countyscore
41.8
County Score
Income & Jobs 86.9Health 69.6Property Tax 63.5

County Report Card

About Seminole County, Florida

Seminole lags behind national average

Seminole County's composite score of 41.8 falls below the national median of 50.0, placing it in the bottom 40% of U.S. counties. Despite strong income levels, the county's overall livability is held back by affordability and safety challenges that offset its economic strengths.

Middle-of-the-pack performer statewide

Seminole ranks below Florida's state average composite score of 45.1, indicating it's performing below typical for the state. The county faces steeper challenges than many of its neighboring Florida counties in balancing costs and safety.

High incomes and reasonable tax burden

Seminole excels with a median household income of $83,030 and an income score of 86.9, reflecting a prosperous workforce. The tax score of 63.5 is also a bright spot, with an effective tax rate of just 0.698%, offering some relief on tax bills.

Housing costs and safety need attention

The county's cost score of just 6.5 reflects median home values of $357,300 and rents of $1,686/month, making it expensive relative to incomes. Safety also lags with a score of 34.2, and environmental risk scores are concerning at 8.6, suggesting areas for community improvement.

Best for affluent professionals who value income

Seminole suits dual-income professionals and established families with above-average earnings who can absorb higher housing costs. However, those prioritizing affordability, family safety, or lower-cost living should explore other Florida counties with stronger composite scores.

Score breakdown

Tax63.5Cost6.5Safety34.2Health69.6Schools46.5Income86.9Risk8.6Water54.3Weather12.5
🏛63.5
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠6.5
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼86.9
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡34.2
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤69.6
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓46.5
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡8.6
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧54.3
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤12.5
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨34.9
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱24.5
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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Counties with similar scores

Amador County
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Median income: $81,526
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Median income: $75,149
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Glenn County
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Median income: $70,487
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Broward County
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Warren County
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Clay County
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Georgetown County
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Haywood County
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Median income: $43,513
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Nearby counties

Orange County
Florida
32.1
Lake County
Florida
46
Volusia County
Florida
34.2
Brevard County
Florida
41.3
Osceola County
Florida
31.8
Polk County
Florida
38
Flagler County
Florida
45.5
Sumter County
Florida
53.5

Deep Dives

Seminole County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Seminole County

via TaxByCounty

Seminole's tax rate sits below the national average

At 0.698%, Seminole County's effective property tax rate falls below the national median, meaning homeowners here pay less in property taxes relative to home value than most Americans. The median property tax bill of $2,493 also undercuts the national median of $2,690, despite Seminole homes being worth significantly more ($357,300 vs. $281,900 nationally).

Seminole ranks below Florida's average tax burden

Seminole's 0.698% rate is lower than Florida's statewide average of 0.731%, placing it in the more affordable tier of the state's 67 counties. Residents pay $2,493 annually, well above the state's median tax of $1,885, largely because Seminole homes command higher valuations than most Florida counties.

Seminole taxes less than nearby Volusia County

Seminole's effective rate of 0.698% beats Volusia County's 0.784%, though Volusia homes are worth slightly less. Compared to St. Johns County to the north (0.775%), Seminole offers a modest tax advantage despite similar home values.

A $357,000 home costs about $2,493 yearly

The median Seminole home, valued at $357,300, incurs an annual property tax of $2,493. With mortgage taxes included, the figure rises to $2,671, while homes owned outright pay $2,086.

Many Seminole homeowners could cut their taxes

Property tax appeals are free in Florida, and many homeowners across the state discover their assessments are inflated. If you believe your Seminole home is overvalued, filing an appeal with the county property appraiser could reduce your annual bill.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Seminole County

via CostByCounty

Seminole rents outpace national norms

Seminole County renters spend 24.4% of income on housing, compared to the national average of roughly 28% for median rent-to-income ratios. With a median household income of $83,030—well above the national median of $74,755—residents here earn enough to absorb higher rents without severe affordability strain.

