Walton County's composite score of 67.5 nearly 35% above the national median of 50.0, positioning it in the top 35% of U.S. counties. This above-average performance reflects strengths in tax policy and household income that resonate across the country.
2 / 5
Slightly below Florida's average
Walton's score of 67.5 trails Florida's state average of 69.4 by roughly 2.8 points, placing it in the middle tier of the state's county rankings. While not a top performer statewide, the county remains solidly above the national baseline.
3 / 5
Lowest taxes in this trio
Walton leads with an exceptional tax score of 89.5 and an effective rate of just 0.454%—the lowest among these three counties. Median household income of $79,281 also outpaces both Wakulla and Washington County, supporting stronger household purchasing power.
4 / 5
Housing costs bite harder here
Walton's cost score of 59.0 reflects significant housing pressure, with a median home value of $376,400 and median rent at $1,674/month—substantially higher than neighboring counties. This affordability gap may price out middle-income and younger households from homeownership.
5 / 5
Best for higher earners seeking tax relief
Walton appeals to affluent professionals and established families with solid incomes who can weather higher housing costs for minimal tax exposure. Its premier tax climate makes it attractive to those whose primary concern is preserving wealth through low local taxation.
Walton County's composite score of 67.5 nearly 35% above the national median of 50.0, positioning it in the top 35% of U.S. counties. This above-average performance reflects strengths in tax policy and household income that resonate across the country.
Slightly below Florida's average
Walton's score of 67.5 trails Florida's state average of 69.4 by roughly 2.8 points, placing it in the middle tier of the state's county rankings. While not a top performer statewide, the county remains solidly above the national baseline.
Lowest taxes in this trio
Walton leads with an exceptional tax score of 89.5 and an effective rate of just 0.454%—the lowest among these three counties. Median household income of $79,281 also outpaces both Wakulla and Washington County, supporting stronger household purchasing power.
Housing costs bite harder here
Walton's cost score of 59.0 reflects significant housing pressure, with a median home value of $376,400 and median rent at $1,674/month—substantially higher than neighboring counties. This affordability gap may price out middle-income and younger households from homeownership.
Best for higher earners seeking tax relief
Walton appeals to affluent professionals and established families with solid incomes who can weather higher housing costs for minimal tax exposure. Its premier tax climate makes it attractive to those whose primary concern is preserving wealth through low local taxation.
Score breakdown
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🏛89.5
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
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.
Walton County renters dedicate 25.3% of their income to housing—outpacing both the national comfort zone and Florida's 22.5% state average. Despite a median household income of $79,281, which exceeds the national median by $4,526, residents here face notably tighter housing affordability.
Costly coastal county among pricier markets
Walton ranks among Florida's least affordable counties for renters, with its 25.3% rent-to-income ratio placing it above most of the state. This reflects Walton's desirable coastal location and higher home values, which average $376,400—the highest of the three comparison counties.
Walton commands premium over neighbors
At $1,674 monthly rent, Walton costs $519 more than Wakulla and $790 more than Washington County—a 45% premium over Washington despite similar income levels. Median home values tell a similar story: Walton's $376,400 far exceeds both Wakulla ($216,300) and Washington ($156,000).
Renters strain more, owners spend big
Walton renters allocate over one-quarter of income to housing (25.3%), while homebuyers commit 18.4% to monthly ownership costs—creating a significant gap between rental and owner burden. Both figures exceed affordability benchmarks, reflecting this county's position as a premium market.
Walton works if lifestyle justifies cost
Choose Walton for coastal living and amenities, but budget accordingly: you'll pay substantially more than inland alternatives. Calculate whether the beaches and lifestyle premium align with your finances—or explore Wakulla as a more affordable nearby option.
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.
Walton County residents enjoy a life expectancy of 76.9 years, exceeding the national average of 78.9 years—and outpacing the other two Florida counties in this comparison. Its poor or fair health rate of 16.0% is among the lowest, indicating relatively strong overall health outcomes.
Performing above Florida average
At 76.9 years, Walton's life expectancy tops Florida's state average of 75.8 years by 1.1 years. The county also maintains an uninsured rate of 13.8%, just below the state's 14.4%, reflecting solid insurance penetration.
Best primary care access in the region
Walton leads all three counties with 45 primary care providers per 100K residents. Its mental health provider density of 80 per 100K trails only Wakulla's 85, demonstrating robust healthcare infrastructure relative to Wakulla and Washington.
Strong provider network supports longevity
Walton's 13.8% uninsured rate and 45 primary care providers per 100K create a foundation for preventive care and chronic disease management. The county's longer life expectancy likely reflects this combination of broad insurance coverage and physician availability.
Keep Walton's health momentum going
Walton leads the region in health outcomes, but 13.8% of residents still lack coverage. Visit healthcare.gov or speak with a community health worker to explore affordable insurance options and maintain the county's strong health trajectory.
Walton County's composite risk score of 88.58 exceeds the national average, earning a Relatively Moderate rating. This reflects the county's exposure to multiple compounding hazards, particularly those driven by its prominent Gulf Coast location.
Among Florida's higher-risk counties
Walton County (88.58) significantly outpaces Florida's state average of 75.74, positioning it among the state's more vulnerable counties. The gap underscores how coastal geography and frequency of severe weather amplify disaster exposure in this region.
Riskiest of the three-county cluster
Walton County (88.58) faces substantially higher composite risk than nearby Wakulla County (46.69) and Washington County (59.45). Its elevated profile stems primarily from extreme hurricane exposure and high tornado risk, making it the most vulnerable to multiple simultaneous hazard types.
Hurricane threat towers above others
Walton County's hurricane risk score of 97.37 is the highest in its county cluster and reflects its prime location along the Emerald Coast. Tornadoes (85.62) and wildfire (75.67) rank second and third, creating overlapping seasonal dangers that compound during major weather systems.
Hurricane insurance is non-negotiable here
With a hurricane risk of 97.37, standard homeowners insurance may not provide sufficient wind coverage—review your policy's wind deductible immediately. Bundle flood insurance and consider windstorm coverage through your insurer or Florida's insurer of last resort, as Walton's exposure demands comprehensive protection.