countyscore
34.5
County Score
Water Quality 70.1Health 59.3Income & Jobs 54.9

County Report Card

About Leon County, Florida

Leon County lags significantly behind nation

Leon County's composite score of 34.4 falls well below the national median of 50.0, indicating livability that trails most U.S. counties by a substantial margin. This 15.6-point shortfall reflects serious challenges in multiple dimensions that compound overall quality of life.

Among Florida's least livable counties

Leon County's composite score of 34.4 places it well below Florida's state average of 45.1, ranking it among the state's least livable counties. This poor standing reflects systemic challenges that limit its appeal relative to other Florida communities.

Health and water quality offer some relief

Leon County's health score of 59.3 provides reasonable access to medical facilities, while water quality score of 70.1 ensures safe drinking supplies. These dimensions represent the county's most reliable livability features.

Safety and housing affordability are critical

Leon County's safety score of just 11.8 is among Florida's lowest, signaling serious crime concerns that dominate quality-of-life perceptions. Combined with housing costs (median home: $279,800) and limited affordability (cost score: 15.8), the county presents steep barriers to family security and economic stability.

Suitable only for those with specialized needs

Leon County may appeal to university employees, researchers, or professionals tied to the area's institutions who can tolerate its safety and affordability challenges. For most families, however, the combination of high crime and expensive housing makes it an unattractive choice relative to safer, more affordable Florida alternatives.

Score breakdown

Tax51.1Cost15.8Safety11.8Health59.3Schools43.8Income54.9Risk6.6Water70.1Weather23.7
🏛51.1
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠15.8
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼54.9
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡11.8
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤59.3
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓43.8
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡6.6
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧70.1
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤23.7
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨24
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱14.5
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

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Deep Dives

Leon County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Leon County

via TaxByCounty

Leon County taxes exceed national norms

Leon County's effective tax rate of 0.824% surpasses the national median of 0.71%, and its median tax of $2,305 sits below the national median of $2,690. This reflects moderate property values paired with above-average tax rates, a pattern common in state capital regions.

High-tax county in Florida

Leon County's effective rate of 0.824% exceeds Florida's 0.731% average, placing it among the state's higher-tax jurisdictions. Its median tax of $2,305 tops the state median of $1,885 by 22%, largely due to Tallahassee's role as the state capital and government employment hub.

Highest taxes in the north-central cluster

Leon's 0.824% rate ranks above all other surveyed north-central counties, including Liberty (0.877%), Madison (0.876%), Lafayette (0.646%), and Levy (0.648%). Its median tax of $2,305 reflects higher property values driven by Tallahassee's stable, white-collar economy.

Annual taxes on Leon County homes

A homeowner with a median-valued property of $279,800 pays approximately $2,305 in annual property taxes—roughly $192 per month. With mortgage fees, the total can reach $2,415, placing Leon among the pricier Florida counties for tax obligations.

Review your assessment against recent sales

Leon County homeowners should verify their assessed value against comparable recent sales; overassessments are common even in stable markets. Filing a value appeal can reduce your annual tax burden, particularly if your home hasn't appreciated at the same pace as the county average.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Leon County

via CostByCounty

Leon County tracks the state average

Leon County's rent-to-income ratio of 22.7% tracks remarkably close to Florida's statewide average of 22.5%, reflecting a balanced housing market. Renters pay $1,230 monthly on a median income of $65,074, putting the county near the state's middle ground for affordability.

Right in Florida's middle ground

At 22.7%, Leon County's rent-to-income ratio sits virtually at Florida's state average, positioning it as a representative case across the state's housing landscape. This balance makes Leon a useful benchmark for comparing other Florida counties' affordability.

Balanced compared to rural alternatives

Leon County's $1,230 median rent exceeds nearby rural counties like Levy ($826) and Madison ($819) but remains substantially cheaper than coastal hubs like Lee ($1,597). As the home of Florida's capital and universities, Leon maintains a more urban cost structure than surrounding rural areas.

Renters and owners share similar burdens

Leon County renters pay $1,230 monthly (22.7% of income), while homeowners spend $1,221 on mortgages for median homes at $279,800—an unusual alignment suggesting balanced market pressures. This equilibrium means both renting and owning consume roughly one-fifth of household income, leaving modest but adequate room for other expenses.

Leon County: the state's middle path

Leon County offers a middle-ground housing scenario: less expensive than coastal counties but pricier than rural alternatives, with a 22.7% rent burden near the state average. If you want urban amenities including a state capital and university community without extreme housing costs, Leon delivers a balanced option that mirrors statewide norms.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Leon County

via IncomeByCounty

Leon County trails national income standard

Leon County's median household income of $65,074 falls about 13% below the U.S. median of $74,755. The county's per capita income of $38,777 exceeds the national average, indicating wealth concentration among higher earners.

