countyscore
48.6
County Score
Income & Jobs 91.5Health 68.9Water Quality 62.6

County Report Card

About Nassau County, Florida

Nassau exceeds national livability standard

Nassau County's composite score of 48.6 sits within 1.4 points of the national median of 50.0, ranking at the 48th percentile nationally. This solid positioning reflects consistent performance across multiple dimensions without major deficits.

Above average among Florida counties

Nassau scores 48.6 against Florida's state average of 45.1, outperforming most of the state and ranking in the upper-middle range of Florida's 67 counties. This edge signals relative stability and opportunity compared to peers.

Highest incomes and strong safety in state

Nassau's income score of 91.5 represents the highest in this dataset, with median household income of $88,900, and its safety score of 61.9 is among Florida's best. These twin strengths suggest prosperous, secure communities with strong economic fundamentals.

Housing remains out of reach for many

Nassau's cost score of 11.4 reflects affordability challenges, with median homes at $351,100 and rents at $1,335/month limiting entry-level buyers. School performance at 36.7 also lags relative to income levels, suggesting underfunded education infrastructure.

Ideal for affluent families seeking safety

Nassau County suits prosperous families ($88k+) prioritizing personal safety, strong incomes, and excellent healthcare over budget housing. This is a stable, secure county for the well-established middle to upper class.

Score breakdown

Tax59.8Cost11.4Safety61.9Health68.9Schools36.7Income91.5Risk40.7Water62.6Weather35.5
🏛59.8
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠11.4
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼91.5
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡61.9
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤68.9
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓36.7
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡40.7
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧62.6
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤35.5
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨31.2
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱29.7
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 →
Sponsored

Compare mortgage rates in Nassau County

Whether buying or refinancing in Nassau County, compare rates from top lenders to find the best deal.

See Today's Rates

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
Compare Nassau County with Baldwin County →Share on X

Counties with similar scores

Baldwin County
Alabama
Median income: $75,019
48.6
Montgomery County
Alabama
Median income: $58,153
48.6
North Slope Borough
Alaska
Median income: $86,313
48.6
Brantley County
Georgia
Median income: $47,801
48.6
Bingham County
Idaho
Median income: $76,842
48.6
Appanoose County
Iowa
Median income: $51,146
48.6
Atchison County
Kansas
Median income: $62,164
48.6
Noxubee County
Mississippi
Median income: $38,814
48.6

Nearby counties

Duval County
Florida
30.3
Charlton County
Georgia
53.1
Camden County
Georgia
45.6
Baker County
Florida
45.7
Brantley County
Georgia
48.6
Glynn County
Georgia
40.9
Clay County
Florida
44
St. Johns County
Florida
50.9

Deep Dives

Nassau County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Nassau County

via TaxByCounty

Nassau's tax rate beats the national average

Nassau County's effective tax rate of 0.729% sits just below the national average, creating a relatively balanced tax burden for homeowners in this region. The county's median property tax of $2,558 falls between the national median of $2,690 and the state average, reflecting moderate taxation overall.

Nassau ranks near Florida's middle ground

Nassau County's 0.729% effective rate nearly matches Florida's state average of 0.731%, placing it squarely in the middle of the state's 67 counties. The median tax of $2,558 sits between the state median of $1,885 and higher-taxed counties, suggesting fairly typical property tax treatment.

Nassau competitive with surrounding counties

Nassau County's 0.729% rate sits below Miami-Dade (0.827%) and Martin County (0.807%), offering a modest advantage to homeowners in this northern region. With moderate property values and rates near state average, Nassau provides predictable, middle-of-the-road taxation compared to wealthier South Florida counties.

What Nassau homeowners actually pay

A homeowner with Nassau County's median home value of $351,100 pays approximately $2,558 in annual property taxes at the county's 0.729% effective rate. With a mortgage, that bill rises to about $2,627 when including escrow and related costs.

