countyscore
46.2
County Score
Income & Jobs 86.2Property Tax 81.2Schools 73.7

County Report Card

About Monroe County, Florida

Monroe just matches national livability median

Monroe County's score of 46.2 sits slightly below the national median of 50.0, placing it at the 45th percentile nationally. This borderline positioning masks an unusual profile: world-class education and low taxes balanced against extreme housing scarcity.

Slightly above Florida's state average

Monroe scores 46.2 against Florida's 45.1 average, just barely outperforming the state and ranking in the upper-middle range of Florida's 67 counties. Its unique Keys geography creates both advantages and severe limitations.

Exceptional schools and lowest tax burden

Monroe's school score of 73.7 is among Florida's highest, and its tax score of 81.2 reflects an effective rate of just 0.545%—Florida's lowest. These strengths signal strong educational investment and fiscal prudence.

Housing crisis and limited safety data

Monroe's cost score of 3.9 is one of Florida's worst, with median homes at $723,800 and rents at $1,959/month—pricing in a scarcity premium unique to the Keys. Water quality data remains unavailable, and safety score of 31.5 suggests regional vulnerabilities.

Exceptional for high-earners seeking top schools

Monroe County suits wealthy families ($82k+ income) prioritizing elite education and island lifestyle over housing affordability. This exclusive county is built for financial security; modest means won't sustain Keys living costs.

Score breakdown

Tax81.2Cost3.9Safety31.5Health62.6Schools73.7Income86.2Risk8.4WaterComing SoonWeather14.5
🏛81.2
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠3.9
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼86.2
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡31.5
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤62.6
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓73.7
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡8.4
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤14.5
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱30.7
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

Miami-Dade County
Florida
30.4
Collier County
Florida
45.8
Broward County
Florida
41.8
Hendry County
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Lee County
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Palm Beach County
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Glades County
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Charlotte County
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Deep Dives

Monroe County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Monroe County

via TaxByCounty

Monroe's rate is unusually low for its wealth

Monroe County's effective tax rate of 0.545% ranks among the lowest in the nation, despite having the highest median home values of any county in Florida at $723,800. This rare combination means Monroe residents enjoy substantial tax relief relative to home values compared to most American homeowners.

Monroe has Florida's lowest effective rate

Monroe County's 0.545% effective rate is the lowest among Florida's 67 counties and well below the state average of 0.731%. Despite median home values nearly 2.6 times the state average, Monroe's median property tax of $3,943 remains manageable due to this exceptionally low rate.

Monroe offers steepest tax break in the region

Monroe County's 0.545% rate significantly undercuts Miami-Dade (0.827%), Martin County (0.807%), and all other nearby counties, reflecting unique state policy considerations. While Monroe residents pay higher absolute dollars due to luxury property values, their effective rate burden is the most favorable in South Florida.

What Monroe homeowners actually pay

A homeowner with Monroe's median home value of $723,800 pays approximately $3,943 in annual property taxes at the county's exceptionally low 0.545% effective rate. With a mortgage, that bill climbs to about $4,291 when factoring in escrow and related charges.

Even low-tax Monroe has assessment opportunities

Even with Florida's most favorable tax rate, Monroe residents should verify their property assessments against comparable sales in the luxury market. A successful appeal could provide additional savings on an already modest tax obligation relative to home value.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Monroe County

via CostByCounty

Monroe County commands Florida's highest rents

Monroe County renters pay a median of $1,959 monthly—the highest in the state—consuming 28.5% of a median household income of $82,430. While the 28.5% ratio approaches the national affordability threshold, the absolute dollar cost and $723,800 median home value position Monroe as a luxury market where housing dominates budgets.

Monroe's rent premium reflects Keys exclusivity

At 28.5% of income spent on rent, Monroe County ranks among Florida's least affordable counties, sitting 6 percentage points above the state average of 22.5%. The county's median rent of $1,959 is the state's highest, reflecting geographic isolation and limited housing supply in the Florida Keys.

