countyscore
34.2
County Score
Water Quality 61.2Income & Jobs 58.2Property Tax 54.6

County Report Card

About Volusia County, Florida

Volusia lags behind national median

Volusia County's composite score of 34.2 falls significantly below the national median of 50.0, placing it in the bottom quarter of U.S. counties. Multiple critical dimensions score poorly, indicating systemic livability challenges.

Well below Florida state average

Volusia's score of 34.2 trails Florida's state average of 45.1 by more than 10 points, making it one of the state's weaker performers. The county faces more livability constraints than most of its Florida peers.

Water quality is the only bright spot

Volusia's water score of 61.2 represents its strongest dimension, reflecting decent environmental management. Beyond water, the county struggles across most other livability categories.

Schools, safety, and affordability all weak

Volusia's school score of just 22.1 is among the state's lowest, while safety (32.2) and cost (16.4) scores lag significantly, with median home values at $278,000 straining local incomes. Health (48.6) and income (58.2) metrics also lag national and state benchmarks.

Limited appeal except as affordable destination

Volusia is a challenging county for most demographic groups, offering few livability advantages despite some affordable pockets. Families with children should prioritize counties with stronger schools and safety; those seeking quality of life should explore other Florida options with higher composite scores.

Score breakdown

Tax54.6Cost16.4Safety32.2Health48.6Schools22.1Income58.2Risk3.8Water61.2Weather26.6
🏛54.6
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠16.4
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼58.2
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡32.2
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤48.6
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓22.1
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡3.8
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧61.2
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤26.6
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨34.3
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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Nearby counties

Seminole County
Florida
41.8
Flagler County
Florida
45.5
Lake County
Florida
46
Orange County
Florida
32.1
Putnam County
Florida
37.5
Marion County
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35.4
Brevard County
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41.3
St. Johns County
Florida
50.9

Deep Dives

Volusia County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Volusia County

via TaxByCounty

Volusia's tax rate exceeds the national median slightly

Volusia County's effective rate of 0.784% sits above the national median, placing it in the higher bracket of American property tax counties. The median annual tax of $2,179 falls below the national median of $2,690, since Volusia homes ($278,000) are valued slightly below the national average ($281,900).

Volusia ranks above Florida's average tax burden

At 0.784%, Volusia's effective rate exceeds Florida's statewide average of 0.731%, placing it among the state's pricier counties for property taxation. The median annual tax of $2,179 is 16% above the state median of $1,885, reflecting a moderately elevated burden for homeowners in the region.

Volusia taxes more than Seminole, similar to St. Johns

Volusia's 0.784% rate edges out Seminole County's 0.698% and nearly matches St. Johns County's 0.775%, reflecting a mid-to-high tax position. In absolute dollars, Volusia's median bill of $2,179 falls below both neighbors due to lower home valuations.

A $278,000 home costs about $2,179 yearly

The median Volusia home, valued at $278,000, incurs an annual property tax of $2,179. With mortgage taxes included, homeowners pay $2,378; without a mortgage, the bill drops to $1,875.

Volusia homeowners should review their assessments

Property tax appeals in Florida are free, and many Volusia homeowners discover their properties are overvalued. Given the county's moderately elevated tax rate, challenging your assessment could unlock meaningful annual savings.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Volusia County

via CostByCounty

Volusia balances coastal access and affordability

Volusia County's 24.7% rent-to-income ratio reflects moderate affordability pressure, despite a median household income of $66,581 and median rents of $1,368. Residents earn slightly below the national median of $74,755, making higher rents a noticeable budget squeeze.

Slightly above average affordability strain

Volusia's 24.7% rent-to-income ratio exceeds Florida's state average of 22.5%, placing it among moderately strained counties. At $1,368, median rents run above the statewide median of $1,233, reflecting the county's appeal as a beach destination.

