Gulf
Florida

What stands out

Three things set Gulf County apart from the other 3,142 counties: population growth is in the top 4% of American counties (+2.6% a year), the average temperature is in the top 5% of American counties (69°F), and the typical two-bedroom rent is in the top 11% of American counties ($1,217 a month). Within Florida it ranks 22nd of 67 counties for population growth.

Where you are

You live in Gulf County, Florida. 15,002 people live here with you. The population grew 2.6% last year, and more Americans moved in than out (net +502).

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 $56,250 a year, lower than 63% of American counties. Employers pay an average wage of $51,111. Unemployment runs 2.7%, lower than 76% of American counties. 6% of workers work from home; for the rest the average commute is 23 minutes each way.

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

Home

The median home costs $404K, pricier than 86% of American counties, about 2.8 years of the median household's income. A two-bedroom rents for around $1,217 a month. Property tax is 0.60% of home value, roughly $1,191 a year on that median home, lower than 77% of American counties. 79% of households own rather than rent.

Safety and health

Violent crime here is 3.9 per 1,000 residents, higher than 53% of American counties. Drug overdoses killed 21 people per 100,000 in 2024.

A child born here can expect to live 73.9 years, shorter than 71% of American counties. There are 22 active physicians in the county, about 14.7 per 10,000 people. Medicare rates the local hospitals 3.0 of 5 stars. 13.2% of people under 65 have no health insurance.

School

Local students test at grade level 3.11 where 3.0 is national grade level, higher than 73% of American counties. 86% of adults finished high school.

Neighbors and politics

In 2024 your neighbors voted Republican by 58 points, among the most lopsided counties in the country. 65% 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 81 and lows near 58, warmer than 95% of American counties. About 51 inches of rain and snow fall a year. FEMA puts natural-hazard risk at 76 out of 100, riskier than 76% of American counties; the county has had 47 federal disaster declarations since 1953.

Getting around, going out

Home internet averages 215 Mbps down, faster than 57% of American counties. There is 1 airport in the county, counting general aviation. For a night or a weekend out: 1.0 full-service restaurants per 1,000 people.