Monroe dwarfs all South Florida rent comparisons

Monroe's median rent of $1,959 exceeds Miami-Dade ($1,731), Martin ($1,499), and Orange ($1,675) counties by substantial margins, driven by island geography and tourism demand. Even with above-average household income of $82,430, Monroe residents face the harshest rent-to-income squeeze in the region.

Keys housing eats deep into Monroe incomes

A typical Monroe County renter earning $82,430 annually pays $1,959 monthly—28.5% of gross income, among the state's highest burdens. Homeowners face even sharper pressure: at $1,645 monthly, owner costs consume 23.9% of income, yet median home values of $723,800 put purchase ownership far out of reach.

Monroe demands substantial income and flexibility

Monroe County's unmatched rents and home values suit only high-earning relocators or those with flexible remote work arrangements. Before committing to island living, compare your after-rent budget to more affordable nearby markets—the Keys' 28.5% rent burden leaves little room for other life expenses.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Monroe County

via IncomeByCounty

Monroe residents earn above national average

Monroe County's median household income of $82,430 tops the national median of $74,755 by $7,675, placing the county well above the typical American household. This reflects the Keys' unique economy driven by tourism, marine commerce, and affluent retirees.

Among Florida's highest earners

Monroe's median household income of $82,430 ranks in Florida's top tier, exceeding the state average of $65,468 by $16,962. The county's per capita income of $57,683 is the highest among the eight counties analyzed.

Highest income, highest cost

Monroe County leads the region with $82,430 in median household income, surpassing Martin County ($80,701) and Nassau County ($88,900 when accounting for cost of living). However, the Keys' median home value of $723,800 is nearly double that of any neighboring county.

High income offset by steep housing costs

Monroe's rent-to-income ratio of 28.5% approaches the stress threshold despite strong household earnings, reflecting the extraordinary cost of living in the Florida Keys. Residents with median incomes struggle more than those in lower-cost regions, even with higher absolute earnings.

Wealth-building in a premium market

Monroe County's high incomes support aggressive savings and investment, but housing costs require disciplined financial planning to build equity. Consider long-term wealth strategies that account for the Keys' unique market dynamics and seasonal income fluctuations.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Monroe County

via CrimeByCounty

Safety in the Florida Keys

Monroe County earns a safety score of 97.4, reflecting a secure environment for residents and tourists alike. Its total crime rate of 1615.0 per 100K is significantly better than the national average of 2,385.5. The county manages safety well despite its unique geography.

Monroe's Safety Standing Within Florida

The county's crime rate of 1615.0 is higher than the Florida state average of 1027.9. Nine reporting agencies work across the islands to maintain a safety score of 97.4, which is just under the state average of 98.4. Tourism flux often influences these local figures.

Comparing the Keys to the Mainland

Monroe (1615.0) is much safer than neighboring Miami-Dade (2457.1), though it reports more crime than Martin County (1207.0). The remote nature of the Keys creates a different safety dynamic compared to the mainland. Law enforcement efforts are tailored to the county's linear coastal layout.

Property vs Violent Crime in Monroe

The property crime rate of 1253.0 is much lower than the national average of 2,015.7. Violent crime occurs at a rate of 362.0 per 100K, which is also slightly below the national average of 369.8. These statistics suggest that the county is largely successful in preventing serious crimes.

Securing Your Island Property

Because property crime is more common than violent crime, residents should focus on securing outdoor equipment and vehicles. Motion-activated lighting and monitored alarm systems are excellent investments for island homes. Staying aware of your surroundings helps keep Monroe County safe.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Monroe County

via HealthByCounty

Monroe County's exceptional longevity

Monroe County residents live 80.8 years on average—1.5 years longer than the U.S. average of 79.3 years. Only 15.7% report poor or fair health, below the national 18%, suggesting strong health maintenance practices despite the county's remote island geography.

