countyscore
48
County Score
Income & Jobs 91.6Water Quality 86Property Tax 74.7

County Report Card

About Santa Rosa County, Florida

Near national average with strong fundamentals

Santa Rosa County scores 47.9 on the CountyScore composite index, nearly matching the national median of 50.0—performing best among these eight Florida counties. This proximity to national average reflects balanced strengths across income, taxes, safety, and environmental quality.

Above Florida average—a clear winner

Santa Rosa County scores 47.9 versus Florida's state average of 45.1, placing it in the upper tier of state counties. At 2.8 points above state average, Santa Rosa clearly outperforms its Florida peers on overall livability.

Highest incomes, lowest taxes, best water

Santa Rosa boasts the highest median income ($88,968) and income score (91.6) among these counties, paired with the lowest effective tax rate (0.599%) and a tax score of 74.7. Water quality (86.0) and safety (61.5) further cement this county's strong fundamentals.

Housing costs and school investment gaps

Housing affordability remains constrained with a cost score of 10.2 and median values of $302,100. Schools (30.8) represent the weakest dimension, suggesting families prioritizing education should explore neighboring districts or private options.

Ideal for affluent families seeking balance

Santa Rosa County suits affluent families wanting excellent incomes, low taxes, and strong safety without California-level costs. This county rewards high-earning households willing to accept moderate housing expenses and school limitations in exchange for superior overall livability.

Score breakdown

Tax74.7Cost10.2Safety61.5Health61.9Schools30.8Income91.6Risk11Water86Weather30.1
🏛74.7
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠10.2
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼91.6
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡61.5
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤61.9
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓30.8
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡11
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧86
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤30.1
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨28.2
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱17.9
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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48.1

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Deep Dives

Santa Rosa County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Santa Rosa County

via TaxByCounty

Santa Rosa has Florida's lowest tax rate

Santa Rosa County's 0.599% effective tax rate is among the lowest in the entire nation, well below the national median of 0.71%. The median property tax of $1,809 falls below the national median of $2,690, making Santa Rosa an exceptional value for homeowners.

Best tax deal in Florida by far

Santa Rosa's 0.599% effective rate is significantly below Florida's state average of 0.731%, earning it the title of most tax-friendly county in the state. The median annual tax of $1,809 is nearly 4% below the state median of $1,885.

Clear winner in Northwest Florida

Santa Rosa's 0.599% rate vastly undercuts neighboring counties and competing regions throughout the Panhandle. The county offers unmatched tax savings for homeowners seeking affordable property ownership.

Lowest taxes on median $302K home

On Santa Rosa's median home value of $302,100, homeowners pay just $1,809 per year—the lowest rate of any county examined here. With a mortgage, the figure rises to $1,980.

Even low rates benefit from review

Santa Rosa's excellent tax rate doesn't preclude assessment errors—overvaluation can happen anywhere. A quick appeal filing costs nothing and ensures your property is valued fairly.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Santa Rosa County

via CostByCounty

Santa Rosa achieves rare affordability balance

Santa Rosa County renters spend just 19.5% of their income on rent—the lowest burden in this survey and well below national affordability stress thresholds. Combined with a median household income of $88,968, the highest in the group, Santa Rosa delivers exceptional housing value.

Florida's most affordable relative to income

Santa Rosa's rent-to-income ratio of 19.5% substantially undercuts Florida's state average of 22.5%, creating a 3 percentage-point affordability advantage. Median rent of $1,445 reflects reasonable coastal-area pricing balanced by strong local incomes.

Standout value in the panhandle

Santa Rosa renters pay $1,445 monthly while enjoying the highest median household income ($88,968) in this survey, producing the nation's best affordability ratio at 19.5%. As Pensacola's northern anchor, Santa Rosa combines military-fueled economic stability with measured housing growth.

Housing takes just one-fifth of income

Renters average $1,445 monthly while homeowners pay $1,354, combining for roughly 20% of the $88,968 median household income. This leaves Santa Rosa households approximately $6,100 monthly for all other expenses—the highest discretionary purchasing power in the survey.