Pricier than rural counties, cheaper than St. Johns

Volusia's $1,368 median rent sits between coastal Seminole ($1,686) and rural Sumter ($1,225), positioning it as a mid-market option. The county's 24.7% affordability ratio mirrors Seminole (24.4%), despite slightly lower incomes.

Renter strain exceeds homeowner comfort

Renters pay $1,368 monthly (24.7% of income), while homeowners owe $1,105 (20%), showing sharper affordability stress for renters. The median home value of $278,000 remains accessible for those with modest down payments and stable incomes.

Volusia suits beach-loving homebuyers

Renters earning under $70,000 should consider moving inland to Sumter or Suwannee for lower housing costs. Homebuyers with $65,000+ household income may find Volusia's beach lifestyle and $278,000 median home price worth the affordability trade-off.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Volusia County

via IncomeByCounty

Volusia slightly below U.S. median

Volusia County's median household income of $66,581 falls 11% short of the U.S. median of $74,755. The county sits modestly below national average earnings, reflecting a working-class and service-oriented economy.

Near Florida average earnings

Volusia County's $66,581 median income exceeds Florida's state average of $65,468 by just $1,113. The county ranks in the middle tier of Florida's 67 counties, reflecting earnings typical of the state overall.

Competitive with regional peers

Volusia's $66,581 median income runs just above St. Lucie County ($69,027) and ahead of Union County ($64,922). The county earns substantially less than nearby Seminole County ($83,030) and trails St. Johns County significantly.

Housing costs rising pressure

Volusia County's rent-to-income ratio of 24.7% sits near the 30% affordability limit, showing housing is becoming tighter relative to earnings. A median home value of $278,000 requires disciplined budgeting for median-earning households.

Smart savings essential

Volusia households earning $66,581 must balance housing costs with retirement savings by automating contributions and reducing discretionary spending. Long-term wealth building requires conscious choices about investment and debt management.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Volusia County

via CrimeByCounty

Volusia Stays Safer Than National Average

Volusia County maintains a safety score of 97.5, which is commendable compared to national figures. The total crime rate of 1594.3 per 100,000 is well below the national average of 2385.5.

Volusia Safety Compared to Florida Avg

The county’s safety score of 97.5 is slightly lower than the Florida average of 98.4. Its violent crime rate of 346.5 is higher than the state average of 206.5, reflecting challenges in its urban and tourist centers.

Safety Trends in the Coastal Region

Volusia has a higher crime rate than neighboring St. Johns (698.5) and Seminole (1527.2). With 23 reporting agencies, it has the most extensive law enforcement coverage in this regional group.

A Closer Look at Volusia Crime Types

Property crime is the primary concern here, with a rate of 1247.8 per 100,000 residents. Violent crime, while higher than the state average at 346.5, still represents a smaller portion of total activity.

Boosting Your Home Defense in Volusia

Given the higher rates of property crime, residents should invest in robust home security systems. Visible deterrents like signage and alarm systems are particularly effective in busier coastal neighborhoods.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Volusia County

via HealthByCounty

Volusia County life expectancy near national average

At 75.0 years, Volusia County residents live near the U.S. average of 76.4 years, though 16.4% report poor or fair health—slightly below the national rate of 17.3%. The county maintains moderate health outcomes.

Below Florida's health benchmarks overall

Volusia County's 75.0-year life expectancy falls slightly below Florida's 75.8-year average, and its 12.8% uninsured rate beats the state's 14.4% average. The county shows mixed health indicators across different metrics.

Lower outcomes than wealthier regional counties

Volusia County residents live 6.0 years fewer than St. Johns County (81.0 years) and 4.1 years fewer than Seminole County (79.1 years). Its 12.8% uninsured rate is slightly lower than Seminole's 11.5%, indicating comparable coverage challenges persist.

Moderate provider access supports most residents

Volusia County has 68 primary care doctors per 100,000 residents and 176 mental health providers per 100,000, offering decent access for a Florida coastal county. With 12.8% uninsured, most residents can seek routine and preventive care.

