1st Advantage MortgageWakulla County (35,387 residents) has a $81,895 median household income and $1,108 median rent, by the latest Census five-year survey. Whatever your own numbers, compare written offers on APR, fees and total cost, and verify the lender is licensed in Florida before sharing details.
On this page
- A quick profile of Wakulla County
- Wakulla County's most unusual numbers
- Jobs and commutes in Wakulla County
- Housing costs in Wakulla County
- Paychecks and income spread in Wakulla County
- Counties near Wakulla County
- The communities that make up Wakulla County
- More Wakulla County figures
- Before borrowing in Wakulla County
- Room for a loan payment in Wakulla County
- Checking a lender's license in Florida
- Steps before you apply in Wakulla County
- Nearby and statewide guides
- Frequently asked questions
A quick profile of Wakulla County
Roughly 35,387 residents live in Wakulla County, Florida, 48th by population among the state's 67 counties and county equivalents. Wakulla County spans 606 square miles; with 35,387 people, that is 58.4 per square mile. Wakulla County counts toward the Tallahassee, FL metro in the 2023 OMB delineation, so regional figures for Tallahassee, FL include it. Of the 4 Census places inside Wakulla County, Crawfordville leads by population with about 5,732; 2 of the 4 are incorporated.
Wakulla County's most unusual numbers
Out of every Florida county, Wakulla County is most unusual on these measures.
- Wakulla County ranks 2nd lowest of 67 Florida counties for the poverty rate: 6.7%, against 12.6% statewide. Even here, a fee-first loan offer is a scam.
- On the uninsured rate, Wakulla County sits near the bottom of Florida at 6.8%, 3rd lowest of 67. Even insured households face deductibles; ask the provider about a payment plan.
- Wakulla County ranks 4th lowest of 67 Florida counties for the ACS unemployment rate: 3.3%, against 4.8% statewide. Low unemployment does not lower your rate; your credit does.
Jobs and commutes in Wakulla County
Education and health care employs 21% of working residents, the largest share; public administration is next with 17%. Public administration stands out: 17% of workers here, versus 4% statewide. 3.3% of Wakulla County's labor force reported being unemployed, averaged across 2020 to 2024. About 81% drive to work alone and 24% have trips of 45 minutes or more. No car: 3.2% of Wakulla County households.
| Industry | Share of Wakulla County workers | vs Florida |
|---|---|---|
| Education and health care | 20.5% | -0.5 pts |
| Public administration | 16.8% | +12.5 pts |
| Retail trade | 13.5% | +1.6 pts |
| Construction | 10.6% | +2.4 pts |
| Professional and administrative services | 9.2% | -5.0 pts |
| Arts, lodging and food service | 7.1% | -3.8 pts |
Where long drives are the norm, a car repair is one of the most common surprise bills. A small repair fund can keep a breakdown from turning into a loan.
Housing costs in Wakulla County
Median gross rent, utilities included, comes to $1,108 in Wakulla County versus $1,669 statewide. About 5 in 10 Wakulla County renters pay 30% or more of income for rent. The median owner-occupied home is valued at $258,300, about 3.2 times the median household income. 82% of Wakulla County households own their home and 18% rent. The median year built is 1998. Nationally, Wakulla County's $1,108 rent is 26% above the middle county.
| Wakulla County | Florida | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Owners | 82% | 68% | +14.3 pts |
| Rent-burdened renters | 52% | 60% | -7.9 pts |
| Burdened owners | 28% | 35% | -7.6 pts |
| Median gross rent | $1,108/mo | $1,669/mo | 34% lower |
| Median home value | $258,300 | $359,000 | 28% lower |
In an owner-heavy county like Wakulla County, many borrowers can also choose a home equity loan or line of credit. Those can price lower but put the house on the line, so compare the two in writing; our personal loan vs. HELOC guide walks through it. Rent pressure is real here, so run any payment through the debt-to-income calculator before you apply.
Paychecks and income spread in Wakulla County
$81,895 is the median household income for Wakulla County, set against $74,568 for Florida. Only 12 Florida counties post a higher median.
| Households earning | Wakulla County | +/- vs Florida |
|---|---|---|
| Under $35,000 | 18.2% | -4.1 pts |
| $35,000 to $99,999 | 44.1% | +3.1 pts |
| $100,000 to $199,999 | 30.5% | +4.8 pts |
| $200,000 or more | 7.2% | -3.8 pts |
The spread is wide: 38% of Wakulla County households make $100,000 or more, and 18% make less than $35,000. The poverty rate is 6.7%, 6 points lower than the state's 12.6%. Wakulla County scores 0.396 on the Gini index, where higher means more unequal incomes. None of these numbers decides a Wakulla County application. Lenders weigh your own documented income against your own debts.
