Columbia
Florida

What stands out

What stands out about Columbia County: the average temperature is in the top 5% of American counties (69°F), population growth is in the top 10% of American counties (+1.7% a year), and the school test score is in the top 12% of American counties (3.34 where 3.0 is grade level). Within Florida it ranks 50th of 67 counties for the average temperature.

Where you are

You live in Columbia County, Florida. 69,832 people live here with you. The population grew 1.7% last year, and more Americans moved in than out (net +1,324).

Florida has no income tax and no estate tax, and its Save Our Homes cap limits assessed-value growth to 3% a year for homesteaded owners. The trade-off is insurance: home, wind and flood premiums are the highest in the country and several national carriers have left the market. The state has added more residents than any other since 2020.

Money

The typical household here brings in $53,501 a year, lower than 71% of American counties. Employers pay an average wage of $51,261. Unemployment runs 3.2%, lower than 58% of American counties. 6% of workers work from home; for the rest the average commute is 24 minutes each way.

Florida has no state income tax, so none of that goes to the state.

Home

The median home costs $271K, pricier than 62% of American counties, about 2.3 years of the median household's income. A two-bedroom rents for around $902 a month. Property tax is 0.82% of home value, roughly $1,361 a year on that median home, lower than 53% of American counties. 71% of households own rather than rent.

Safety and health

Violent crime here is 4.2 per 1,000 residents, higher than 70% of American counties. Drug overdoses killed 26 people per 100,000 in 2024, one of the harder-hit counties in the country.

A child born here can expect to live 73.2 years, shorter than 78% of American counties. There are 98 active physicians in the county, about 14.0 per 10,000 people. Medicare rates the local hospitals 3.0 of 5 stars. 13.9% of people under 65 have no health insurance.

School

Local students test at grade level 3.27 where 3.0 is national grade level, higher than 88% of American counties. 86% of adults finished high school.

Neighbors and politics

In 2024 your neighbors voted Republican by 49 points, among the most lopsided counties in the country. 61% of eligible voters turned out. Under Florida law you can carry a concealed handgun without a permit, abortion is banned with narrow exceptions, and marijuana is medical only.

Weather and risk

The year averages 69°F, highs near 82 and lows near 57, warmer than 95% of American counties. About 41 inches of rain and snow fall a year. FEMA puts natural-hazard risk at 85 out of 100, riskier than 85% of American counties; the county has had 36 federal disaster declarations since 1953.

Getting around, going out

Home internet averages 164 Mbps down, slower than 65% of American counties. There are 6 airports in the county, counting general aviation. For a night or a weekend out: 0.6 full-service restaurants per 1,000 people, 1 brewery.