countyscore
50.9
County Score
Income & Jobs 96.6Health 85.5Safety 70.5

County Report Card

About St. Johns County, Florida

St. Johns holds its own nationally

St. Johns County's composite score of 50.9 edges just above the national median of 50.0, placing it in the top half of U.S. counties. This above-average performance makes it one of Florida's most livable counties by overall metrics.

Top performer within Florida

St. Johns scores 50.9 against Florida's state average of 45.1, outpacing the typical Florida county and ranking among the state's strongest performers. It's a clear winner in the state's livability rankings.

Excellent income, health, and safety

St. Johns boasts the highest median household income of $106,169 with an income score of 96.6, plus strong health (85.5) and safety (70.5) scores. Its water quality score of 70.1 also reflects a well-managed natural environment.

Affordability remains the main hurdle

The cost score of 4.0 is among Florida's lowest, with median home values at $457,600 and rents at $1,775/month. School performance also trails expectations with a score of 44.3, an area where improvement would strengthen the county's profile.

Ideal for wealthy families seeking safety

St. Johns is perfect for affluent families and professionals who prioritize safety, health, and income potential over affordability. Those seeking a high-quality living environment with strong community safety and health care should strongly consider this county.

2040608010055.4470.585.544.396.612.570.127.2Tax55.4Cost4Safety70.5Health85.5Schools44.3Income96.6Risk12.5Water70.1Weather27.250.9/100
This county
National avg
4 above average3 below average

St. Johns County DNA

Foverall

How St. Johns County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

St. Johns County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Income (96.6/100) but notably weak in Cost of Living (4/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
55.4
Cost
4-44
Safety
70.5+15.5
Health
85.5+35.5
Schools
44.3-9.700000000000003
Income
96.6+45.599999999999994
Risk
12.5-34.5
Water
70.1+12.099999999999994
Weather
27.2-28.8
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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$457,600

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$1,775/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$457,600/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$71,000/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum4.3x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $106,169/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

32.8

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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51

Nearby counties

Clay County
Florida
44
Putnam County
Florida
37.5
Flagler County
Florida
45.5
Duval County
Florida
30.3
Bradford County
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60.2
Nassau County
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48.6
Union County
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57.2
Baker County
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45.7

Deep Dives

St. Johns County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in St. Johns County

via TaxByCounty

St. Johns ranks high in national property tax rates

St. Johns County's effective rate of 0.775% exceeds the national median, putting it in the higher tier of American property tax burdens. Its median tax bill of $3,547 outpaces the national median of $2,690 by 32%, reflecting both elevated home values ($457,600) and a above-average tax rate.

St. Johns has one of Florida's highest tax rates

At 0.775%, St. Johns ranks above Florida's statewide average of 0.731%, making it one of the state's pricier counties for property taxes. The median annual bill of $3,547 is nearly double the state median of $1,885, driven by premium home valuations in this fast-growing northeast region.

St. Johns taxes more than Seminole but less than peers

St. Johns' 0.775% rate exceeds Seminole County's 0.698% but trails Volusia County's 0.784% by a hair. Among high-value counties, St. Johns sits in the middle—pricier than Seminole but competitive with Volusia in absolute tax burden.

A $457,600 home costs about $3,547 yearly

The median St. Johns home, valued at $457,600, incurs an annual property tax of $3,547. With mortgage taxes factored in, homeowners pay $3,730; without a mortgage, the bill drops to $3,149.

High-value St. Johns homes often merit tax appeals

In rapidly appreciating markets like St. Johns, assessment lags and overvaluation are common. Given the median tax bill exceeds $3,500 annually, a successful appeal could deliver meaningful savings for homeowners.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in St. Johns County

via CostByCounty

St. Johns earners afford premium housing

St. Johns County's 20.1% rent-to-income ratio outperforms national affordability benchmarks, thanks largely to a median household income of $106,169—42% above the national median of $74,755. Residents here command wages that make even pricier housing manageable.

Florida's most affordable high-earning county

St. Johns ranks among Florida's most affordable counties by rent-to-income ratio at 20.1%, well below the statewide average of 22.5%. Despite median rents of $1,775—the highest among our comparison group—the county's wealth ensures housing remains a manageable budget item.