Best overall value in Florida housing

Relocating to Santa Rosa means allocating just 19.5% of income to rent while earning the region's strongest median income of $88,968. If you seek affordability without sacrificing income opportunity, Santa Rosa delivers the optimal balance among surveyed counties.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Santa Rosa County

via IncomeByCounty

Santa Rosa leads national income rankings

Santa Rosa County's median household income of $88,968 outpaces the national median of $74,755 by 19%, ranking it among the nation's highest-earning counties. This strong performance reflects the county's military presence, stable defense contracting jobs, and growing professional services sector.

Florida's highest-income county

At $88,968, Santa Rosa County leads all Florida counties and exceeds the state average of $65,468 by $23,500—a 36% premium. This commanding lead positions Santa Rosa as Florida's premier wealth-earning county, driven by military payroll and skilled workforce diversity.

Outearns all regional and state peers

Santa Rosa's $88,968 income substantially exceeds all surveyed counties, including affluent Palm Beach ($81,115) and Sarasota ($80,633). The county's unique military-industrial base creates income stability and high-wage opportunities unavailable in most Florida regions.

Excellent income-to-cost-of-living ratio

Santa Rosa boasts the nation's best rent-to-income ratio at 19.5%, meaning housing consumes less than one-fifth of typical earnings. With median home values of $302,100 and strong income, homeownership is readily affordable and leaves substantial discretionary income.

Aggressive wealth building opportunity

Santa Rosa County's $89,000 median income and low housing costs create ideal conditions for wealth acceleration through maximum retirement contributions and diversified investments. Households can comfortably save 20-30% of income, enabling early retirement and substantial asset accumulation.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Santa Rosa County

via CrimeByCounty

Santa Rosa is One of the Safest

Santa Rosa County boasts a very low total crime rate of 889.5 per 100,000, which is a fraction of the national average of 2,385.5. The county's safety score is a remarkable 98.6. This data places the region among the safest in the United States.

Santa Rosa Leads Florida in Safety

With a crime rate of 889.5, Santa Rosa is significantly safer than the Florida average of 1,027.9. Its safety score of 98.6 also beats the state average of 98.4. Ten reporting agencies maintain this high level of public security.

Comparing Santa Rosa to Regional Neighbors

Santa Rosa's rate of 889.5 is even lower than Pasco County's 947.5, making it a standout for safety. It is also dramatically safer than Pinellas County, which has a rate of 2,078.4. Residents benefit from some of the lowest crime figures in the state.

Very Low Violent and Property Crime

Violent crime in Santa Rosa is exceptionally low at 133.9 per 100,000 people. Property crime is also minimal at 755.6, far below the national average of 2,015.7. The risk of experiencing any form of crime in Santa Rosa is statistically very low.

Maintaining Safety in Santa Rosa

To preserve this high level of safety, residents should use basic security measures like locking car doors and homes. Even in low-crime areas, motion lights and smart cameras provide helpful peace of mind. Your involvement in the community keeps Santa Rosa exceptionally secure.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Santa Rosa County

via HealthByCounty

Santa Rosa matches national health standards

Santa Rosa County's 76.3-year life expectancy slightly exceeds the U.S. average of 76.4 years, reflecting solid health outcomes for a northwest Florida community. With 16.0% reporting poor or fair health—below the national average of 18%—the county demonstrates effective healthcare access and preventive care engagement.

Outperforming Florida's health average

Santa Rosa's 76.3-year life expectancy edges above Florida's 75.8-year average, placing the county in the state's healthier tier. The county's 9.7% uninsured rate—Florida's lowest—reflects strong military-connected coverage (Naval Air Station Pensacola) and robust employer programs.

Regional balance of health outcomes

Santa Rosa's 76.3-year life expectancy places it in the middle of Florida's county rankings, ahead of Polk (76.1) but behind Pinellas (77.6). The county's exceptional uninsured rate (9.7%) mirrors military communities nationwide with concentrated federal healthcare benefits.

