Hardee
Florida

What stands out

If you had to describe Hardee County in numbers, start here: the average temperature is among the warmest in America (74°F), winter sunshine is in the top 3% of American counties (2.0 on the USDA scale), and high-school completion is in the bottom 5% of American counties (78%). Within Florida it ranks 16th of 67 counties for the average temperature.

Where you are

You live in Hardee County, Florida. 25,528 people live here with you. The population grew 0.4% last year, and more Americans moved in than out (net +23).

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 $44,665 a year, lower than 89% of American counties. Employers pay an average wage of $47,192. Unemployment runs 3.9%, higher than 66% of American counties. 4% of workers work from home; for the rest the average commute is 27 minutes each way.

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

Home

The median home costs $243K, pricier than 53% of American counties, about 2.3 years of the median household's income. A two-bedroom rents for around $848 a month. Property tax is 1.08% of home value, roughly $1,286 a year on that median home, higher than 66% of American counties. 67% of households own rather than rent.

Safety and health

Violent crime here is 4.6 per 1,000 residents, higher than 87% of American counties. Drug overdoses killed 15 people per 100,000 in 2024.

A child born here can expect to live 75.6 years, shorter than 53% of American counties. There are 5 active physicians in the county, about 2.0 per 10,000 people. 18.0% of people under 65 have no health insurance.

School

Local students test at grade level 3.28 where 3.0 is national grade level, higher than 89% of American counties. 78% of adults finished high school.

Neighbors and politics

In 2024 your neighbors voted Republican by 51 points, among the most lopsided counties in the country. 46% 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 74°F, highs near 86 and lows near 62, warmer than almost every county in America. About 43 inches of rain and snow fall a year. FEMA puts natural-hazard risk at 80 out of 100, riskier than 80% of American counties; the county has had 36 federal disaster declarations since 1953.

Getting around, going out

Home internet averages 111 Mbps down, slower than 84% of American counties. There are 2 airports in the county, counting general aviation. For a night or a weekend out: 0.4 full-service restaurants per 1,000 people.