Florida's longest-living residents

Monroe County ranks among Florida's top three counties for life expectancy at 80.8 years, nearly 5 years above the state average of 75.8 years. The county's 15.7% poor/fair health rate also exceeds state averages, reflecting excellent preventive health outcomes.

Island community outperforms peers

Monroe County's 80.8-year life expectancy tops all comparison counties and significantly outpaces inland peers. With 259 mental health providers per 100,000—the highest in this group—and 66 primary care providers, the Keys maintain exceptional healthcare infrastructure relative to population size.

Strong coverage with unique challenges

Monroe's 15.2% uninsured rate is close to Florida's average, providing fairly good baseline coverage for preventive care. However, remote island geography means residents often travel to mainland providers for specialized care, relying heavily on telehealth and ferry access.

Insure your island health

Monroe County's strong health outcomes depend on maintaining coverage for preventive care and specialist access. Review your insurance plan at healthcare.gov to ensure coverage includes travel reimbursement and telehealth options for mainland specialist care.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Monroe County

via SchoolsByCounty

Island Education for Nearly 9,000 Students

Monroe County serves 8,929 students across 24 public schools in the Florida Keys. The landscape is primarily made up of 13 elementary schools and 9 high schools.

High Funding and Exceptional Graduation Rates

Monroe County leads with a 92.0% graduation rate, well above the national 87.0% benchmark. This success is backed by a high per-pupil expenditure of $9,238, which far exceeds the Florida average of $6,118.

Traditional District with Strong Charter Presence

The Monroe School District manages all 24 schools, and 25.0% of these are charter institutions. This mix of six charter schools provides specialized options for families living throughout the Keys.

Small Schools with a Town Feel

The average school size is just 388 students, creating a personalized feel in this town-heavy locale. Key West High School is the largest campus with 1,352 students, followed by Horace O'Bryant School at 1,014.

Island Living with Premier School Quality

Monroe County combines a unique island lifestyle with some of the best-funded schools in Florida. Buyers often prioritize homes in the Key Largo or Key West school zones for their academic reputation.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Monroe County

via RiskByCounty

Monroe's risk remains well above average

Monroe County scores 91.60 on composite disaster risk with a relatively moderate rating, placing it well above the national average despite its smaller size. The score reflects extreme exposure to water-based hazards concentrated in its island geography. While rating as moderate statewide, Monroe's actual vulnerability is significantly higher than most U.S. counties.

Moderate ranking masks extreme exposure

Monroe's 91.60 score exceeds Florida's state average of 75.74 by over 15 points, earning a mid-to-upper ranking statewide. The county's risk profile is narrowly focused on water hazards rather than broadly distributed across multiple threats, which explains its moderate rather than high rating. In flood and hurricane risk specifically, Monroe ranks among Florida's most vulnerable.

Island county faces unique water risks

Monroe County's 91.60 score is comparable to nearby coastal counties but with a distinctly different hazard profile—it has extreme flood risk (98.80) yet minimal tornado risk (25.64) due to its Keys geography. While Miami-Dade and Martin counties share similar hurricane exposure, Monroe's island position creates singular vulnerability to storm surge and sea-level rise. The Keys face hazards others don't.

Flooding and hurricanes are existential

Monroe County faces the state's most extreme flood risk at 98.80 and near-maximum hurricane risk at 98.00, reflecting its low-lying island chain position. Unlike most Florida counties, tornado risk is minimal at 25.64 due to the Keys' maritime climate. For Monroe residents, water represents virtually all disaster risk; wind and storm surge shape the county's hazard landscape.

Flood insurance is absolutely essential

With flood risk at 98.80—the highest in Florida—Monroe County residents must carry flood insurance regardless of flood zone designation; it's simply non-negotiable. Hurricane insurance with surge protection is equally critical given 98.00 risk. Invest in elevation, waterproofing, and backup power systems, as infrastructure disruption following storms is routine.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Monroe County

via WeatherByCounty

Monroe County leads the nation in warmth

Monroe's 77.9°F average annual temperature is significantly higher than the national median, reflecting its tropical climate. It is one of the few places in the United States that maintains such high temperatures throughout the year.

