countyscore
53.4
County Score
Safety 97.5Disaster Risk 87.4Cost of Living 56.9

County Report Card

About Liberty County, Florida

Liberty County slightly exceeds national norms

Liberty County's composite score of 53.4 edges above the national median of 50.0, placing it in the modestly above-average tier of American counties. This 3.4-point advantage reflects selective strengths, particularly in safety and disaster preparedness.

Well above Florida's average performance

Liberty County's composite score of 53.4 substantially outpaces Florida's state average of 45.1, ranking it among the state's better-performing counties. This 8.3-point advantage positions it as a stronger-than-typical Florida community.

Exceptional safety and disaster resilience

Liberty County excels in safety with a perfect score of 97.5, offering residents exceptionally secure living conditions with minimal crime. Its risk score of 87.4 demonstrates strong resilience to environmental hazards, making it one of Florida's safest communities overall.

Low incomes and health access lag badly

Liberty County's median household income of $53,824 (income score: 22.4) ranks among Florida's lowest, severely limiting economic opportunity and household resources. Health score of 24.4 and water score of 17.3 reveal serious gaps in healthcare access and water quality concerns.

Best for safety-obsessed households with flexibility

Liberty County appeals to individuals and families for whom personal safety and environmental stability are paramount, even at the cost of limited economic opportunity. Its rural character and exceptional security make it suitable for remote workers, those with independent income, or retirees willing to accept limited services in exchange for peace of mind.

2040608010047.156.997.524.437.822.487.417.331.9Tax47.1Cost56.9Safety97.5Health24.4Schools37.8Income22.4Risk87.4Water17.3Weather31.953.4/100
This county
National avg
2 above average5 below average

Liberty County DNA

Foverall

How Liberty County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Liberty County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Safety (97.5/100) but notably weak in Water Quality (17.3/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
47.1
Cost
56.9+8.899999999999999
Safety
97.5+42.5
Health
24.4-25.6
Schools
37.8-16.200000000000003
Income
22.4-28.6
Risk
87.4+40.400000000000006
Water
17.3-40.7
Weather
31.9-24.1
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Many homeowners in Liberty County pay more than they should. A professional appeal could save you hundreds per year.

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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$117,600

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$968/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$117,600/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$38,720/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.2x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $53,824/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

26.1

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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Highland County
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Adams County
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Blount County
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Hemphill County
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Nearby counties

Calhoun County
Florida
62.2
Gadsden County
Florida
51.7
Franklin County
Florida
55
Wakulla County
Florida
55.5
Gulf County
Florida
54.7
Leon County
Florida
34.5
Jackson County
Florida
53.9
Decatur County
Georgia
30.8

Deep Dives

Liberty County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Liberty County

via TaxByCounty

Liberty County has the highest regional tax rate

Liberty County's effective tax rate of 0.877% considerably exceeds the national median of 0.71%, yet its median tax of $1,031 remains far below the national median of $2,690. This reflects the county's extremely modest property values—among Florida's lowest—paired with aggressive tax rates.

Highest tax rate in Florida

Liberty County's effective rate of 0.877% ranks as the highest among all surveyed Florida counties, substantially exceeding the state average of 0.731%. Despite this steep rate, its median tax of just $1,031 remains below the state median of $1,885, due to minimal property values.

Highest tax rate in the entire region

Liberty's 0.877% rate tops all eight surveyed counties, edging even Madison (0.876%) and substantially exceeding Lafayette (0.646%) and Levy (0.648%). Yet its median tax of $1,031 ranks among the lowest regionally because homes are valued under $118,000.

What taxes cost in Liberty County

A homeowner with a median-valued property of $117,600 pays approximately $1,031 annually in property taxes—roughly $86 per month. Despite the county's highest tax rate statewide, the overall burden remains modest due to low property values.

Assess whether your property is fairly valued

Liberty County's highest-in-state tax rate makes accurate assessments especially critical; overvalued properties can be successfully appealed. If your home's market value has declined or stagnated while assessments climb, a formal challenge could provide meaningful savings.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Liberty County

via CostByCounty

Liberty County: small-town housing wins

Liberty County's 21.6% rent-to-income ratio sits below the national average, offering renters better value than typical American markets. At $968 monthly rent on a median income of $53,824, Liberty delivers affordability combined with low-cost ownership options.

Below Florida's affordability average

Liberty County's 21.6% rent-to-income ratio undercuts Florida's state average of 22.5%, positioning it among the state's more affordable rural communities. This edge reflects Liberty's small population and slower growth compared to urban hubs.

