countyscore
31.8
County Score
Income & Jobs 63.6Property Tax 54.4Water Quality 50.1

County Report Card

About Osceola County, Florida

Below national livability average

Osceola County scores 31.8 on the CountyScore composite index, falling well below the national median of 50.0. This places the county in the lower third of U.S. counties for overall livability, suggesting residents face meaningful tradeoffs across housing costs, safety, and schools.

Ranks near bottom in Florida

At 31.8, Osceola falls significantly below Florida's state average of 45.1, indicating it ranks among the lower-performing counties in the state. The gap of 13.3 points reflects consistent challenges across multiple quality-of-life dimensions.

Strong income and moderate tax burden

Osceola residents earn a median household income of $68,711, supported by an income score of 63.6. The county also maintains a competitive effective tax rate of 0.786%, among the lower burdens in the state.

Housing costs and safety concerns

Housing remains severely unaffordable with a cost score of just 7.4—median home values of $317,600 strain many households. Safety (23.4) and risk assessment (8.0) also rank as major weaknesses, indicating residents should evaluate crime data and environmental hazards carefully.

Best for financially stable, pragmatic families

Osceola suits families with solid incomes who prioritize earning potential over amenities and can navigate affordability challenges. This county works best for those willing to accept lower safety ratings and school quality in exchange for decent income opportunities and modest tax rates.

Score breakdown

Tax54.4Cost7.4Safety23.4Health46.2Schools34.1Income63.6Risk8Water50.1Weather13.9
🏛54.4
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠7.4
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼63.6
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡23.4
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤46.2
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓34.1
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡8
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧50.1
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤13.9
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨32.4
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱22.6
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

Polk County
Florida
38
Orange County
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32.1
Brevard County
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41.3
Seminole County
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41.8
Hardee County
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Indian River County
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Highlands County
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Okeechobee County
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Deep Dives

Osceola County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Osceola County

via TaxByCounty

Osceola taxes above national average

Osceola's effective tax rate of 0.786% exceeds the national median of 0.71%, placing the county in the upper tier nationally. The median property tax of $2,498 falls just below the national median of $2,690, reflecting higher home values in the county ($317,600) compared to the national median ($281,900).

Among Florida's highest tax rates

Osceola ranks above the Florida state average effective rate of 0.731%, making it one of the pricier counties to own property statewide. The median tax of $2,498 significantly outpaces Florida's median of $1,885, a 33% premium.

Higher than Polk and Pasco peers

Osceola's 0.786% rate outpaces neighboring Polk County (0.737%) and Pasco County (0.763%). However, the county's median home value of $317,600 positions it in the mid-range for Central Florida property markets.

Expect $2,498 annual property tax

On Osceola's median home value of $317,600, homeowners pay roughly $2,498 per year in property taxes. With a mortgage, that annual bill climbs to $2,574 once county taxes and fees apply.

Your assessment may be too high

Many Osceola homeowners are overassessed relative to comparable properties in the county. Consider filing an appeal with the property appraiser's office—you may discover savings of hundreds of dollars annually.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Osceola County

via CostByCounty

Osceola rents hit harder than US average

Osceola County renters spend 28.8% of their income on rent, notably above the national benchmark of roughly 30% at affordability limits. The county's median household income of $68,711 trails the national median by $6,044, making housing costs feel heavier on local wallets.

More expensive than most Florida counties

At 28.8% of income, Osceola's rent-to-income ratio exceeds Florida's state average of 22.5%, placing the county among the pricier markets in the state. Median rent of $1,651 runs $418 higher than the state average, reflecting Orlando-area growth pressures.

Pricier than Polk, cheaper than Palm Beach

Osceola renters pay $1,651 monthly—$379 more than neighboring Polk County but $167 less than Palm Beach County. Among the central Florida corridor, Osceola sits firmly in the middle for cost but carries one of the higher affordability burdens due to relatively modest incomes.

