countyscore
46
County Score
Safety 80.8Income & Jobs 66.3Property Tax 53.9

County Report Card

About Lake County, Florida

Lake County matches the national middle

Lake County's composite score of 46.0 hovers near the national median of 50.0, reflecting a fairly typical American county with mixed strengths and challenges. This near-average performance suggests livability that neither standout nor lags significantly against national peers.

Right at Florida's average livability

With a composite score of 46.0, Lake County essentially matches Florida's state average of 45.1, placing it squarely in the middle of the state's 67 counties. This middling position reflects a balanced, unremarkable profile relative to other Florida communities.

Strong income and safety push Lake forward

Lake County's median household income of $69,956 places it in the upper half for earnings (income score: 66.3), while safety score of 80.8 ensures residents enjoy low crime. Health infrastructure also performs adequately at 53.2, providing reasonable healthcare access.

Housing costs and disaster risk weigh heavily

Lake County's median home value of $287,900 and gross rent of $1,468/month rank among Florida's highest, creating affordability challenges (cost score: 15.6). A concerning risk score of just 8.1 indicates vulnerability to natural disasters and environmental hazards.

Best for moderate-income suburban families

Lake County appeals to middle-class families seeking decent incomes and safety but willing to accept high housing costs and some environmental risk. Its blend of job opportunities and community safety makes it a practical, if unremarkable, choice for those prioritizing stability over exceptional affordability or amenities.

2040608010053.915.680.853.234.866.38.145.215.7Tax53.9Cost15.6Safety80.8Health53.2Schools34.8Income66.3Risk8.1Water45.2Weather15.746/100
This county
National avg
2 above average5 below average

Lake County DNA

Foverall

How Lake County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Lake County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Safety (80.8/100) but notably weak in Weather & Climate (15.7/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
53.9
Cost
15.6-32.4
Safety
80.8+25.799999999999997
Health
53.2
Schools
34.8-19.200000000000003
Income
66.3+15.299999999999997
Risk
8.1-38.9
Water
45.2-12.799999999999997
Weather
15.7-40.3
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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$287,900

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$1,468/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$287,900/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$58,720/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum4.1x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $69,956/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

13.3

per 100K

Data from Federal Reserve (FRED), U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, and CMS NPPES.

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncome & Jobsincomebycounty.comSafetycrimebycounty.comHealthhealthbycounty.comSchoolsschoolsbycounty.comDisaster Riskriskbycounty.comWater Qualitywaterbycounty.comWeather & Climateweatherbycounty.comSoil Qualitysoilbycounty.comLawn Carelawnbycounty.comFarmers Marketsmarketsbycounty.comView on Mapcountyscore.com/map
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Counties with similar scores

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Warren County
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Chilton County
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Dale County
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Nearby counties

Seminole County
Florida
41.8
Orange County
Florida
32.1
Volusia County
Florida
34.2
Sumter County
Florida
53.5
Marion County
Florida
35.4
Flagler County
Florida
45.5
Polk County
Florida
38
Hernando County
Florida
38.1

Deep Dives

Lake County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 11 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Lake County

via TaxByCounty

Lake County taxes slightly above national average

Lake County's effective tax rate of 0.793% exceeds the national median of 0.71%, and its median tax bill of $2,284 sits below the national median of $2,690. This positions Lake as a moderate-tax county—higher than rural Florida but more affordable than many suburban markets nationally.

Middle of the pack in Florida

Lake County's effective rate of 0.793% runs above Florida's 0.731% average, ranking it in the upper-middle tier statewide. Its median tax of $2,284 exceeds the state median of $1,885 by roughly 21%, reflecting stronger property values rather than aggressive tax policy.

Higher than rural counties, lower than booming coasts

Lake's 0.793% rate exceeds Lafayette (0.646%) and Levy (0.648%), but trails the coastal growth corridors of Lee (0.827%) and Manatee (0.793%). Its median tax of $2,284 places it in the middle of the region, reflecting the county's mix of retiree communities and suburban development.

