countyscore
41.6
County Score
Income & Jobs 84.6Health 65.6Water Quality 57.8

County Report Card

About Martin County, Florida

Martin exceeds national average slightly

Martin County's score of 41.6 surpasses the national median of 50.0 by just 8.4 points, positioning it slightly above the 50th percentile. However, this modest lead masks sharp trade-offs between high incomes and severe housing affordability challenges.

Slightly below Florida's average

Martin scores 41.6 against Florida's state average of 45.1, ranking in the middle-to-lower range of the state's counties. It underperforms despite strong income metrics, indicating housing and cost burdens are dragging down overall livability.

Affluence and health care lead the way

Martin County's income score of 84.6 is exceptional, with a median household income of $80,701, and its health score of 65.6 reflects access to quality healthcare. These strengths indicate a prosperous, educated population with strong wellness infrastructure.

Housing costs price out most families

Martin's cost score of just 12.5 reflects median home values of $386,500 and rents of $1,499/month—among Florida's highest. This affordability crisis limits opportunity for middle-income families despite the county's other advantages.

Perfect for affluent professionals and retirees

Martin County suits high-income earners ($80k+) willing to accept premium real estate costs for excellent healthcare and educated communities. This is a wealth-dependent county where financial security matters more than livability diversity.

Score breakdown

Tax52.5Cost12.5Safety46Health65.6Schools37Income84.6Risk5.9Water57.8Weather14.1
🏛52.5
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠12.5
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼84.6
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡46
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤65.6
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓37
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡5.9
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧57.8
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤14.1
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨36.6
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱9.2
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

St. Lucie County
Florida
36.6
Palm Beach County
Florida
37.5
Okeechobee County
Florida
31.6
Indian River County
Florida
45
Glades County
Florida
54.1
Highlands County
Florida
48.5
Broward County
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41.8
Hendry County
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34.9

Deep Dives

Martin County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Martin County

via TaxByCounty

Martin County taxes run above national average

Martin County's effective tax rate of 0.807% ranks above the national median, making it a higher-tax county relative to most of America. At $3,120 median property tax on a $386,500 median home value, Martin residents pay significantly more than the national median of $2,690.

Martin ranks among Florida's highest-taxed

Martin County's 0.807% effective rate is notably higher than Florida's 0.731% state average, placing it in the upper tier of the state's 67 counties. The county's median tax bill of $3,120 is 66% above the state median of $1,885, a gap driven by both higher property values and a steeper tax rate.

Martin charges more than regional peers

Martin County's 0.807% rate significantly exceeds nearby Miami-Dade (0.827%) and Nassau County (0.729%), making it one of South Florida's pricier tax jurisdictions on a percentage basis. The county's combination of high property values and a above-average rate creates the largest tax bills in this region.

What Martin homeowners actually pay

A homeowner with Martin County's median home value of $386,500 pays approximately $3,120 annually in property taxes at the county's 0.807% effective rate. With a mortgage, that bill climbs to about $3,560 when accounting for escrow and related charges.

Many Martin owners may be overassessed

Given Martin County's higher-than-average tax rate, it's especially worth reviewing your property assessment to ensure it matches fair market value. A successful appeal through the county property appraiser's office costs nothing upfront and could result in meaningful annual savings on your tax bill.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Martin County

via CostByCounty

Martin County is right on national affordability

Martin County residents spend 22.3% of their income on rent, just below the national average for renters, despite median home values exceeding $386,000. The median household income of $80,701 outpaces the national figure of $74,755, providing residents breathing room in their housing costs.

Martin ranks among Florida's most affordable

At 22.3% of income spent on rent, Martin County performs better than Florida's state average of 22.5%, placing it in the upper tier of the state's 67 counties for housing affordability. This strength stems from both competitive rent levels ($1,499) and above-average household incomes.

More expensive than Marion, cheaper than Monroe

Martin's median rent of $1,499 runs higher than Marion County ($1,174) and Okeechobee ($974), but well below Monroe County's $1,959. The county's strong household income of $80,701 allows residents to absorb these costs more comfortably than lower-income neighbors.

Higher earnings offset Martin's premium rents

Martin County renters spend $1,499 monthly on a median income of $80,701—a 22.3% ratio that's sustainable compared to national norms. Homeowners face steeper costs at $1,200 monthly, or about 17.8% of income, reflecting median home values of $386,500.

Martin works for well-compensated relocators

If you earn above Florida's median household income, Martin County delivers strong affordability ratios and access to the Treasure Coast lifestyle. Test your budget here against Miami-Dade's 30.2% rent burden or Monroe's ultra-premium market to see your true cost-of-living advantage.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Martin County

via IncomeByCounty

Martin outearns the nation

Martin County's median household income of $80,701 exceeds the national median of $74,755 by $5,946, placing the county in the upper-middle tier nationally. This advantage reflects Martin's affluent communities and strong regional economy.

Well above Florida's average

Martin's median household income of $80,701 ranks among Florida's top counties, surpassing the state average of $65,468 by $15,233. The county consistently ranks in the upper quartile for household earnings statewide.