Housing eats 54% of monthly expenses

Renters spend $1,651 monthly while homeowners carry $1,427 in mortgage payments, and combined they represent nearly 32% of the median household income of $68,711. That leaves Osceola households roughly $3,600 monthly for all other expenses after housing.

Relocating? Compare your budget here

If you're considering a move to Osceola, expect to allocate 29% of income to rent—significantly more than Santa Rosa County's 19.5% but less than Palm Beach's 26.9%. Use these figures to model your housing budget against local job opportunities and quality of life factors.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Osceola County

via IncomeByCounty

Osceola trails national income average

Osceola County's median household income of $68,711 falls about 8% below the national median of $74,755. This positions the county in the lower-middle range for U.S. counties, reflecting Central Florida's diverse economic mix of tourism, agriculture, and service industries.

Above-average earner in Florida rankings

At $68,711, Osceola County's median household income exceeds Florida's state average of $65,468 by roughly $3,200. This places the county in the upper half of Florida's 67 counties, driven largely by proximity to Orlando's employment hub.

Competitive with central Florida peers

Osceola County's $68,711 income sits between Polk County ($63,644) and Pinellas County ($70,293), making it a middle performer among its regional neighbors. The county's per capita income of $31,000 is notably lower than coastal peers like Sarasota, reflecting different demographic and employment patterns.

Housing costs manageable but tight

Osceola's rent-to-income ratio of 28.8% sits just above the 28% affordability threshold, meaning housing consumes nearly a third of typical household earnings. With a median home value of $317,600, homeownership requires solid income stability and down payment savings.

Build wealth through strategic saving

With median income around $69,000, Osceola residents have room to invest 10-15% of earnings into retirement and savings accounts. Starting early with a 401(k) or IRA can compound significantly over decades, especially for younger workers entering the job market.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Osceola County

via CrimeByCounty

Osceola Outperforms the National Average

Osceola County maintains a total crime rate of 1,946.4 per 100,000 residents, comfortably below the national average of 2,385.5. This earns the county a strong safety score of 96.9 out of 100. Local law enforcement agencies report data that reflects a more secure environment than many comparable U.S. regions.

Comparing Osceola to the Florida Average

While national figures look good, Osceola sits above the Florida average total crime rate of 1,027.9. Its safety score of 96.9 falls just short of the statewide average of 98.4. Nine reporting agencies work across the county to address these higher-than-average state figures.

Osceola and Neighboring Polk County

Osceola's crime rate of 1,946.4 is nearly double that of neighboring Polk County, which reports a rate of 1,113.1. However, Osceola remains safer than Pinellas County, where rates exceed 2,078.4. These numbers highlight Osceola's middle-ground position in Central Florida safety.

Property Crimes Lead Local Incidents

Property crime dominates the local landscape at 1,633.5 per 100,000 residents, while violent crime stays much lower at 312.9. These figures mean most residents are far more likely to encounter theft than physical violence. Both rates track slightly below their respective national benchmarks.

Securing Your Osceola Residence

Since property crime is the primary concern, simple security upgrades like motion-activated lighting can deter intruders. Smart cameras and reinforced locks provide an extra layer of protection for your household. Staying informed about local trends helps maintain the county’s overall safety profile.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Osceola County

via HealthByCounty

Osceola lives longer than most Americans

At 77.7 years, Osceola County's life expectancy tops the U.S. average of 76.4 years, a sign of relatively good health outcomes. Yet one in five residents reports poor or fair health, slightly above the national rate of 18%, suggesting pockets of vulnerability within the county.

A healthy edge over Florida

Osceola residents live nearly 2 years longer than the Florida state average of 75.8 years, placing the county in the healthier half of the state. This advantage reflects both younger demographics and better preventive care access than many rural Florida counties.

Outpacing Polk, trailing Palm Beach

Osceola's 77.7-year life expectancy outpaces neighboring Polk County (76.1 years) but trails wealthier Palm Beach County (80.7 years). The 1.5-year gap with Polk underscores how local economic conditions shape health outcomes across the region.

