Levy County's composite score of 76.0 far exceeds the national median of 50.0, placing it in the top quartile of American counties. This 52% advantage reflects exceptional performance in the fundamental cost-of-living and tax dimensions.
2 / 5
Well Above Florida's State Average
Levy County's 76.0 score significantly surpasses Florida's state average of 69.4, ranking it among the state's top performers. The county's affordability advantages position it as a standout value destination within Florida.
3 / 5
Unmatched Affordability and Low Taxes
Levy County delivers a cost score of 84.3 and tax score of 84.1, with an effective tax rate of just 0.648%, median rent of $826, and median home values of $171,400. This combination represents genuine, accessible affordability rare even by Florida standards.
4 / 5
Limited Income and Career Growth
The income score of 18.5 reflects a median household income of $53,805, the lowest among the measured counties. Data on safety, health, schools, and environmental factors remain unavailable, leaving important livability dimensions unmeasured.
5 / 5
Perfect for Budget-First Rural Living
Levy County is ideal for retirees, remote workers, and families prioritizing ultra-low housing costs over employment opportunities or urban amenities. The county's exceptional affordability makes it Florida's premier choice for those seeking maximum purchasing power in a rural setting.
Levy County's composite score of 76.0 far exceeds the national median of 50.0, placing it in the top quartile of American counties. This 52% advantage reflects exceptional performance in the fundamental cost-of-living and tax dimensions.
Well Above Florida's State Average
Levy County's 76.0 score significantly surpasses Florida's state average of 69.4, ranking it among the state's top performers. The county's affordability advantages position it as a standout value destination within Florida.
Unmatched Affordability and Low Taxes
Levy County delivers a cost score of 84.3 and tax score of 84.1, with an effective tax rate of just 0.648%, median rent of $826, and median home values of $171,400. This combination represents genuine, accessible affordability rare even by Florida standards.
Limited Income and Career Growth
The income score of 18.5 reflects a median household income of $53,805, the lowest among the measured counties. Data on safety, health, schools, and environmental factors remain unavailable, leaving important livability dimensions unmeasured.
Perfect for Budget-First Rural Living
Levy County is ideal for retirees, remote workers, and families prioritizing ultra-low housing costs over employment opportunities or urban amenities. The county's exceptional affordability makes it Florida's premier choice for those seeking maximum purchasing power in a rural setting.
Score breakdown
5 dimensions have live data. 3 more coming as vertical sites launch.
🏛84.1
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
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.
Levy County's 18.4% rent-to-income ratio sits well below the national average, giving renters genuine breathing room in their budgets. At $826 monthly rent against a median income of $53,805, Levy delivers some of Florida's most authentic affordability for working families.
Among Florida's most affordable
Levy County's 18.4% rent-to-income ratio ranks notably below Florida's average of 22.5%, placing it among the state's most budget-friendly housing markets. This rural county offers rare affordability in a state increasingly shaped by higher coastal and urban prices.
Levy leads the rural pack
Levy County's $826 median rent matches or slightly undercuts fellow rural counties Madison ($819) and Lafayette ($880), making it one of North Florida's most economical choices. While all three share similar affordability, Levy's lower household incomes ($53,805) mean renters stretch their budgets even further than Lafayette's residents.
Low costs across renting and owning
Levy County renters spend $826 monthly (18.4% of income), while homeowners pay $609 on mortgages for median homes valued at $171,400. Both groups enjoy substantial budget flexibility, with housing consuming roughly 18% for renters and just 13% for owners—well below state norms.
Levy County: maximum rural affordability
Levy County offers some of Florida's lowest housing costs with an 18.4% rent burden and median homes near $171,400, though incomes are also modest. If you're willing to embrace rural life and lower household earnings for maximum affordability, Levy delivers unmatched value with housing costs that won't dominate your finances.
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.
At 74.4 years, Levy County residents live nearly 4.5 years less than the U.S. average of 78.9 years. The county's 20% poor/fair health rate exceeds the national average of 17%, suggesting chronic disease and preventive care gaps.
Below-average health outcomes statewide
Levy County's 74.4-year life expectancy trails Florida's state average of 75.8 years, placing it among the lower-performing counties. With a 17% uninsured rate, the county exceeds Florida's 14.4% average, leaving more residents vulnerable to delayed or deferred care.
Provider shortages limit care options
Levy County's 11 primary care providers per 100,000 residents match Lafayette County's critically low density and far trail Lake County's 59 providers. Mental health access is also limited at 54 providers per 100,000, leaving residents with fewer options for specialized behavioral care.
Limited access drives health challenges
Levy County struggles with both insurance access and provider availability: 17% of residents are uninsured, and only 11 primary care providers per 100,000 make appointments hard to secure. This combination creates barriers to preventive care and early disease management, contributing to the county's below-average health outcomes.
Secure healthcare coverage now
Nearly 1 in 6 Levy County residents lack insurance, a critical gap given limited local provider capacity. Explore marketplace plans and Medicaid eligibility immediately—having coverage can ensure you're connected to available providers and don't delay seeking necessary care.
Levy County's risk moderately exceeds national average
Levy County's composite risk score of 66.09 with a 'Relatively Low' rating sits below many counties nationwide. However, the score reflects elevated coastal and climate hazards, particularly hurricane and wildfire risks that require active preparation.
Middle-tier risk among Florida counties
Levy County's score of 66.09 falls below Florida's state average of 75.74, placing it among the safer Florida counties. This positioning reflects somewhat lower exposure compared to southwestern and central Florida peers, though hazard risks remain significant.
Safer than surrounding coastal counties
Levy County's 66.09 score trails Lake County (91.92) and substantially trails coastal high-risk counties like Lee (99.05). However, it exceeds inland counties like Madison (47.42), reflecting its greater coastal vulnerability.
Hurricanes and wildfires shape annual risk
Levy County's hurricane risk of 91.61 and wildfire risk of 87.28 represent the county's two dominant hazard exposures. These overlapping seasonal threats mean residents should prepare for storm surge and wildfire impacts, particularly during late summer and fall months.
Hurricane and fire preparedness go hand-in-hand
Levy County homeowners should prioritize wind/hurricane insurance and evaluate wildfire-risk properties for defensible space—clearing brush and dead trees within 30 feet of structures. Understanding local flood zones and maintaining comprehensive homeowners coverage protects against the full spectrum of likely threats.