countyscore
31.6
County Score
Property Tax 57.3Water Quality 52.7Cost of Living 49.2

County Report Card

About Okeechobee County, Florida

Okeechobee ranks near national bottom

Okeechobee County's composite score of 31.6 falls 18.4 points below the national median of 50.0, placing it in the bottom 15% nationally. This severe deficit reflects systemic challenges in employment, healthcare, education, and safety.

Among Florida's lowest-scoring counties

Okeechobee scores 31.6 against Florida's 45.1 average—a 13.5-point gap—ranking in the bottom tier of the state's 67 counties. The county struggles across most livability dimensions compared to state and national peers.

Affordable housing is primary advantage

Okeechobee's cost score of 49.2 is among Florida's highest, offering median home values of just $179,000 and rents of $974/month. Housing affordability is the primary livability asset in this rural county.

Schools, health, and jobs are critical gaps

Okeechobee's school score of 14.9 and health score of 15.8 are among Florida's lowest, signaling underfunded education and limited healthcare access. Median household income of $52,288 is substantially below state norms, reflecting limited economic opportunity.

Only suitable for cost-driven retirees

Okeechobee works exclusively for retirees on fixed incomes ($52k) willing to accept minimal schools, limited healthcare, and rural isolation for extreme affordability. This county has limited appeal beyond cost-conscious seniors.

2040608010057.349.224.515.814.919.319.752.710.4Tax57.3Cost49.2Safety24.5Health15.8Schools14.9Income19.3Risk19.7Water52.7Weather10.431.6/100
This county
National avg
6 below average

Okeechobee County DNA

Foverall

How Okeechobee County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Okeechobee County falls below the national average in most categories. The biggest gap is in Weather & Climate (10.4/100), though Property Tax (57.3/100) remains a relative bright spot.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
57.3
Cost
49.2
Safety
24.5-30.5
Health
15.8-34.2
Schools
14.9-39.1
Income
19.3-31.7
Risk
19.7-27.3
Water
52.7
Weather
10.4-45.6
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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$179,000

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$974/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$179,000/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$38,960/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum3.4x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $52,288/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

19.9

per 100K

Data from Federal Reserve (FRED), U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, and CMS NPPES.

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
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Counties with similar scores

Lake County
California
Median income: $58,738
31.6
Halifax County
North Carolina
Median income: $45,071
31.6
Davidson County
Tennessee
Median income: $75,664
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Spalding County
Georgia
Median income: $60,217
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Colleton County
South Carolina
Median income: $48,779
31.7
Palo Pinto County
Texas
Median income: $64,972
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DeSoto County
Florida
Median income: $50,868
31.5
Genesee County
Michigan
Median income: $60,673
31.5

Nearby counties

Highlands County
Florida
48.5
Indian River County
Florida
45
Glades County
Florida
54.1
St. Lucie County
Florida
36.6
Martin County
Florida
41.6
Osceola County
Florida
31.8
Hardee County
Florida
34.6
DeSoto County
Florida
31.5

Deep Dives

Okeechobee County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 11 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Okeechobee County

via TaxByCounty

Okeechobee taxes remain well below national

Okeechobee County's effective tax rate of 0.754% sits just below the national average, but its median property tax of $1,349 is 50% lower than the national median of $2,690. This favorable comparison reflects the county's lower home values rather than an unusually low tax rate.

Okeechobee ranks slightly above state average

Okeechobee County's 0.754% effective rate sits just slightly above Florida's state average of 0.731%, placing it near the middle of the state's 67 counties. The county's median tax of $1,349 is the lowest among the counties reviewed here, driven by the lowest median home values at $179,000.

Okeechobee the most affordable in region

Okeechobee County's 0.754% rate closely resembles Marion County (0.751%) to the north, but its substantially lower home values make it the most affordable county in central Florida by total tax burden. The median annual tax bill of $1,349 is less than half what homeowners pay in higher-value nearby counties.

What Okeechobee homeowners actually pay

A homeowner with Okeechobee's median home value of $179,000 pays approximately $1,349 in annual property taxes at the county's 0.754% effective rate. With a mortgage, that bill rises to about $1,599 when including escrow and related costs.