Moderate insurance gaps, uneven provider access

Osceola's 13.2% uninsured rate sits slightly below Florida's 14.4%, but access to primary care remains tight at 41 providers per 100,000 residents—less than half the rate in nearby Pinellas County. Mental health support is stronger, with 188 providers per 100,000, easing the path to behavioral care.

Find affordable coverage today

One in seven Osceola residents still lacks health insurance. Visit Healthcare.gov or call 1-800-318-2596 to explore marketplace plans, Medicaid eligibility, and employer coverage options tailored to your family's needs.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Osceola County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Large and Growing Educational Network

Osceola County manages a robust infrastructure of 82 public schools serving 72,326 students. The system includes 45 elementary, 10 middle, and 22 high schools to support its expanding community.

High Graduation Rates Despite Lean Spending

The county boasts a 91.0% graduation rate, significantly outperforming the national average of 87.0% and the state average of 89.8%. This achievement comes despite a per-pupil expenditure of $5,813, which is less than half of the national average.

One Massive District with Charter Choices

The Osceola District oversees 73,325 students across 83 schools. Charter schools play a major role here, with 23 campuses making up 28% of the county's total public school offerings.

Suburban Schools with Large Campus Sizes

With 44 schools in suburban settings and an average enrollment of 952 students, the educational environment feels moderately large. Harmony High School is the county's largest hub, housing 2,822 students.

Relocate Near Top-Performing High Schools

Families looking for high graduation rates find great value in Osceola's suburban neighborhoods. Consider exploring homes near Harmony or Celebration High School to benefit from the area's strong academic outcomes.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Osceola County

via RiskByCounty

Osceola faces moderate national risk

Osceola County's composite risk score of 91.95 places it well above the national average, reflecting significant exposure to multiple hazards. While rated Relatively Moderate, the county outranks most U.S. counties in overall disaster risk, driven primarily by hurricane and wildfire threats.

Middle of the pack in Florida

With a score of 91.95, Osceola ranks as a moderately risky county within Florida, sitting 16 points above the state average of 75.74. The county faces greater exposure than most inland Florida communities but less than coastal powerhouses like Palm Beach and Pinellas.

Higher risk than central neighbors

Osceola's 91.95 score exceeds Polk County's 96.53 slightly lower inland exposure but trails the more hurricane-exposed counties to its west and south. Putnam County to the north registers 79.74, showing how distance from the coast significantly reduces composite risk in Florida.

Hurricanes and wildfires dominate

Osceola faces exceptional wildfire risk at 94.82 and hurricane exposure at 94.16, making storm preparation and landscape management critical priorities. Tornado risk of 93.61 adds another layer of concern, though flood risk at 92.08 remains substantial given the county's low-lying terrain.

Ensure comprehensive coverage now

Given Osceola's high hurricane, wildfire, and tornado risks, homeowners should verify robust wind and hail coverage in their policies, as standard homeowners insurance often excludes wildfires. A separate flood policy is essential; even moderate rain can overwhelm drainage systems in low-elevation areas.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Osceola County

via WeatherByCounty

Typical interior Florida warmth

Osceola's 72.5°F average temperature significantly exceeds the national median. The county maintains a warm, humid profile with absolutely no recorded snowfall.

Warmer than the state mean

Osceola's average temperature is higher than the state average of 71.1°F. Rainfall is nearly on par with the state norm, coming in at 52.6 inches annually.

Mirroring the Central Florida heat

Osceola's 72.5°F average tracks closely with neighboring Orange County. Both counties face intense inland heat, with Osceola recording 109 days above 90°F.

Extreme summer heat, mild winters

Summers are intense, with 109 days of heat at or above 90°F. Winters provide relief with a December-February average of 61.7°F and zero snow.

