Highlands
Florida

What stands out

Three things set Highlands County apart from the other 3,142 counties: 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 population growth is in the top 8% of American counties (+1.9% a year). Within Florida it ranks 13th of 67 counties for the average temperature.

Where you are

You live in Highlands County, Florida. 102,339 people live here with you. The population grew 1.9% last year, and more Americans moved in than out (net +2,700).

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 $53,679 a year, lower than 70% of American counties. Employers pay an average wage of $47,926. Unemployment runs 4.2%, higher than 74% of American counties. 7% of workers work from home.

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

Home

The median home costs $236K, pricier than 51% of American counties, about 2.5 years of the median household's income. A two-bedroom rents for around $922 a month. Property tax is 0.75% of home value, roughly $1,164 a year on that median home, lower than 60% of American counties. 78% of households own rather than rent.

Safety and health

Violent crime here is 4.1 per 1,000 residents, higher than 65% of American counties. Drug overdoses killed 18 people per 100,000 in 2024.

A child born here can expect to live 75.5 years, shorter than 53% of American counties. There are 203 active physicians in the county, about 19.8 per 10,000 people. Medicare rates the local hospitals 3.0 of 5 stars. 17.0% of people under 65 have no health insurance.

School

Local students test at grade level 3.13 where 3.0 is national grade level, higher than 80% of American counties. 86% of adults finished high school.

Neighbors and politics

In 2024 your neighbors voted Republican by 37 points. 64% 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 63, warmer than almost every county in America. About 48 inches of rain and snow fall a year. FEMA puts natural-hazard risk at 90 out of 100, riskier than 90% of American counties; the county has had 37 federal disaster declarations since 1953.

Getting around, going out

Home internet averages 213 Mbps down, faster than 56% of American counties. There are 8 airports in the county, counting general aviation. For a night or a weekend out: 0.5 full-service restaurants per 1,000 people, 4 museums.