Lafayette
Florida

What stands out

Against every county in America, Lafayette County is unusual in three ways: population growth is among the fastest growing in America (+3.9% a year), the share working from home is in the bottom 4% of American counties (2%), and the overdose death rate is in the bottom 4% of American counties (0 per 100,000). Within Florida it ranks 6th of 67 counties for population growth.

Where you are

You live in Lafayette County, Florida. 8,107 people live here with you, so most faces are familiar. The population grew 3.9% last year, and more Americans moved in than out (net +338).

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 $57,852 a year, lower than 59% of American counties. Employers pay an average wage of $47,254. Unemployment runs 3.1%, lower than 62% of American counties. 2% of workers work from home.

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

Home

The median home costs $268K, pricier than 61% of American counties, about 2.0 years of the median household's income. A two-bedroom rents for around $1,323 a month. Property tax is 0.73% of home value, roughly $866 a year on that median home, lower than 62% of American counties. 81% 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.

A child born here can expect to live 74.6 years, shorter than 63% of American counties. There are 4 active physicians in the county, about 4.9 per 10,000 people. 16.1% of people under 65 have no health insurance.

School

Local students test at grade level 3.38 where 3.0 is national grade level, higher than 95% of American counties. 79% of adults finished high school.

Neighbors and politics

In 2024 your neighbors voted Republican by 73 points, among the most lopsided counties in the country. 56% 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 45 inches of rain and snow fall a year. FEMA puts natural-hazard risk at 52 out of 100, riskier than 52% of American counties; the county has had 35 federal disaster declarations since 1953.

Getting around, going out

Home internet averages 96 Mbps down, slower than 88% of American counties. There is 1 airport in the county, counting general aviation. For a night or a weekend out: 0.4 full-service restaurants per 1,000 people.