The warmest spot in the Sunshine State

Averaging 77.9°F, Monroe is the warmest county in Florida and sits far above the state average of 71.1°F. While much of the state experiences heavy rain, Monroe's 43.8 inches of annual precipitation is surprisingly below the state average.

Warmer and drier than mainland neighbors

Compared to nearby Palm Beach at 75.1°F, Monroe stays consistently warmer due to its island geography. It also receives nearly 18 inches less annual rainfall than its wetter coastal neighbors.

Endless summer with zero snow

Winters are the warmest in Florida, averaging 70.8°F from December through February. Residents experience 67 days of extreme heat above 90°F, and snowfall is non-existent.

Prepare for tropical heat and dry spells

High-efficiency cooling is a necessity for the 67 annual days of extreme heat. Residents should also plan for a drier environment than the Florida norm, as rainfall is 11 inches lower than the state average.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Monroe County

via SoilByCounty

Island Rocks and Coral

Precise pH and taxonomic data are unavailable for the rocky soils of the Florida Keys. The local environment is largely coral-based, which typically differs significantly from the national median pH of 6.5.

Thin Soil Over Stone

There are no recorded percentages for sand, silt, or clay in this county. In the Keys, the ground is often a thin layer of organic debris resting directly over solid oolitic limestone.

High Heat, Low Depth

Data for organic matter and water capacity are not present for this region. These figures are usually quite low in Monroe, as the rocky terrain has very little depth for nutrient or water storage.

Reef-Side Hydrology

The drainage class and hydrologic group for this county are not currently cataloged. Understanding how water moves through this landscape is vital for protecting the delicate coral reef systems just offshore.

Warmest Climate in Florida

Hardiness zone 11b represents the warmest climate in Florida, perfect for extreme heat-tolerant species. Gardeners often use raised beds or containers to bypass the lack of deep, natural soil.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Monroe County

via LawnByCounty

The Island Difficulty of Monroe Lawns

Monroe County is relatively easier than its neighbors with a difficulty score of 30.7, though it remains tougher than the national average. This Zone 11b environment presents a unique island climate where temperature extremes are actually lower than the mainland.

Lower Heat Peaks, High Growing Energy

With only 67 days above 90°F, Monroe is cooler than the state average of 92 days. However, the record-breaking 10,191 growing degree days ensure that tropical grasses grow with incredible speed and vigor.

Navigating Rocky Coral Soil Foundations

Specific soil data is limited for the Keys, but the terrain is notoriously rocky and porous. Successful lawns here usually require imported topsoil or frequent light fertilization to keep nutrients from washing through the coral rock.

Managing Limited Freshwater Resources

Over 84% of the county is currently in severe drought, following 43 weeks of dry conditions over the last year. Water conservation is critical here; consider salt-tolerant grass species that can handle the coastal spray and dry spells.

Lush Growth in the Tropics

Bermuda grass and salt-tolerant Paspalum thrive in this frost-free Zone 11b environment. You can plant year-round, but starting just before the peak summer rains will help your new lawn establish without excessive manual watering.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Monroe County's county score?
Monroe County, Florida has a composite county score of 46.2 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 Monroe County rank among counties in Florida?
Monroe County ranks #29 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 Monroe County, Florida?
The median annual property tax in Monroe County is $3,943, with an effective tax rate of 0.54%. This earns Monroe County a tax score of 81.2/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Monroe County?
The median household income in Monroe County, Florida is $82,430 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Monroe County earns an income score of 86.2/100 on CountyScore.
Is Monroe County, Florida a good place to live?
Monroe County scores 46.2/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #29 in Florida. The best way to evaluate Monroe 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 Monroe 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.