countyscore
37.5
County Score
Income & Jobs 84.9Water Quality 64.5Health 54.9

County Report Card

About Palm Beach County, Florida

Below average despite high incomes

Palm Beach County scores 37.5 on the CountyScore composite index, still 12.5 points below the national median of 50.0. This is notable given the county's strong income levels, suggesting that housing costs and other factors significantly offset earning advantages.

Middle-tier livability within Florida

Palm Beach County scores 37.5 against Florida's state average of 45.1, placing it in the middle-lower range of the state's counties. The 7.6-point deficit reflects competitive pressures in housing and safety that temper the region's affluence.

Highest incomes and excellent water quality

Palm Beach boasts the highest income score (84.9) among these eight counties, with a median household income of $81,115. The county also scores well on water quality (64.5) and has minimal environmental risk (0.8), indicating strong environmental stewardship.

Housing affordability and safety gaps

Housing is severely unaffordable with a cost score of 5.6 and median home values reaching $407,300—among the highest examined. Safety (35.1) and schools (50.7) also lag behind national standards, reflecting both crime concerns and education consistency challenges.

For affluent buyers prioritizing coastal lifestyle

Palm Beach County suits high-income households willing to pay premium prices for waterfront access, prestige, and environmental quality. The county rewards those who value natural amenities and strong incomes over affordability and top-tier schools.

Score breakdown

Tax46.2Cost5.6Safety35.1Health54.9Schools50.7Income84.9Risk0.8Water64.5Weather12.4
🏛46.2
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠5.6
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼84.9
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡35.1
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤54.9
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓50.7
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡0.8
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧64.5
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤12.4
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱8.8
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

Broward County
Florida
41.8
Martin County
Florida
41.6
St. Lucie County
Florida
36.6
Hendry County
Florida
34.9
Glades County
Florida
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Okeechobee County
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31.6
Miami-Dade County
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Indian River County
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45

Deep Dives

Palm Beach County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Palm Beach County

via TaxByCounty

Palm Beach taxes well above national norm

At 0.884%, Palm Beach County's effective tax rate ranks among the highest in the nation, significantly exceeding the national median of 0.71%. The median property tax of $3,600 tops the national median of $2,690 by 34%, reflecting both high home values ($407,300) and a punchy tax rate.

Florida's most expensive county to own

Palm Beach's 0.884% effective rate is the highest in Florida, nearly 21% above the state average of 0.731%. The median annual tax of $3,600 is nearly double the statewide median of $1,885.

Far pricier than Broward and Miami-Dade

Palm Beach County's tax burden is substantially steeper than most South Florida peers, driven by a combination of high assessments and aggressive millage rates. Homeowners here pay a premium for the county's exclusive real estate market.

Plan for $3,600 annually on median home

The median Palm Beach home valued at $407,300 carries an annual property tax bill of approximately $3,600. With a mortgage, that figure rises to $3,871 when additional assessments are factored in.

Appeals can uncover significant savings

In high-value markets like Palm Beach, even small percentage reductions in assessed value translate to substantial tax savings. Homeowners should review their property appraiser's assessment and consider filing an appeal if comparable sales suggest overvaluation.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Palm Beach County

via CostByCounty

Palm Beach housing costs bite 27% of income

Palm Beach County renters dedicate 26.9% of their income to rent, exceeding the national stress threshold for housing affordability. Despite a median household income of $81,115—well above the national average of $74,755—residents still feel significant affordability pressure from median rents of $1,818 monthly.

Among Florida's costliest counties

Palm Beach's rent-to-income ratio of 26.9% significantly outpaces Florida's state average of 22.5%, making it one of the least affordable counties in the state. Median rent of $1,818 exceeds the state average by $585, reflecting the county's high-demand coastal premium.

Sarasota rivals it; Osceola trails behind

Palm Beach renters pay $1,818 monthly, just $103 more than neighboring Sarasota County, though Sarasota has slightly better affordability at 25.5% of income. Both counties represent the premium end of Florida's housing market compared to inland peers like Polk at $1,272.