Small assessments still worth reviewing

Even with modest property values, Okeechobee homeowners should verify their assessments match fair market value to avoid paying unnecessary taxes. The county property appraiser offers a free appeal process that could result in modest but meaningful annual savings.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Okeechobee County

via CostByCounty

Okeechobee offers Florida's lowest absolute rents

Okeechobee County renters pay a median of just $974 monthly—among the lowest in Florida—and spend 22.4% of their income on housing. However, the median household income of $52,288 falls roughly $22,500 below the national median, reflecting the county's rural character and limited earning opportunities.

Okeechobee ranks at Florida's affordability ceiling

With a rent-to-income ratio of 22.4%, Okeechobee sits at the state average of 22.5%, but this masks a critical reality: the county's median household income of $52,288 is among Florida's lowest. The cheap rents reflect limited rental supply and economic demand rather than true affordability for residents earning so little.

Okeechobee's rent is cheap, but income is cheaper

Okeechobee's $974 median rent undercuts all regional neighbors—Marion ($1,174), Martin ($1,499), and Orange ($1,675)—but its $52,288 household income lags Marion by $6,200 and Orange by nearly $25,000. The absolute savings on rent don't offset the income disadvantage for workers seeking upward mobility.

Okeechobee's low rent masks income constraints

A typical Okeechobee renter earning $52,288 annually pays $974 monthly—a 22.4% ratio that's mathematically affordable but practically tight. Homeowners fare better at $712 monthly (16.3% of income), yet the median home value of $179,000 still requires significant savings in a county with limited wage growth.

Okeechobee suits only ultra-budget relocators

Okeechobee County delivers the state's lowest rents and cheapest homes, but only consider relocating here if you're remote-working or retiring—local wages lag substantially. Compare your income requirements against Marion or Okaloosa counties to ensure you're not trading rent savings for economic stagnation.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Okeechobee County

via IncomeByCounty

Okeechobee significantly below national average

Okeechobee County's median household income of $52,288 falls $22,467 short of the national median of $74,755, placing the county in the lowest tier nationally. This rural central Florida community faces economic headwinds typical of agricultural regions.

Lowest income in the eight-county group

At $52,288, Okeechobee's median household income ranks significantly below Florida's state average of $65,468 by $13,180. The county is among Florida's lowest-earning regions overall.

Substantial gap from surrounding counties

Okeechobee's $52,288 trails nearby Marion County ($58,535) and every other comparison county by substantial margins. The county's agricultural economy and limited urban development restrict household earnings relative to more urbanized Florida regions.

Rent manageable despite low income

Okeechobee's rent-to-income ratio of 22.4% is reasonable, and the median home value of $179,000 is the lowest among the eight counties. Despite low incomes, housing affordability remains a relative strength in this rural community.

Build wealth through discipline and opportunity

Okeechobee residents earning below state average should prioritize emergency savings and seek skill-development opportunities to increase earning potential. Explore community resources, local workforce programs, and affordable investment options that compound even modest savings over time.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Okeechobee County

via CrimeByCounty

Public Safety in Okeechobee County

Okeechobee County maintains a safety score of 97.0, indicating a generally secure environment. Its total crime rate of 1878.6 per 100K is lower than the national average of 2,385.5. Local law enforcement effectively keeps the area safer than many other parts of the country.

How Okeechobee Compares to Florida Averages

The county's crime rate of 1878.6 sits above the Florida state average of 1027.9. With a safety score of 97.0, it falls slightly below the state-wide average of 98.4. Eight reporting agencies work to manage safety within this primarily rural county.

Regional Safety Comparisons

Okeechobee (1878.6) shows higher crime rates than neighboring Martin County (1207.0). However, it remains significantly safer than more urbanized areas like Orange County (2762.5). The county's safety profile is typical for a region with its specific population density.

The Distribution of Local Incidents

Property crime is the most frequent issue, with 1572.6 incidents per 100K residents. The violent crime rate is 306.0, which is below the national violent crime average of 369.8. This suggests that residents face more risk to property than to personal safety.

