CountyScore

Lafayette County

Florida · FL

#7 in Florida
71.3
County Score

County Report Card

About Lafayette County, Florida

Lafayette County Ranks Well Nationally

With a composite score of 76.8, Lafayette County significantly outperforms the national median of 50.0, placing it in the top tier of U.S. counties. This 53% advantage over the national average reflects strong fundamentals in tax burden and housing affordability across the county.

Above Average Among Florida Counties

Lafayette's 76.8 score exceeds Florida's state average of 69.4, ranking it among the stronger performers within the state. The county's tax and cost advantages position it favorably compared to most of its Florida neighbors.

Exceptional Affordability and Tax Benefits

Lafayette excels with a cost score of 84.7 and an effective tax rate of just 0.646%, enabling median home values around $131,600 and rents at $880 monthly. These economic fundamentals make the county highly attractive for budget-conscious households seeking genuine affordability.

Limited Income Growth Opportunities

The income score of 23.0 reflects a median household income of $60,692, below state and national trends for economic advancement. Data on safety, health, schools, and environmental factors remain unavailable, leaving some livability dimensions unmeasured at this time.

Ideal for Retirees and Budget Seekers

Lafayette County suits families and individuals prioritizing low housing costs and minimal tax burden over higher earning potential. This rural Florida county offers genuine affordability and economic stability for those willing to trade income opportunities for a lower cost of living.

Score breakdown

5 dimensions have live data. 3 more coming as vertical sites launch.

Tax84.1Cost84.7SafetyComing SoonHealth52.5SchoolsComing SoonIncome23Risk84.1WaterComing Soon
🏛84.1
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠84.7
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼23
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤52.5
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡84.1
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧Coming Soon
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncomeincomebycounty.com
Compare Lafayette County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Barbour County
Alabama
71.3
Median income: $44,290
Marengo County
Alabama
71.3
Median income: $44,205
Clark County
Arkansas
71.3
Median income: $50,985
Jefferson County
Florida
71.3
Median income: $56,984
Harris County
Georgia
71.3
Median income: $89,184

Deep Dives

Lafayette County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Lafayette County

via TaxByCounty

Lafayette's tax rate trails the nation

At 0.646%, Lafayette County's effective property tax rate sits well below the national median of 0.71%, placing it in the bottom third nationally. The median tax bill here is just $850 annually—roughly 32% less than the national median of $2,690—making it one of Florida's most affordable counties for property owners.

Among Florida's least-taxed counties

Lafayette ranks as one of the lowest-tax counties in Florida, with an effective rate of 0.646% compared to the state average of 0.731%. Its median tax of $850 is less than half the state median of $1,885, giving it a significant cost-of-living advantage.

Lowest taxes in the north-central region

Lafayette's 0.646% rate outpaces nearby Levy County (0.648%) and trails only Liberty and Madison counties in the north-central area. The county's $850 median tax is substantially lower than Lake County's $2,284 and Lee County's $2,699, making it a tax haven for rural property owners.

What you'll pay on a typical home

A homeowner with a median-valued property of $131,600 pays roughly $850 annually in property taxes at Lafayette's current rate. This low burden—just $71 per month—reflects both the county's modest home values and below-average tax rate.

Check if your assessment is fair

Even in low-tax counties, property assessments can be inaccurate; many homeowners are overassessed and eligible for appeals. If you believe your home's assessed value doesn't match the market, Lafayette County allows formal challenges that could reduce your annual tax bill.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Lafayette County

via CostByCounty

Lafayette beats the nation on rent

At 17.4%, Lafayette's rent-to-income ratio sits well below the national norm, meaning renters here spend significantly less of their paychecks on housing than typical Americans. This county's median rent of $880 a month is roughly 29% cheaper than Florida's state average of $1,233, making it genuinely affordable for working families.

A haven among Florida counties

Lafayette ranks among the most affordable counties in Florida, where the state average rent-to-income ratio stands at 22.5%. At 17.4%, Lafayette's households dedicate less income to rent than nearly every other Florida county, reflecting the area's rural character and lower cost structure.

More affordable than surrounding areas

Compared to nearby Levy County ($826 median rent), Lafayette sits squarely in the affordable rural zone of North Florida. Even Liberty County ($968) and Madison County ($819) show similar affordability patterns, though Lafayette's household incomes of $60,692 sit above the regional average.