Renters and owners face twin challenges

Median rent reaches $1,818 while homeowners pay $1,512 monthly, combining for nearly 28% of the $81,115 median household income. The county's median home value of $407,300 means ownership requires substantial down payment capital and ongoing affordability discipline.

Premium location, premium prices—plan accordingly

Moving to Palm Beach means budgeting 27% of income for rent alone—the second-highest burden among surveyed counties. If you prioritize coastal living and strong incomes, the trade-off may be worth it; for budget-conscious relocators, inland alternatives offer 4–9 percentage points of relief.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Palm Beach County

via IncomeByCounty

Palm Beach punches above national average

Palm Beach County's median household income of $81,115 outpaces the national median of $74,755 by roughly 8.5%. This strong performance reflects the county's mix of high-income retirees, professional services, and affluent coastal communities.

Second-highest income county in Florida

At $81,115, Palm Beach ranks among Florida's top earners, well ahead of the state average of $65,468—a $15,600 gap. Only a handful of Florida counties exceed this income level, positioning Palm Beach as a wealth center in the state.

Coastal wealth outpaces inland counties

Palm Beach's $81,115 income significantly exceeds nearby Osceola ($68,711) and Polk ($63,644), reflecting its status as Florida's premier coastal affluence zone. Its per capita income of $50,998 also leads regional peers, nearly double Polk County's per capita figure.

Strong income supports high home values

With a rent-to-income ratio of 26.9%, Palm Beach County remains affordable by high-cost standards, though median home values of $407,300 still demand substantial household resources. Higher median income means more residents can comfortably carry mortgages and maintain the lifestyle in Florida's premium coastal market.

Leverage high income for wealth acceleration

Palm Beach County's $81,000+ median income creates ideal conditions for aggressive wealth building through diversified investments. Residents should consider maxing 401(k) contributions, exploring real estate investment, and working with financial advisors to optimize tax-advantaged strategies.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Palm Beach County

via CrimeByCounty

Palm Beach Scores High for Safety

Palm Beach County reports a total crime rate of 1,507.2 per 100,000 residents, which is significantly safer than the national rate of 2,385.5. The county achieves an impressive safety score of 97.6 out of 100. This data reflects the efforts of 44 different reporting agencies across the region.

Tracking Against Florida State Averages

The county's total crime rate of 1,507.2 exceeds the Florida state average of 1,027.9. Consequently, its safety score of 97.6 is slightly lower than the state's average score of 98.4. Local officials continue to manage these urban crime trends effectively.

Palm Beach vs. Sarasota County

Palm Beach County's rate of 1,507.2 is slightly lower than Sarasota's rate of 1,533.3. It also remains significantly safer than Pinellas County, which reports over 2,078 incidents per 100,000. These figures place Palm Beach in a competitive position among Florida's coastal counties.

Violent and Property Crime Analysis

Property crime accounts for 1,235.3 incidents per 100,000 people, while violent crime sits at 271.9. While property crime is the most common issue, the violent crime rate remains lower than the national average of 369.8. Residents primarily face risks related to theft or burglary.

Enhance Your Palm Beach Home Security

Given that property crime is the most frequent report, residents should consider installing alarm systems and high-quality locks. Keeping valuables out of sight from windows can significantly reduce the risk of opportunistic theft. Community vigilance remains a key factor in keeping Palm Beach safe.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Palm Beach County

via HealthByCounty

Palm Beach leads the nation in longevity

Palm Beach County residents live to 80.7 years on average, nearly 4.3 years longer than the U.S. average of 76.4 years, placing it among America's healthiest counties. Only 17.9% report poor or fair health, well below the national average of 18%, reflecting strong healthcare infrastructure and affluent communities.

Florida's longevity leader

Palm Beach's 80.7-year life expectancy stands nearly 5 years above Florida's 75.8-year average, making it the state's gold standard for health outcomes. This performance reflects the county's concentration of medical specialists, Medicare-age retirees, and higher household income levels.

