Highlands County

As of the 2020 U.S. Census, Highlands County, FL had a population of approximately 101,235. The racial composition was 81.2% White, 10.1% Black or African American, 1.6% Asian, and 3.4% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino individuals made up 20.7% of the population. The median age was 51 years, with 27.4% of the population aged 65 or older. The median household income was around $38,211, and the poverty rate stood at approximately 17.2%. The county covered about 1,106 square miles.

As of 2023, Highlands County, FL has a median home price of approximately $195,000. The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment is around $850 per month. The county's homeownership rate stands at 72%, and the average property tax rate is roughly 0.91%. The real estate market has experienced a moderate annual appreciation rate of about 4.5%. The area features a mix of single-family homes, condos, and rental properties, with a median household income of around $44,000.

As of the latest available data, Highlands County, Florida, holds local elections for various positions including County Commissioners, School Board members, and other municipal roles, alongside state and national elections. Voter turnout in recent elections varied, with about 75% participation in 2020.

For the 2022 elections, key positions up for grabs included:

• County Commissioner District 2: Don Elwell (incumbent) vs. Scott Kirouac.
• County Commissioner District 4: Kevin Roberts (incumbent) vs. Arlene Tuck.
• School Board District 1: Charlene Edwards, District 4: Isaac Durrance, and District 5: Jill Winegardner.

In these elections, local issues often focus on development, education, and community services. For more detailed candidate information and updated numerical values, refer to the Highlands County Supervisor of Elections official website.

Highlands County, FL, has educational attainment levels below the national and state averages. According to the U.S. Census Bureau’s American Community Survey (5-year estimates):

• High school graduates or higher: 84.4%
• Bachelor’s degree or higher: 13.5%

Comparatively, the national average for high school graduates is around 88%, and for bachelor’s degree holders, it is approximately 33.1%. Florida, as a state, has a high school graduation rate of about 87.6% and a bachelor’s degree attainment rate of 29.2%.

Therefore, Highlands County lags behind both the national and state averages in terms of educational attainment, particularly at the bachelor’s degree level.

As of the latest data, Highlands County, FL, has an unemployment rate of around 5%, slightly above the national average of 3.5% and the Florida state average of 3.3%. The labor force consists of approximately 37,500 individuals.

Top industries in Highlands County include:

1. Healthcare and Social Assistance: Employs over 5,000 people, constituting about 13% of the workforce.
2. Retail Trade: Employs around 4,500 individuals, making up 12% of the workforce.
3. Education Services: Employs approximately 3,500 people, or 9% of the workforce.

In comparison to national trends, healthcare and retail trade are similarly significant, but industries such as manufacturing and professional services play a larger role nationally. Statewide, tourism significantly impacts employment, which is less pronounced in Highlands County.

Highlands County, FL, has an average household income of approximately $48,000 annually. This figure is notably lower compared to the national average household income, which is around $68,700. Additionally, the average household income for the state of Florida stands at about $61,000.

This comparison highlights a significant income disparity between Highlands County, the state average, and the national average.

As of the most recent data, Highlands County, FL has a crime rate of approximately 2,908 incidents per 100,000 people. The county experiences a range of criminal activities, with property crimes occurring more frequently than violent crimes. Below is a breakdown of crime types and their respective rates:

These statistics provide a snapshot of crime in Highlands County, FL, indicating a greater prevalence of property crimes compared to violent crimes.