countyscore
53.5
County Score
Safety 81.6Income & Jobs 74.6Health 68.9

County Report Card

About Sumter County, Florida

Sumter exceeds national standards

Sumter County's composite score of 53.5 surpasses the national median of 50.0, placing it above the 50th percentile nationally. This solid performance makes it one of Florida's more livable counties overall.

Strong performer compared to Florida

Sumter's score of 53.5 outpaces Florida's state average of 45.1, demonstrating above-average livability for the state. The county ranks among Florida's better-performing counties across its composite livability measures.

Safety, affordability, and income balance

Sumter excels with an outstanding safety score of 81.6, strong affordability with median rents at just $1,225/month and a cost score of 32.0. The income score of 74.6 and median household income of $73,297 provide solid earning potential.

Water quality and schools need strengthening

The water score of 34.8 and school score of 46.1 represent relative weak points in the county's profile. Health outcomes at 68.9 are respectable but lag behind other strong-performing Florida counties.

Perfect for retirees and safety-minded families

Sumter suits retirees and families prioritizing safety and affordable living in a stable community. Its combination of low housing costs, strong safety metrics, and decent incomes makes it especially attractive for those seeking a secure, low-cost retirement destination.

2040608010050.93281.668.946.174.612.434.821.3Tax50.9Cost32Safety81.6Health68.9Schools46.1Income74.6Risk12.4Water34.8Weather21.353.5/100
This county
National avg
3 above average4 below average

Sumter County DNA

Foverall

How Sumter County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Sumter County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Safety (81.6/100) but notably weak in Weather & Climate (21.3/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
50.9
Cost
32-16
Safety
81.6+26.599999999999994
Health
68.9+18.900000000000006
Schools
46.1
Income
74.6+23.599999999999994
Risk
12.4-34.6
Water
34.8-23.200000000000003
Weather
21.3-34.7
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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$356,000

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$1,225/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$356,000/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$49,000/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum4.9x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $73,297/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

22.5

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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Nearby counties

Hernando County
Florida
38.1
Citrus County
Florida
43.3
Lake County
Florida
46
Pasco County
Florida
42.4
Marion County
Florida
35.4
Orange County
Florida
32.1
Polk County
Florida
38
Seminole County
Florida
41.8

Deep Dives

Sumter County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Sumter County

via TaxByCounty

Sumter's tax rate exceeds the national median

Sumter County's effective rate of 0.826% ranks above the national median, placing it in the higher bracket of American property tax counties. The median annual tax of $2,940 also surpasses the national median of $2,690, despite homes being valued near the national average at $356,000.

Sumter ranks well above Florida's average tax rate

At 0.826%, Sumter's effective rate exceeds Florida's statewide average of 0.731%, making it one of the state's pricier counties for property taxation. The median tax bill of $2,940 is 56% above Florida's median of $1,885, indicating a notably high burden for homeowners in the region.

Sumter taxes more than Seminole, less than St. Lucie

Sumter's 0.826% rate sits between Seminole County's 0.698% and St. Lucie County's 0.946%, reflecting a mid-to-high position among the region's tax burdens. In absolute dollars, Sumter's median bill of $2,940 is higher than Seminole's $2,493 despite comparable home values.

A $356,000 home costs about $2,940 yearly

The median Sumter home, valued at $356,000, incurs an annual property tax of $2,940. With mortgage taxes included, homeowners pay $3,055; without a mortgage, the bill drops to $2,864.

Sumter homeowners can challenge inflated valuations

Property tax appeals in Florida are free and often successful, especially in counties with aging or inaccurate assessments. Given Sumter's elevated tax rates, reviewing your property assessment could unlock meaningful annual savings.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Sumter County

via CostByCounty

Sumter offers rare housing affordability

Sumter County's 20.1% rent-to-income ratio delivers affordability rarely seen nationwide, despite a median household income of $73,297—just below the national median of $74,755. At $1,225 in median rent, the county punches above its weight for budget-conscious relocators.

