Education, Employment and Housing

Gadsden County, FL, has 21 public schools, including 2 high schools. About 75% of adults have a high school diploma, while only around 13% hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. The district’s average school rating is approximately 3/10 (GreatSchools). Adult education is available via Gadsden Technical Institute. Educational programs emphasize career readiness, but challenges include limited advanced courses. School safety measures have improved, though incidents remain above the state average.

As of early 2024, Gadsden County, FL, has an employment rate of approximately 54%. The largest industries are Health Care & Social Assistance (21%), Retail Trade (13%), and Public Administration (11%). Most common occupation types include Office & Administrative Support (15%) and Sales (12%). Around 85% of residents commute to work by car, with an average commute time of 27 minutes; a significant portion work outside the county, mainly in Tallahassee. Unemployment hovers near 4.9%, slightly above the state average.

Gadsden County, FL, has a homeownership rate of around 67%, with median home values at approximately $153,000 in 2024. Median monthly rent is about $965. The housing market remains stable, with property values increasing by roughly 4% year-over-year. Housing types include single-family homes, mobile homes, and some apartments, mainly in Quincy, Havana, and Chattahoochee neighborhoods. Property taxes average 0.92% of home value, translating to about $1,408 annually for a median-priced home. The market remains affordable compared to state averages, attracting families and retirees.

Elections

Gadsden County, FL, has about 31,000 registered voters, with a majority Democratic (over 70%), Republican (~15%), and minor parties/independents. The county conducts primary, general, municipal, and special elections. In the 2020 presidential election, 69% voted Democratic, 30% Republican. Polling locations include schools, churches, and community centers across Quincy, Chattahoochee, and Midway. Recent issues include ballot access and early voting expansion. The Supervisor of Elections administers activities, ensuring compliance. Key parties are the Democratic and Republican parties, with Democratic dominance reflecting the county's historical trends and majority African American population.

Demographics

As of 2023, Gadsden County, FL, has an estimated population of about 43,500. The median age is approximately 42 years. Females make up about 52% of residents, while males account for 48%. Racially, the population is predominantly Black or African American (53%), followed by White (36%), Hispanic or Latino (8%), and other races (3%).

County Crime & Safety

Gadsden County, FL, has a crime rate notably higher than the national average, with a reported crime rate of approximately 38.3 per 1,000 residents in 2022. Violent crime, including assault and robbery, accounts for 3.1 per 1,000. Property crime, such as burglary and theft, is more prevalent at 35.2 per 1,000. Law enforcement agencies encourage prompt reporting, resulting in an estimated 80% clearance rate for violent crimes. Ongoing community initiatives aim to enhance local safety and reduce crime rates.