More affordable than most Florida counties

Seminole's 24.4% rent-to-income ratio places it slightly above Florida's state average of 22.5%, but rents here run significantly higher than the statewide median of $1,233. Among Florida's 67 counties, Seminole represents a middle-ground: costlier than rural areas, more affordable than booming coastal hubs.

Less costly than St. Johns, more than Volusia

Neighboring St. Johns County carries median rent of $1,775, making Seminole's $1,686 relatively accessible. Volusia County to the south offers slightly lower rents at $1,368, though Seminole's higher incomes offset its higher housing costs.

Rent and mortgages split the budget

Renters here pay $1,686 monthly while homeowners owe $1,484, meaning both groups spend roughly 20–24% of the $83,030 median income on housing. The median home value of $357,300 remains within reach for this county's above-average earners.

Consider Seminole if you earn above median

Seminole offers a balance of suburban convenience and reasonable housing costs—especially for households earning above $83,000. If affordability matters more than income level, Suwannee or Taylor counties offer steeper discounts; if earning potential draws you, St. Johns County may reward that investment.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Seminole County

via IncomeByCounty

Seminole tops national average

Seminole County's median household income of $83,030 runs 11% higher than the U.S. median of $74,755. This positions the county well above the national midpoint, reflecting a relatively prosperous workforce across the region.

Second richest in Florida

At $83,030, Seminole County's median income ranks second among Florida's 67 counties, outpacing the state average of $65,468 by $17,562. Only a handful of Florida's wealthiest counties earn more.

Ahead of regional peers

Seminole's $83,030 median income significantly exceeds neighboring Volusia County ($66,581) and St. Lucie County ($69,027). Seminole trails only St. Johns County ($106,169) among its closest regional comparables.

Housing affordable for most

With a rent-to-income ratio of 24.4%, Seminole County keeps housing costs manageable—just below the 30% threshold financial experts recommend. A median home value of $357,300 remains accessible for households earning $83,030 annually.

Build on Seminole's momentum

Seminole households averaging $83,030 have solid income to invest in retirement accounts, college savings, and property appreciation. Consider maximizing 401(k) contributions and exploring investment opportunities to compound wealth over time.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Seminole County

via CrimeByCounty

Seminole County Surpasses National Safety Standards

Seminole County earns a high safety score of 97.6, reflecting a secure environment for its residents. Its total crime rate of 1527.2 per 100,000 people is much lower than the national average of 2385.5.

Comparing Seminole to the Florida Average

The county's safety score of 97.6 is slightly below the Florida state average of 98.4. While the state average crime rate is 1027.9, Seminole reports a higher rate of 1527.2 across its 15 reporting agencies.

Seminole Outperforms Neighboring Volusia County

Seminole maintains a lower total crime rate than neighboring Volusia County, which reports 1594.3 crimes per 100,000 residents. This positioning makes Seminole a relatively safer suburban choice within the Orlando-Kissimmee-Sanford corridor.

Property Crimes Drive Local Statistics

Property crime makes up the bulk of local incidents at 1302.1 per 100,000, while violent crime sits at 225.1. These figures mean residents are far more likely to experience theft than personal harm.

Securing Your Seminole County Residence

With property crime as the primary concern, homeowners should focus on visible security measures like doorbell cameras. Simple steps like locking all entry points remain the most effective deterrent against opportunistic theft.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Seminole County

via HealthByCounty

Seminole lives longer than most Americans

At 79.1 years, Seminole County residents live significantly longer than the U.S. average of 76.4 years. Just 14.6% report poor or fair health, beating the national rate of 17.3%, which reflects a population with strong overall wellbeing.

Well above Florida's health average

Seminole County's 79.1-year life expectancy outpaces Florida's state average of 75.8 years by 3.3 years. The county also beats the state's 14.4% uninsured rate with only 11.5% of residents lacking coverage.

Healthier than Volusia, comparable to Sumter

Seminole County residents outlive those in neighboring Volusia County (75.0 years) by four years and have better health outcomes than Sumter County (78.4 years). Its uninsured rate of 11.5% is lower than both neighbors, signaling stronger health security.