Competitive with other rural counties

Liberty County's $968 median rent sits between cheaper rural options like Levy ($826) and pricier urban-influenced counties, reflecting its position as a small Panhandle community. While home values are the lowest in this regional cluster at $117,600, Liberty's household incomes are also modest, maintaining the affordability equation.

Exceptional value for homeowners

Liberty County renters pay $968 monthly (21.6% of income), while homeowners spend just $609 on mortgages for median homes under $118,000—the lowest in the region. Homeownership here offers extraordinary value, consuming only 13.5% of household income compared to renters' 21.6% burden.

Liberty County: hidden gem for owners

Liberty County combines small-town affordability with extraordinarily low home values ($117,600) and minimal mortgage burdens, making it ideal for buyers seeking maximum homeownership value. While rural, Liberty's 21.6% rent ratio beats Florida's average, and for those able to purchase, the ownership costs remain unmatched in the state.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Liberty County

via IncomeByCounty

Liberty County significantly lags national income

Liberty County's median household income of $53,824 falls about 28% below the U.S. median of $74,755. The county's per capita income of $25,693 is among the lowest, indicating limited earnings opportunities across the population.

Among Florida's most challenged counties

At $53,824, Liberty County's median household income ranks well below Florida's state average of $65,468 by approximately $11,600. The county consistently places in the bottom tier of Florida's 67 counties for household earnings.

Isolated rural economy constrains growth

Liberty County's $53,824 median income sits nearly level with Levy County ($53,805) but trails Lafayette ($60,692) significantly. The county's remote location and small population limit job diversity and wage competition for workers.

Housing affordability the bright spot

Liberty County's rent-to-income ratio of 21.6% keeps housing costs manageable, and the median home value of just $117,600 is highly accessible. Low housing costs provide financial breathing room despite modest household incomes.

Build wealth through discipline and patience

Liberty County residents can build financial security through automatic savings accounts and employer retirement plans, even with modest incomes. Leveraging the county's affordable housing creates opportunity for home equity accumulation and wealth transfer to future generations.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Liberty County

via CrimeByCounty

Liberty County reports exceptional safety metrics

Liberty County maintains a perfect safety score of 100.0 with zero reported crimes per 100,000 residents. This places the county far below the national average crime rate of 2,385.5.

Leading Florida in public safety scores

Liberty’s perfect safety score of 100.0 beats the Florida state average of 98.4. The county’s seven reporting agencies recorded no violent or property crimes during the 2022 period.

Liberty stands as a regional safety leader

While neighboring Leon County struggles with higher crime rates, Liberty stands as a beacon of safety in the Florida Panhandle. It offers one of the most secure environments in the entire state.

Understanding the zero-crime report

Liberty reports 0.0 violent crimes and 0.0 property crimes per 100,000 residents. While these figures indicate an extremely safe community, residents should continue to practice standard safety habits.

Protecting your peace in Liberty County

Keep your home secure to maintain the county's outstanding reputation for safety. Basic precautions like locking doors and windows ensure Liberty remains a top-tier safe haven.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Liberty County

via SchoolsByCounty

Small-Scale Learning in Liberty

Liberty County maintains 9 public schools for a small student population of 1,295. The system utilizes a specialized mix of elementary and high schools with no standalone middle school facilities.

Higher Investment in Every Student

The county spends $7,134 per pupil, significantly more than the state average of $6,118. This investment supports a graduation rate of 87.0%, which is exactly in line with the national average.

Single District Stability

One district manages every school in Liberty County, and there are currently no charter schools available. W. R. Tolar K-8 School is the county's primary hub, enrolling 499 of the total students.

Ultra-Intimate Rural Schools

Every school in Liberty County is rural, and the average school size is a tiny 185 students. This creates a highly personalized environment where the smallest schools have fewer than 30 students.

Discover Intimate Learning Environments

For parents who want their children to have direct attention in very small classes, Liberty County is a hidden gem. Explore homes in this high-investment district to see the benefits of personalized rural education.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Liberty County

via RiskByCounty

Liberty ranks among safest U.S. counties

Liberty County's composite risk score of 12.66 with a 'Very Low' rating places it among the nation's most disaster-resilient counties. The exceptionally low score reflects minimal exposure to earthquakes, tornadoes, and floods across most of the county.

Florida's second-safest county

Liberty County's score of 12.66 trails only Lafayette County (15.90) among Florida's 67 counties, placing it firmly in the state's safety tier. With a score less than one-sixth of Florida's state average (75.74), Liberty residents enjoy exceptional natural disaster protection.

Notably safer than surrounding northern Florida

Liberty County's 12.66 score substantially outpaces neighboring Madison (47.42) and Levy (66.09), reflecting its inland, rural geography. This geographic advantage places Liberty in an exceptional risk class compared to coastal and more densely populated Florida regions.