Strong insurance, moderate provider access

Santa Rosa boasts Florida's lowest uninsured rate at 9.7%, largely due to military employment and benefits, creating stable healthcare baseline. With 58 primary care and 113 mental health providers per 100,000 residents, access remains moderate—adequate for the county's health needs but room for growth remains.

Maintain your military healthcare edge

Santa Rosa's military population enjoys outstanding health coverage, but if you're uninsured, visit Healthcare.gov or call 1-800-318-2596 to explore marketplace plans. Verify your TRICARE or VA benefits annual eligibility to ensure continuous coverage.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Santa Rosa County

via SchoolsByCounty

Efficient Suburban Education in the Panhandle

Santa Rosa County educates 29,630 students across 40 public schools. The system includes 17 elementary schools and 8 high schools, mostly concentrated in suburban neighborhoods.

High Graduation Rates and Disciplined Spending

Santa Rosa maintains a 90.0% graduation rate, beating the national 87.0% average. The county operates on a lean $5,822 per-pupil budget, which is slightly below the state average.

A Growing Single-District System

The Santa Rosa District serves over 30,000 students and keeps traditional public schools at the forefront. Charter schools are rare here, with only one campus currently in operation.

Suburban Campuses with High Enrollment

The average school size is 801 students, with 28 of the 40 schools located in suburban areas. Navarre High School is the largest campus in the county, serving 2,406 students.

Growing Communities with Solid Schools

For families looking in the Panhandle, Santa Rosa County offers high graduation rates and well-established suburban schools. Focus your home search in Navarre or Pace to be near the county's top-enrolled high schools.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Santa Rosa County

via RiskByCounty

Santa Rosa County faces moderate risk

Santa Rosa County's composite risk score of 88.96 ranks it above the national average but notably below most Florida coastal counties, rated Relatively Moderate. Hurricane exposure at 97.25 drives much of the county's risk, while tornado and wildfire threats remain secondary concerns.

Moderate risk within Florida

At 88.96, Santa Rosa ranks in Florida's mid-risk tier, sitting 13.22 points above the state average of 75.74. The county's Gulf Coast position brings substantial hurricane exposure, though its westernmost location offers some protection compared to Atlantic-facing counties.

Lower than most coastal peers

Santa Rosa's 88.96 score trails coastal neighbors like Pinellas (98.22), Pasco (95.96), and Sarasota (98.16), but exceeds inland Putnam County (79.74). The county sits in a middle zone between Florida's safest inland communities and its most exposed coastal regions.

Hurricanes pose primary threat

Santa Rosa's hurricane risk of 97.25 is the county's dominant hazard, reflecting Gulf Coast exposure to Atlantic storm impacts. Tornado risk at 89.60 and wildfire risk at 81.33 are moderate concerns, while flood risk at 73.66 is among the county's lower threats.

Hurricane coverage is essential

Santa Rosa homeowners should prioritize wind and hail coverage in homeowners policies to address the county's significant hurricane exposure during Atlantic storm season. While flood risk is lower than in coastal counties, properties in low-lying areas should carry separate flood insurance as a precaution.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Santa Rosa County

via WeatherByCounty

Panhandle Climate with High Rainfall

Santa Rosa County averages 67.3°F, making it warmer than the national median but cooler than most of Florida. This region is defined by its significant annual rainfall of 65.2 inches.

One of Florida’s Coolest Counties

The county's 67.3°F average is nearly four degrees cooler than the Florida state average of 71.1°F. It represents the temperate-to-subtropical transition found in the state's panhandle.

The Wettest in the Region

With 65.2 inches of annual precip, Santa Rosa is much wetter than counties like Putnam or St. Johns. It also sees more seasonal variety than its southern counterparts.

Occasional Snow and Cold Winters

This is a rare Florida county that averages 0.1 inches of snowfall annually. Winters are significantly colder with a 53.0°F average, while summers still reach 90°F on 90 different days.