Priciest rents, but richest households

St. Johns' $1,775 median rent tops neighboring Seminole ($1,686) and Volusia ($1,368), reflecting its status as Northeast Florida's premier address. Yet with median household income of $106,169, St. Johns residents spend less of their earnings on housing than poorer neighbors.

Premium housing on premium incomes

Monthly rents average $1,775 and mortgages $1,715, yet neither exceeds 20% of the $106,169 median income—the healthiest ratio in our comparison. The median home value of $457,600 appeals primarily to upper-income households seeking St. Augustine's charm and Florida's top schools.

St. Johns rewards high earners handsomely

If your household income exceeds $100,000 and you value top-tier schools and historic character, St. Johns offers the best housing affordability-to-income ratio in the region. Those earning under $80,000 should explore Seminole or Sumter counties for better overall value.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in St. Johns County

via IncomeByCounty

St. Johns dominates national rankings

St. Johns County's median household income of $106,169 towers 42% above the U.S. median of $74,755, making it one of the highest-earning counties in America. This prosperity reflects strong professional and managerial employment across the region.

Florida's richest county

St. Johns County tops all 67 Florida counties with a median household income of $106,169, nearly $41,000 above the state average of $65,468. The county's per capita income of $54,822 also leads the state.

Clear leader among peers

St. Johns' $106,169 median income significantly outpaces Seminole County ($83,030) and Volusia County ($66,581). The county's economic advantage reflects its role as a regional hub for high-wage employment.

Housing highly affordable here

St. Johns County maintains a rent-to-income ratio of just 20.1%, well below the 30% affordability benchmark. Even with a median home value of $457,600, households earning $106,169 have strong purchasing power.

Wealth-building is within reach

St. Johns households with $106,169 median income can aggressively pursue wealth-building strategies beyond housing. Consider diversifying investments across stocks, bonds, and real estate to accelerate long-term financial security.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in St. Johns County

via CrimeByCounty

Exceptional Safety Levels in St. Johns

St. Johns County boasts an impressive safety score of 98.9, far exceeding the national norm. Its total crime rate of 698.5 per 100,000 is less than one-third of the national average of 2385.5.

A Top-Tier Safety Performer in Florida

The county's safety score of 98.9 sits comfortably above the Florida state average of 98.4. Its total crime rate of 698.5 is significantly lower than the state average of 1027.9, marking it as one of the state's safest regions.

Lower Crime Rates than Coastal Neighbors

St. Johns is notably safer than Volusia County, which faces a much higher crime rate of 1594.3 per 100,000 people. Residents benefit from a robust law enforcement presence across 10 reporting agencies.

Very Low Violent Crime Incidents

The county reports an exceptionally low violent crime rate of only 82.5 per 100,000 residents. Most recorded incidents involve property crime, which occurs at a rate of 616.0.

Maintaining Safety in St. Johns Homes

While crime is rare, residents should stay vigilant against property theft by securing garages and vehicles. Installing motion-activated lighting can further protect your property from occasional intruders.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in St. Johns County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Growing Network of Sixty Schools

St. Johns County operates 60 public schools, including 29 elementary, 8 middle, and 18 high schools. Two distinct districts serve a total enrollment of 50,648 students across the region. The infrastructure is rapidly expanding to accommodate the influx of new residents.

Elite Graduation Rates on Lean Budgets

The county achieves a stellar 95.0% graduation rate, which is 8 percentage points higher than the national average. Despite this success, per-pupil expenditure is just $4,938, well below the state average of $6,118 and the national average of $13,000. This indicates a high-performing system that maximizes every dollar invested.

The Powerhouse St. Johns School District

The St. Johns district is the primary provider, managing 55 schools and 50,151 students. Charter schools have a small footprint here, making up just 5.0% of the total school inventory. The specialized Deaf/Blind district provides essential services to an additional 497 students.