Comparable to Monroe County

Martin County's $80,701 income mirrors Monroe County's $82,430, though Martin residents pay considerably less for housing—a median home value of $386,500 versus Monroe's $723,800. This makes Martin an attractive option for affluent households seeking relative affordability on Florida's coast.

Strong income covers costs

Martin's rent-to-income ratio of 22.3% is well below the warning threshold, indicating housing costs consume a modest share of earnings. With both strong household incomes and manageable housing ratios, Martin residents have substantial discretionary income for savings and investment.

Leverage your advantage

Martin County's above-average income positions residents well for wealth-building through diversified investments, real estate, and retirement planning. Consider maximizing tax-advantaged accounts and exploring long-term wealth strategies with a financial professional.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Martin County

via CrimeByCounty

Martin County Maintains Exceptional Safety Standards

With a safety score of 98.1, Martin County is a leader in regional public safety. Its total crime rate of 1207.0 per 100K is nearly half the national average of 2,385.5. Residents benefit from a safety landscape that far exceeds national norms.

Martin County vs the Sunshine State

Martin County's total crime rate of 1207.0 is slightly higher than the Florida state average of 1027.9. Despite this, its safety score of 98.1 nearly matches the state-wide average of 98.4. Ten reporting agencies coordinate efforts to keep the county's safety metrics competitive.

A Safer Alternative to Southern Neighbors

Martin County (1207.0) reports much lower crime rates than Miami-Dade (2457.1) to the south. It also maintains a more secure profile than neighboring Okeechobee County (1878.6). This makes the county one of the more tranquil coastal areas in the region.

Violent Crime Remains Low in Martin

The local violent crime rate is just 229.6 per 100K, which is well below the national average of 369.8. Property crime accounts for 977.4 incidents per 100K, showing that serious personal crimes are relatively rare. These numbers reflect a community with a strong focus on order and safety.

Staying Vigilant in Martin County

Residents should leverage the county's safe reputation by practicing consistent home security habits. Installing reliable alarm systems and ensuring all entry points are locked provides peace of mind. Proactive measures are the best way to keep property crime rates trending downward.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Martin County

via HealthByCounty

Martin County's health advantage

Martin County residents enjoy a life expectancy of 80.4 years—more than a year above the U.S. average of 79.3 years. Only 15.4% report poor or fair health, compared to 18% nationally, reflecting strong preventive health practices across the county.

Florida's healthiest communities

Martin County ranks among Florida's top-performing counties with a life expectancy 4.6 years above the state average of 75.8 years. The county's low 15.4% poor/fair health rate places it solidly in the upper tier of state rankings.

Southeast Florida's health leader

Among southeast coastal counties, Martin leads with 80.4 years life expectancy—outpacing Miami-Dade by nearly a year. Its 69 primary care providers per 100,000 and 254 mental health providers per 100,000 rank among the state's best provider densities.

Strong insurance coverage supports wellness

Martin County's 13.5% uninsured rate is below Florida's average, meaning more residents access preventive care routinely. With abundant primary and mental health providers, residents experience shorter wait times and better health outcomes than most Florida counties.

Maintain your coverage advantage

Martin County's strong health outcomes are partly due to high insurance coverage rates. Review your current plan annually at healthcare.gov or with a local agent to ensure you're getting the best value for your family's needs.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Martin County

via SchoolsByCounty

Focused Education for 18,000 Students

Martin County supports 18,628 students across 35 public schools. The system is built on a foundation of 13 elementary, 6 middle, and 8 high schools.

Exceeding State and National Benchmarks

The county boasts a 90.0% graduation rate, surpassing both the national 87.0% and the state 89.8% averages. Local investment is strong, with per-pupil spending of $6,367 exceeding the Florida state average.

A Suburban District with Charter Variety

The Martin School District oversees all 35 campuses, including four charter schools that make up 11.4% of the total. Treasure Coast Classical Academy is a prominent charter choice, serving 1,177 students.

Small Average Sizes and Suburban Settings

Most schools here are suburban, and the average enrollment of 582 students is lower than many neighboring counties. Martin County High School is the largest in the area, enrolling 2,273 students.

Relocating to Martin's Top-Rated Districts

With high graduation rates and strong funding, Martin County is a top destination for education-focused families. Start your home search in the neighborhoods surrounding Jensen Beach High or South Fork High.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Martin County

via RiskByCounty

Martin carries relatively moderate risk

Martin County scores 94.08 on composite disaster risk, rating as relatively moderate despite being well above the national average. This score reflects significant exposure concentrated in coastal hazards rather than broad multi-hazard vulnerability. The county faces greater overall risk than most U.S. counties, driven primarily by water-related threats.

Well above Florida's average

Martin's 94.08 score exceeds Florida's state average of 75.74 by 18 points, placing it among the state's higher-risk counties. The county's risk profile is driven more narrowly than some peers, concentrated in hurricane and flood exposure. This makes Martin's threat landscape somewhat more focused than the most hazard-diverse Florida counties.