Nassau owners should still review assessments

Even in fairly-taxed counties like Nassau, a meaningful percentage of homeowners are assessed above fair market value and eligible for free appeals. Contact Nassau County's property appraiser to verify your assessment matches comparable properties and explore potential tax reduction opportunities.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Nassau County

via CostByCounty

Nassau County ranks among nation's most affordable

Nassau County renters spend just 18.0% of their income on housing—well below the national norm and among the lowest in the country. With a median household income of $88,900 and median rent of $1,335, residents enjoy substantial breathing room in their housing budgets.

Nassau leads Florida in housing affordability

Nassau County's 18.0% rent-to-income ratio sits nearly 4.5 percentage points below Florida's state average of 22.5%, making it one of the state's most affordable large counties. The county's combination of strong household income ($88,900) and moderate rent levels ($1,335) creates a rare sweet spot in Florida's housing market.

Nassau outpaces all regional competitors

Nassau's 18.0% rent burden decisively beats Marion (24.1%), Okaloosa (22.4%), and every other nearby county, reflecting both higher incomes and controlled housing costs. The median rent of $1,335 sits comfortably between rural Marion ($1,174) and pricier coastal markets.

Nassau offers rare income-to-housing balance

Nassau County residents earning $88,900 annually pay $1,335 monthly in median rent—just 18.0% of gross income, leaving ample funds for savings and other expenses. Homeowners enjoy similar advantages: $1,377 monthly owner costs consume only 18.6% of income, though median home values of $351,100 require substantial equity.

Nassau is Florida's affordability standout

If housing affordability is your priority and you value strong household incomes, Nassau County delivers unmatched value compared to Miami-Dade's 30.2% rent burden or Monroe's premium market. The county's 18% ratio leaves you resources to invest, save, and build wealth—rare advantages in today's Florida.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Nassau County

via IncomeByCounty

Nassau tops national income benchmark

Nassau County's median household income of $88,900 significantly exceeds the national median of $74,755 by $14,145, placing it in the top tier nationally. This northeast Florida county's strong economy and affluent demographics drive its leadership position.

Florida's highest-earning county

Nassau County's median household income of $88,900 ranks as the highest among all eight counties and surpasses Florida's state average of $65,468 by $23,432. The county consistently outearns its peers across the state.

Leads the region by a wide margin

Nassau's $88,900 substantially exceeds neighboring Duval County and all other comparable regions, reflecting its position as a wealth center in northeast Florida. The county's proximity to Jacksonville's job market and amenities attracts high-earning households.

Excellent affordability with strong income

Nassau's rent-to-income ratio of 18.0% is the lowest among the eight counties, indicating housing costs consume just one-fifth of household earnings. With a median home value of $351,100 and above-average incomes, residents enjoy substantial financial flexibility.

Maximize your advantage

Nassau County residents benefit from both high incomes and low housing burdens—an ideal combination for aggressive wealth-building and long-term investing. Consider maximizing retirement contributions, diversifying investments, and developing a comprehensive financial plan with a professional advisor.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Nassau County

via CrimeByCounty

Nassau County Among the Nation's Safest

Nassau County boasts a high safety score of 98.6, placing it well above national norms. Its total crime rate of 879.4 per 100K is roughly one-third of the national average of 2,385.5. This data highlights Nassau as a premier choice for safety-conscious residents.

Nassau Outperforms Florida State Averages

The county's crime rate of 879.4 is notably lower than the Florida state average of 1027.9. With a safety score of 98.6, Nassau also exceeds the state average score of 98.4. Eight reporting agencies coordinate effectively to maintain this high standard of living.

Safety Leadership in Northeast Florida

Nassau County (879.4) is significantly safer than Marion County (1411.8) and other nearby regions. It maintains a low-crime profile that is rare for counties with growing populations. This stability makes it a standout for safety in the northeastern corner of the state.

Low Rates Across All Crime Categories

Nassau's violent crime rate is just 171.5 per 100K, which is far lower than the national average of 369.8. Property crime is also exceptionally low at 707.9 incidents per 100K residents. These figures represent some of the most favorable safety metrics in the region.

