Highlands County Real Estate and Livability Trends
Highlands County, Florida's real estate market has experienced a notable surge in median home values, skyrocketing from $85,200 in 2015 to $155,900 in 2022, outpacing both national and state averages. Additionally, the area has seen an increased uptake in residential energy tax credits, suggesting a growing investment in energy-efficient home upgrades. However, the decline in farm tax returns may... Read more
Highlands County Market Trends
Highlands County, Florida's median home values have surged from $85,200 in 2015 to $155,900 in 2022, outpacing both national and state growth rates. The average residential energy tax credit per tax return has climbed sharply from $981.71 in 2013 to $3,052.29 in 2021, indicating a strong market for energy-efficient upgrades. Real estate taxes in the area have steadily increased over the past... Read more
Median Value of Occupied Housing Units in Highlands County, Florida Over the Last 8 Years
Highlands County, Florida's median home values have seen a remarkable rise over the past eight years, jumping from $85,200 in 2015 to $155,900 in 2022. This growth appears more rapid compared to national figures, which increased from $125,500 to $179,400 during the same period, and state-wide trends in Florida, which saw values rise from $159,000 to $292,200. Potential investors and homebuyers might find this accelerated appreciation rate intriguing, as it could indicate a rapidly evolving market in this area.
Residential Energy Tax Credit Per Tax Return in Highlands County, FL Over the Last 9 Years
In Highlands County, Florida, the average residential energy tax credit per tax return has seen a significant upward trajectory over the past nine years, starting at $981.71 in 2013 and reaching $3,052.29 by 2021. This trend indicates a growing investment in energy-efficient property upgrades and renewable energy solutions. For investors and property developers, this data suggests a thriving market for energy-efficient technologies in the area, which could appeal to eco-conscious buyers and increase property values. Homeowners and potential residents can also take advantage of these incentives to reduce energy costs and their carbon footprint.
Average Real Estate Taxes Per Tax Return in Highlands County, FL Over the Last 10 Years
Over the past decade, Highlands County, Florida has seen relatively steady increases in real estate taxes per tax return, moving from around $2,498.42 in 2012 to approximately $4,137.01 in 2021. Notably, there was a significant spike between 2017 and 2020, where averages jumped from $3,011.63 to $4,192.19. This could imply rising property values or adjustments in tax assessments, highlighting potential changes in the financial landscape for current and prospective property owners.
Percentage of Farm Returns in Highlands County, FL Over the Last 10 Years
Farm tax returns in Highlands County, Florida, have seen fluctuations over the past decade, peaking around 1.51% in 2014 and generally trending downwards to approximately 1.07% by 2021. Farm tax returns represent the percentage of overall tax returns that are specifically from agricultural activities, reflecting the economic health and agricultural productivity of the region. These shifts could indicate changes in local agricultural viability or broader economic trends affecting farming. This matters for investors, potential residents, or property developers who are looking at the agricultural backbone of the county and understanding its financial dynamics.
Number of Mortgages by Occupancy Type in Highlands County, FL Over the Last 5 Years in Highlands County
In Highlands County, Florida, over the last five years, there's been a noticeable trend of fluctuating mortgage counts across different occupancy types. Principal residences dominate the market with consistently higher numbers compared to investment and second residences, hinting at a strong demand for primary homes. For investors, it's worth noting a significant rise in investment property mortgages in the more recent years, which could indicate growing interest in rental properties. Appraisers and insurance agents should consider that these shifts in occupancy types can impact property values and risk assessments. For those looking to build or buy, understanding these dynamics might reveal opportunities or risks, particularly if market conditions favor one occupancy type over another.
Economic Outlook
Highlands County, FL has seen an upward trend in average taxable income, rising from $38,167.60 in 2013 to $54,361.66 in 2021, signaling economic growth and improved financial health. Meanwhile, state and local income taxes have also significantly increased, reaching $9,500.00 by 2021, indicating higher incomes but also a growing tax burden. Total tax liability per tax return has surged from $6,100.00 in 2012 to $7,947.86 in 2021, pointing to a stronger financial outlook. However, poverty rates... Read more
Average Taxable Income per Tax Return in Highlands County, FL over the last 9 years
Highlands County, FL has seen a steady increase in average taxable income per tax return over the last nine years, rising from $38,167.60 in 2013 to a significant $54,361.66 in 2021. This upward trend, with occasional small declines, highlights economic growth and improved financial health in the area. For investors and property developers, this suggests a robust market with increasing purchasing power among residents. Additionally, potential movers can see the county's strengthening economy as a positive factor when considering relocation.
Average State and Local Income Taxes Per Tax Return in Highlands County, FL Over the Last 10 Years
Highlands County, Florida has seen a notable uptick in average state and local income taxes per tax return over the past decade. From a starting point of $5,570.45 in 2012, taxes rose significantly, peaking at $9,500.00 by 2021. This steady increase, spiking notably since 2018, indicates a growing financial burden for residents but could also reflect rising incomes and economic growth. For potential investors or new residents, this trend highlights the importance of considering tax implications when planning to move to or invest in property in Highlands County.