Sarasota matches Palm Beach's excellence

Palm Beach's 80.7-year life expectancy ties with neighboring Sarasota County, making both the state's longest-living communities. Together, they demonstrate how concentrated wealth and established healthcare systems support exceptional health outcomes in Florida's coastal counties.

Excellent access masks coverage challenges

Palm Beach boasts 80 primary care providers and 292 mental health providers per 100,000 residents—among Florida's highest densities—yet 16.3% of residents remain uninsured, above the state average of 14.4%. This gap suggests affordability barriers despite abundant medical infrastructure.

Close coverage gaps for your family

Even in affluent Palm Beach, one in six residents lacks insurance. Explore marketplace plans, Medicaid expansion programs, and subsidies at Healthcare.gov, or call 211 Palm Beach for local enrollment assistance.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Palm Beach County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Massive Urban Education Powerhouse

Palm Beach County operates a vast network of 236 public schools catering to 191,900 students. This includes 134 elementary schools and 52 high schools, making it one of the largest systems in the state.

Strong Scores and Competitive Outcomes

The county earns a school score of 54.3, which sits comfortably above both state and national medians. Its 90.1% graduation rate reflects a solid return on a $7,346 per-pupil investment.

Palm Beach District and Charter Diversity

The Palm Beach District is the primary provider, enrolling over 190,000 students across 234 schools. A diverse educational landscape includes 48 charter schools and 13 specialized education centers.

Dense Suburban and City School Life

Most students attend one of the 127 suburban or 87 city schools, where the average enrollment is 827 students. John I. Leonard High School stands out as the largest campus, serving 3,549 students.

Find Your Home in a Top-Tier District

With scores consistently exceeding state averages, Palm Beach County is a premier destination for education-focused homebuyers. Explore neighborhoods near high-performing schools in Boca Raton or Jupiter for excellent local options.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Palm Beach County

via RiskByCounty

Palm Beach ranks among America's riskiest

Palm Beach County's composite risk score of 99.20 places it in the highest tier of U.S. counties for natural disaster exposure, rating Relatively High. The county faces exceptional hurricane risk at 99.87 and flood risk at 98.92, reflecting its coastal geography and vulnerability to Atlantic storms.

Second-highest risk in Florida

Palm Beach's 99.20 score ranks it near the top statewide, exceeded only by counties with similar coastal exposure. At 23.46 points above Florida's average of 75.74, the county faces substantially greater disaster risk than most state communities.

Coastal chain of extreme risk

Palm Beach's 99.20 score aligns closely with Sarasota County (98.16) and Pinellas County (98.22) as part of Florida's most vulnerable coastal belt. Inland Polk County (96.53) and Pasco County (95.96) show measurably lower exposure, underscoring the coast's disproportionate hazard concentration.

Hurricanes and flooding are existential

With hurricane risk at 99.87 and flood risk at 98.92, Palm Beach faces nearly certain exposure to major Atlantic storms and their coastal surge impacts. Wildfire risk of 95.32 and tornado risk of 93.80 compound concerns, though hurricane and flood preparedness must be the priority.

Flood insurance is non-negotiable

Palm Beach homeowners must carry separate flood insurance; federal law requires it for mortgaged properties in high-risk zones, and claims show why. Elevating utilities, reinforcing roof attachments, and installing impact-resistant windows are critical investments for withstanding the region's frequent Atlantic hurricanes.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Palm Beach County

via WeatherByCounty

Tropical luxury above national norms

Palm Beach's 75.1°F average temperature is much warmer than the U.S. median. The tropical climate ensures a snow-free environment and very mild winters.

Hotter and wetter than average Florida

Palm Beach is significantly warmer than the 71.1°F state average. It is also much wetter, receiving 61.6 inches of rain compared to the state average of 54.8 inches.

Tropical yet cooler than the Keys

The county is cooler than Monroe to the south but much wetter, with 18 inches more annual rain. Its 86 days of extreme heat are fewer than those in inland Okeechobee.

Pleasant winters with humid summers

Winters are exceptionally mild, averaging 66.7°F with no snowfall. Summers are hot and wet, though coastal breezes help limit extreme heat to 86 days per year.