Prepare for high cooling costs

Budget for significant air conditioning use during the 109 days of extreme heat. Outdoor planning is best reserved for the mild 60.1°F January average.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Osceola County

via SoilByCounty

Acidic Entisols Lead the Landscape

Osceola County features Entisols with a gravelly sand texture and an average pH of 5.07. This is significantly more acidic than the national median of 6.5, though it remains slightly less acidic than the Florida state average of 4.88. These young soils require careful management to balance acidity for most standard crops.

High Sand Levels Drive Rapid Drainage

The soil composition is dominated by 87.0% sand, with very low levels of silt at 2.2% and clay at 2.1%. This sandy profile means water moves quickly through the ground, offering excellent workability but very low natural nutrient retention. Gardeners here often find they need to supplement the soil frequently to keep plants fed.

Strong Organic Matter for Florida Standards

The soil contains 7.71% organic matter, which is nearly four times the national average of 2.0% but just under the state average of 8.03%. The available water capacity (AWC) sits at 0.106 in/in, aligning closely with the state typical of 0.108. This high organic content helps offset the drainage issues of the heavy sand content.

Managing Poorly Drained Hydrologic Group A Soils

Despite being in Hydrologic Group A, which usually drains well, these soils are classified as somewhat poorly drained in this local context. This combination suggests a high water table or flat topography that slows the escape of heavy Florida rainfall. Builders and farmers must plan for occasional saturation during the wet season.

Thriving in the Warmth of Zone 10a

Located in USDA Hardiness Zone 10a, Osceola County is perfect for heat-loving tropicals and citrus. Mangoes, sweet potatoes, and various palm species thrive in this warm climate and sandy soil. Start your garden today by choosing acid-loving plants or using raised beds to control the nutrient environment.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Osceola County

via LawnByCounty

Osceola's Manageable but Tricky Lawn Landscape

Osceola County earns a lawn difficulty score of 22.6 out of 100, making it easier to maintain than the Florida state average of 19.2. Despite this local advantage, it remains significantly more challenging than the national median of 50.0. Homeowners in this Zone 10a region must adapt to subtropical conditions that favor warm-season grasses year-round.

Heat Drives the Mowing Schedule

With 109 extreme heat days reaching 90°F or higher, Osceola sees 17 more scorching days than the Florida average. The county receives 52.6 inches of annual precipitation, which sits right in the sweet spot for Florida lawns. A massive 8,261 growing degree days ensures that grass grows aggressively through most of the calendar year.

Navigating Acidic and Gravelly Sands

The local soil is 87.0% sand with a very acidic pH of 5.07, well below the ideal 6.0 to 7.0 range for most turf. Because the soil is classified as somewhat poorly drained gravelly sand, water can sit near the surface during heavy rains. Adding lime is often necessary to raise the pH and unlock essential nutrients for root health.

Managing Water During Dry Spells

Osceola spent 24 weeks in drought over the last year, with 38.0% of the county currently facing severe drought conditions. Every acre of the county is considered abnormally dry, requiring careful irrigation management to prevent lawn dormancy. Use smart controllers to maximize the 52.6 inches of rain while supplementing during these frequent dry windows.

Start Your Zone 10a Lawn Today

St. Augustine and Bermudagrass are the top performers in this Zone 10a climate. While the last spring frost typically hits around January 28, the threat of cold is minimal for established sod. Focus on spring planting to give your lawn time to establish deep roots before the peak of the 109 extreme heat days.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Osceola County's county score?
Osceola County, Florida has a composite county score of 31.8 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 Osceola County rank among counties in Florida?
Osceola County ranks #63 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 Osceola County, Florida?
The median annual property tax in Osceola County is $2,498, with an effective tax rate of 0.79%. This earns Osceola County a tax score of 54.4/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Osceola County?
The median household income in Osceola County, Florida is $68,711 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Osceola County earns an income score of 63.6/100 on CountyScore.
Is Osceola County, Florida a good place to live?
Osceola County scores 31.8/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #63 in Florida. The best way to evaluate Osceola 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 Osceola County with other counties side by side.

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🏛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.