County Crime & Safety

Duval County, FL, which includes Jacksonville, recorded a violent crime rate of 698 per 100,000 residents in 2022, above the state average of around 383. Property crime rate stood at 2,689 per 100,000, also higher than the Florida average. The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office reports regular public updates and encourages community crime reporting via online and phone channels. Recent initiatives have aimed to curb gun violence, but overall crime rates remain elevated compared to statewide figures.

Elections

Duval County, FL, had around 660,000 registered voters in 2024, with registrations nearly evenly split between Democrats (38%), Republicans (36%), and No Party Affiliation/Other (26%). The county administers primary, general, municipal, and special elections, managed by the Duval County Supervisor of Elections. Over 180 polling locations and early voting sites serve voters. Recent election turnout averaged 67%. Key issues in recent elections included property taxes and school funding. Election administration emphasizes security and transparency. Party competition is strong—Democrats narrowly won Duval in the 2020 presidential race, while Republicans excel in local offices.

Demographics

As of 2023, Duval County, FL has a population of approximately 1,016,500. The median age is 37. Females comprise 51%, while males account for 49%. The racial and ethnic composition is 50% White (non-Hispanic), 30% Black or African American, 10% Hispanic or Latino, 5% Asian, and 5% other or multiracial groups, reflecting the county’s diverse demographics.

Education, Employment and Housing

Duval County, FL, serves over 130,000 students in 196 public schools, including 19 high schools. About 88.9% of adults have a high school diploma, and 30.1% hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The average school rating is 5/10, with several magnet and accelerated programs like IB and AP. School safety initiatives include security officers in all schools. Duval offers adult education via the Schultz Center and FSCJ. Overall, the district emphasizes diverse educational pathways and improving achievement.

Duval County, FL, has an employment rate of approximately 96%, with around 498,000 employed residents as of 2023. Major industries include healthcare (14%), retail trade (12%), and education services (10%). Occupations are largely in management, business, science, and arts (37%), followed by sales and office (25%). Average commute time is about 25 minutes, with over 80% driving alone to work. Key employment locations include Downtown Jacksonville and the Southside, reflecting the county’s strong commercial and healthcare sectors.

Duval County, FL, features a homeownership rate around 59% and a median home value of approximately $295,000, with rents averaging $1,600 monthly. The area’s property values rose about 5% year-over-year (2023–2024). Housing types range from historic bungalows in Riverside to waterfront homes in San Marco and suburban developments in Mandarin. Key neighborhoods include Jacksonville Beach, Arlington, and Springfield. Property tax rates average 0.86% of assessed value. Duval’s diverse housing market supports both buyers and renters seeking urban, suburban, and coastal lifestyles.