Manage heavy rain and sun

High-capacity gutters are vital to handle the heavy 61.6 inches of annual rainfall. Shade structures are also recommended for outdoor spaces during the 86 extreme heat days.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Palm Beach County

via SoilByCounty

A Coastal Landscape with Unique Needs

Specific taxonomic data for Palm Beach County is currently limited in this dataset, though the region is known for its diverse coastal and wetland soils. While we lack a specific average pH, nearby regions suggest a range of acidic to neutral profiles depending on proximity to the coast. Local soil testing is the best way to determine your specific yard's identity.

Sandy Shores Meet Interior Muck

Detailed percentages for sand, silt, and clay are unavailable for this specific FIPS record. Regionally, Palm Beach County transitions from sandy coastal ridges to organic-rich 'muck' soils in the Everglades agricultural area. These variations significantly impact how water drains and how well the soil holds onto fertilizers.

Wait for Specific Fertility Metrics

Official organic matter and available water capacity (AWC) figures are not currently reported for this area. Despite the lack of data, the county supports a massive agricultural industry, suggesting pockets of high productivity. Supplementing with compost is a reliable strategy for any Florida gardener when specific data is missing.

Navigating Complex Coastal Hydrology

Dominant drainage classes and hydrologic groups are not listed for this county in the current data set. However, the high water table typical of South Florida usually dictates that drainage is a primary concern for both building and farming. Proper site elevation is key in this subtropical environment.

Year-Round Growing in Zone 10b

As part of Zone 10b, Palm Beach County offers a truly tropical growing environment where frost is rare. You can successfully grow papayas, avocados, and even pineapples right in your backyard. Don't let a lack of data stop you; the warm climate makes this a paradise for ambitious gardeners.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Palm Beach County

via LawnByCounty

Palm Beach Faces Steep Lawn Challenges

Palm Beach County records a lawn difficulty score of just 8.8, making it one of the toughest places in the nation to maintain a traditional lawn. This score is less than half the Florida state average of 19.2 and far below the national average of 50.0. In Hardiness Zone 10b, the constant warmth presents a unique set of maintenance demands.

High Rainfall and High Energy

The county receives 61.6 inches of annual precipitation, exceeding the state average of 54.7 inches and the national ideal. With 9,176 growing degree days, grass stays in a perpetual state of growth, necessitating a relentless mowing schedule. Despite the 86 extreme heat days, the sheer volume of water often defines the maintenance routine here.

Local Soil Data and Preparation

Specific soil metrics like pH and sand content are currently unavailable for Palm Beach County in this dataset. However, regional coastal trends typically suggest sandy, alkaline conditions that require organic matter to hold moisture. Testing your specific site is the best way to determine if your soil needs structural or chemical amendments.

Battling Severe Drought Conditions

Palm Beach has endured 47 weeks of drought in the past year, with 100.0% of the county currently in severe drought. This paradox of high annual rainfall and frequent drought makes water storage and efficient irrigation vital. Focus on deep, infrequent watering to encourage the deep roots needed to survive these long dry stretches.

Embrace the Tropical Growing Season

In Zone 10b, warm-season varieties like Zoysia or Seashore Paspalum thrive in the coastal humidity. Since the last frost usually occurs by January 26, the growing window is essentially year-round. Start your lawn projects in late winter to capitalize on the rising temperatures and the 9,176 growing degree days ahead.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Palm Beach County's county score?
Palm Beach County, Florida has a composite county score of 37.5 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 Palm Beach County rank among counties in Florida?
Palm Beach County ranks #49 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 Palm Beach County, Florida?
The median annual property tax in Palm Beach County is $3,600, with an effective tax rate of 0.88%. This earns Palm Beach County a tax score of 46.2/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Palm Beach County?
The median household income in Palm Beach County, Florida is $81,115 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Palm Beach County earns an income score of 84.9/100 on CountyScore.
Is Palm Beach County, Florida a good place to live?
Palm Beach County scores 37.5/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #49 in Florida. The best way to evaluate Palm Beach 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 Palm Beach 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.