Among Florida's most affordable counties

Sumter's 20.1% rent-to-income ratio matches St. Johns—Florida's wealthiest county—and beats the state average of 22.5%. This achievement reflects the county's modest rental market, where $1,225 median rent aligns closely with the statewide median.

Comparable to rural northern neighbors

Sumter's $1,225 rent and 20.1% ratio mirror Suwannee ($849 rent, 18.4% ratio) and Union ($846 rent, 15.6% ratio) for affordability, though Sumter's rents run higher. All three offer far better value than Seminole, St. Johns, or Volusia counties.

Balanced costs across renter and owner

Renters pay $1,225 (20.1% of income) and homeowners pay $837 (13.7% of income), both well within affordability guidelines. The median home value of $356,000 surprises—nearly matching Seminole's despite much lower housing costs—suggesting strong equity for long-term residents.

Sumter welcomes middle-income movers

Households earning $70,000–$85,000 should seriously consider Sumter for its rare combination of affordability and home value. Retirees and remote workers especially benefit; those prioritizing walkable downtowns should explore Seminole or St. Johns instead.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Sumter County

via IncomeByCounty

Sumter slightly below U.S. median

Sumter County's median household income of $73,297 comes in 2% below the U.S. median of $74,755. The county sits just shy of national parity, reflecting earnings typical of mid-tier American counties.

Above-average within Florida

At $73,297, Sumter County's median income exceeds Florida's state average of $65,468 by $7,829. The county ranks in the upper half of Florida's 67 counties, signaling stronger-than-average earning power.

Strong showing among neighbors

Sumter's $73,297 median income outpaces nearby Union County ($64,922) and trades closely with state benchmarks. The county earns less than the wealthier Seminole ($83,030) and St. Johns ($106,169) counties to the east.

Housing costs manageable

With a rent-to-income ratio of 20.1%, Sumter County keeps housing expenses well within the 30% comfort zone. A median home value of $356,000 remains affordable for households earning $73,297 annually.

Invest in Sumter's future

Sumter households averaging $73,297 have headroom to build wealth beyond mortgage payments. Focus on automating retirement contributions and exploring tax-advantaged savings vehicles to grow assets over time.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Sumter County

via CrimeByCounty

Sumter County Ranks Among the Safest

Sumter County achieves a near-perfect safety score of 99.3, placing it well above national safety benchmarks. Its total crime rate of 438.4 per 100,000 is only a fraction of the national average of 2385.5.

Outperforming the Florida Safety Average

The county is significantly safer than the average Florida county, which has a safety score of 98.4. Sumter's total crime rate of 438.4 is less than half the state average of 1027.9.

A Regional Leader in Public Safety

Sumter reports a lower crime rate than many of its Central Florida neighbors, supported by 9 reporting agencies. This low rate is likely influenced by the large percentage of retirement communities which typically see less criminal activity.

Minimal Violent Crime Activity

Violent crime is extremely rare in Sumter, with a rate of only 63.7 per 100,000 residents. Property crime is also very low at 374.7, suggesting an exceptionally secure environment for personal property.

Protecting Your Sumter County Property

Even in high-safety areas, locking vehicles and homes prevents opportunistic property theft. Smart home technology can provide peace of mind in this already secure community.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Sumter County

via SchoolsByCounty

Twelve Schools Supporting a Specialized District

Sumter County manages a compact network of 12 public schools, including four elementary and two high schools. This single-district system serves 9,404 students across a mix of traditional and alternative settings. The small number of schools allows for a focused administrative approach.

Above-Average Investment and Performance

Sumter invests $7,548 per pupil, which is significantly higher than the Florida state average of $6,118. This investment supports an 88.0% graduation rate and a school score of 53.7, both of which beat national medians. The county achieves these results while managing a diverse set of student needs.

The Villages Charter School Influence

The Sumter district oversees 9,404 students, but a single charter school makes a massive impact. The Villages Charter School enrolls 3,473 students, accounting for over a third of the county's total student body. While there is only one charter school, it represents 8.3% of the county's institutions.