Secure coverage to maintain your health trajectory

Volusia County's 12.8% uninsured rate represents roughly 40,000 residents without coverage; those without insurance should explore options through the Florida Health Insurance Marketplace or Medicaid. Annual enrollment ensures continuous protection for your health and financial security.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Volusia County

via SchoolsByCounty

Ninety Schools Serving 63,000 Students

Volusia County maintains an extensive network of 90 public schools, including 48 elementary, 12 middle, and 16 high schools. A single district manages this diverse infrastructure for 63,365 total students. The system is also supported by 11 alternative and four special education schools.

Solid Graduation Rates and Lean Funding

Volusia achieves an 88.0% graduation rate, which exceeds the national average of 87.0%. Per-pupil expenditure is $5,510, placing it well below the state average of $6,118. The composite school score of 49.3 reflects the challenge of managing a large, diverse district with lower-than-average funding.

A Unified District with Growing Choice

The Volusia school district manages all 63,365 students and 90 schools across the county. Charter schools are an available option for parents, representing 7.8% of the total with seven institutions in operation. This large system provides a wide range of academic and extracurricular opportunities.

A Balanced Mix of City and Suburban Settings

The school locales are evenly split, with 37 in city settings and 34 in suburbs, plus 19 rural campuses. The average school size is 712 students, though large high schools like DeLand and University enroll nearly 3,000 students each. This diversity allows families to choose between urban, suburban, or more remote rural school environments.

Find Your Ideal Setting in Volusia Schools

With 90 schools to choose from, Volusia County offers an incredible variety of educational environments for homebuyers. Whether you prefer a small rural campus or a large suburban high school, this district has an option to fit your family's needs. Explore properties near the top-rated high schools to secure a home in a high-performing attendance zone.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Volusia County

via RiskByCounty

Volusia ranks among America's riskiest

Volusia County's composite risk score of 96.22 places it in the "Relatively High" category, matching or exceeding risk in most American counties. This near-96 score reflects acute exposure across hurricanes, tornadoes, flooding, and wildfire—a comprehensive hazard profile.

Second-highest risk in Florida

Volusia's 96.22 score substantially exceeds Florida's 75.74 state average and ranks as the state's second-riskiest county. Tornado risk of 98.28 is among Florida's highest, while hurricane risk of 98.46 reflects Atlantic exposure rivaling St. Lucie County.

Highest risk in eastern Florida

Volusia's 96.22 score substantially exceeds St. Johns County (87.53) and nearly matches St. Lucie County (96.06), making it the most hazard-prone in eastern Florida. Its tornado risk of 98.28 particularly distinguishes it from neighboring coastal counties.

Hurricanes and tornadoes are dual threats

Volusia faces hurricane risk of 98.46—the state's second-highest—and tornado risk of 98.28, making it a dual hotspot for severe wind events. Flooding also reaches 95.23, and wildfire risk of 96.28 reflects forested inland areas vulnerable to seasonal fire activity.

Comprehensive protection is imperative

Volusia homeowners must secure both homeowners insurance with wind/hail coverage and separate flood insurance through the NFIP or private providers, given the 95.23 flood risk. Install hurricane shutters, reinforce roof connections, maintain 30+ feet of vegetation clearance, and keep an updated evacuation plan given this county's extraordinary multi-hazard exposure.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Volusia County

via WeatherByCounty

Atlantic influence warms the air

Volusia’s 71.4°F average temperature is significantly warmer than the national median. The Atlantic influence creates a distinct coastal subtropical environment.

Slightly warmer than state average

At 71.4°F, the county is just above the Florida state average of 71.1°F. It is one of the warmer coastal counties in the central-east region.

Benefiting from coastal breezes

Volusia is warmer than inland Sumter (69.6°F) but benefits from coastal breezes that limit extreme heat. It receives 52.7 inches of rain, which is consistent with the surrounding coastal belt.

