countyscore
52.6
County Score
Property Tax 90.3Income & Jobs 83Safety 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.

Score breakdown

Tax90.3Cost10.8Safety72Health55.2Schools43.8Income83Risk11.4Water70.4Weather30.5
🏛90.3
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠10.8
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼83
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡72
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤55.2
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓43.8
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡11.4
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧70.4
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤30.5
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨26.7
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱13.6
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

Washington County
Florida
53.5
Holmes County
Florida
51.4
Okaloosa County
Florida
52.3
Geneva County
Alabama
61.9
Bay County
Florida
36.9
Covington County
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55.7
Coffee County
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Jackson County
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53.9

Deep Dives

Walton County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 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.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Walton County

via CostByCounty

Walton's housing costs rise above average

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.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

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.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

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.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Walton County

via HealthByCounty

Walton leads the trio on life span

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.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Walton County

via SchoolsByCounty

Expanding Education Across Walton's Growing Communities

Walton County supports 11,575 students across 23 public schools, managed by a single county-wide district. The landscape features six elementary schools, three middle schools, and nine high schools. This robust infrastructure reflects the diverse needs of a growing population.

Strong Results and Competitive Investment

The county earns a school score of 53.4, surpassing both the state average of 51.5 and the national median. Students achieve a 91.0% graduation rate, which is well above the national 87.0% benchmark. Walton invests $6,677 per pupil, exceeding the Florida state average of $6,118 to drive these positive outcomes.

Walton District and Charter Options

The Walton school district oversees the entire county, including two charter schools that make up nearly 9% of the local options. This district manages a total enrollment of 11,575 students across its various campuses. The inclusion of charter schools provides families with alternative specialized paths within the public system.

A Rural Landscape with Large Regional High Schools

The educational experience here is predominantly rural, with 18 of the 23 schools located in rural locales. South Walton High School stands as the largest institution with 1,235 students, while Freeport Elementary serves 1,123. The average school size of 551 students balances small-town intimacy with modern campus resources.

Invest in a Home Near Top-Performing Schools

Walton County’s combination of high graduation rates and strong per-pupil investment makes it a premier choice for home buyers with children. Neighborhoods near South Walton High or Freeport Elementary offer direct access to some of the county's largest and most successful schools. Finding a home here means joining a community that values and funds education.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Walton County

via RiskByCounty

Walton faces above-average disaster risk

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.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

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.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

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.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

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.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Walton County's county score?
Walton County, Florida has a composite county score of 52.6 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 #17 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 $1,709, with an effective tax rate of 0.45%. This earns Walton County a tax score of 90.3/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Walton County?
The median household income in Walton County, Florida is $79,281 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Walton County earns an income score of 83/100 on CountyScore.
Is Walton County, Florida a good place to live?
Walton County scores 52.6/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #17 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.

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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.