countyscore
57
County Score
Water Quality 86Cost of Living 70.2Property Tax 65.7

County Report Card

About Jefferson County, Florida

Jefferson tops this county cohort nationally

Jefferson County's composite score of 57.0 is the highest among these eight Florida counties and well above the national median of 50.0. The county demonstrates exceptional balance, ranking in the top third nationally on overall livability.

Best in this group against state average

Jefferson County's 57.0 score substantially exceeds Florida's 45.1 state average by 11.9 points, marking it as one of Florida's most livable counties. This significant advantage positions Jefferson as a top-tier option within the state.

Affordability, schools, and safety lead way

Jefferson County combines strong housing affordability (cost score: 70.2, median home value $198,800, rent $790/month) with solid school rankings (49.9) and good safety (62.8). Water quality is exceptional at 86.0, rivaling the state's best coastal offerings.

Income and health trail the strengths

Income scores only 30.3 with a median household income of $56,984, suggesting modest earning potential relative to state norms. Health outcomes rank at 36.8, indicating room for improvement in healthcare access or population wellness metrics.

Excellent for families prioritizing value

Jefferson County suits working families and retirees seeking the optimal combination of affordable housing, quality schools, water access, and safety—without excessive income demands. It represents genuine livability value and ranks as the most balanced option in this eight-county comparison.

Score breakdown

Tax65.7Cost70.2Safety62.8Health36.8Schools49.9Income30.3Risk61Water86Weather32.9
🏛65.7
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠70.2
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼30.3
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡62.8
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤36.8
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓49.9
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡61
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧86
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤32.9
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨24.9
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱17.9
Lawn Care
Lawn difficulty score based on climate, soil, and grass suitability
LawnByCounty →
🛒
Farmers Markets
Local market density, SNAP/EBT acceptance, and product variety
MarketsByCounty →
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Counties with similar scores

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Holmes County
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Cambria County
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Nearby counties

Leon County
Florida
34.5
Madison County
Florida
50.4
Wakulla County
Florida
55.5
Thomas County
Georgia
32.8
Taylor County
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52.9
Grady County
Georgia
43.9
Brooks County
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41
Lowndes County
Georgia
31.9

Deep Dives

Jefferson County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Jefferson County

via TaxByCounty

Jefferson's rate runs modestly below U.S. median

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.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Jefferson County

via CostByCounty

Jefferson leads on affordability ratios

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.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Jefferson County

via IncomeByCounty

Jefferson moderately below US standard

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.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Jefferson County

via CrimeByCounty

Jefferson County Safety Overview

Jefferson County features a total crime rate of 857.6 per 100K, which is well below the national average of 2,385.5. This earns the county a strong safety score of 98.6. It remains a peaceful community with low overall incident reports.

Jefferson Outperforms Florida Averages

The county's safety score of 98.6 is higher than the Florida state average of 98.4. Its total crime rate of 857.6 is also lower than the state's 1027.9 average. Data from 8 reporting agencies confirms its status as one of Florida's safer jurisdictions.

Comparing Jefferson to the Region

Jefferson is safer than nearby Holmes County, which reports a 1167.5 crime rate. While it has more activity than Jackson County's 597.4, it remains a very secure part of the Panhandle region. Residents here experience fewer crimes than most of their fellow Floridians.

Violent and Property Crime Analysis

The violent crime rate is 304.3 per 100K, remaining under the national average of 369.8. Property crime is notably low at 553.3, which is significantly better than the national average of 2,015.7. This indicates that property theft is quite rare in Jefferson County.

Simple Steps for a Safe Home

Maintaining low crime rates requires consistent home security habits. Use motion lights and secure your property to deter the small amount of theft that does occur. Being an active participant in your community's safety keeps Jefferson County secure for everyone.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Jefferson County

via HealthByCounty

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.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Jefferson County

via SchoolsByCounty

Highly Focused and Compact School System

Jefferson County runs one of Florida's smallest public school systems, consisting of only six schools serving 730 total students. The district utilizes a consolidated K-12 model for the majority of its population rather than maintaining separate elementary and middle school buildings. This compact infrastructure is designed to serve a small, rural community efficiently.

High School Scores Despite Spending Challenges

Jefferson County achieves a remarkable school score of 55.0, well above the national median of 50.0 and Florida average of 51.5. This high quality is backed by a per-pupil expenditure of $9,157, significantly higher than the state average of $6,118. While the graduation rate currently sits at 84.0%, the high composite scores point to a rigorous academic environment.

Unified K-12 Learning in Jefferson

The Jefferson School District operates all public campuses in the county, with no charter school competition. The vast majority of the county’s students—715 of them—attend the Jefferson Schools K-12 campus, which provides a seamless educational experience from preschool through graduation. This centralized approach allows for shared resources and a single, strong community focus.

