Hardee County Public RecordsFlorida

Hardee County, FL has 9 public schools, including 1 high school (Hardee Senior High), and a total K-12 enrollment of about 5,000. The high school graduation rate is 77.7%, with only 11% of adults holding a bachelor’s degree or higher. The average public school rating is C (5/10). School safety measures and diverse vocational programs are in place. Adult education is provided through South Florida State College’s Hardee Campus, offering GED and workforce training programs.

As of 2022, Hardee County, FL had an employment rate of approximately 53%. Agriculture, forestry, fishing, and hunting employ the largest share (about 24%), followed by education and health services (17%), and retail trade (13%). The most common occupations are in farming, production, and office support. Nearly 67% of workers commute by car, with an average commute time of 26 minutes. Around 60% of residents work within the county, while 40% commute to neighboring counties such as DeSoto and Polk for employment.

Hardee County, FL, has a homeownership rate of about 69%, with median home values around $150,000 and median monthly rents near $800. The area primarily features single-family homes, alongside some mobile homes. Property values have shown moderate growth, with a roughly 5% annual increase in recent years. Key neighborhoods include Wauchula and Bowling Green, offering affordable options. Property tax rates average 1.08% of assessed value, making taxes relatively low. Rentals are limited, resulting in high demand. The housing market remains more affordable compared to larger Florida counties, appealing to families and retirees alike.

Hardee County, FL, has a crime rate lower than the national average, with recent data reporting approximately 1,350 crimes per 100,000 residents. Violent crime rates are around 210 per 100,000 people, while property crime rates are about 1,140 per 100,000. The Hardee County Sheriff’s Office regularly updates crime statistics and encourages community reporting through hotlines and online platforms, contributing to a safer environment. Although some crime exists, trends show a gradual decrease over the past five years, reflecting proactive law enforcement and community cooperation.

As of 2022, Hardee County, FL, has a population of approximately 25,400. The median age is about 36.2 years. Females make up 45.8% and males 54.2%. Racially, 77.5% are White, 7.6% Black or African American, 0.9% Asian, and 13.9% other races; 49.1% identify as Hispanic or Latino. The county's diverse demographic features a young median age and significant Hispanic presence.

As of 2024, Hardee County, FL had approximately 12,000 registered voters. Voters participate in federal, state, and local elections, including primaries, generals, and special elections. Major parties are Republican (about 56%), Democrat (28%), and others (16%). In the 2022 general election, turnout was about 62%. There are 6 main polling locations across the county. Key local issues often include agriculture and economic development. The Supervisor of Elections administers the process, overseeing voter registration and integrity. Elections are monitored by bipartisan boards to ensure fairness and compliance with Florida laws.