Hurricane risk remains the primary concern

Despite overall low risk, Liberty County's hurricane risk score of 82.06 indicates that tropical storms still pose a genuine threat to residents. While tornadoes (28.31) and floods (28.60) remain relatively unlikely, hurricane season preparedness remains important.

Hurricane coverage is the main insurance priority

Liberty County homeowners should ensure comprehensive hurricane and wind insurance to address the county's primary seasonal hazard. Basic homeowners policies combined with windstorm coverage provide adequate protection given Liberty's exceptionally favorable overall risk profile.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Liberty County

via WaterByCounty

Liberty County Faces High Violation Rate

With a Grade F, Liberty County has a violation rate of 159.9 per 100,000 residents, nearly four times the state average. The county recorded 11 health violations over the five-year lookback period.

Impairment Rates Remain Relatively Low

Only 19.9% of Liberty County's 502 assessed water bodies are impaired, which is significantly better than the state average of 38.8%. Mercury in fish and low dissolved oxygen remain the top concerns in these assessments.

Focused Water Quality Monitoring Network

There are 36 monitoring sites in the county that have produced 9,617 measurements over the past five years. Testing primarily covers physical properties, inorganics, and pesticides.

New River Flowing Near Typical Levels

The New River near Sumatra shows a discharge of 237 cfs, which is 87% of its long-term mean flow of 273 cfs. This suggests fairly stable water movement through the county's primary drainage areas.

Prioritize Drinking Water Safety Awareness

The high drinking water violation rate makes it critical for residents to monitor local safety notices and consider supplemental filtration. While the watershed health is good, individual tap water quality requires closer attention.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Soil Quality in Liberty County

via SoilByCounty

Acidic Ground in Liberty

Liberty County matches the state average with a soil pH of 4.86. Like much of the region, this is much more acidic than the national median of 6.5, shaping the local forest and farm landscape.

Loose Sandy Texture

The composition is 83.5% sand, with 7.0% silt and 5.5% clay making up the rest. This mix provides a bit more structure than the state’s sandiest soils, though it remains quite gritty and loose.

Below-Average Water Retention

Organic matter levels sit at 4.31%, which is below the Florida average of 8.03%. The available water capacity of 0.094 in/in is also lower than the state benchmark of 0.108, indicating the soil dries out relatively fast.

Fast-Draining Inland Soils

Local records do not provide a specific drainage class or hydrologic group for the county. The high sand percentage typically means water moves through the profile with ease, reducing the risk of standing water even after storms.

Blueberries Love This Acidity

Liberty County belongs to Zone 9a, supporting a variety of southern staples like pecans and blueberries. To overcome lower water capacity, mulching heavily will help keep your plants hydrated during Florida's dry spells.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Liberty County

via LawnByCounty

Above Average Ease in the Panhandle

Liberty County beats the state average with a lawn difficulty score of 21.8, compared to Florida's 19.2. While still more difficult than the national average, this Zone 9a county offers a slightly better success rate for local lawns.

Navigating the Panhandle Climate

While specific local temperature data is limited, Liberty County shares the regional pattern of humid summers and mild winters. Homeowners should prepare for the high humidity typical of North Florida, which dictates a strict morning watering schedule.

Strong Sandy Base Requires Lime

The soil composition is 83.5% sand and 5.5% clay, which is a common mix for the region. With a pH of 4.86, your lawn will likely need a lime application to raise the alkalinity and unlock the soil's potential.

Total Severe Drought Impact

The county has experienced 27 weeks of drought in the past year, with every acre currently classified as Severe Drought (D2+). Use mulch in your landscape beds to keep nearby soil cool and reduce the overall water demand of your yard.

Choose Rugged Southern Grasses

Centipedegrass is a popular 'low-maintenance' choice that tolerates Liberty's acidic soils better than most. Although local frost dates vary, aim for a late-March start to ensure your lawn has the best chance to take root before summer.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Liberty County's county score?
Liberty County, Florida has a composite county score of 53.4 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 Liberty County rank among counties in Florida?
Liberty County ranks #15 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 Liberty County, Florida?
The median annual property tax in Liberty County is $1,031, with an effective tax rate of 0.88%. This earns Liberty County a tax score of 47.1/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Liberty County?
The median household income in Liberty County, Florida is $53,824 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Liberty County earns an income score of 22.4/100 on CountyScore.
Is Liberty County, Florida a good place to live?
Liberty County scores 53.4/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #15 in Florida. The best way to evaluate Liberty 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 Liberty 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.