Maintaining Nassau's High Safety Record

Residents can help keep rates low by continuing to practice smart home security. Even in low-crime areas, deadbolts and simple security cameras deter opportunistic theft. Community awareness remains the strongest defense for Nassau households.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Nassau County

via HealthByCounty

Nassau County's solid health standing

At 76.4 years, Nassau County residents live about 3 years less than the U.S. average of 79.3 years. However, only 13.5% report poor or fair health—below the national 18% rate—indicating good disease management despite lower overall life expectancy.

Above-average coverage, fair outcomes

Nassau County's 76.4-year life expectancy slightly exceeds Florida's 75.8-year average, placing it in the middle tier of state rankings. With Florida's lowest uninsured rate at just 9.3%—well below the state's 14.4%—Nassau residents have strong insurance access.

Northeast Florida's insurance leader

Nassau County boasts Florida's lowest uninsured rate at 9.3%, far outpacing neighboring Duval County at 13.8%. However, its primary care provider density of 38 per 100,000 is the lowest among comparison counties, reflecting rural healthcare challenges.

Coverage without adequate providers

Nassau's exceptional insurance coverage rate masks a critical access problem: only 38 primary care providers per 100,000 residents means long waits and travel for many. With 144 mental health providers per 100,000, psychiatric care availability exceeds primary care, creating imbalanced care pathways.

Leverage Nassau's coverage advantage

Nassau County leads Florida in uninsured rates—stay ahead by reviewing your coverage annually at healthcare.gov. Consider joining a patient navigation program to connect with providers outside the county if local waits feel excessive.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Nassau County

via SchoolsByCounty

Small-Scale District with High Enrollment

Nassau County provides 21 schools for 12,588 students. The county’s infrastructure includes 11 elementary schools and 4 high schools managed by a single district.

Top-Tier Graduation Rates on Lean Budgets

Nassau achieves an impressive 92.0% graduation rate, surpassing both state and national averages. This is accomplished with a per-pupil expenditure of $5,601, which is lower than the state average of $6,118.

Focused on Traditional Public Education

The Nassau School District is the sole provider and currently hosts zero charter schools. This focus on a traditional district model serves the entire student population across 21 locations.

Town and Rural School Settings

Most schools are located in town or rural locales, with an average enrollment of 740 students. Yulee High School is the largest in the county, currently serving 1,407 students.

Settling Down in High-Achieving Nassau

The county's high graduation rates make it a magnet for families looking for quality public education. Look for homes in the Wildlight or Fernandina Beach areas to access these top-performing schools.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Nassau County

via RiskByCounty

Nassau has Florida's lowest risk

Nassau County scores 59.32 on composite disaster risk, earning a relatively low rating and placing it below the national average. This makes Nassau one of Florida's safest counties and substantially safer than most American counties. The low score reflects moderate exposure across most hazard types, with no single extreme threat.

Ranks lowest among Florida counties

Nassau's 59.32 composite score is the lowest in Florida, sitting 16.4 points below the state average of 75.74. The county's relative safety makes it a statistical outlier statewide—residents here face measurably lower disaster risk than nearly all other Floridians. Nassau's northern geography and smaller population both contribute to lower overall exposure.

Clearly safer than regional peers

Nassau County's 59.32 score is substantially lower than nearby Duval (80+) and Baker counties, reflecting its northern location away from major coastal and urban development. While still subject to Florida hurricanes and wildfires, Nassau's exposure is more moderate than the state norm. The county represents a genuinely lower-risk option within the state's northern region.

Wildfire and hurricane are main concerns

Nassau County's highest risks are wildfire at 86.51 and hurricane at 88.36, both substantial but below statewide averages in those categories. Flood risk of 75.80 and tornado risk of 53.63 remain moderate. While no hazard is extreme in Nassau, wildfire and hurricane preparedness should still be priorities given Florida's exposure.