Good provider access supports community health

Seminole has 79 primary care doctors per 100,000 residents and 227 mental health providers per 100,000, indicating robust healthcare infrastructure. With 11.5% uninsured, most residents have pathways to regular care and preventive services.

Keep your coverage strong and current

While Seminole County leads on insurance coverage, the 11.5% who remain uninsured should explore options through the Florida Health Insurance Marketplace or Medicaid programs. Check your eligibility and renew coverage annually to maintain the health security that helps this county thrive.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Seminole County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Robust Infrastructure for 66,000 Students

Seminole County maintains a single-district system supporting 77 total public schools. The infrastructure includes 44 elementary schools, 12 middle schools, and 13 high schools. This centralized network serves a large student population of 66,680 individuals.

Exceptional Graduation Rates Outpace National Averages

The county boasts a 95.0% graduation rate, significantly exceeding both the state average of 89.8% and the national benchmark of 87.0%. While per-pupil spending of $5,554 trails the state average, the 53.0 school score remains above the national median. This indicates efficient operations and strong student outcomes despite lean funding.

Centralized Excellence in the Seminole District

The Seminole school district manages all 77 schools and 66,680 students across the county. Charter schools represent a modest 7.8% of the landscape with six institutions currently in operation. This unified approach ensures consistent standards across the entire educational network.

Suburban Learning on a Grand Scale

Education here has a distinctly suburban feel, with 59 schools located in suburb settings and 16 in city locales. High schools like Seminole High are massive, serving 4,036 students, while the average school across the county enrolls 901 students. Families can expect large, resource-rich campuses in established residential neighborhoods.

Invest in a Home Near Top-Performing Schools

With graduation rates near the top of the state, Seminole County is a premier destination for families prioritizing education quality. Buyers should explore the suburban corridors where school performance is a primary driver of home value. Our data shows that school quality remains a cornerstone of this community's residential appeal.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Seminole County

via RiskByCounty

Seminole's risk tops U.S. average

With a composite risk score of 91.44, Seminole County faces significantly higher natural disaster risk than the typical American county. This "Relatively Moderate" rating reflects above-average exposure to multiple hazards, particularly tornadoes and hurricanes that regularly threaten the region.

Well above Florida's baseline

Seminole's 91.44 score substantially exceeds Florida's state average of 75.74, placing it among the state's riskier counties. The county's tornado risk of 97.55 and hurricane risk of 94.66 are the primary drivers of this elevated statewide standing.

Riskier than nearby counties

Seminole faces notably higher overall risk than neighboring Suwannee County (71.34) and Sumter County (87.60). Its tornado risk of 97.55 is particularly acute compared to these adjacent areas, making severe convective weather a distinctive local concern.

Tornadoes and hurricanes dominate

Tornado risk scores 97.55 in Seminole—among the highest in the state—while hurricane risk reaches 94.66, exposing residents to severe wind and storm surge damage. Flooding also poses a substantial threat with a score of 92.75, particularly in low-lying and coastal-adjacent neighborhoods.

Comprehensive coverage is essential

Seminole residents should secure robust homeowners insurance that explicitly covers wind and hail damage from tornadoes and hurricanes, plus separate flood insurance through the National Flood Insurance Program. Consider reinforcing roof attachment, installing storm shutters, and maintaining a family emergency plan given the county's high tornado and hurricane exposure.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Seminole County

via WeatherByCounty

Warm Inland Subtropical Climate

Seminole County averages 72.9°F, placing it well above the national median for annual temperature. Its inland location creates a humid environment with no annual snowfall.

Warmer Than the State Norm

The 72.9°F average temperature in Seminole is nearly two degrees higher than the Florida state average of 71.1°F. It consistently ranks as a warm central Florida hub.

Comparing Central Heat

Seminole sees 112 extreme heat days, which is slightly less than Polk's 121 but significantly more than coastal St. Johns. It shares a similar July peak of 83.3°F with Pinellas.

Steamy Summers and Pleasant Winters

Summer averages reach 82.7°F, coupled with 112 days of temperatures topping 90°F. Winters provide a comfortable balance with a 61.8°F average and dry conditions.

