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.

Score breakdown

Tax47.1Cost56.9Safety97.5Health24.4Schools37.8Income22.4Risk87.4Water17.3Weather31.9
🏛47.1
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠56.9
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼22.4
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡97.5
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤24.4
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓37.8
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡87.4
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧17.3
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤31.9
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨24.8
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱21.8
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

Calhoun County
Florida
62.2
Gadsden County
Florida
51.7
Franklin County
Florida
55
Wakulla County
Florida
55.5
Gulf County
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54.7
Leon County
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Jackson County
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Decatur County
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Deep Dives

Liberty County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 9 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

Health in Liberty County

via HealthByCounty

Liberty County lags on life expectancy

Liberty County residents achieve a life expectancy of 74.3 years, nearly 4.6 years below the U.S. average of 78.9 years. The county's 23.6% poor/fair health rate substantially exceeds the national average of 17%, indicating serious population health challenges.

Among Florida's lowest health rankings

At 74.3 years, Liberty County's life expectancy falls well short of Florida's state average of 75.8 years. The county's 15.8% uninsured rate slightly exceeds Florida's 14.4%, compounding health access barriers for vulnerable residents.

Data gaps complicate care assessment

Primary care provider data for Liberty County is limited, making full comparison to neighbors difficult. However, the county reports an unusually high 532 mental health providers per 100,000 residents—data that may reflect definitional differences and warrants verification with local health officials.

Healthcare access presents challenges

With 15.8% of residents uninsured and limited primary care provider data available, Liberty County residents face barriers to routine preventive and acute care. The county's high rate of poor/fair health (23.6%) suggests these access gaps significantly impact population outcomes.

Explore coverage options immediately

Nearly 1 in 6 Liberty County residents remain uninsured—a critical gap given local healthcare constraints. Visit healthcare.gov or contact your county health department today to understand Medicaid eligibility and marketplace plan options for your household.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

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

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.

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.