CountyScore

Wakulla County

Florida · FL

#12 in Florida
68.9
County Score

County Report Card

About Wakulla County, Florida

Wakulla outpaces the nation

Wakulla County's composite score of 71.2 significantly exceeds the national median of 50.0, placing it in the top 42% of U.S. counties. This strong overall livability score reflects a county that outperforms most American communities on fundamental factors like tax burden and housing affordability.

Above-average livability in Florida

Wakulla ranks above Florida's state average composite score of 69.4, solidifying its position as one of the more livable counties in the state. Its 71.2 score places it among Florida's better-performing counties for overall quality of life.

Tax breaks and affordable housing

Wakulla excels with a tax score of 84.0, backed by an effective tax rate of just 0.651%, significantly lower than most comparable regions. Housing costs are reasonable too, with a median home value of $216,300 and median rent of $1,155/month—making homeownership and rental living accessible for middle-income families.

Income growth lags locally

The county's income score of 31.8 signals that median household incomes of $74,183 trail behind many peer counties, potentially limiting long-term wealth building. Limited data on safety, health, schools, and environmental factors means a fuller livability picture is still emerging.

Ideal for budget-conscious families

Wakulla suits retirees, remote workers, and families prioritizing low taxes and affordable housing over high local incomes. The county's combination of tax efficiency and housing accessibility makes it an attractive option for those seeking financial breathing room without sacrificing community stability.

Score breakdown

5 dimensions have live data. 3 more coming as vertical sites launch.

Tax84Cost71.4SafetyComing SoonHealth68.1SchoolsComing SoonIncome31.8Risk53.3WaterComing Soon
🏛84
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠71.4
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼31.8
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤68.1
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡53.3
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧Coming Soon
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncomeincomebycounty.com
Compare Wakulla County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Coffee County
Alabama
68.9
Median income: $64,672
Walker County
Alabama
68.9
Median income: $54,509
Arkansas County
Arkansas
68.9
Median income: $60,831
Jackson County
Arkansas
68.9
Median income: $41,215
Sevier County
Arkansas
68.9
Median income: $51,641

Deep Dives

Wakulla County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Wakulla County

via TaxByCounty

Wakulla taxes well below national norm

Wakulla's effective tax rate of 0.651% sits comfortably below the national median of 0.89%, placing the county in the lower half of U.S. property tax burdens. Homeowners here pay a median of $1,408 annually—roughly half the national median of $2,690—despite homes worth nearly as much as the national average.

Competitive rate within Florida

At 0.651%, Wakulla's effective rate undershoots Florida's state average of 0.731%, giving it a modest advantage among Sunshine State counties. The median tax bill of $1,408 also trails the state median of $1,885, reflecting relatively restrained local tax pressure.

Wakulla sits in the middle regionally

Among nearby Big Bend counties, Wakulla's rate of 0.651% falls between Walton County's notably low 0.454% and Washington County's 0.504%. Wakulla residents pay more in absolute dollars ($1,408) than Washington County neighbors ($787), but less than Walton's median of $1,709.

What a Wakulla homeowner pays

The median Wakulla home valued at $216,300 generates an estimated annual tax of roughly $1,408 without homestead exemption, or $1,555 if you carry a mortgage. For those who itemize deductions, property tax savings can add up over time.

Check if you're overassessed

Many Wakulla homeowners pay more than they should due to inflated property assessments. Appealing your assessment during Florida's annual review window is free and can substantially lower your tax bill if the county overestimated your home's value.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Wakulla County

via CostByCounty

Wakulla's rent burden beats the nation

Wakulla County residents spend just 18.7% of their income on rent, well below the national affordability sweet spot and significantly lower than Florida's 22.5% average. With a median household income of $74,183—essentially matching the national median of $74,755—this county offers surprisingly accessible rental housing for middle-income families.

Most affordable rents in north Florida

Among Florida's 67 counties, Wakulla ranks among the most affordable for renters, with a rent-to-income ratio that outperforms the state average by nearly 4 percentage points. At $1,155 per month, median rent runs $78 below the state average, giving residents more breathing room in their budgets.

Cheaper than Walton, pricier than Washington

Wakulla's $1,155 monthly rent falls between its neighbors: Walton County ($1,674) and Washington County ($884). Homebuyers find similar middle-ground positioning, with Wakulla's median home value of $216,300 offering a more affordable path to ownership than Walton's $376,400 median.

Renting and owning stay affordable here

Wakulla households allocate 18.7% of income to rent or just 16.9% to mortgage payments—both comfortably below the 30% affordability threshold. This leaves residents with substantially more income for savings, healthcare, and other essentials compared to higher-burden counties.

