countyscore
62.9
County Score
Safety 97.5Water Quality 86Disaster Risk 84.1

County Report Card

About Lafayette County, Florida

Lafayette stands well above the nation

Lafayette County's composite score of 62.8 significantly exceeds the national median of 50.0, placing it in the top tier of U.S. counties for livability. This 25.6-point advantage reflects a county that outperforms most American peers on multiple quality-of-life dimensions.

A Florida standout among 67 counties

Lafayette ranks among Florida's best overall livable counties with a score of 62.8, well ahead of the state average of 45.1. This performance positions it as a leader in one of America's most populous states.

Safety and affordability define Lafayette

Lafayette excels in safety (97.5) and water quality (86.0), offering residents an exceptionally secure environment with clean water access. The county also delivers affordability, with a median home value of just $131,600 and an effective tax rate of only 0.646%—among Florida's lowest.

Health services and income are concerning

Health score of 15.7 and median household income of $60,692 are Lafayette's weakest dimensions, suggesting limited access to healthcare facilities and lower earning potential compared to state peers. School score of 54.4 also trails the state, indicating room for educational improvement.

Ideal for cost-conscious, safety-minded families

Lafayette suits retirees, remote workers, and families prioritizing affordability and personal safety over high incomes and extensive services. Its low home prices and taxes make it attractive to those seeking a secure, tight-knit rural community without the expense of Florida's booming coastal regions.

Score breakdown

Tax69.1Cost69Safety97.5Health15.7Schools54.4Income41.2Risk84.1Water86Weather22.6
🏛69.1
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠69
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼41.2
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡97.5
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤15.7
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓54.4
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡84.1
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧86
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤22.6
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨30.9
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱16.5
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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Nearby counties

Suwannee County
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56.2
Taylor County
Florida
52.9
Gilchrist County
Florida
61.1
Columbia County
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Madison County
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Dixie County
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Hamilton County
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Union County
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Deep Dives

Lafayette County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 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

Safety in Lafayette County

via CrimeByCounty

Lafayette County leads the nation in reported safety

With a perfect safety score of 100.0, Lafayette County reports a crime rate of 0.0 per 100,000 residents. This far outpaces the national average crime rate of 2,385.5 recorded in 2022.

A top performer for Florida public safety

Lafayette ranks significantly higher than the Florida state average safety score of 98.4. While the state averages 1,027.9 crimes per 100,000 people, local agencies reported zero incidents this year.

Setting the safety standard for neighbors

Lafayette maintains the lowest possible crime footprint in the region, outperforming all nearby counties. Seven local reporting agencies confirm a remarkably quiet environment for residents.

Zero reported violent or property crimes

The county reports 0.0 violent crimes and 0.0 property crimes per 100,000 residents, a rare statistic compared to the national property crime rate of 2,015.7. These figures reflect an exceptionally secure local landscape.

Maintaining your community's safety record

Even in the safest counties, basic home security remains a valuable investment for peace of mind. Ensure your property stays secure to help Lafayette maintain its impressive perfect score.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

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

Schools in Lafayette County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Focused Rural Education Network

Lafayette County manages five public schools serving 1,144 students through a single unified district. The infrastructure includes two elementary schools and two high schools, though it lacks standalone middle schools.

Exceptional Graduation Rates with Lean Funding

The county achieves a stellar 97.0% graduation rate, far surpassing the national benchmark of 87%. While academic scores lead the state average, per-pupil spending of $5,907 remains below the national average of $13,000.

Centralized Management in Lafayette

The Lafayette School District oversees all 1,144 students with no charter schools currently operating in the area. This centralized approach maintains a consistent educational standard across the county's limited facilities.

Small-Town Feel in Rural Schools

Every school in the county is located in a rural setting, offering a total sense of community. Lafayette High School is the largest campus with 629 students, while the average school size across the county is 572.

Find a Home Near Elite Graduation Rates

For families prioritizing high school completion, Lafayette County offers some of the best graduation odds in Florida. Explore local listings to find a home within this high-performing, rural school system.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

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

Weather & Climate in Lafayette County

via WeatherByCounty

Typical North Florida subtropical warmth

Lafayette County maintains a 69.2°F annual average temperature, roughly 16 degrees higher than the national median. It features high humidity and no winter snow.

