CountyScore

Manatee County

Florida · FL

#57 in Florida
60.1
County Score

County Report Card

About Manatee County, Florida

Manatee County Exceeds National Baseline

Manatee County's composite score of 64.6 exceeds the national median of 50.0 by 29%, reflecting above-average fundamentals across measured dimensions. This solid national ranking positions the county in the upper half of American counties.

Below Florida's State Average

Manatee County scores 64.6 compared to Florida's state average of 69.4, placing it in the lower-middle tier of state counties. The gap primarily reflects higher housing costs typical of the county's more developed coastal market.

Highest Incomes Among All Counties

Manatee County's income score of 32.9 with a median household income of $75,792 exceeds all other measured counties, supporting strong purchasing power. The tax score of 80.0 with an effective rate of 0.793% preserves this earning advantage.

Premium Housing Costs Limit Accessibility

The cost score of 61.0 reflects median home values of $359,800 and rents of $1,549 monthly, among Florida's highest measured prices. Data gaps remain for safety, health, schools, and environmental factors, preventing comprehensive livability assessment.

Perfect for Affluent Coastal Southwest Florida

Manatee County suits well-earning professionals and families who can afford coastal premium pricing and seek established community infrastructure. The county's income advantages support its higher real estate market, making it ideal for those prioritizing earnings and coastal lifestyle over affordability.

Score breakdown

5 dimensions have live data. 3 more coming as vertical sites launch.

Tax80Cost61SafetyComing SoonHealth67.5SchoolsComing SoonIncome32.9Risk2.4WaterComing Soon
🏛80
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠61
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼32.9
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤67.5
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡2.4
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧Coming Soon
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncomeincomebycounty.com
Compare Manatee County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Madera County
California
60.1
Median income: $75,496
Lower Connecticut River Valley Planning Region
Connecticut
60.1
Median income: $101,117
Liberty County
Georgia
60.1
Median income: $59,013
Hennepin County
Minnesota
60.1
Median income: $96,339
Leflore County
Mississippi
60.1
Median income: $33,188

Deep Dives

Manatee County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Manatee County

via TaxByCounty

Manatee County taxes match national benchmark

Manatee County's effective tax rate of 0.793% exceeds the national median of 0.71%, while its median tax of $2,853 slightly surpasses the national median of $2,690. This reflects Manatee's status as a thriving Gulf Coast community with strong property appreciation and robust tax bases.

High-tax county on Florida's west coast

Manatee County's effective rate of 0.793% runs above Florida's 0.731% average, placing it in the upper tier statewide. Its median tax of $2,853 tops the state median of $1,885 by 51%, driven by Bradenton-area property values and coastal growth.

Second-highest median tax in the survey

Manatee's median tax of $2,853 ranks second only to Lee County's $2,699 among all surveyed counties, reflecting its booming coastal market. Its effective rate of 0.793% matches Lake County while trailing the highest-rate counties like Liberty (0.877%) and Madison (0.876%).

Typical annual taxes on Manatee homes

A homeowner with a median-valued property of $359,800 pays approximately $2,853 annually in property taxes—roughly $238 per month. With mortgage-related fees, total annual obligations can reach $3,136, making Manatee one of Florida's costlier counties for property tax burden.

High-value homes warrant assessment reviews

With median homes valued near $360,000, Manatee homeowners should regularly verify that assessments reflect true market value; overassessments on high-value properties carry substantial annual costs. A successful 5% appeal could save over $1,400 yearly.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Manatee County

via CostByCounty

Manatee renters stretch budgets despite higher income

Manatee County's rent-to-income ratio of 24.5% exceeds the national average, with renters spending nearly one-quarter of earnings on housing. Despite a median household income of $75,792—nearly matching the national average—Manatee's $1,549 monthly rent reflects growing demand in this coastal Tampa Bay region.

Above Florida's housing affordability line

Manatee County's 24.5% rent-to-income ratio sits above Florida's state average of 22.5%, positioning it among the state's costlier housing markets. This coastal county's popularity as a residential destination has driven prices steadily upward over recent years.

Premium pricing for coastal location

Manatee County's $1,549 median rent rivals neighboring Lee County ($1,597) and reflects the broader Tampa Bay coastal premium compared to inland rural counties. Both Southwest Florida coastal counties command similar high rents, outpacing all rural and interior alternatives by $700 or more monthly.

Owners and renters both face strain

Manatee County renters spend $1,549 monthly (24.5% of income), while homeowners face $1,244 mortgages on median homes at $359,800—the highest median value in this region. Both groups dedicate substantial income to housing, with owners carrying six-figure principal balances and renters managing tight monthly margins.