Manage Summer Storms

Prepare for 51.8 inches of annual rain, much of which arrives during intense summer afternoon thunderstorms. Modern HVAC systems are a necessity to combat the 112 days of extreme heat.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Seminole County

via SoilByCounty

Highly acidic soils in Central Florida

Seminole County features an average soil pH of 4.71, making it significantly more acidic than the national median of 6.5. This level also falls slightly below the Florida state average of 4.88. While specific taxonomic data is limited here, the acidic profile defines the region's chemical makeup.

A sandy foundation with minimal clay

The soil composition is dominated by 81.0% sand, with very low levels of silt at 0.8% and clay at 1.8%. This gritty mix ensures rapid drainage but offers very little natural structure for holding onto added nutrients. Gardeners must manage this loose texture carefully to prevent fertilizer runoff.

Exceptional organic matter boost

At 13.92%, the organic matter content is remarkably high, far exceeding the state average of 8.03% and the national average of 2.0%. This rich biological material supports an available water capacity of 0.123 in/in. These factors contribute to a healthy soil score of 34.9, which sits above the state average.

Managing water in an unclassified landscape

While specific drainage classes are not recorded for this area, the high sand content suggests naturally fast percolation. The soil score of 34.9 indicates better-than-average performance compared to the Florida baseline of 31.1. Local builders and farmers should monitor site-specific water tables before major projects.

Thriving in hardiness zone 10a

With a 10a hardiness rating, Seminole County is perfect for heat-loving tropicals and citrus. The high organic matter supports heavy feeders, provided you supplement the naturally acidic pH. Start a garden today with acid-loving blueberries or ornamental gingers.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Seminole County

via LawnByCounty

Overcoming the Odds in Seminole County

Seminole County earns a lawn difficulty score of 24.5, which is slightly better than the Florida average of 19.2 but far tougher than the national median of 50.0. Located in USDA Hardiness Zone 10a, homeowners must manage turf in a tropical climate that never truly sleeps. The high difficulty score reflects the constant battle against heat and humidity in Central Florida.

Managing Heat and Abundant Rainfall

The county faces 112 extreme heat days above 90°F annually, significantly higher than the state average of 92 days. While 51.8 inches of annual rain falls within the ideal range, the 8,406 growing degree days indicate an intense metabolism for your grass. You will need to mow frequently and monitor for fungal issues during the wet, humid summer months.

Tackling Acidic and Sandy Soil

Your soil is 81.0% sand and has a pH of 4.71, which is much more acidic than the ideal 6.0-7.0 range for most turf. Low clay content at just 1.8% means nutrients leach away quickly after application. Regular lime treatments are essential here to raise the pH and unlock nutrients for your lawn’s roots.

Navigating Periodic Dry Spells

Seminole County has spent 18 weeks in drought over the past year, and 100.0% of the area is currently classified as abnormally dry. Even with high annual rainfall, sandy soils don't hold moisture well, leading to rapid wilting. To conserve water, irrigate deeply but infrequently to encourage your grass to grow deeper, more resilient roots.

Planting for Success in Zone 10a

St. Augustine and Bermuda grass are the top choices for this climate because they can handle the 10a heat. Since the last spring frost typically occurs by January 26, you can start your sodding or seeding projects earlier than most of the country. Get started now to establish a strong root system before the peak summer heat arrives.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Seminole County's county score?
Seminole County, Florida has a composite county score of 41.8 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 Seminole County rank among counties in Florida?
Seminole County ranks #44 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 Seminole County, Florida?
The median annual property tax in Seminole County is $2,493, with an effective tax rate of 0.70%. This earns Seminole County a tax score of 63.5/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Seminole County?
The median household income in Seminole County, Florida is $83,030 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Seminole County earns an income score of 86.9/100 on CountyScore.
Is Seminole County, Florida a good place to live?
Seminole County scores 41.8/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #44 in Florida. The best way to evaluate Seminole 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 Seminole 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.