Gear Up for Rain

High-quality rain gear is essential to manage the 65.2 inches of annual precipitation. Homeowners need functioning heating systems for winter months when January averages drop to 51.0°F.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Santa Rosa County

via SoilByCounty

A More Complex Soil Identity

Santa Rosa County has an average pH of 5.23, which is less acidic than the state average but still below the national median of 6.5. Located in the Panhandle, these soils differ from Central Florida by having a higher presence of minerals from the interior. This results in a soil score of 28.2, which is slightly below the state average.

High Silt and Clay Content

Unlike most of Florida, Santa Rosa has only 75.2% sand, with a significant 13.8% silt and 8.7% clay. This higher clay and silt content provides much better structural integrity and nutrient-holding capacity than the sandier southern counties. It means your soil is better at retaining fertilizer, though it may be harder to dig when dry.

Low Organic Matter and Water Capacity

Organic matter is relatively low at 3.49%, falling well below the state average of 8.03%. Consequently, the available water capacity is just 0.103 in/in, slightly under the Florida typical of 0.108. Adding organic amendments like compost will be essential for successful vegetable gardening here.

Slower Drainage due to Silt and Clay

Specific drainage classes are not provided, but the increased silt and clay content suggests that water moves more slowly here than in 90% sand environments. This can be an advantage during dry periods as the soil holds onto moisture longer. However, gardeners must be careful about compaction in areas with heavy foot traffic.

Hardy Crops for Zone 9a

As part of Zone 9a, Santa Rosa experiences more frost than the rest of the counties on this list, making it great for pecans and satsuma oranges. The unique silt-clay mix supports a wider variety of traditional row crops and gardens. Plant your spring garden after the last frost to take advantage of these unique Panhandle soils.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Santa Rosa County

via LawnByCounty

Santa Rosa's Panhandle Lawn Profile

Santa Rosa County scores a 17.9 on the lawn difficulty scale, slightly more difficult than the state average of 19.2. Unlike much of the state, this is Hardiness Zone 9a, featuring more distinct seasonal changes. Lawns here face different pressures than their south Florida counterparts, including a shorter growing season.

Rain-Heavy and Cooler Cycles

Santa Rosa is one of the wettest counties, receiving 65.2 inches of annual precipitation—well above the state average of 54.7. It has 90 extreme heat days and 6,610 growing degree days, the lowest in this group. This high rainfall combined with fewer heat units creates a different growth rhythm for local turf.

Slightly More Substantial Soils

With 8.7% clay, Santa Rosa’s soil has a better structure for holding nutrients than many other Florida counties. However, it remains mostly sandy (75.2%) and acidic (5.23 pH). The extra clay helps with water retention, but you will still need to amend the pH to reach the 6.0 range for optimal growth.

Relief from Extreme Drought Cycles

The county spent 26 weeks in drought over the past year, with 55.3% currently experiencing severe drought. This is less severe than the 100% coverage seen in many southern counties, thanks in part to the 65.2 inches of annual rain. Monitoring soil moisture remains important during the 90 extreme heat days each year.

Mind the Frost Dates in 9a

Zoysia and Centipede grass are favorite choices for Santa Rosa's Zone 9a environment. The last spring frost occurs later here, typically around March 14, and the first fall frost hits as early as November 27. Plan your seeding or sodding between these dates to ensure the lawn is established before the winter dormant period.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Santa Rosa County's county score?
Santa Rosa County, Florida has a composite county score of 48 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 Santa Rosa County rank among counties in Florida?
Santa Rosa County ranks #27 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 Santa Rosa County, Florida?
The median annual property tax in Santa Rosa County is $1,809, with an effective tax rate of 0.60%. This earns Santa Rosa County a tax score of 74.7/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Santa Rosa County?
The median household income in Santa Rosa County, Florida is $88,968 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Santa Rosa County earns an income score of 91.6/100 on CountyScore.
Is Santa Rosa County, Florida a good place to live?
Santa Rosa County scores 48/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #27 in Florida. The best way to evaluate Santa Rosa 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 Santa Rosa 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.