Simple Steps for a Safer Home

Since property crime is the main concern, residents should focus on securing barns, sheds, and vehicles. Installing perimeter lighting and basic camera systems can significantly reduce the risk of theft. Community awareness is key to improving local safety scores.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Okeechobee County

via SchoolsByCounty

Compact System Serving 6,300 Students

Okeechobee County maintains a compact network of 13 public schools for 6,398 students. The landscape consists of 5 elementary, 2 middle, and 2 high schools.

Working Toward State Performance Goals

The county's graduation rate of 84.0% trails the national average of 87.0%. Per-pupil expenditure is $5,751, which is below the Florida state average of $6,118.

A Traditional Single-District System

The Okeechobee School District manages every public school in the county without any charter options. This creates a highly centralized education environment for all local families.

Town-Centered Schools with Mid-Sized Enrollments

Nearly all schools are located in town settings, and the average school size is 533 students. Okeechobee High School is the largest campus by far, serving 1,692 students.

Small Town Living Near Local Schools

Okeechobee offers a close-knit educational environment where schools are central to the community. When looking for a home, consider properties near Everglades Elementary or Osceola Middle for convenient access.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Okeechobee County

via RiskByCounty

Okeechobee carries moderate risk

Okeechobee County scores 80.28 on composite disaster risk, earning a relatively low rating that exceeds the national average modestly. The score reflects exposure concentrated in flooding and hurricanes rather than extreme multi-hazard vulnerability. Residents face greater risk than average Americans, though substantially less than Florida's most hazard-exposed counties.

Slightly above Florida's average

Okeechobee's 80.28 score sits just 4.5 points above Florida's state average of 75.74, placing it comfortably in the middle tier statewide. The county ranks significantly lower in risk than coastal neighbors like Miami-Dade and Martin. Its inland, lake-adjacent location creates more moderate overall exposure than oceanside counties.

Safer than surrounding coastal areas

Okeechobee County's 80.28 score is measurably lower than nearby Martin (94.08) and Indian River counties, reflecting its inland location away from direct ocean exposure. Tornado risk of 44.18 is substantially lower than panhandle counties, while flood risk of 80.28 is tied to lake and canal systems rather than ocean surge. Okeechobee represents a lower-risk option in its region.

Flooding and hurricanes are primary

Okeechobee County's highest risks are tied between flood (80.28) and hurricane (93.53), reflecting its position near Lake Okeechobee and exposure to tropical systems. Wildfire risk of 89.85 presents seasonal threats, while tornado risk is comparatively low at 44.18. Water-related hazards dominate the county's disaster landscape.

Flood and windstorm coverage advised

Okeechobee County residents should carry homeowners insurance with windstorm coverage and obtain flood insurance given the county's 80.28 flood risk and proximity to Lake Okeechobee. Properties within flood-prone zones or near canal systems should prioritize flood protection and elevation where feasible. Annual policy reviews ensure adequate coverage as property values and hazard exposure evolve.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Okeechobee County

via WaterByCounty

Okeechobee Records Moderate Violation Rate

Okeechobee County earns a C grade for drinking water, with three health violations reported over five years. The violation rate of 12.9 per 100,000 people is higher than some neighbors but still much better than the Florida average of 43.4. Local systems maintain consistent service while facing challenges typical of agricultural regions.

Phosphorus and Mercury Stress Local Waters

In the 2022 reporting cycle, 42.1% of the 1,350 assessed water bodies in the county were listed as impaired. This exceeds the statewide average of 38.8% and highlights significant ecological pressure. Total phosphorus, mercury in fish tissue, and low dissolved oxygen are the primary drivers of impairment.

Toxin Monitoring High Near Lake Okeechobee

Environmental agencies maintain 157 monitoring sites, collecting 74,831 measurements over the last five years. High measurement counts for cyanotoxins and phytotoxins reflect the local urgency in tracking harmful algal blooms. This data is essential for managing the interface between agricultural runoff and the regional water supply.

Live Flow Data Unavailable for Taylor Creek

There is currently no live streamflow data available for the Taylor Creek gauge near Okeechobee. While discharge is not reported in real-time, the county's extensive monitoring of nutrients provides a clear picture of water quality. Residents should look to nutrient levels as a proxy for the health of local tributaries.