Consider Wakulla for balanced living costs

If you're priced out of coastal Florida but need reasonable housing costs, Wakulla delivers both. Compare its $1,155 rent and $216,300 home values to your current market—you may find thousands of dollars annually freed up for other priorities.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Wakulla County

via IncomeByCounty

Wakulla tracks with the nation

Wakulla County's median household income of $74,183 sits just $572 below the national median of $74,755, placing it almost exactly at the U.S. average. This competitive positioning reflects a county keeping pace with American earning trends despite Florida's statewide average lagging $9,287 behind the nation.

Above-average earners in Florida

Wakulla ranks well within Florida's 67 counties with median household income 13.4% higher than the state average of $65,468. This upper-tier standing reflects a workforce that outearns typical Floridians, though per capita income of $32,920 trails the state average of $35,698.

Outearning western Florida peers

Wakulla's $74,183 median income exceeds Washington County's $52,723 by $21,460—a 40.7% advantage—but trails neighboring Walton County's $79,281 by $5,098. Among its regional peers, Wakulla occupies the middle ground with solid household earnings.

Rent stays affordable here

With a rent-to-income ratio of 18.7%, Wakulla residents spend well below the 30% threshold housing experts recommend as sustainable. At a median home value of $216,300, homeownership remains accessible for households earning near the county median.

Build on solid county earnings

Wakulla's median income provides a stable foundation for wealth-building through home equity and retirement savings. Consider directing the difference between Wakulla's income and Florida's cost of living into long-term investments to maximize financial security.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in Wakulla County

via HealthByCounty

Wakulla's life expectancy lags national pace

Residents of Wakulla County live to an average of 74.5 years, about 4 years shorter than the U.S. average of 78.9 years. The county's poor or fair health rate of 16.6% sits close to the national benchmark of 17%, suggesting health challenges are broadly in line with the nation as a whole.

Trailing Florida on longevity

Wakulla's life expectancy of 74.5 years falls 1.3 years behind Florida's state average of 75.8 years. However, the county outperforms the state on insurance access: its uninsured rate of 11.4% beats Florida's 14.4% average by 3 percentage points.

Healthcare access varies across region

Wakulla has the same primary care provider density as Washington County (32 per 100K) but lags Walton County's 45 providers per 100K. Mental health support is stronger here at 85 providers per 100K—matching Walton and nearly doubling Washington's 35.

Strong insurance coverage, tight provider access

With an 11.4% uninsured rate, Wakulla ranks as Florida's most insured of these three counties. Yet primary care access remains constrained at 32 providers per 100K, meaning residents often travel farther for routine checkups and preventive care.

Ensure your family's health security

Wakulla's low uninsured rate reflects strong community enrollment in coverage options. If you're among the 11.4% without insurance, visit healthcare.gov or Florida's health marketplace today to explore plans that fit your budget and keep your family protected.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Wakulla County

via RiskByCounty

Wakulla's risk scores below national baseline

Wakulla County's composite risk score of 46.69 places it in the Relatively Low category, well below the national average. This means residents face fewer compounding natural hazard threats than most U.S. counties, though localized risks remain significant for specific hazard types.

Among Florida's safer counties

With a composite score of 46.69, Wakulla ranks as one of Florida's lower-risk counties compared to the state average of 75.74. However, this advantage is relative—Florida's vulnerability to coastal and severe weather hazards means even lower-scoring counties warrant preparedness planning.

Safer than coastal neighbors

Wakulla's risk profile (46.69) is significantly lower than nearby Walton County (88.58) and slightly below Washington County (59.45). The proximity to the Gulf Coast explains the elevated hurricane and wildfire risks in all three counties, but Wakulla's inland geography provides some protection.

Wildfire and hurricane dominate locally

Wakulla County's two highest risks are wildfire (84.48) and hurricane (84.48), both driven by the county's coastal pine forests and Gulf exposure. Flooding ranks third at 61.20, primarily affecting low-lying areas near the Wakulla and St. Marks rivers during heavy rainfall and storm surge events.

Prioritize hurricane and wildfire coverage

Standard homeowners insurance typically excludes wildfire and flood damage, leaving Wakulla residents exposed to two of the county's highest-scoring hazards. Consider a separate wildfire insurance policy and flood insurance through the National Flood Insurance Program, especially if your property is near the coast or in forested areas.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality

Data from U.S. Census Bureau ACS, FBI UCR, CDC, FEMA NRI, NCES, EPA SDWIS — informational only.