Typical annual tax on Lake properties

A homeowner with a median-valued home of $287,900 pays approximately $2,284 in annual property taxes—roughly $190 per month. Those with mortgages typically see an additional $276 added to their annual payment, reaching $2,560 total.

Appeal if your assessment feels high

Even stable counties like Lake experience assessment errors; overassessed homeowners can file formal value appeals to reduce their tax burden. With median homes valued near $288,000, even a modest appeal could save hundreds in annual taxes.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Lake County

via CostByCounty

Lake County renters stretch their budgets

Lake County's rent-to-income ratio of 25.2% exceeds the national average, meaning local renters dedicate roughly a quarter of their earnings to housing. At $1,468 monthly rent versus a median income of $69,956, the affordability gap is noticeable but still manageable compared to Florida's priciest metro areas.

Above average cost in Florida

Lake County's 25.2% rent-to-income ratio places it above Florida's state average of 22.5%, signaling tighter housing affordability across the county. Median rent of $1,468 reflects Lake County's position as a growth-oriented region with increasing demand and property costs.

Pricier than rural neighbors

Lake County's $1,468 median rent substantially exceeds neighboring rural counties like Levy ($826) and Marion County areas, though it remains cheaper than coastal hotspots like Lee ($1,597) and Manatee ($1,549). This reflects Lake's status as a regional hub with more urban amenities and job opportunities than surrounding counties.

Owners pay more, renters stretch further

Lake County renters spend $1,468 monthly (25.2% of income), while homeowners face $1,096 mortgage costs on median homes valued at $287,900. For renters, nearly one-quarter of take-home pay goes to housing; homeowners with substantial down payments enjoy better equity-building but still carry significant monthly obligations.

Lake County: growth with housing trade-offs

Lake County offers job growth and urban conveniences at the cost of higher housing burden than rural alternatives—renters here spend 25.2% of income on rent versus Lafayette's 17.4%. If you prioritize career opportunities and don't mind a tighter housing budget, Lake's median home value of $287,900 and active market may justify the trade.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Lake County

via IncomeByCounty

Lake County slightly behind national average

Lake County's median household income of $69,956 runs about 6% below the U.S. median of $74,755, placing it in the middle of the national income distribution. The county's per capita income of $36,956 actually exceeds Florida's state average of $35,698.

Middle of Florida's income ladder

At $69,956, Lake County's median household income ranks above the Florida state average of $65,468 by roughly $4,500. This positions the county in the upper-middle tier of Florida's 67 counties for household earnings.

Competitive income with nearby counties

Lake County's $69,956 median income sits comfortably between Levy County ($53,805) to the north and Lee County ($73,099) to the south. The county attracts a mix of retirees, service workers, and small-business owners across its diverse economy.

Housing costs rise but remain workable

Lake County's rent-to-income ratio of 25.2% shows housing consuming about one-quarter of median household earnings—approaching the affordability threshold. The median home value of $287,900 requires careful budgeting for first-time homebuyers at the county median income.

Strategic investing builds long-term security

Lake County residents earning near the $69,956 median can benefit from diversified investment portfolios and employer-sponsored retirement plans. Homeownership itself becomes a wealth-building tool as property values appreciate over time.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Lake County

via CrimeByCounty

Lake County safety exceeds national benchmarks

Lake County achieves an impressive safety score of 99.3, significantly higher than most U.S. regions. Its total crime rate of 459.4 per 100,000 residents is less than a quarter of the national average of 2,385.5.

Ranking high among Florida's 67 counties

With a safety score of 99.3, Lake County outperforms the Florida state average score of 98.4. Twenty reporting agencies maintain a crime rate that is less than half the state average of 1,027.9.

Lake County remains a regional safety leader

Lake County maintains a lower crime rate than many of its Florida neighbors, including Lee and Leon counties. This makes it one of the most secure counties in the central Florida area.