Counties near Wakulla County
Six nearby counties, 26 to 44 miles away by the straight-line distance between their centers. Richest neighbor: Leon County, $66,287. Poorest: Gadsden County, $48,801. Wakulla County: $81,895.
| Nearby county | Center to center | Household income | Gross rent | Owner-occupied |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wakulla County | - | $81,895 | $1,108/mo | 82% |
| Leon County, FL | 26 mi | $66,287 | $1,291/mo | 53% |
| Liberty County, FL | 33 mi | $58,671 | $943/mo | 80% |
| Jefferson County, FL | 34 mi | $61,212 | $898/mo | 76% |
| Gadsden County, FL | 37 mi | $48,801 | $851/mo | 71% |
| Franklin County, FL | 40 mi | $64,105 | $1,049/mo | 81% |
| Taylor County, FL | 44 mi | $49,073 | $988/mo | 76% |
The communities that make up Wakulla County
4 Census places fall mainly inside Wakulla County; the 4 biggest are below. They account for 7,365 residents, leaving about 79% of the county in unincorporated, unnamed areas. This guide covers each of the 4 places and the rural areas around them.
| Town or CDP | Type | People | Median household income | Median gross rent | Miles from center |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Crawfordville | CDP | 5,732 | $82,656 | $1,344 | 7 mi |
| Panacea | CDP | 894 | $37,983 | $959 | 5 mi |
| Sopchoppy | city | 496 | $54,643 | $1,097 | 8 mi |
| St. Marks | city | 243 | $62,321 | n/a | 10 mi |
CDPs are unincorporated communities the Census Bureau defines for counting.
More Wakulla County figures
23% of Wakulla County adults 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or more. The uninsured rate is 6.8%, against 11.5% for Florida.
| Residents | Wakulla County | Difference from Florida | Difference from middle U.S. county |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bachelor's or higher | 23.3% | -10.9 pts | +1.1 pts |
| Work from home | 7.6% | -8.0 pts | -1.0 pts |
| Poverty rate | 6.7% | -5.9 pts | -6.5 pts |
| No health insurance | 6.8% | -4.7 pts | -1.0 pts |
| No vehicle | 3.2% | -2.8 pts | -2.2 pts |
| Unemployment (ACS) | 3.3% | -1.6 pts | -1.1 pts |
| No high school diploma | 11.6% | +1.5 pts | n/a |
| Median age | 42.3 | -0.3 yrs | +0.8 yrs |
| Commute length | Wakulla County |
|---|---|
| Under 15 min | 16.4% |
| 15 to 29 min | 22.6% |
| 30 to 44 min | 36.8% |
| 45 to 59 min | 17.3% |
| 60+ min | 7.0% |
Before borrowing in Wakulla County
The county's numbers point to a few situations that come up often for Wakulla County borrowers.
- Vehicle repairs. 24% of Wakulla County workers commute 45+ minutes, so a breakdown can cost a paycheck. Get two written estimates.
- Mobile homes in Wakulla County. At 27% of units, they are a big part of local housing; check whether yours is titled as real or personal property.
- 52% rent-burdened. A payment on top of high rent needs a cushion; size it with the calculator.
Room for a loan payment in Wakulla County
Wakulla County at the medians, through a lender's eyes (what DTI means):
- Start: $6,825 gross per month ($81,895 / 12)
- Rent at the median, $1,108, takes 16% of that
- At 36%, room after rent is $1,349 a month
Homeowners in Wakulla County should swap in their mortgage, taxes and insurance for rent.
Checking a lender's license in Florida
The Florida Office of Financial Regulation is the place to verify any lender's Florida license. If a Wakulla County lender ignores a dispute, the CFPB complaint portal is the federal backstop. The Florida page has statewide figures to set beside Wakulla County's.
Steps before you apply in Wakulla County
Quick steps for Wakulla County:
- Know the exact dollar figure you need before talking to a lender.
- Shop at least three lenders, including one Wakulla County-area credit union.
- Confirm the lender is licensed in Florida.
- Lock paid-off cards after consolidating so balances stay at zero.
Nearby and statewide guides
Next step up from Wakulla County:
Frequently asked questions
What does a typical Wakulla County household make?
About $81,895 a year at the median (ACS 2020-24), 10% above the Florida median.
What do renters pay in Wakulla County?
$1,108 a month at the median, about 16% of median household income.
Can Wakulla County owners borrow against a $258,300 home?
Many can, through a home equity loan or line. It is secured by the house, so compare it with an unsecured personal loan before choosing.
How many towns are in Wakulla County?
The Census Bureau counts 4 places mainly in the county, led by Crawfordville, Panacea, Sopchoppy, St. Marks.
Does my county matter to the questionnaire?
Only your state does. Whether you live in Wakulla County or elsewhere in Florida, the same rules apply.