Standard coverage suffices for most

Nassau County residents should maintain standard homeowners insurance with windstorm coverage, and verify flood insurance needs based on specific property location. The county's below-average risk makes specialized hazard insurance less critical than in coastal counties, but rural properties should assess wildfire exposure. Regular maintenance and a storm preparedness plan remain essential.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Nassau County

via WeatherByCounty

Subtropical warmth above the national average

Nassau County's 70.0°F average temperature sits comfortably above the U.S. median. This humid subtropical climate offers a mild environment without the extreme cold found in northern states.

Cooler than the typical Florida average

Nassau is actually cooler than the Florida state average of 71.1°F, reflecting its northern location. Its 49.9 inches of annual rain also falls slightly short of the 54.8-inch state mean.

Milder heat than interior Florida

Nassau experiences 45 days of extreme heat, which is significantly lower than central counties like Orange. It remains warmer than western panhandle counties like Okaloosa, which averages 67.7°F.

Distinct winters and manageable summers

Winter temperatures average a cool 56.8°F, providing a true seasonal shift compared to South Florida. July peaks at 82.8°F, contributing to 45 days of temperatures reaching 90°F or higher.

Pack layers for the northern Florida winter

Residents need lightweight layers for winters that dip to a 54.9°F average in January. With less rainfall than the state average, standard lawn irrigation is usually sufficient for local landscaping.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Nassau County

via SoilByCounty

Acidic Northeast Entisols

Nassau’s soils belong to the Entisols order, characterized by a sand-heavy texture and an acidic pH of 4.72. This acidity is significantly lower than the national median of 6.5 and slightly below the Florida average of 4.88.

Sandy Texture Dominates

The soil consists of 79.7% sand, 3.9% silt, and 5.2% clay. This high sand content suggests easy workability but requires careful management to prevent nutrients from leaching away during heavy rains.

Better Than State Average

Organic matter stands at 8.88%, which is higher than the state average of 8.03%. The available water capacity of 0.112 in/in is also slightly better than the Florida benchmark of 0.108, supporting healthy plant growth.

Poor Drainage Risks

The soil is classified as somewhat poorly drained despite falling into Hydrologic Group A. This combination means that while the sand allows for infiltration, a high local water table may keep the ground damp.

Blueberries and Azaleas

Nassau County is in zone 9a, a prime spot for blueberries and azaleas that thrive in acidic conditions. Use the high organic content to jumpstart your garden with native Florida perennials.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Nassau County

via LawnByCounty

Nassau County's Coastal Lawn Challenge

Nassau County earns a 29.7 lawn difficulty score, making it one of the easier counties in Florida to manage but still harder than the national average. The Zone 9a climate offers a distinct break from the heat that southern counties lack.

Moderate Heat and Steady Rain

The county sees just 45 extreme heat days annually, which is roughly half the Florida state average of 92. With 49.9 inches of annual precipitation, Nassau sits perfectly within the ideal range for healthy turf growth.

Improving Poorly Drained Sandy Soil

The soil is 79.7% sand and somewhat poorly drained, which can lead to root rot during heavy rains. With a very acidic pH of 4.72, you will likely need lime treatments to reach the 6.0-7.0 range that most grasses prefer.

Protecting Lawns from Severe Drought

Even with 24 weeks of drought in the past year, the entire county currently sits under severe drought conditions. Focus on mulching and maintaining a taller grass height to help the soil retain moisture during these stressful periods.

Planting for the North Florida Season

Zoysia and Centipede grass are ideal for the temperature swings of Zone 9a. Wait until after the last frost on February 2 to seed, and finish your major lawn projects before the first frost arrives on January 4.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Nassau County's county score?
Nassau County, Florida has a composite county score of 48.6 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 Nassau County rank among counties in Florida?
Nassau County ranks #25 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 Nassau County, Florida?
The median annual property tax in Nassau County is $2,558, with an effective tax rate of 0.73%. This earns Nassau County a tax score of 59.8/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Nassau County?
The median household income in Nassau County, Florida is $88,900 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Nassau County earns an income score of 91.5/100 on CountyScore.
Is Nassau County, Florida a good place to live?
Nassau County scores 48.6/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #25 in Florida. The best way to evaluate Nassau 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 Nassau 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.