countyscore
52.2
County Score
Property Tax 89.4Income & Jobs 83.9Safety 72

County Report Card

About Walton County, Florida

Walton matches the national livability benchmark

Walton County's composite score of 52.6 sits slightly above the national median of 50.0, placing it in the 55th percentile. This solid baseline reflects a mixed profile: exceptional tax efficiency but significant affordability trade-offs.

Well above Florida's typical county

At 52.6, Walton outperforms Florida's state average of 45.1 by 7.5 points, positioning it comfortably in the upper half of the state's counties. The advantage stems primarily from tax rates and household income levels that exceed statewide norms.

Lowest taxes and strong incomes shine

Walton boasts the lowest effective tax rate among these three counties at 0.454% and an exceptional tax score of 90.3. With a median household income of $79,281 and an income score of 83.0, plus a water score of 70.4, the county offers environmental quality and earning potential.

Housing affordability and risk vulnerability

The cost score of just 10.8 reflects steep housing prices, with a median home value of $376,400 and rent averaging $1,674 monthly. Additionally, a risk score of only 11.4 signals significant exposure to natural hazards or other environmental risks that warrant consideration.

Affluent residents seeking tax breaks and amenities

Walton County appeals to high-income households with strong tax situations and the financial capacity to absorb premium housing costs. The county's low taxes, good incomes, and water quality make it ideal for retirees or remote workers unconcerned about affordability but valuing environmental standards.

2040608010089.49.47255.243.883.911.470.430.5Tax89.4Cost9.4Safety72Health55.2Schools43.8Income83.9Risk11.4Water70.4Weather30.552.2/100
This county
National avg
4 above average4 below average

Walton County DNA

Foverall

How Walton County compares to the national average across nine baseline dimensions

Walton County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Property Tax (89.4/100) but notably weak in Cost of Living (9.4/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
89.4+37.400000000000006
Cost
9.4-38.6
Safety
72+17
Health
55.2
Schools
43.8-10.200000000000003
Income
83.9+32.900000000000006
Risk
11.4-35.6
Water
70.4+12.400000000000006
Weather
30.5-25.5
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Compare mortgage rates in Walton County

Whether buying or refinancing in Walton County, compare rates from top lenders to find the best deal.

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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$425,100

National median: $185,300

Median Rent

$1,741/mo

National median: $877/mo

Income Needed (home)

$425,100/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$69,640/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum5.2x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $81,986/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

45.1

per 100K

Data from Federal Reserve (FRED), U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, and CMS NPPES.

Deep Dives

Walton County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 9 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Walton County

via TaxByCounty

Walton has Florida's most generous tax rate

Walton County's effective tax rate of 0.454% ranks among the lowest in the nation, well beneath the U.S. median of 0.89%. Despite median home values of $376,400—33% higher than the national average—Walton residents pay just $1,709 yearly in property tax, less than two-thirds the national median bill of $2,690.

Walton leads Florida in tax breaks

Walton's 0.454% effective rate significantly undercuts Florida's state average of 0.731%, making it one of the most tax-friendly counties in the state. The median annual tax of $1,709 is also well below Florida's state median of $1,885.

Walton far outpaces regional competitors

Walton's rate of 0.454% is substantially lower than neighboring Wakulla County (0.651%) and Washington County (0.504%), providing meaningful relief for residents. On a median home worth $376,400, Walton homeowners save hundreds annually compared to equally valued homes just across county lines.

What a Walton homeowner pays

A median-priced Walton home of $376,400 typically generates an estimated annual property tax of $1,709 without homestead exemption, or $2,088 with a mortgage included. This low rate makes Walton particularly attractive for retirees and families seeking affordable tax scenarios on higher-value properties.

Even low-tax Walton homes warrant review

Even in low-tax Walton County, assessments can sometimes exceed actual property value, leaving money on the table. Filing a free assessment appeal during Florida's annual review cycle could tighten your tax bill further.

Income & Jobs in Walton County

via IncomeByCounty

Walton outearns the nation

Walton County residents earn $79,281 annually at the median household level, exceeding the national median of $74,755 by $4,526—a 6.1% advantage. This outperformance places Walton among the nation's upper-income counties and well above Florida's statewide average.

Florida's high-earning outlier

Walton County ranks among Florida's top earners with a median household income 21.0% above the state average of $65,468. Its per capita income of $49,119 dramatically outpaces Florida's state average of $35,698 by 37.6%—a mark of exceptional wealth concentration.

Clear income leader in the region

Walton's $79,281 median income tops Wakulla County by $5,098 and Washington County by $26,558—a 50.3% advantage over Washington. The county stands as the highest-earning jurisdiction among its immediate geographic peers.

Housing costs strain higher earners

Despite high median earnings, Walton's rent-to-income ratio of 25.3% reflects significant housing cost pressures, approaching the 30% sustainability threshold. The median home value of $376,400 represents a major wealth concentration tied to coastal property rather than distributed household income.

Leverage coastal prosperity wisely

Walton's above-average earnings create exceptional wealth-building potential, but housing costs demand strategic financial planning. Prioritize diversified investments beyond real estate to protect wealth across market cycles and economic shifts.