Low rates of violent and property crime

Property crime accounts for 387.5 incidents per 100,000 residents, while violent crime sits at a very low 71.9. Both figures are drastically lower than the national violent crime rate of 369.8.

Simple steps to protect your Lake home

Most reported incidents in the county involve property, making home security systems a smart choice for residents. Staying vigilant helps preserve the high quality of life found across the community.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Lake County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Vast Suburban School System

Lake County supports 62 public schools, including 31 elementary and 13 high schools, serving a total of 47,444 students. This robust infrastructure is managed by a single large school district.

Strong Graduation Rates and Suburban Quality

The county maintains a 91.0% graduation rate, which beats the national average of 87%. Per-pupil spending sits at $5,885, trailing the state average of $6,118 despite the county's competitive academic scores.

Diverse Charter and Traditional Options

The Lake School District manages most students, but 12 charter schools represent nearly 20% of the total school count. The Minneola Conversion Charter School is a major local highlight with 1,717 students enrolled.

Large Campuses in Growing Suburbs

With 42 schools in suburban locales, the county feels modern and expansive. High schools are particularly large, with East Ridge High School leading the way with an enrollment of 2,604 students.

Settling in Lake County's School Zones

Lake County's mix of high graduation rates and diverse charter options makes it a prime target for relocating families. Research homes in areas like Minneola or Leesburg to find the right school fit.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Lake County

via RiskByCounty

Lake County faces moderate disaster risk nationally

Lake County's composite risk score of 91.92 with a 'Relatively Moderate' rating sits well above the national average. The county experiences elevated exposure to multiple hazards, particularly flooding, wildfires, and tornadoes, making preparedness critical for residents.

Among Florida's higher-risk counties

Lake County's score of 91.92 exceeds Florida's state average of 75.74, placing it in the upper half of the state's risk rankings. This elevation reflects the convergence of multiple climate hazards affecting central Florida's landscape.

Moderate risk shared with central Florida

Lake County's 91.92 score aligns closely with Leon County (93.35) and Manatee County (97.55), indicating a broader pattern of elevated risk across central and southwestern Florida. The cluster of moderate-to-high risk counties in this region reflects Florida's geographic exposure to multiple disaster types.

Tornadoes, floods, and fires pose real threats

Lake County residents face tornado risk at 97.39, flood risk at 92.30, and wildfire risk at 95.99—three hazards that consistently top local disaster concerns. The combination creates a compound risk environment requiring year-round preparation and situational awareness.

Comprehensive coverage is non-negotiable

Lake County homeowners should prioritize flood insurance, wind/hurricane coverage, and wildfire-resistant improvements given risk scores all exceeding 92. Bundling policies and reinforcing roof attachments, clearing brush around structures, and understanding flood zones form the foundation of comprehensive home protection.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Lake County

via WaterByCounty

Lake County Receives Grade D for Compliance

Lake County recorded 98 drinking water health violations over a five-year period, resulting in a Grade D. While its violation rate of 23.5 per 100,000 is below the state average of 43.4, the total volume of violations remains high.

Phosphorus Impacts Nearly 35% of Watersheds

Out of 1,674 assessed water bodies, 584 are classified as impaired according to the 2022 reporting cycle. High phosphorus levels, low dissolved oxygen, and mercury in fish tissue are the leading causes of these failures.

Extensive Monitoring Network Across Lake County

A robust network of 591 monitoring sites has generated 120,616 measurements in the past five years. Data collection prioritizes nutrients and physical characteristics to track the health of the county's many lakes.

Limited Live Streamflow Data Available

There is currently no representative USGS streamgage reporting live flow data for this county. Local water management depends primarily on drinking water compliance signals and historical watershed assessments.