Nearly matches Florida state average

At $65,074, Leon County's median household income is nearly identical to Florida's state average of $65,468. As Florida's capital county, Leon's economy centers on government employment, education, and professional services.

Middle income in north-central region

Leon County's $65,074 median income ranks below Lake County ($69,956) but above Lafayette ($60,692) and Levy ($53,805). The county's university presence and state government employment create more stable wages than surrounding rural counties.

Housing remains relatively affordable

With a rent-to-income ratio of 22.7%, Leon residents spend slightly less than one-quarter of earnings on housing—staying within the affordability sweet spot. The median home value of $279,800 is accessible for households at the county median with standard financing.

Government pensions boost retirement planning

Leon County residents employed in government and education benefit from defined-benefit pensions, creating a strong retirement foundation. Supplementing these with personal savings and investment accounts accelerates wealth building beyond pension income.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Leon County

via CrimeByCounty

Leon County faces unique safety challenges

Leon County reports a safety score of 95.9, with a total crime rate of 2,613.5 per 100,000 residents. This rate slightly exceeds the national average of 2,385.5, indicating a higher volume of local incidents.

Leon ranks below Florida’s safety average

The county’s safety score of 95.9 is lower than the Florida state average of 98.4. Its crime rate is more than double the state average of 1,027.9 per 100,000 people across 14 reporting agencies.

Leon stands out among neighboring counties

Leon's crime rate of 2,613.5 is significantly higher than nearby Madison County's rate of 411.4. This highlights the concentrated public safety efforts required in the state capital region.

Analyzing violent and property crime trends

Violent crime in Leon County sits at 660.9 per 100,000, nearly double the national average of 369.8. Property crime also trends high at 1,952.6 per 100,000 residents.

Strengthening home defense in Leon County

Residents can improve local safety by investing in smart home security and joining neighborhood watch programs. Taking these steps helps mitigate the higher-than-average property crime risks in the area.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Leon County

via HealthByCounty

Leon County supports healthy lifespans

Leon County residents achieve a life expectancy of 77.1 years, slightly below the U.S. average of 78.9 but respectable among Florida counties. The county's 17% poor/fair health rate matches the national average, indicating steady population health management.

Best insurance access in Florida

Leon County leads Florida with the lowest uninsured rate at 10.7%—4 percentage points below the state average of 14.4%. With a life expectancy of 77.1 years exceeding Florida's 75.8-year average, Leon demonstrates the correlation between insurance access and health outcomes.

Outstanding provider density regionally

Leon County's 89 primary care providers per 100,000 residents rank highest among comparable Florida counties, far exceeding Lafayette (12) and Levy (11). The county's 297 mental health providers per 100,000 is the densest mental health workforce in the state.

Premium healthcare access statewide

With just 10.7% of residents uninsured—the best rate in Florida—Leon County residents have strong access to medical care. The exceptional density of 89 primary care providers and 297 mental health providers per 100,000 residents ensures residents can find specialists and schedule appointments efficiently.

Maintain your insurance advantage

Leon County's exceptional insurance coverage rate demonstrates the value of staying enrolled—keep your health plan current and take advantage of preventive services. If uninsured, explore marketplace plans immediately to join the vast majority of Leon residents with continuous coverage.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Leon County

via SchoolsByCounty

Urban Education in the State Capital

Leon County features 60 public schools serving 34,655 students across three distinct districts. The infrastructure is anchored by 29 elementary schools and 11 high schools.

High Graduation Rates Near Universities

The county boasts an impressive 94.2% graduation rate, significantly higher than the 87% national average. Per-pupil spending is lean at $5,440, yet academic scores remain above the state median.

Diverse District and Lab School Options

While Leon District is the largest, the FSU Lab and FAMU Lab districts offer specialized charter-style education to over 3,000 students. Leon High School is the largest traditional school with 1,935 students.

A Dominantly Urban School Feel

Over 70% of schools are in city locales, reflecting the Tallahassee urban core. Students attend schools with an average size of 642, though flagship high schools like Leon and Lawton Chiles are much larger.

Living Near Top-Tier Capital Schools

Leon County's high graduation rates and unique lab school options are major draws for education-focused families. Explore neighborhoods near Lawton Chiles or Leon High to be close to the action.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Leon County

via RiskByCounty

Leon County's disaster risk exceeds national norms

Leon County's composite risk score of 93.35 with a 'Relatively Moderate' rating significantly outpaces the national average. The county experiences elevated exposure across hurricanes, tornadoes, and floods—a trio of hazards that makes year-round disaster awareness essential.

Second-riskiest county in Florida

Leon County's score of 93.35 exceeds Florida's state average of 75.74 and ranks among the state's top hazard-exposure counties. Only Lee County (99.05) outpaces Leon, making it the second-most vulnerable county in the state.

