Hendry County Public RecordsFlorida

Hendry County, FL, had 20,425 registered voters as of 2024—44% Democrats, 29% Republicans, 27% other. Elections include primaries, generals, and local referenda, administered by the Supervisor of Elections. In 2022, Republicans won most county-wide races; turnout was 51%. There are 13 polling locations. Key issues include agriculture, water management, and education funding. The county is governed by 5 commissioners. Party influence is shifting, with Republican registrations increasing in recent years.

Hendry County, FL, has a crime rate of 27.43 per 1,000 residents, above the national average. The violent crime rate is 5.21, and property crime stands at 22.22 per 1,000 people (2022 data). While crime has slightly declined in recent years, theft and burglary remain prominent. Law enforcement encourages active community reporting, contributing to a clearance rate of around 22%. Residents are urged to follow prevention measures and promptly report suspicious activities to improve overall safety.

As of 2023, Hendry County, FL has an estimated population of 41,000. The median age is about 34 years. The gender split is roughly 52% male and 48% female. Racially, the population is 45% White, 14% Black or African American, and 37% identifying as Hispanic or Latino, with smaller percentages of Asian and other groups. The county has a significant Hispanic community, reflecting its agricultural labor force.

Hendry County, FL, has 14 public schools, including 2 high schools, serving about 7,000 students. The high school graduation rate is roughly 84%. About 10% of adults have a bachelor’s degree or higher, below the state average. School safety initiatives are in place, and the district's average test score is around 43% in reading and 44% in math proficiency. Adult education programs, such as GED and vocational training, are offered through the Hendry County Adult School. Educational programs for STEM, agriculture, and technical skills are available across secondary schools.

Hendry County, FL, has a labor force participation rate of around 55.2% (2022 ACS), with an unemployment rate of 4.1% (Feb 2024, BLS). Top employment sectors include agriculture, forestry, fishing, and hunting (21%); retail trade (12%); and educational services/health care (14%). The leading occupation types are farming/fishing/forestry (17%), office/administrative support (13%), and management (9%). About 72% of workers commute by car, with average travel times of 29 minutes; many work locally, while some commute to Lee and Palm Beach counties for employment.

Hendry County, FL, has a homeownership rate around 65%, with rental occupancy near 35%. Median home values are approximately $220,000 as of 2024, rising steadily by 6% year-over-year. Typical housing includes single-family homes, mobile homes, and some multifamily units. Neighborhoods in LaBelle and Clewiston offer both rural and small-town settings. Median monthly rent averages $1,200. Property tax rates are about 1.2% of assessed value. The county is popular for affordable living compared to neighboring regions, attracting families and retirees.