Average Total Tax Liability Per Tax Return in Highlands County, FL Over the Last 10 Years
Over the last decade, Highlands County, Florida has experienced a notable increase in the average total tax liability per tax return, surging from around $6,100.00 in 2012 to $7,947.86 in 2021. This upward trend highlights a growing economic base, potentially pointing to higher incomes and a stronger financial outlook for the area. Such data is crucial for investors and developers as it may signal a favorable environment for economic opportunities, while current and potential residents might see this as reflecting better public services and infrastructure development.
Cost of Living in Highlands County
| Family Size | Housing | Food | Heath Care | Child Care | Taxes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 adults 4 children | $1,239 | $1,480 | $1,969 | $1,123 | $847 |
| 1 adult 4 children | $1,239 | $1,209 | $1,506 | $1,123 | $898 |
| 2 adults 3 children | $1,239 | $1,209 | $1,709 | $1,123 | $650 |
| 1 adult 3 children | $1,239 | $987 | $1,245 | $1,123 | $677 |
| 2 adults 2 children | $997 | $990 | $1,448 | $994 | $589 |
| 1 adult 2 children | $997 | $739 | $985 | $994 | $521 |
| 2 adults 1 child | $997 | $782 | $1,187 | $576 | $591 |
| 1 adult 1 child | $997 | $505 | $724 | $576 | $482 |
| 2 adults | $757 | $628 | $926 | $0 | $500 |
| 1 adult | $707 | $343 | $463 | $0 | $427 |
Safety trends & Data
Highlands County, Florida, is experiencing a notable drop in property crime, with burglary incidents plummeting from 104.00 to 60.00 and larceny-theft cases decreasing from 291.00 to 242.00 between 2019 and 2020. This trend could entice investors, home buyers, and real estate agents, as lower crime rates often link to higher property values and improved quality of life. Insurance agents might also see a lower risk profile for properties here, possibly leading to reduced... Read more
Property Crime Trends in Highlands County, FL Over the Last 2 Years
Highlands County, Florida, saw a promising drop in property crime from 2019 to 2020. Most notably, burglary incidents decreased from 104.0 to 60.0, and larceny-theft cases fell from 291.0 to 242.0. Motor vehicle thefts and vandalism also showed a downward trend. This decline could potentially make the area more attractive to investors, home buyers, and real estate agents, as lower crime rates often correlate with higher property values and a better quality of life. Additionally, insurance agents might perceive a lower risk profile for properties in the area, potentially reducing premiums.
Demographics
In Highlands County, Florida, the population slightly skews female, with about 52% identifying as such. The educational attainment levels show a dominant high school graduate presence at roughly 44%, but there is a notable segment continuing to higher education, with around 14% holding a bachelor's or higher. Age distribution reveals a significant elderly demographic, with nearly 30% over 65, suggesting potential shifts in public service demands and economic structures. The racial composition... Read more
Race Distribution in Highlands County, Florida (2022)
Educational Attainment in Highlands County, Florida (2022)
Age Distribution in Highlands County, Florida
Citizen Population in Highlands County, Florida (2022)
Political Trends & Data
In Highlands County, Florida, the 2020 U.S. Presidential Election showed a significant tilt towards the Republican candidate, securing roughly 67% of the vote, while the Democratic candidate received around 32%. Third-party candidates, including Libertarians and Greens, managed less than 1% collectively, indicating minimal third-party influence. This conservative trend suggests local and state elections might lean similarly, shaping the political landscape of the... Read more
Percentage of Votes in the 2020 U.S. Presidential Election by Party
In Highlands County, Florida, voting patterns in the 2020 U.S. Presidential Election suggest a notable preference for the Republican candidate, who garnered roughly 67% of the vote. The Democratic candidate received about 32%, trailing by a significant margin. Minor party candidates, including the Libertarians and Greens, combined for less than 1% of the overall vote, indicating that third-party influence might be minimal in this region. This distribution hints at a strong conservative alignment within the county, potentially impacting local and state elections similarly.
66.84% of voters voted for the Republican party in the 2020 Presidential Election
32.47% of voters voted for the Democrat party in the 2020 Presidential Election
0.43% of voters voted for the Livertarian party in the 2020 Presidential Election
0.10% of voters voted for the Green party in the 2020 Presidential Election
0.16% of voters voted for the Other party in the 2020 Presidential Election
School Data
Highlands County, Florida has seen an uptick in its student-to-teacher ratio, climbing from around 15 students per teacher in 2014 to nearly 20 in 2023, with a notable spike to over 40 in 2022. This could signal challenges in maintaining optimal classroom sizes, contrasting the national average of 14, which might affect educational quality. Such shifts can provide valuable insights for families, real estate agents, appraisers, and investors considering the area’s long-term appeal, and also... Read more
Student-to-teacher ratio in Highlands County, Florida over the last 10 years
Highlands County, Florida has seen a fluctuating trend in its student-to-teacher ratio over the last decade, with the ratio generally increasing from around 15 students per teacher in 2014 to almost 20 in 2023. Notably, there's a significant spike in 2022 with a ratio of over 40 students per teacher, which may warrant further investigation. This trend potentially highlights challenges in maintaining optimal classroom sizes compared to the national average of 14 students per teacher. A higher student-to-teacher ratio could impact educational quality and might be a factor for consideration for families prioritizing education quality, as well as for real estate agents, appraisers, and investors assessing the long-term attractiveness of the area. Standardizing classroom sizes might also present interesting opportunities for those involved in educational planning or insurance.