A Rural and Town-Centered Learning Experience

Education in Sumter is predominantly rural, with seven of the 12 schools located in country settings. The Villages Charter School is the largest by far, while traditional schools like Wildwood Middle/High serve around 843 students. The average school size is 855 students, providing a mix of large-scale charter and community-focused rural schools.

Find Your Home Near Unique Educational Hubs

Sumter County offers specialized schooling options, particularly for residents of The Villages and surrounding towns. The higher-than-average per-pupil spending reflects a community that values educational resources. Families should target homes near the Villages or South Sumter areas to access the county's top-performing campuses.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Sumter County

via RiskByCounty

Sumter's risk exceeds U.S. baseline

Sumter County's composite risk score of 87.60 puts it in the "Relatively Moderate" category, notably above the national average for natural disaster exposure. The county faces consistent multi-hazard risk across wildfire, tornado, and hurricane threats.

Above Florida's average across hazards

At 87.60, Sumter's risk score exceeds Florida's state average of 75.74, driven by elevated wildfire (92.30), tornado (91.60), and hurricane (95.83) risks. The county's inland location makes wildfire and tornado particularly acute concerns relative to some coastal Florida counties.

Moderate risk in central corridor

Sumter's 87.60 score places it between Suwannee County (71.34) and Seminole County (91.44) in the risk spectrum. Its wildfire and tornado risks are notably higher than Suwannee's, reflecting central Florida's forested terrain and storm exposure.

Wildfires and tornadoes are acute

Wildfire risk reaches 92.30 in Sumter County, reflecting extensive forested acreage and dry season conditions, while tornado risk scores 91.60 from spring convective activity. Hurricane risk of 95.83, though the county is inland, demonstrates Florida's statewide exposure to tropical cyclone impacts.

Wildfire and storm-resistant upgrades pay

Sumter residents should clear vegetation 30+ feet around their homes to reduce wildfire risk and ensure homeowners insurance explicitly covers wind and hail damage. Consider metal roofing, impact-resistant windows, and maintaining a defensible space as part of a comprehensive wildfire mitigation strategy.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Sumter County

via WaterByCounty

High Violation Rates Drive Grade F Compliance

Sumter County faces significant drinking water challenges, receiving an F grade due to 77 health violations over five years. The violation rate of 47.4 per 100,000 residents exceeds the Florida state average of 43.4. This indicates a critical need for attention to public water system safety and oversight.

One-Third of Water Bodies Face Impairment

The 2022 ATTAINS cycle reports that 30.2% of assessed water bodies in the county are impaired. While this is lower than the Florida average of 38.8%, 188 distinct water segments still fail Clean Water Act standards. The primary causes of concern are dissolved oxygen, mercury, and total phosphorus.

Strategic Monitoring at 70 Local Sites

Environmental agencies maintain 70 monitoring sites that have captured 21,290 measurements over the past five years. Testing primarily tracks physical characteristics, nutrients, and inorganics. This data provides the backbone for understanding how metals and minor elements move through the county's water system.

Withlacoochee River Flow Critically Low

The USGS gauge at Wysong Dam shows a current discharge of just 83 cfs, which is only 15% of the long-term mean. Normal flow for this section of the Withlacoochee River is typically 567 cfs. This significant drop in volume can exacerbate existing nutrient concentrations and stress local aquatic habitats.

Urgent Need for Testing and Low-Flow Awareness

Given the F grade for drinking water, residents should consider independent testing or high-quality filtration systems. The critically low flow of the Withlacoochee River increases the risk of concentrated pollutants like phosphorus. Reducing water usage during these low-flow periods can help protect the stressed local watershed.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Sumter County

via WeatherByCounty

A warm humid subtropical interior

Sumter’s 69.6°F average temperature sits significantly higher than the national median of 53°F, placing it in a humid subtropical zone. Residents experience a warm climate typical of the Deep South interior.

Cooler than the Florida average

At 69.6°F, the county is slightly cooler than the Florida state average of 71.1°F. It ranks among the mid-tier counties for heat within the Sunshine State.