A Mix of Suburban and Rural Campuses

The educational landscape features 37 suburban schools and 22 rural schools, offering diverse learning environments. Major high schools like Bartram Trail and Creekside enroll over 2,400 students each, while the county average is 904 students per school. The system balances large-scale secondary schools with smaller, community-focused primary campuses.

Relocate to Florida's Academic Leader

St. Johns County is a magnet for homebuyers who view school quality as their top priority. With a graduation rate that leads the state, properties here represent an investment in both real estate and future potential. Explore neighborhoods near high-performing schools to secure a place in this top-tier district.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in St. Johns County

via RiskByCounty

St. Johns faces moderate national risk

St. Johns County's composite risk score of 87.53 places it well above the U.S. average for natural disaster exposure. This "Relatively Moderate" rating indicates consistent, multi-hazard risk that residents should actively manage through appropriate preparedness and insurance.

Above Florida's average risk level

With a score of 87.53, St. Johns substantially exceeds Florida's state average of 75.74, reflecting significant exposure across multiple hazard types. The county's hurricane risk of 93.70 and wildfire risk of 89.41 are the strongest risk drivers relative to other Florida counties.

Moderate risk in coastal cluster

St. Johns' 87.53 risk score places it between neighboring Seminole County (91.44) and Taylor County (65.43), reflecting its exposure as a coastal-to-central region. Its hurricane risk of 93.70 is notably higher than inland counties, reflecting its Atlantic proximity.

Hurricanes and wildfires lead threats

Hurricane risk scores 93.70 in St. Johns, driven by exposure to Atlantic tropical cyclones and associated storm surge, while wildfire risk reaches 89.41 across forested areas. Flooding is also substantial at 89.41, particularly affecting coastal neighborhoods and low-lying inland zones.

Prioritize hurricane and flood protection

St. Johns homeowners must carry flood insurance—either through private providers or the NFIP—given the 89.41 flood risk score and coastal vulnerability. Ensure your homeowners policy covers hurricane damage, upgrade to impact-resistant doors and windows, and maintain clearance around your home to reduce wildfire risk.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in St. Johns County

via WaterByCounty

St. Johns County Earns Top Grade for Drinking Water

With only two health violations over five years, the county maintains a prestigious A grade for drinking water compliance. Its violation rate of 0.9 per 100,000 people is a fraction of the Florida average of 43.4. This indicates a highly reliable public water infrastructure compared to both state and national benchmarks.

Iron and Mercury Affect 38% of County Waters

The 2022 assessment cycle shows that 38.1% of local water bodies are impaired, which mirrors the statewide average of 38.8%. Specifically, 262 out of 687 assessed segments fail standards due to mercury in fish tissue and high iron levels. Dissolved oxygen levels also frequently fall below the thresholds required for healthy aquatic life.

High-Frequency Testing Covers 221 Local Sites

Monitoring efforts in St. Johns County are extensive, with 221 sites generating 109,909 records over the past five years. Researchers prioritize physical measurements and nutrient levels to track changes in the ecosystem. This data footprint helps environmental managers respond quickly to inorganic and metal fluctuations.

Deep Creek Gauge Lacks Current Flow Data

The USGS monitoring station at Deep Creek near Spuds represents the primary drainage area for the county. Live discharge data and long-term mean comparisons are currently unavailable for this specific site. In the absence of live flow data, watershed health remains the primary indicator for surface water stability.

Maintain High Standards Despite Mercury Impairments

While drinking water compliance is excellent, watershed data suggests caution regarding iron and mercury in local surface waters. Residents should support programs that reduce iron runoff and monitor fish consumption from impaired segments. The high monitoring density ensures that any emerging threats to the county's A-rated drinking water are identified quickly.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in St. Johns County

via WeatherByCounty

Temperate Coastal Subtropical

St. Johns County averages 70.5°F, staying much warmer than the national median while avoiding the extreme heat of the south. The Atlantic Ocean helps moderate the local climate.

Slightly Below State Average

The county's 70.5°F average is slightly cooler than the Florida state average of 71.1°F. This makes it one of the more temperate options for residents in the Sunshine State.