High Violation Counts Warrant Filtering

The high number of health violations suggests residents should regularly review their local annual water quality reports. Reducing phosphorus runoff from lawns can also help improve the 584 impaired water bodies in the area.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Lake County

via WeatherByCounty

A warm central Florida climate

Lake County averages 72.0°F annually, making it much warmer than the national median. The climate is dominated by long summers and very short, mild winters.

Slightly warmer than the Florida average

The county's 72.0°F average is nearly one degree higher than the state average of 71.1°F. This reflects its position in the sun-drenched central peninsula.

Drier and cooler than coastal Hillsborough

Lake is cooler than Hillsborough (74.4°F) and receives less rain (49.7 inches vs 52.9). It is also drier than the state average of 54.8 inches.

Intense summer heat and dry winters

Summers average 82.2°F with 104 days of extreme heat above 90°F. Winters are pleasant and dry, averaging 60.5°F with no snowfall.

Prioritize irrigation and summer cooling

Because it is drier than most Florida counties, irrigation planning is important for landscaping. Expect to run the air conditioning for 104 days of extreme heat.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Lake County

via SoilByCounty

Limited Data on Soil Identity

Specific taxonomic data and pH levels for Lake County are currently unavailable in the central database. For context, the Florida state average pH is 4.88, while the national median sits at 6.5.

Local Composition Breakdown Missing

Local records do not currently specify the percentages of sand, silt, and clay for this area. These ratios are essential for understanding how the ground handles water and anchors plant roots in Florida's unique landscape.

Soil Fertility Benchmarks Unrecorded

Organic matter and water capacity benchmarks are not listed for Lake County in this dataset. Throughout Florida, soils typically average 8.03% organic matter and 0.108 in/in water capacity to support local agriculture.

Drainage Classifications Unavailable

The dominant drainage class and hydrologic group for this county remain unrecorded in the latest survey. Landowners should perform individual site tests to determine if their specific plot drains quickly or retains water.

Thriving in Zone 9b

Lake County sits in Zone 9b, offering a warm climate that supports everything from citrus to tropical palms. Even without detailed soil data, gardeners can succeed by adding local compost and selecting heat-tolerant species.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Lake County

via LawnByCounty

Lake County Leads the State in Ease

With a lawn difficulty score of 23.0, Lake County is actually easier to maintain than the Florida average of 19.2, though it still falls below the national median of 50.0. This Zone 9b region offers a slightly more hospitable environment for southern turf varieties than its northern neighbors.

Steamy Summers and Steady Growth

A staggering 8,090 growing degree days fuel rapid turf growth, though 104 extreme heat days test the limits of your irrigation system. The annual precipitation of 49.7 inches sits perfectly at the top end of the ideal range for healthy lawns.

Managing Uncharted Soil Conditions

While specific local soil composition data is currently unavailable, the surrounding central Florida region typically features sandy, well-draining earth. Homeowners should conduct a private soil test to determine if their lawn needs the lime or sulfur typical of the state's diverse geography.

Persistent Dry Spells Impact Lake Lawns

The county has faced 31 weeks of drought in the past year, with 60.3% of the land currently experiencing Severe Drought. To conserve water, keep mower blades high to shade the soil and reduce evaporation during these extended dry periods.

Start Your Lawn Early in Zone 9b

The early last frost date of February 2 allows for a long growing season for St. Augustine or Bermuda grass. Start your projects in early spring to take advantage of the 8,000+ growing degree days available in this warm climate.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Lake County's county score?
Lake County, Florida has a composite county score of 46 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 Lake County rank among counties in Florida?
Lake County ranks #30 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 Lake County, Florida?
The median annual property tax in Lake County is $2,284, with an effective tax rate of 0.79%. This earns Lake County a tax score of 53.9/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Lake County?
The median household income in Lake County, Florida is $69,956 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Lake County earns an income score of 66.3/100 on CountyScore.
Is Lake County, Florida a good place to live?
Lake County scores 46/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #30 in Florida. The best way to evaluate Lake 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 Lake County with other counties side by side.
By Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & Data Editor

ByCounty Network

Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers Markets

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