far below the state average of 75.74. The county's inland, rural location shields it from the severe hurricane and storm surge threats affecting Florida's coasts.
Safest in Big Bend region by far
Jefferson County's 38.99 is substantially lower than all surrounding counties, making it the region's safest community for natural hazard exposure. Even nearby Taylor and Madison counties face higher risk profiles, highlighting Jefferson's exceptional protection.
Wildfire and hurricane only meaningful threats
Wildfire risk (71.34) represents Jefferson County's highest hazard exposure, though still moderate compared to most Florida communities, followed by hurricane risk (86.73). Flood (39.40), tornado (57.25), and earthquake (30.76) risks all remain substantially below state and national norms.
Standard coverage sufficient for low risk
Jefferson County's exceptionally low composite risk score (38.99) means standard homeowner's insurance with basic wind coverage is likely sufficient for most residents. Consider adding flood insurance only if your property sits in a flood-prone area, as county-wide flood risk (39.40) remains well below typical levels.