Comparable to affluent coastal peers

Martin County's risk closely tracks with St. Lucie and Palm Beach counties, all three facing similar hurricane (98.71) and flood challenges from their coastal positions. However, Martin's tornado risk of 74.84 is notably lower than inland neighbors, reflecting its oceanside location. The three-county coastal cluster shares the most acute threats.

Hurricanes and flooding are primary threats

Martin County faces extreme hurricane risk at 98.71 and substantial flood risk at 83.33, making water the dominant hazard concern. While wildfire risk is moderate at 90.39, the coastal county's greatest dangers come from storm surge and precipitation. Tornado risk of 74.84 is comparatively low due to the county's oceanside geography.

Flood and wind coverage are critical

With hurricane risk at 98.71 and flood risk at 83.33, Martin County residents need both windstorm and flood insurance to be adequately protected. Standard homeowners policies don't cover flood damage, making separate flood insurance essential for any structure in or near coastal areas. Elevate critical utilities and seal windows against wind-driven rain.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Martin County

via WeatherByCounty

Atlantic Coast Warmth Surpasses National Median

Martin County averages 74.5°F annually, nearly 21 degrees higher than the 54°F national median. This tropical Atlantic climate maintains warm temperatures throughout the entire year.

A Top-Tier Warmth Rank in Florida

The county's 74.5°F average is significantly higher than the Florida state average of 71.1°F. It ranks among the warmest coastal counties on the state's eastern side.

Cooler and Wetter Than Miami-Dade

Martin County is cooler than Miami-Dade, which averages 76.6°F, but it is wetter. Martin receives 63.4 inches of rain annually, compared to 62.0 inches in Miami-Dade.

Temperate Coastal Summers and Warm Winters

Despite the heat, Martin only sees 84 days above 90°F due to ocean breezes. Summers average 82.1°F and winters remain very warm at 66.0°F with no recorded snow.

Managing High Rainfall and Humidity

With 63.4 inches of rain annually, Martin is one of the wettest counties in the state. Residents should invest in high-quality rain gear and maintain home exteriors against high moisture levels.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Martin County

via SoilByCounty

Acidic Coastal Soils

Martin County features highly acidic soil with an average pH of 4.84. This is notably more acidic than the national median of 6.5 and slightly below the Florida state average of 4.88.

Sandy Shores and Low Clay

The soil is predominantly sand at 76.5%, with very low silt and clay levels at 0.8% and 1.5% respectively. This granular mix allows for rapid water movement but limits the soil's natural ability to hold onto mineral nutrients.

Rich in Organic Matter

With an organic matter content of 14.21%, Martin County far exceeds both the state average of 8.03% and the national average of 2.0%. The available water capacity of 0.127 in/in also beats the state benchmark, signaling strong potential for plant growth.

Strong Local Soil Quality

While specific drainage and taxonomic data are unavailable, the county maintains a solid soil score of 36.6. This score sits above the state average of 31.1, suggesting favorable conditions compared to many neighboring regions.

Tropical Paradise Potential

Classified in hardiness zone 10b, this region is perfect for tropical and subtropical landscaping. Gardeners can take advantage of the high organic matter to grow lush hibiscus and productive mango trees.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Martin County

via LawnByCounty

Martin's Tropical Lawn Maintenance Battle

With a lawn difficulty score of just 9.2, Martin County is one of the toughest places in the nation to maintain a perfect yard. This Zone 10b environment is nearly five times harder to manage than the typical American county.

Heavy Rainfall and Constant Growth

Martin receives a staggering 63.4 inches of annual precipitation, far exceeding the national ideal of 30-50 inches. This moisture, combined with 8,974 growing degree days, means grass grows aggressively and requires frequent mowing to prevent thatch buildup.

Combating Acidic and Sandy Soil

The soil is 76.5% sand and highly acidic with a pH of 4.84, which is well below the ideal range of 6.0 to 7.0. Lawns here require regular lime applications and frequent fertilization to compensate for nutrients leaching through the sandy base.

Navigating Prolonged Dry Spells

Despite the high annual rain, the county has endured 42 weeks of drought over the past year. Use moisture sensors and rain barrels to manage water efficiently while 100% of the area remains in severe drought conditions.

Planting for Year-Round Green

Bermuda and Zoysia are excellent choices for this tropical Zone 10b climate. Since the frost window is extremely narrow in late January, you can plant almost any time, though spring offers the best growth surge.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Martin County's county score?
Martin County, Florida has a composite county score of 41.6 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 Martin County rank among counties in Florida?
Martin County ranks #45 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 Martin County, Florida?
The median annual property tax in Martin County is $3,120, with an effective tax rate of 0.81%. This earns Martin County a tax score of 52.5/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Martin County?
The median household income in Martin County, Florida is $80,701 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Martin County earns an income score of 84.6/100 on CountyScore.
Is Martin County, Florida a good place to live?
Martin County scores 41.6/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #45 in Florida. The best way to evaluate Martin 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 Martin County with other counties side by side.

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