countyscore
47.4
County Score
Property Tax 68.3Cost of Living 67.9Safety 50.7

County Report Card

About Levy County, Florida

Levy County meets the national baseline

Levy County's composite score of 47.6 sits just slightly below the national median of 50.0, indicating livability performance roughly equivalent to average American counties. This near-median position reflects a mixed profile with notable affordability strengths but economic constraints.

Slightly ahead of Florida's state average

With a composite score of 47.6, Levy County edges above Florida's state average of 45.1, positioning it in the middle-to-upper range of Florida's 67 counties. This modest advantage reflects selective strengths, particularly in housing affordability.

Exceptional affordability anchors Levy

Levy County delivers exceptional housing affordability with a median home value of just $171,400 and median rent of $826/month, earning a cost score of 68.9. An effective tax rate of 0.648% also ranks among Florida's lowest, creating significant overall cost advantages.

Low incomes and health concerns persist

Levy County's median household income of $53,805 (income score: 22.3) severely lags state averages, limiting economic opportunity and household purchasing power. Health score of 30.5 and school score of 29.5 further indicate gaps in healthcare access and educational quality.

Perfect for budget-first rural retirees

Levy County suits retirees and remote workers on fixed or flexible incomes who prioritize low housing costs and tax burdens above all else. Its affordability makes it an excellent choice for seniors seeking maximum purchasing power, though limited healthcare and job prospects require careful individual assessment.

2040608010068.367.950.730.529.525.133.935.826.4Tax68.3Cost67.9Safety50.7Health30.5Schools29.5Income25.1Risk33.9Water35.8Weather26.447.4/100
This county
National avg
2 above average6 below average

Levy County DNA

Foverall

How Levy County compares to the national average across nine baseline dimensions

Levy County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Cost of Living (67.9/100) but notably weak in Weather & Climate (26.4/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
68.3+16.299999999999997
Cost
67.9+19.900000000000006
Safety
50.7
Health
30.5-19.5
Schools
29.5-24.5
Income
25.1-25.9
Risk
33.9-13.100000000000001
Water
35.8-22.200000000000003
Weather
26.4-29.6
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Compare mortgage rates in Levy County

Whether buying or refinancing in Levy County, compare rates from top lenders to find the best deal.

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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$190,600

National median: $185,300

Median Rent

$850/mo

National median: $877/mo

Income Needed (home)

$190,600/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$34,000/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum3.4x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $56,750/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

24.8

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

Douglas County
Colorado
Median income: $149,594
47.4
Highlands County
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Median income: $54,897
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Cassia County
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Median income: $70,830
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Hendricks County
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Median income: $101,144
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Goodhue County
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Median income: $84,171
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Washington County
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Median income: $42,165
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Cherokee County
North Carolina
Median income: $53,628
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Fayette County
Texas
Median income: $75,854
47.4

Nearby counties

Dixie County
Florida
55
Citrus County
Florida
42.8
Gilchrist County
Florida
60.1
Alachua County
Florida
31.9
Marion County
Florida
34.6
Hernando County
Florida
38.2
Lafayette County
Florida
63.2
Union County
Florida
54.5

Deep Dives

Levy County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 9 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Levy County

via TaxByCounty

Levy County taxes well below national median

Levy County's effective tax rate of 0.648% sits just below the national median of 0.71%, while its median tax of $1,110 represents just 41% of the national median of $2,690. This low-tax profile reflects rural character and modest property values typical of Florida's Nature Coast.

Among Florida's cheapest counties to own property

Levy County's effective rate of 0.648% trails Florida's 0.731% average, ranking it among the state's lowest-tax jurisdictions. Its median tax of $1,110 is 41% below the state median of $1,885, offering exceptional tax affordability for property owners.

Nearly tied with Lafayette for lowest regional taxes

Levy's 0.648% rate virtually matches Lafayette County's 0.646%, making both the region's tax leaders. The median tax of $1,110 exceeds only Liberty ($1,031) and Madison ($928) among north-central counties, positioning Levy as highly affordable relative to suburban growth areas.

Modest annual tax bills in Levy County

A homeowner with a median-valued property of $171,400 pays roughly $1,110 annually in property taxes—just $93 per month. This low burden reflects the county's rural economy and conservative tax assessment practices.

Verify assessments even in low-tax counties

Tax affordability doesn't guarantee accurate assessments; many Levy County homeowners may still be overvalued on county rolls. A formal appeal can further reduce your already-low tax bill, particularly if your property hasn't appreciated as rapidly as county averages suggest.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Income & Jobs in Levy County

via IncomeByCounty

Levy County significantly below national average

Levy County's median household income of $53,805 runs about 28% below the U.S. median of $74,755, reflecting limited job opportunities in this rural county. The per capita income of $30,739 also trails the national average, indicating widespread lower earnings across the population.

Among Florida's lowest income counties

Levy County's $53,805 median household income ranks well below Florida's state average of $65,468 by roughly $11,600. The county consistently ranks in the bottom tier of Florida counties for household earnings.

Rural economy limits income growth

Levy County's $53,805 median income falls below nearby Lafayette ($60,692) and Liberty ($53,824), reflecting limited employment diversification. The county's forestry, agriculture, and fishing heritage provides fewer high-wage opportunities than larger regional centers.

Rent affordable but home prices rising

Levy County's rent-to-income ratio of 18.4% is the healthiest on this measure, with housing consuming less than one-fifth of earnings. However, the median home value of $171,400 still represents a significant purchase hurdle for median-income households.