Part of Florida's highest-risk cluster

Leon County's 93.35 score aligns with Lake County (91.92) and reflects the elevated risk running through central and northern Florida. The neighboring patterns suggest a regional vulnerability corridor affecting multiple population centers across the state.

Tornadoes and hurricanes dominate the threat profile

Leon County residents face tornado risk at 97.11 and hurricane risk at 97.12—nearly identical extreme exposures across both hazards. Flood risk at 91.51 adds a third significant threat, creating a multi-season disaster environment.

Multi-hazard insurance and hardening are critical

Leon County homeowners should secure wind/hurricane insurance, understand flood risk in their specific neighborhoods, and consider community shelter plans for tornado season. Strengthening garage doors, securing roof attachments, and identifying safe interior rooms provide life-saving protection when warnings activate.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Leon County

via WeatherByCounty

Leon County Exceeds National Climate Norms

Leon County averages 68.2°F annually, significantly outpacing the national median temperature of 54°F. The region maintains a humid subtropical profile that stays warm across all four seasons.

Cooler Than the Average Florida County

The county's 68.2°F average temperature falls below the Florida state average of 71.1°F. Its northern Panhandle location provides a break from the more intense heat found in southern Florida.

Comparing Leon to Its Northern Neighbors

Leon County is slightly warmer than neighboring Madison County, which averages 67.7°F. Both counties experience similar precipitation patterns, though Leon is slightly wetter with 59.3 inches annually.

Extreme Heat Days and Crisp Winters

The county faces 115 days of heat reaching 90°F or higher during its 82.0°F average summers. Winter brings a cooler 53.5°F average, though annual snowfall remains at a flat zero inches.

Preparing for High Rainfall and Humidity

Residents should prepare for 59.3 inches of annual rain, which is higher than the state average of 54.8 inches. Reliable cooling is essential as extreme heat persists for nearly a third of the year.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Leon County

via SoilByCounty

Typical Florida Soil Acidity

Leon County soils have a pH of 4.83, sitting almost exactly at the Florida state average of 4.88. This level of acidity is significantly higher than the national median of 6.5, influencing the types of crops that can thrive here.

Slightly More Silt and Clay

The soil consists of 80.5% sand, 9.2% silt, and 5.8% clay. Compared to many neighbors, this higher silt and clay content helps the soil hold together better than the state's most sandy regions.

Lower Organic Matter Benchmarks

Organic matter is lower here at 4.05%, which is about half the state average of 8.03%. The available water capacity of 0.095 in/in also falls below the state benchmark, leading to an overall soil score of 24.0.

Moderate Drainage Profile

Specific drainage and hydrologic group data are not available for this profile. However, the blend of sand and silt suggests moderate drainage that might retain moisture slightly longer than the state's sandiest coastal regions.

Ideal for Azaleas and Camellias

As a Zone 9a region, Leon County is ideal for growing azaleas and camellias that love acidic ground. Adding compost will help compensate for the lower organic matter and boost your garden's overall productivity.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Leon County

via LawnByCounty

Tough Conditions in the Capital County

Leon County presents one of the most challenging lawn environments in Florida with a score of 14.5. This is well below the state average of 19.2, requiring extra effort from homeowners to keep turf healthy in Zone 9a.

Extreme Rain and Heat Intensity

Lawns here face 115 days of extreme heat and 59.3 inches of rain, far exceeding the 50-inch ideal maximum. This combination of high moisture and high heat creates a breeding ground for fungal diseases and pests.

Navigating Acidic and Sandy Soil

The soil pH sits at a sharp 4.83, meaning most lawns will require lime to reach the 6.0-7.0 sweet spot. The ground is 80.5% sand, but its 5.8% clay content is slightly higher than neighbors, providing a minor boost in nutrient retention.

Total Coverage of Severe Drought

Despite high annual rainfall, 100% of Leon County is currently in Severe Drought, having faced 28 dry weeks this year. Focus on soil moisture sensors to ensure you are only watering when the grass actually needs it during these dry spells.

Wait for the Mid-March Warm Up

Zoysia or Centipede grass are excellent choices for Leon's specific climate and soil profile. Aim to plant after March 14, once the threat of frost has passed and the soil begins to warm for the 6,911 growing degree days ahead.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Leon County's county score?
Leon County, Florida has a composite county score of 34.5 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 Leon County rank among counties in Florida?
Leon County ranks #59 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 Leon County, Florida?
The median annual property tax in Leon County is $2,305, with an effective tax rate of 0.82%. This earns Leon County a tax score of 51.1/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Leon County?
The median household income in Leon County, Florida is $65,074 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Leon County earns an income score of 54.9/100 on CountyScore.
Is Leon County, Florida a good place to live?
Leon County scores 34.5/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #59 in Florida. The best way to evaluate Leon 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 Leon 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.