Hardee County

As of the latest data, Hardee County, FL, has a population of approximately 27,000. The racial composition is predominantly White (82.1%), followed by Black or African American (7.1%), and other races (10.8%). Hispanic or Latino individuals constitute around 37.1% of the population. The median household income is about $38,900, with a poverty rate of roughly 22%. The county covers an area of 638 square miles and is predominantly rural. Economic activities mainly include agriculture and related industries. The population density is approximately 43 people per square mile.

As of the latest data in 2023, Hardee County, FL reports a median home value of approximately $130,000. The housing market has seen a modest annual appreciation rate of around 3-4%. Rent prices average $850 per month for a two-bedroom unit. Homeownership rates hover at about 70%, with vacancy rates around 12%. New construction is limited, focusing mostly on single-family homes. The area's affordability index remains favorable compared to the national average, attracting both families and retirees.

For Hardee County, FL elections, the Supervisor of Elections’ office provides detailed information. As of the latest data, the county has about 13,500 registered voters. Key positions up for election include County Commissioner seats, School Board members, and local judiciary offices.

For the 2022 elections, notable candidates included:

• County Commissioner District 2: Incumbent Mike Thompson and challenger Jane Smith
• School Board District 3: Incumbent John Doe and challenger Alan Garcia

Election dates, candidate profiles, and detailed results can be found on Hardee County’s Elections website or by contacting the Supervisor of Elections’ office directly.

Hardee County, FL, faces educational challenges compared to national and state averages. According to the U.S. Census Bureau’s 2021 data, approximately 69.4% of residents aged 25 and older have a high school diploma or higher, compared to the national average of 89.1% and Florida's average of 87.6%. Additionally, only about 9.4% of Hardee County residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, significantly lower than the national average of 32.1% and Florida's 30.5%. These figures indicate that Hardee County lags behind both state and national educational attainment levels.

As of the latest data, Hardee County, Florida, boasts an employment rate of about 54.2% of its working-age population. The top industries contributing to employment in Hardee County include agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting (20.1%), educational services, and healthcare and social assistance (17.2%), along with retail trade (11.3%). In comparison to Florida’s overall employment distribution, where the leading sectors are healthcare and social assistance (14.6%), retail trade (13%), and accommodation/food services (10.2%), Hardee County shows a stronger emphasis on agricultural activities. Nationally, the top industries are similar, with healthcare and social assistance (around 16%), retail trade (11%), and professional and business services (13.3%) leading the chart. The significant reliance on agriculture distinguishes Hardee County’s job market from the state and national averages, reflecting its rural character and economic structure.

As of the most recent data, the average household income in Hardee County, FL is approximately $38,000 per year. This figure is significantly lower compared to the national average household income of about $68,700 and the Florida state average of around $55,660.

As of recent data, Hardee County, FL has a crime rate of approximately 1,058 incidents per 100,000 residents. The majority of crimes are property-related, with violent crimes being less frequent. Below is a breakdown of the types of crimes reported:

Note: These statistics are based on the most recent annual data available and may change over time. Always refer to current local government and law enforcement reports for the latest information.