Manatee County: pay premium for coastal living

Manatee County's 24.5% rent burden and $359,800 median home values command a premium for Tampa Bay proximity and coastal amenities. If you're relocating for lifestyle and don't mind devoting roughly a quarter of income to housing, Manatee delivers waterfront access; compare carefully with more affordable inland alternatives before committing.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Manatee County

via IncomeByCounty

Manatee County matches national income level

Manatee County's median household income of $75,792 exceeds the U.S. median of $74,755 by about $1,000, placing it solidly at the national standard. The county's per capita income of $44,867 significantly exceeds the national average, indicating strong earnings concentration among higher earners.

Top tier Florida county for income

At $75,792, Manatee County's median household income exceeds Florida's state average of $65,468 by roughly $10,300. The county ranks among Florida's highest-earning counties, driven by affluent retirees, healthcare, and professional services.

Highest income in this eight-county group

Manatee County's $75,792 median income tops all other counties in this analysis, outearning Lake ($69,956) and Lee ($73,099). The county's coastal location and strong property appreciation attract high-income residents from across the country.

Housing costs challenging for median earners

Manatee County's rent-to-income ratio of 24.5% means housing consumes nearly one-quarter of median household income, approaching affordability limits. The median home value of $359,800 is the highest in this group and requires substantial income or down payment capacity.

Diversify beyond appreciating property

Manatee County residents enjoy strong property appreciation but should diversify into stocks, bonds, and retirement accounts to reduce concentration risk. High incomes enable substantial contributions to investment accounts and tax-advantaged retirement plans for accelerated wealth building.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in Manatee County

via HealthByCounty

Manatee County enjoys strong longevity

Manatee County residents achieve a life expectancy of 79.8 years, exceeding the U.S. average of 78.9 years. The county's 17.6% poor/fair health rate is comparable to the national average of 17%, indicating solid overall population health.

Exceptional health outcomes statewide

At 79.8 years, Manatee County's life expectancy ranks among Florida's highest, exceeding the state average of 75.8 years by 4 years. The county's 15.8% uninsured rate slightly exceeds Florida's 14.4%, yet excellent health metrics demonstrate the quality of available care.

Robust healthcare infrastructure supports outcomes

Manatee County's 62 primary care providers per 100,000 residents significantly exceed Levy (11) and Lafayette (12), and match neighboring Lee County's capacity. With 131 mental health providers per 100,000, Manatee delivers strong behavioral health access supporting longevity.

Strong provider network enables access

Though 15.8% of Manatee residents lack insurance, those with coverage benefit from 62 primary care and 131 mental health providers per 100,000 residents. This robust network supports the county's exceptional 79.8-year life expectancy and strong management of chronic disease.

Maximize your health coverage

With Manatee's excellent provider network, ensuring continuous coverage is essential to accessing timely preventive and specialty care. If uninsured, explore marketplace plans and Medicaid eligibility—coverage connects you to the providers supporting the county's top health outcomes.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Manatee County

via RiskByCounty

Manatee County faces highest national disaster risk

Manatee County's composite risk score of 97.55 with a 'Relatively High' rating ranks among the nation's most hazard-exposed counties. The combination of coastal exposure and Florida's subtropical climate creates near-maximal vulnerability across multiple disaster types.

Third-highest risk county in Florida

Manatee County's score of 97.55 significantly exceeds Florida's state average of 75.74 and ranks third among the state's 67 counties, behind only Lee (99.05) and Leon (93.35). This top-tier positioning demands comprehensive disaster preparedness from residents.

Part of southwest Florida's high-risk concentration

Manatee County's 97.55 score closely aligns with Lee County (99.05) and substantially exceeds surrounding counties like Levy (66.09). The clustering reflects southwest Florida's extraordinary exposure to hurricanes, storm surge, and coastal flooding.

Hurricanes and tornadoes are equally severe threats

Manatee County residents face hurricane risk at 99.33 and tornado risk at 98.00—both near-maximal exposures. Combined with flood risk at 98.00, the county experiences a triple threat of water-related and wind-related disasters requiring vigilant year-round preparation.

Comprehensive multi-hazard insurance is essential

Manatee County homeowners must secure flood insurance through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), comprehensive wind/hurricane coverage, and consider structural hardening like storm-resistant windows and reinforced roof connections. Given the county's top-tier risk profile, these protections represent critical investments in family safety and financial stability.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality

Data from U.S. Census Bureau ACS, FBI UCR, CDC, FEMA NRI, NCES, EPA SDWIS — informational only.