Fewer extreme heat days

Coastal winds keep extreme heat days to just 64 per year, far fewer than inland neighbors. Winters are the warmest in this group, averaging 60.4°F with no snow.

Home maintenance and mild winters

The mild 64 days of extreme heat make outdoor planning easier than in the Florida interior. Homeowners should focus on salt-air resistant materials and standard HVAC for the 52.7 inches of rain.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Volusia County

via SoilByCounty

Mildly acidic soils of Volusia

Volusia County's soil pH averages 5.10, which is higher and less acidic than the state average of 4.88. Though still below the national median of 6.5, it offers a more hospitable environment for many common garden plants. This chemical profile is consistent across the county's varied landscape.

Sandy soil with moderate clay content

The composition is 83.5% sand, 2.0% silt, and 3.6% clay. This high sand content ensures good aeration and rapid drainage for coastal and inland areas alike. The 3.6% clay is slightly higher than some neighbors, providing a tiny boost to nutrient-holding capacity.

Solid organic matter and state-average capacity

Organic matter is strong at 9.50%, exceeding both the state average of 8.03% and the national average of 2.0%. The available water capacity is 0.106 in/in, which is very close to the state average of 0.108. These metrics result in a healthy soil score of 34.3.

Productive soils above the state average

With a soil score of 34.3, Volusia's land is rated higher than the Florida average of 31.1. No specific drainage class is recorded, but the sand-heavy profile suggests water moves through the ground quickly. This makes it generally well-suited for development and residential landscaping.

Ready for growth in zone 9b

In hardiness zone 9b, Volusia gardeners can grow everything from citrus to sweet potatoes. The 9.50% organic matter provides a wonderful base for building a high-yield backyard vegetable patch. Get outside and start planting in these above-average Florida soils.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Volusia County

via LawnByCounty

Coastal Complexity in Volusia County

Volusia County holds a lawn difficulty score of 24.5, which is more favorable than the state average of 19.2. Located in Zone 9b, the county's coastal position helps moderate some of the extreme heat found further inland. However, gardeners still face significant hurdles compared to the national average of 50.0.

Coastal Breezes and Ample Rain

Volusia enjoys only 64 extreme heat days per year, which is much lower than the Florida state average of 92. The 52.7 inches of annual precipitation provides a steady supply of water, but the 7,891 growing degree days mean your lawn is growing fast. You will need to balance this growth with regular mowing to maintain a healthy turf height.

Amending the Sandy Coastal Base

Your soil is 83.5% sand, making it highly permeable and prone to nutrient leaching. With a pH of 5.10, the soil is acidic and requires lime to reach the 6.0-7.0 range that most lawns prefer. Because clay content is low at 3.6%, adding organic matter is the best way to help your soil hold onto water and fertilizers.

Managing Drought Along the Coast

Volusia County has experienced 28 weeks of drought over the past year, with 70.5% of the area currently in severe drought. These dry spells are tough on sandy soil, which doesn't store water effectively between rain events. Implementing a smart irrigation system can help ensure your lawn gets exactly what it needs without wasting water.

Success in Zone 9b

St. Augustine and Bahia grass are the most reliable choices for Volusia’s sandy, coastal conditions. Plan to start your planting after the final frost, which typically occurs around February 3. With a long growing season ahead, getting your grass established in the spring will help it survive the heat of summer.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Volusia County's county score?
Volusia County, Florida has a composite county score of 34.2 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 Volusia County rank among counties in Florida?
Volusia County ranks #60 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 Volusia County, Florida?
The median annual property tax in Volusia County is $2,179, with an effective tax rate of 0.78%. This earns Volusia County a tax score of 54.6/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Volusia County?
The median household income in Volusia County, Florida is $66,581 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Volusia County earns an income score of 58.2/100 on CountyScore.
Is Volusia County, Florida a good place to live?
Volusia County scores 34.2/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #60 in Florida. The best way to evaluate Volusia 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 Volusia 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.