Safety in Walton County

via CrimeByCounty

Walton County Outperforms National Safety Benchmarks

Walton County earns a high safety score of 98.9, placing it well above the national norm. Its total crime rate of 668.3 per 100K is less than one-third of the national average of 2,385.5.

Maintaining a Secure Edge in Florida

The county’s safety score of 98.9 exceeds the state average of 98.4. Local law enforcement across eight agencies keeps the crime rate at 668.3, which is significantly better than the Florida average of 1,027.9.

Competitive Safety Among Gulf Coast Neighbors

Walton County maintains a lower crime rate than many of its more urbanized neighbors along the coast. It balances the pressures of high tourism with a robust safety record that protects year-round residents.

Understanding Violent and Property Crime Trends

The violent crime rate sits at 195.8 per 100K, which is nearly 50% lower than the national average. Property crimes account for the majority of local incidents at a rate of 472.5 per 100K.

Smart Security for Your Coastal Property

Visible security cameras and alarm systems are effective deterrents against property crimes in Walton County. These measures help protect your investment while supporting the county's overall safety efforts.

Weather & Climate in Walton County

via WeatherByCounty

High humidity and heavy rainfall

Walton County’s 67.5°F average is much higher than the national median but represents the cooler end of the Florida spectrum. The region is characterized by high humidity and heavy rainfall.

Far wetter than the average

At 67.5°F, Walton is well below the 71.1°F state average for temperature. It receives 64.6 inches of rain, far exceeding the state average of 54.8 inches.

Cooler and wetter than neighbors

Walton is cooler than nearby Washington (67.7°F) and significantly wetter than the state average. It experiences 85 days of extreme heat, fewer than its inland neighbors.

The coldest winters in this group

Summers average 81.4°F, while winters are the coldest in this set at 52.9°F. The county sees zero snowfall but faces intense rain throughout the year.

Prioritize drainage and heating

Residents must prioritize high-capacity gutters and drainage for the 64.6 inches of annual rain. Heating systems see more use here than in central Florida due to the 50.9°F January lows.

Soil Quality in Walton County

via SoilByCounty

Acidic Profiles Across the Panhandle

Walton's soil averages a pH of 4.69, which is much more acidic than the national median of 6.5. This low pH level is a defining characteristic of the region, sitting just below the Florida state average of 4.88.

Balanced Sand and Silt Mix

The soil contains 76.9% sand, 10.3% silt, and 5.5% clay, providing more physical structure than more sandy neighbors. This mix creates a soil that is easy to till while allowing for moderate drainage.

Productive Soils with Solid Water Capacity

Organic matter stands at 5.27%, which is well above the 2.0% national average. The available water capacity of 0.105 in/in almost reaches the state average of 0.108 in/in, offering a reliable environment for plant roots.

Porous Ground and Limited Retention

Although specific hydrologic groups are not listed, the high sand percentage suggests a naturally well-draining environment. This helps prevent root rot in rainy seasons but means nutrients can leach away quickly without proper management.

Thriving Gardens in Zone 9a

Walton County's Hardiness Zone 9a allows for a long growing season of heat-tolerant crops like citrus and peppers. With its respectable water capacity, your garden is well-positioned for a successful harvest of southern staples.

Lawn Care in Walton County

via LawnByCounty

Tough Growing Conditions in Walton

Walton County's lawn difficulty score of 13.6 is one of the lowest in the state, well below the Florida average of 19.2. Maintaining a lawn here requires significantly more intervention than the national median score of 50.0.

High Rainfall Meets Intense Humidity

The county receives a heavy 64.6 inches of rain annually, which is significantly higher than the national ideal of 30-50 inches. This moisture, paired with 85 days of extreme heat, creates high disease pressure for most turfgrasses.

Fast-Draining Sands and Low pH

The soil consists of 76.9% sand and carries a low 4.69 pH. These conditions mean that water and nutrients leach through the ground quickly, necessitating frequent, light fertilization rather than heavy applications.

Navigating Prolonged Dry Spells

Despite high annual rainfall, 100.0% of the county currently experiences severe D2+ drought. The area has endured 28 weeks of drought in the past year, making rain sensors and smart irrigation essential tools for local homeowners.

Strategic Planting for Zone 9a

Bahiagrass and Bermudagrass are resilient choices for the 6,671 growing degree days found here. Start your lawn projects after the February 28 frost date to maximize the long summer growing window.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Walton County's county score?
Walton County, Florida has a composite county score of 52.2 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 Walton County rank among counties in Florida?
Walton County ranks #19 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 Walton County, Florida?
The median annual property tax in Walton County is $1,902, with an effective tax rate of 0.45%. This earns Walton County a tax score of 89.4/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Walton County?
The median household income in Walton County, Florida is $81,986 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Walton County earns an income score of 83.9/100 on CountyScore.
Is Walton County, Florida a good place to live?
Walton County scores 52.2/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #19 in Florida. The best way to evaluate Walton 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 Walton County with other counties side by side.
By Evan Brooks, Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor

ByCounty Network

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