Rent and ownership both budget-friendly

Lafayette renters pay $880 monthly against a median household income of $60,692, while homeowners spend $515 on mortgage costs—among the lowest in the state. Combined, housing costs consume roughly 23% of household income for renters and just 10% for owners, leaving substantial room in household budgets for savings and other necessities.

Ready to move to real affordability?

If you're tired of housing costs eating your paycheck, Lafayette offers a rare combination: genuine affordability, low rent-to-income ratios, and modest home values around $131,600. Compare Lafayette's 17.4% rent burden to pricier Florida counties—you'll find hundreds in monthly savings here without sacrificing stability.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Lafayette County

via IncomeByCounty

Lafayette trails national income average

Lafayette County's median household income of $60,692 falls about 19% below the U.S. median of $74,755. This gap reflects the county's rural character and smaller employment base compared to national benchmarks.

Below Florida's median income

At $60,692, Lafayette's median household income ranks below Florida's state average of $65,468. The county's per capita income of $22,165 also trails the state average of $35,698 by a significant margin.

Lowest income in the region

Lafayette's $60,692 median income places it among the lowest in north-central Florida, well below neighboring counties like Leon ($65,074) and Lake ($69,956). The county's rural economy creates fewer high-wage employment opportunities than surrounding areas.

Rent remains manageable here

With a rent-to-income ratio of 17.4%, Lafayette residents spend a healthy portion of earnings on housing—well below the 30% affordability threshold. The median home value of $131,600 remains accessible for households earning the county median.

Build financial resilience in Lafayette

Even with modest household incomes, Lafayette residents can strengthen their financial position through consistent saving and investment. Starting with emergency funds and exploring tax-advantaged retirement accounts helps compound wealth over time.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in Lafayette County

via HealthByCounty

Lafayette lags in life expectancy

At 73.3 years, Lafayette County residents live nearly 6 years less than the U.S. average of 78.9 years. The county's 25.8% poor/fair health rate far exceeds the national average of 17%, signaling serious underlying health challenges.

Well below Florida's health standard

Lafayette's 73.3-year life expectancy ranks among the lowest in Florida, trailing the state average of 75.8 years by 2.5 years. The county also reports a higher uninsured rate at 18.3%, compared to Florida's 14.4% average.

Struggling compared to nearby counties

Lafayette's life expectancy of 73.3 years falls significantly short of Levy County (74.4) and Lake County (77.4), its regional neighbors. With only 12 primary care providers per 100,000 residents—the lowest among nearby counties—access to basic care is severely constrained.

Healthcare access and coverage gaps

Nearly 1 in 5 Lafayette County residents (18.3%) lack health insurance, making preventive care less accessible. The county has just 12 primary care providers and 25 mental health providers per 100,000 residents, creating long waits and limited options for medical care.

Explore coverage options today

With nearly one in five residents uninsured, Lafayette County residents should explore marketplace plans and Medicaid eligibility immediately. Contact your local health department or visit healthcare.gov to find affordable coverage and connect with available providers.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Lafayette County

via RiskByCounty

Lafayette ranks among safest counties nationally

Lafayette County's composite risk score of 15.90 places it in the 'Very Low' category, well below the national average. This score reflects a county with minimal exposure to most major natural hazards, making it one of Florida's safest communities from a disaster perspective.

Lowest disaster risk in Florida

With a composite risk score of 15.90 versus Florida's state average of 75.74, Lafayette County ranks at the bottom of the state's risk list. This significant gap underscores how much safer Lafayette is compared to other Florida counties.

Safer than northern Florida peers

Lafayette County's risk profile stands out dramatically compared to neighboring counties like Madison (47.42) and Levy (66.09). Even nearby Liberty County, though also low-risk at 12.66, mirrors Lafayette's strong safety position in North Florida.

Hurricane preparedness still essential

Despite overall low risk, Lafayette's hurricane risk score of 84.40 demands attention—residents should maintain storm supplies and understand evacuation routes. Wildfire risk at 59.70 and flood risk at 22.00 are manageable but warrant basic preparedness planning.

Prioritize hurricane and wind coverage

Even in low-risk Lafayette, homeowners should secure comprehensive hurricane and wind insurance given the county's 84.40 hurricane risk score. Standard homeowners policies combined with targeted wind coverage provide essential financial protection for the hazards most likely to affect the area.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality

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