Cooler Than the South

St. Johns records only 69 extreme heat days, far fewer than Sarasota's 131. It is very similar to Putnam County in temperature but benefits from more consistent ocean breezes.

Gentle Winters and Warm Summers

Winter temperatures average 58.6°F, and summer averages sit at a manageable 81.2°F. Snow is never a factor, and extreme heat days are relatively limited to 69 per year.

Coastal Planning for Rain

With 53.5 inches of annual rain, drainage and moisture protection are key for property owners. Keep a light jacket handy for January, when the average temperature drops to 56.9°F.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in St. Johns County

via SoilByCounty

Acidic soils typical of the Atlantic coast

St. Johns County maintains an average soil pH of 5.09, which is less acidic than the state average of 4.88. However, this still sits well below the national median pH of 6.5. This acidic environment requires specific plant choices or regular lime applications for traditional gardening.

Balanced sand and silt mix

The soil consists of 78.6% sand, 4.0% silt, and 3.3% clay. This provides slightly more body and workability than many of its sandier Florida neighbors. The higher silt and clay percentages help slightly with nutrient retention compared to purely sandy regions.

Rich organic content for better growth

Organic matter reaches 10.19%, which is substantially higher than the national 2.0% benchmark. This high organic load results in an available water capacity of 0.123 in/in, surpassing the state average of 0.108. These metrics drive a solid soil score of 36.4.

Reliable water storage for coastal farming

Specific drainage and hydrologic group data is not available, but the soil score of 36.4 suggests high overall quality. The water capacity of 0.123 in/in helps plants survive through dry spells better than thinner soils. This makes the land generally resilient for both agriculture and development.

Cultivating the 9b coastal climate

As a zone 9b region, St. Johns is ideal for salt-tolerant ornamentals and winter vegetables. The rich 10.19% organic matter gives your plants a head start in nutrient uptake. Grab some seeds and take advantage of these fertile, coastal conditions.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in St. Johns County

via LawnByCounty

Coastal Lawns in St. Johns County

St. Johns County carries a lawn difficulty score of 26.3, placing it above the state average of 19.2. Gardeners in Zone 9b benefit from slightly more manageable conditions than their southern neighbors, though maintenance remains harder than the national average. This score reflects a mix of coastal challenges and Florida's signature heat.

Balanced Heat but High Moisture

The county experiences 69 extreme heat days annually, which is notably lower than the state average of 92. Despite the lower heat, 53.5 inches of annual precipitation exceeds the ideal lawn range, often leading to saturated roots. You should adjust your irrigation schedule to account for these heavy coastal rains to prevent rot.

Correcting the Sandy Coastal Soil

The soil here is 78.6% sand with a low clay content of 3.3%, typical for Florida's Atlantic coast. With a pH of 5.09, your soil is quite acidic compared to the preferred 6.0 range for healthy turf. Adding organic matter or compost can help improve the water-holding capacity of this sandy base.

Persistent Severe Drought Conditions

Currently, 100.0% of St. Johns County is under severe drought (D2+), following 23 weeks of drought over the last year. These harsh conditions can quickly brown even the most established lawns in sandy soil. Prioritize watering in the early morning to minimize evaporation and help your lawn survive these dry periods.

Timing Your St. Johns Lawn

Bahia and St. Augustine are excellent salt-tolerant options for this Zone 9b coastal region. Wait until after the final spring frost around February 14 before beginning major renovations or seeding. With 7,559 growing degree days, your lawn has a long window to thrive if established correctly in the spring.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is St. Johns County's county score?
St. Johns County, Florida has a composite county score of 50.9 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 St. Johns County rank among counties in Florida?
St. Johns County ranks #22 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 St. Johns County, Florida?
The median annual property tax in St. Johns County is $3,547, with an effective tax rate of 0.78%. This earns St. Johns County a tax score of 55.4/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in St. Johns County?
The median household income in St. Johns County, Florida is $106,169 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. St. Johns County earns an income score of 96.6/100 on CountyScore.
Is St. Johns County, Florida a good place to live?
St. Johns County scores 50.9/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #22 in Florida. The best way to evaluate St. Johns 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 St. Johns 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.