Jefferson
Florida

What stands out

Three things set Jefferson County apart from the other 3,142 counties: population growth is in the top 4% of American counties (+2.5% a year), the average temperature is in the top 7% of American counties (69°F), and the restaurant count per person is in the bottom 7% of American counties (0.3 per 1,000). Within Florida it ranks 25th of 67 counties for population growth.

Where you are

You live in Jefferson County, Florida. 14,458 people live here with you. The population grew 2.5% last year, and more Americans moved in than out (net +423).

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 $51,573 a year, lower than 76% of American counties. Employers pay an average wage of $47,974. Unemployment runs 3.2%, lower than 58% of American counties. 5% of workers work from home; for the rest the average commute is 28 minutes each way.

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

Home

The median home costs $309K, pricier than 71% of American counties, about 2.4 years of the median household's income. A two-bedroom rents for around $762 a month. Property tax is 0.73% of home value, roughly $1,218 a year on that median home, lower than 62% of American counties. 75% of households own rather than rent.

Safety and health

Violent crime here is 4.0 per 1,000 residents, higher than 56% of American counties. Drug overdoses killed 15 people per 100,000 in 2024.

A child born here can expect to live 75.4 years, shorter than 55% of American counties. There are 9 active physicians in the county, about 6.2 per 10,000 people. 13.1% of people under 65 have no health insurance.

School

Local students test at grade level 2.88 where 3.0 is national grade level, lower than 56% of American counties. 85% of adults finished high school.

Neighbors and politics

In 2024 your neighbors voted Republican by 22 points. 73% 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 80 and lows near 57, warmer than 93% of American counties. About 43 inches of rain and snow fall a year. FEMA puts natural-hazard risk at 50 out of 100, riskier than 50% of American counties; the county has had 39 federal disaster declarations since 1953.

Getting around, going out

Home internet averages 177 Mbps down, slower than 60% of American counties. There are 5 airports in the county, counting general aviation. For a night or a weekend out: 0.3 full-service restaurants per 1,000 people.