Watch Phosphorus Trends and Algal Health

With a 42% impairment rate and a C grade for compliance, residents should be proactive about water safety. The frequent monitoring of cyanotoxins indicates that algal blooms are a primary local risk factor. If you use well water, consider testing for nitrates and phosphorus regularly due to the high agricultural footprint in the watershed.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Okeechobee County

via WeatherByCounty

Tropical transition far above national norms

Okeechobee's 74.6°F average annual temperature is much higher than the national median. The county rarely sees cold weather, maintaining a warm profile throughout the year.

Hotter and slightly drier than average

The county is warmer than the Florida average of 71.1°F. It records 50.3 inches of rain per year, which is about 4 inches less than the state average.

Inland heat exceeds the coastline

Okeechobee faces 103 days of extreme heat, far more than coastal Palm Beach's 86 days. While temperatures are similar to its neighbors, the inland location traps more heat during the day.

Intense heat with mild winters

Residents endure 103 days of temperatures at or above 90°F annually. Winters remain pleasant and snow-free, with a December-February average of 64.8°F.

Plan around the midday sun

Outdoor activities should be scheduled for early morning to avoid the 103 days of extreme heat. With rainfall at 50.3 inches, residents should prepare for a standard but slightly drier wet season.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Okeechobee County

via SoilByCounty

Balanced Inland Entisols

Okeechobee features sandy Entisols with a pH of 5.14, making it one of the less acidic profiles in the state. This level is still below the national median of 6.5 but provides a more balanced environment for diverse crops.

Heavily Sandy Structure

The soil is 85.6% sand, with only 1.5% silt and 2.4% clay. This high sand percentage creates a very loose structure that is easy to dig but struggles to hold onto nutrients naturally.

Superior Organic Richness

The soil boasts an impressive 10.29% organic matter, well above the Florida average of 8.03%. Paired with an available water capacity of 0.122 in/in, this land offers better-than-average growing potential.

Well-Drained Landscapes

These soils are well drained and categorized in Hydrologic Group A. This makes the land suitable for many types of agricultural use and building projects that require stable, dry ground.

Long Growing Seasons

Hardiness zone 10a allows for a long growing season with minimal frost risk. Tropical fruits and warm-season grasses will thrive here, especially given the county's superior drainage.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Okeechobee County

via LawnByCounty

Okeechobee’s Hot Inland Lawn Environment

Okeechobee County scores a 21.2 for lawn difficulty, making it slightly easier than the state average but still much harder than the national median. In Hardiness Zone 10a, the climate remains warm enough for grass to grow almost year-round.

Inland Heat and Growing Energy

The county faces 103 extreme heat days per year, well above the state average of 92. With 9,004 growing degree days, the heat drives rapid turf metabolism that requires consistent watering and mowing to maintain.

Working with Acidic Sandy Foundation

The soil is 85.6% sand and well-drained, which helps prevent puddling but requires frequent watering. A pH of 5.14 is too acidic for most turf, so applying lime is a common necessity to unlock soil nutrients.

Thriving Through Severe Drought Cycles

With 31 weeks of drought over the last year and 100% of the county in severe drought now, water management is paramount. Focus on nighttime or early morning irrigation to maximize every drop in this sandy, high-heat environment.

Planting Your Inland Florida Lawn

Bahia and St. Augustine are excellent, heat-tolerant choices for Zone 10a. With the last frost typically occurring on January 31, the spring growing window opens early, allowing for a long and productive establishing phase.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Okeechobee County's county score?
Okeechobee County, Florida has a composite county score of 31.6 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 Okeechobee County rank among counties in Florida?
Okeechobee County ranks #64 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 Okeechobee County, Florida?
The median annual property tax in Okeechobee County is $1,349, with an effective tax rate of 0.75%. This earns Okeechobee County a tax score of 57.3/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Okeechobee County?
The median household income in Okeechobee County, Florida is $52,288 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Okeechobee County earns an income score of 19.3/100 on CountyScore.
Is Okeechobee County, Florida a good place to live?
Okeechobee County scores 31.6/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #64 in Florida. The best way to evaluate Okeechobee 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 Okeechobee County with other counties side by side.
By Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & Data Editor

ByCounty Network

Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers Markets

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