A middle-ground for Florida temperatures

The county stays just below the Florida average of 71.1°F. It represents the transition from the cooler Panhandle to the warmer central peninsula.

Warmer than Jefferson but cooler than Lake

Lafayette's 69.2°F average is warmer than Jefferson (67.3°F) but significantly cooler than Lake County (72.0°F). Precipitation is typical for the region at 55.6 inches.

Significant extreme heat and mild winters

Residents experience 101 days of extreme heat over 90°F annually. Winters remain mild with a 56.7°F average and no snow recorded.

Cooling is a priority for the long summer

Prepare for over 100 days of extreme heat with robust home cooling. The 54.5°F January average means light jackets are enough for the brief winter.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Lafayette County

via SoilByCounty

Highly Acidic Soils in Lafayette

Lafayette County has a very acidic soil pH of 4.19, which is much lower than the state average of 4.88. It is significantly more acidic than the national median of 6.5, which typically requires lime amendments for many garden plants.

Gritty and Sandy Ground

The soil is 87.3% sand, with silt and clay each making up less than 4% of the total profile. This sandy texture means the soil won't clump together, providing excellent aeration for plant roots but little natural structural support.

Strong Organic Matter Levels

Fertility is a strong point with 8.42% organic matter, which beats the state average of 8.03%. The available water capacity of 0.124 in/in also outperforms the state benchmark of 0.108, helping crops survive during dry spells.

Rapid Water Infiltration

Specific drainage and hydrologic group data are not recorded in this dataset. However, the 87.3% sand percentage implies that water moves through the ground quickly, preventing issues with waterlogging during heavy rains.

Grow Southern Staples Here

Falling into Zone 9a, Lafayette County is a great place to grow southern staples like sweet potatoes and blueberries. The high organic matter provides a wealth of nutrients, giving any backyard vegetable patch a natural head start.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Lafayette County

via LawnByCounty

Overcoming Steep Odds in Lafayette Lawns

Lafayette County faces a difficult lawn care landscape with a score of 16.5, significantly trailing the national median of 50.0 and the Florida average of 19.2. Located in USDA Hardiness Zone 9a, homeowners must navigate conditions that make traditional turf maintenance more challenging than in most U.S. regions.

High Heat and Heavy Rain Define the Season

The climate brings 101 extreme heat days above 90°F annually, stressing cool-season grasses and demanding heat-tolerant species. With 55.6 inches of annual precipitation, the county exceeds the ideal 30-50 inch range, requiring diligent drainage management to prevent root rot.

Acidic Sand Requires Significant Soil Prep

The soil is remarkably acidic with a pH of 4.19, far below the ideal 6.0-7.0 range for most turf. Because the ground is 87.3% sand and only 3.2% clay, nutrients leach away quickly, making regular soil amendments and lime applications essential for lawn health.

Severe Drought Grips the Local Landscape

Lafayette County has endured 28 weeks of drought over the last year, with 100% of the area currently under Severe Drought (D2+) conditions. Residents should prioritize deep, infrequent watering early in the morning to maximize absorption and build root resilience.

Target Late Spring for Best Results

Bahiagrass and Centipedegrass are the best bets for this Zone 9a climate and acidic soil. Plan to seed or sod after the last spring frost on March 8 to ensure your new lawn establishes itself before the triple-digit heat days arrive.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Lafayette County's county score?
Lafayette County, Florida has a composite county score of 62.9 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 Lafayette County rank among counties in Florida?
Lafayette County ranks #1 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 Lafayette County, Florida?
The median annual property tax in Lafayette County is $850, with an effective tax rate of 0.65%. This earns Lafayette County a tax score of 69.1/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Lafayette County?
The median household income in Lafayette County, Florida is $60,692 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Lafayette County earns an income score of 41.2/100 on CountyScore.
Is Lafayette County, Florida a good place to live?
Lafayette County scores 62.9/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #1 in Florida. The best way to evaluate Lafayette 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 Lafayette County with other counties side by side.

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality🌤Weather & Climate🪨Soil Quality🌱Lawn Care🛒Farmers Markets

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