Gulf County Public RecordsFlorida

Gulf County, FL, had 11,102 registered voters as of 2024, with Republicans comprising 62%, Democrats 25%, and others 13%. The county participates in federal, state, and local elections, using 8 polling locations. In the 2020 presidential election, 80% voted Republican and 19% Democrat. Key issues include hurricane recovery, infrastructure, and water quality. Elections are administered by the Gulf County Supervisor of Elections, using both in-person and mail-in voting. The area is predominantly rural and conservative, with high voter turnout rates—79% in recent general elections—reflecting strong community engagement and party affiliation.

As of the 2020 Census, Gulf County, FL had a population of approximately 14,192. The median age was 49.5 years, with about 22.5% under 18 and 24.3% aged 65 or older. Gender distribution was roughly balanced, with 51% male and 49% female. Racially, the county was 82% White, 13% Black or African American, 1.5% Hispanic or Latino, 0.5% Asian, and 2% identifying as two or more races or other categories.

Gulf County, FL, has 7 public schools, including 2 high schools, serving around 1,900 students. Approximately 81% of residents have a high school diploma, while 12% hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. School ratings average around 5/10, per GreatSchools. The district emphasizes safety with on-site officers and robust emergency protocols. Educational programs include AP courses and vocational training. Adult education is available through Gulf/Franklin Campus (Gulf Coast State College), offering GED and continuing education programs.

As of 2023, Gulf County, FL, reports an employment rate of approximately 54.6%. The leading industries include health care and social assistance (17%), retail trade (12%), and educational services (11%). Major occupation types are sales and related (23%), office/administrative support (17%), and management (13%). About 74% of employed residents commute alone by car, with an average commute time of 27 minutes. Most workers are employed within the county, but around 30% commute to neighboring counties such as Bay and Franklin for work.

Gulf County, FL, has a homeownership rate of around 78%, with median home values approximately $280,000 as of 2024. Rental rates average $1,400 per month. The housing market has seen steady appreciation, with home values rising about 8% year-over-year. Housing types range from waterfront homes to modest single-family houses, notably in neighborhoods like Port St. Joe, Wewahitchka, and Cape San Blas. Property taxes are relatively low, averaging 0.7% of assessed value annually. The county appeals to retirees and families, offering diverse housing and scenic coastal living.

Gulf County, FL, reports a relatively low crime rate compared to national averages. In 2022, the violent crime rate was 2.1 per 1,000 residents, while property crime stood at 8.4 per 1,000. The sheriff's office actively reports incidents and encourages community involvement. Reported crimes include occasional thefts and rare assaults. Safety initiatives have contributed to a 10% decline in total crime rates over the past five years, making Gulf County one of Florida’s safer rural areas.