Consistent with central Florida patterns

Sumter remains cooler than coastal neighbors like Volusia (71.4°F) but shares the inland heat patterns of central Florida. While precipitation data is limited, its temperature profile mirrors the rural interior.

Significant extreme heat days

Summers reach an average of 79.8°F, fueled by 102 extreme heat days above 90°F annually. Winters are mild with a 58.1°F average, and snow is virtually non-existent.

Focus on cooling and light layers

High-efficiency HVAC is essential to combat over 100 days of extreme heat each year. Light, breathable fabrics are standard for the humid summers, while light jackets suffice for the 56.1°F January lows.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Sumter County

via SoilByCounty

Classic Florida acidic soil profiles

Sumter County shows an average pH of 4.84, mirroring the state average of 4.88 almost exactly. This is considerably more acidic than the national median of 6.5. This chemical profile is typical for the interior of the Florida peninsula.

High sand content and rapid drainage

With 84.3% sand, this soil is coarse and drains very quickly. It contains only 1.6% silt and 3.0% clay, leading to low natural fertility retention. Such a sandy mix is easy to till but requires consistent organic amendments for best results.

Above-average organic matter and storage

Sumter holds 10.31% organic matter, beating the state average of 8.03%. This organic content boosts the available water capacity to 0.114 in/in, which is higher than the state average of 0.108. These strengths earn the county a total soil score of 32.9.

Reliable water capacity for inland farms

While taxonomic and drainage classifications are unavailable, the soil score of 32.9 indicates solid productivity for the state. The 0.114 water capacity suggests the soil holds moisture reasonably well despite its high sand content. This balance supports consistent plant growth during Florida's dry seasons.

Ideal for zone 9b gardening

The 9b hardiness zone supports a wide variety of perennials and winter crops like kale and broccoli. Your soil’s 10.31% organic matter provides a great foundation for healthy root systems. Dig in and take advantage of these well-balanced inland conditions.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Sumter County

via LawnByCounty

Tough Conditions in Sumter County

Sumter County is one of the most challenging places in Florida for lawn care, with a score of just 13.2. This is significantly lower than the state average of 19.2 and the national median of 50.0. In Zone 9b, the combination of extreme heat and soil quality creates a high-maintenance environment for any homeowner.

Sweltering Heat and Long Growth

Sumter County endures 102 extreme heat days over 90°F, well above the state average of 92. The 7,261 growing degree days ensure that even without specific precipitation data, the heat alone forces grass into high-stress cycles. You must prioritize heat-tolerant turf varieties to survive these long, hot summers.

Extreme Acidity and Sand Content

Your lawn sits on 84.3% sand, making it difficult to keep moisture and nutrients near the roots. The soil pH of 4.84 is severely acidic, far from the 6.0 to 7.0 range grass prefers. You will likely need frequent lime applications and organic fertilizers to build a sustainable foundation for your turf.

A Year of Significant Drought

Sumter County has struggled through 29 weeks of drought over the past year, with nearly 80% of the area currently in severe drought. This prolonged dry period is particularly damaging in such sandy soil where moisture evaporates quickly. Drought-resistant management, like leaving grass clippings on the lawn, can help retain some vital moisture.

Choosing the Right Grass Type

Bahia grass is often recommended for Sumter County because it handles poor, sandy soils and drought better than most. Aim to seed or sod after the final spring frost on March 2 to avoid early-season setbacks. Establishing a lawn here takes patience, so start early in the spring to capitalize on the growing season.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Sumter County's county score?
Sumter County, Florida has a composite county score of 53.5 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 Sumter County rank among counties in Florida?
Sumter County ranks #13 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 Sumter County, Florida?
The median annual property tax in Sumter County is $2,940, with an effective tax rate of 0.83%. This earns Sumter County a tax score of 50.9/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Sumter County?
The median household income in Sumter County, Florida is $73,297 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Sumter County earns an income score of 74.6/100 on CountyScore.
Is Sumter County, Florida a good place to live?
Sumter County scores 53.5/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #13 in Florida. The best way to evaluate Sumter 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 Sumter County with other counties side by side.
By Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & Data Editor

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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.