Start small, think long-term

Even modest incomes in Levy County can grow through consistent, automated savings and low-cost index fund investing. Leveraging employer matches in retirement plans and building emergency savings establishes financial resilience despite income constraints.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Levy County

via CrimeByCounty

Levy County maintains strong safety benchmarks

Levy County holds a safety score of 98.2, keeping it well above national safety thresholds. Its total crime rate of 1,109.4 per 100,000 residents is less than half the national average of 2,385.5.

How Levy compares to Florida averages

Levy’s safety score of 98.2 is just 0.2 points shy of the Florida state average of 98.4. Its crime rate of 1,109.4 is slightly above the state average of 1,027.9, but it remains a secure rural option.

Levy compared to neighboring Lake County

Levy County sees a crime rate roughly double that of Lake County, though both remain well under national averages. Ten reporting agencies provide consistent data for the county's safety profile.

A closer look at Levy's crime breakdown

Violent crime occurs at a rate of 245.0 per 100,000, which is significantly lower than the national average of 369.8. Property crime stays moderate at 864.4, well below the U.S. average of 2,015.7.

Essential security tips for Levy residents

Homeowners should focus on securing outbuildings and perimeter fencing to deter property crime. Simple additions like motion-sensor lights significantly improve home safety on larger lots.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Weather & Climate in Levy County

via WeatherByCounty

Levy County Maintains Warm National Standing

With an annual average of 69.2°F, Levy County stays roughly 15 degrees warmer than the national median. This climate is typical for the Nature Coast, balancing tropical heat with temperate shifts.

Slightly Cooler Than the State Average

Levy County averages 69.2°F, placing it just below the Florida state average of 71.1°F. It ranks as one of the more moderate counties in the state's mid-section.

A Cooler Alternative to Inland Marion

Levy County's 69.2°F average is cooler than neighbor Marion County's 70.2°F. The coastal proximity helps moderate the extreme heat that builds up further inland.

Mild Seasons and Moderate Heat Days

Levy experiences 82 days of extreme heat above 90°F, which is fewer than many of its Florida neighbors. Summer averages stay at 80.3°F while winters remain mild at 57.1°F with zero snowfall.

Planning for Wet Summers and Mild Winters

The 57.1 inches of annual precipitation exceeds the state average of 54.8 inches, making rain gear essential. Residents enjoy more manageable summers with only 82 days of extreme heat.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Levy County

via SoilByCounty

Acidic Profile in Levy

Levy County's soil pH of 4.86 mirrors the Florida state average of 4.88. This acidic profile is typical for the region but stands in sharp contrast to the 6.5 pH median found nationally.

Easy-to-Work Sandy Mix

The soil contains 80.5% sand, 2.7% silt, and 4.5% clay. This high-sand mix ensures the ground is easy to work and well-aerated, though it lacks the structural stability of heavier soils.

Exceptional Organic Matter

The county boasts an impressive 10.00% organic matter, significantly higher than the state average of 8.03%. This is paired with an available water capacity of 0.119 in/in, which also exceeds state benchmarks for moisture retention.

Naturally Balanced Hydrology

While specific drainage classes are not provided, the combination of high sand and high organic matter suggests a soil that drains well while retaining moisture. This is an ideal balance for many types of local agriculture.

Great for Watermelons and Peanuts

In Zone 9a, Levy County is excellent for growing watermelons and peanuts, which are local favorites. The high organic matter means your garden starts with a wealth of nutrients, so get your seeds in the ground today.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Levy County

via LawnByCounty

Challenging Turf Care on the Gulf

Levy County scores a 14.9 on the lawn difficulty scale, making it one of the harder places in the country to grow grass. As a Zone 9a region, it faces significant environmental pressures compared to the national average score of 50.0.

Moderate Heat but High Humidity

While its 82 extreme heat days are lower than the Florida average of 92, the 57.1 inches of rain can be overwhelming. These 7,155 growing degree days provide plenty of energy for grass, but the wet conditions require excellent drainage.

Acidic Sand Limits Nutrient Intake

The soil is predominantly sandy (80.5%) with a low pH of 4.86, which often prevents grass from absorbing fertilizer effectively. Regular pH testing and amendments are necessary to counteract the naturally acidic conditions of the local earth.

Long-Term Drought Stress in Levy

Levy County has spent 36 weeks in drought over the last year, and 100% of the area is currently in Severe Drought. To protect your lawn, avoid heavy fertilizing during these periods, as it can cause further stress to thirsty grass.

Planting for the Zone 9a Climate

Bahiagrass is a rugged choice that handles the local soil and drought cycles better than most. With the final frost usually occurring by February 28, the spring window for starting new sod is wide and welcoming.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Levy County's county score?
Levy County, Florida has a composite county score of 47.4 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 Levy County rank among counties in Florida?
Levy County ranks #28 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 Levy County, Florida?
The median annual property tax in Levy County is $1,201, with an effective tax rate of 0.63%. This earns Levy County a tax score of 68.3/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Levy County?
The median household income in Levy County, Florida is $56,750 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Levy County earns an income score of 25.1/100 on CountyScore.
Is Levy County, Florida a good place to live?
Levy County scores 47.4/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #28 in Florida. The best way to evaluate Levy 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 Levy County with other counties side by side.
By Evan Brooks, Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Evan Brooks, 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.