A Purely Rural Educational Experience

All six schools in Jefferson County are classified as rural, offering a quiet and safe environment for learning. With an average school size of 365 students, and most students on a single K-12 campus, the atmosphere is incredibly familiar and tightly integrated. This 'one-campus' feel ensures that students and teachers grow together over the course of an entire academic career.

Quiet Living with High-Quality Rural Schools

Families looking for a high-scoring rural school system should consider making Jefferson County their home. The centralized K-12 campus model makes it easy to find a home that provides long-term educational stability without the need for frequent school changes. Look into Jefferson County real estate to find a peaceful property within this unique and high-performing school district.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Jefferson County

via RiskByCounty

Jefferson ranks well below national norms

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.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Jefferson County

via WeatherByCounty

Temperate weather with heavy annual rainfall

Jefferson County's 67.3°F annual average is warm nationally but moderate for Florida. It is characterized by high precipitation and a lack of winter snow.

Cooler and wetter than state averages

The county is 3.8 degrees cooler than the Florida average of 71.1°F. However, its 59.2 inches of rain significantly exceeds the state average of 54.8 inches.

The rainiest of its regional peers

Jefferson is cooler and wetter than Lafayette (69.2°F and 55.6 inches). It also experiences fewer extreme heat days than nearby Jackson County.

Moderate heat and very wet summers

Summers average 80.3°F with 78 days of extreme heat, which is low for Florida. Winters are crisp, averaging 53.6°F with zero inches of snow.

Invest in drainage and rain gear

With 59.2 inches of rain, excellent property drainage and high-quality rain gear are vital. Heating is also necessary for the 51.9°F January lows.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Jefferson County

via SoilByCounty

Acidic Profiles in Jefferson

The soil pH in Jefferson County averages 4.96, aligning very closely with the Florida average of 4.88. This is significantly more acidic than the national median of 6.5, which defines the local floral palette.

High Sand and Low Cohesion

This soil consists of 83.5% sand and a modest 5.5% clay, making it very porous. With 6.8% silt, it has slightly more body than pure beach sand but still requires careful nutrient management.

Modest Organic Matter Content

Organic matter levels reach 4.10%, which is about half of the state average of 8.03%. Consequently, the available water capacity is 0.088 in/in, indicating a soil that may require frequent irrigation.

Fast-Moving Water Pathways

Specific hydrologic data is limited, but the sandy composition ensures that water drains away quickly from the surface. This prevents swampy conditions but also means that water-soluble nutrients can wash away during heavy rain.

Bountiful Gardens in Zone 9a

Zone 9a supports a wide range of hardy vegetables and beautiful flowering shrubs like camellias. By enriching your soil with organic compost, you can overcome the low water capacity and start a productive garden.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Jefferson County

via LawnByCounty

Balancing High Rain and High Difficulty

Jefferson County faces a difficulty score of 17.9, placing it slightly below the state average and well below the national median. This zone 9a county requires attentive care despite having more rainfall than much of Florida. Homeowners must work hard to overcome acidic soil and significant drought periods.

Extra Rainfall and Moderate Heat

Jefferson receives an impressive 59.2 inches of annual precipitation, which is well above the state average of 54.7. While it only has 78 extreme heat days compared to the state's 92, the 6,593 growing degree days keep maintenance active. The extra rain can be a blessing, but it also increases the risk of nutrient leaching in sandy soils.

Combatting Intense Soil Acidity

The soil in Jefferson is quite acidic with a pH of 4.96, which is far from the 6.0-7.0 ideal range. Composed of 83.5% sand and only 5.5% clay, the ground struggles to hold onto the county's high rainfall. Frequent soil testing and lime applications are necessary to prevent nutrient deficiencies in your turf.

Severe Drought Challenges Despite High Rain

Despite having high annual rainfall, 100% of the county is currently in a severe drought stage. Jefferson has faced 28 weeks of drought over the last year, making irrigation systems essential for survival. To protect your lawn, avoid over-fertilizing during these dry weeks, as it can cause chemical burn when water is scarce.

Spring Timing for North Florida Success

Zoysia and Centipede grasses are resilient choices for the 9a climate in Jefferson County. With the last spring frost typically landing on March 7, wait until mid-March to begin any major seeding or sodding projects. This ensures your new lawn avoids late-season frost damage and capitalizes on the abundant spring rains.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Jefferson County's county score?
Jefferson County, Florida has a composite county score of 57 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 Jefferson County rank among counties in Florida?
Jefferson County ranks #6 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 Jefferson County, Florida?
The median annual property tax in Jefferson County is $1,348, with an effective tax rate of 0.68%. This earns Jefferson County a tax score of 65.7/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Jefferson County?
The median household income in Jefferson County, Florida is $56,984 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Jefferson County earns an income score of 30.3/100 on CountyScore.
Is Jefferson County, Florida a good place to live?
Jefferson County scores 57/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #6 in Florida. The best way to evaluate Jefferson 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 Jefferson County with other counties side by side.

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