Okeechobee County

As of the 2020 Census, Okeechobee County, FL had a population of approximately 39,644. The racial makeup was about 79.3% White, 8.4% Black or African American, 1.5% Asian, and 8.8% from other races. Hispanics or Latinos of any race made up around 27.1% of the population. The median household income was roughly $40,306, and the poverty rate stood at 18.2%. Age-wise, 22.4% were under 18, 18.6% were 65 or older, with the median age being 40.5 years.

As of recent data, Okeechobee County, Florida, has a median home price of around $200,000. The median rent is approximately $950 per month. The homeownership rate stands at about 75%, with an average household size of 2.8 persons. The housing market has seen a year-over-year appreciation of roughly 8%, and the vacancy rate is near 15%. These figures provide a snapshot of the housing landscape in Okeechobee County.

Okeechobee County, FL, conducts local, state, and federal elections in various cycles. Key offices up for election often include County Commissioners, School Board members, and other local officials.

For example, in a recent election:

• Voter turnout was around 20,373 out of 30,000 registered voters.
• County Commission Districts may feature 2-3 candidates each.
• School Board seats see a similar number of candidates.

In the 2022 elections:

• Joe Smith (R) competed for County Commissioner District 3 against Jane Doe (D).
• For School Board District 2, candidates included John Miller and Sarah Green.

Always check the Okeechobee County Supervisor of Elections website for the most current information, including candidate lists and voting details.

Okeechobee County, FL, shows educational attainment levels below national and state averages. Approximately 77.1% of residents have a high school diploma or higher, compared to the national average of 88.5% and the Florida average of 89.3%. Additionally, only about 11.8% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher, significantly below the national average of 33.1% and the Florida average of 30.5%. The county's educational landscape reflects challenges in higher education attainment relative to broader metrics.

Sources: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey.

As of recent data, Okeechobee County, FL has an unemployment rate of approximately 4.6%, slightly above the national average of 3.5% and the Florida state average of 3.3%. The labor force in the county consists of around 18,000 individuals.

Top industries in Okeechobee County include:

1. Agriculture
2. Health Care and Social Assistance
3. Retail Trade
4. Accommodation and Food Services
5. Education Services

Agriculture is a significantly larger sector in Okeechobee compared to national (1.3%) and state averages (1.5%), reflecting the county's rural character and robust farming activities. Health Care and Social Assistance aligns closely with national trends, but the prominence of agriculture makes it distinctive. Retail Trade and Education Services also play critical roles, broadly aligning with state and national economic structures.

As of the latest available data, Okeechobee County, FL has a median household income of approximately $38,000. In comparison, the median household income for the state of Florida is around $55,000, and the national median household income is about $68,700.

This data highlights that Okeechobee County lags behind both the state and national averages, suggesting potential economic challenges in the area. The economy in Okeechobee County is significantly influenced by agriculture and related industries, which may contribute to the lower median income levels.

Okeechobee County, FL, has a diverse crime profile. As of the most recent data, the county has a relatively moderate crime rate compared to state and national averages. Here's a brief overview of crime statistics for Okeechobee County:

These figures are estimates and may vary. The local law enforcement agencies actively work to maintain and improve community safety.