Hernando County Public RecordsFlorida

Hernando County, FL, experiences a crime rate higher than the national average, with recent FBI statistics indicating around 2,200 reported crimes per year. The violent crime rate stands at roughly 3.6 incidents per 1,000 residents, while property crime is approximately 18.8 per 1,000. Law enforcement agencies, such as the Hernando County Sheriff’s Office, actively report incidents and maintain transparency. Although crime has shown slight fluctuations, ongoing community safety initiatives are in place to address and reduce criminal activity across the county.

As of the 2020 Census, Hernando County, FL, had a population of approximately 194,515. The median age is about 50 years, reflecting an older demographic. Females make up 51.4% of residents, while males account for 48.6%. Racially, the county is 84.1% White, 7.3% Black or African American, 2.1% Asian, and 2.9% identifying as two or more races. Hispanic or Latino residents of any race compose 13.4% of the population.

Hernando County, FL, had 148,937 registered voters as of 2024, split among Republicans (45%), Democrats (28%), and others (27%). It conducts primary, general, and municipal elections with in-person and mail-in options; 34 polling locations serve voters across the county. In the 2020 general election, voter turnout was 75%. Key issues include property taxes and growth management. The Supervisor of Elections oversees administration, ensuring compliance with state law. Republican candidates have won recent major races, reflecting the county's right-leaning tendencies, but all parties maintain active local organizations and election engagement.

Hernando County, FL serves about 23,000 K-12 students across 23 public schools, including 5 high schools, with a graduation rate of 86% (2023). Around 21% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. The average public school rating is 5/10. The district offers career-technical, IB, and dual enrollment programs; adult education includes GED and ESL courses. School safety measures include on-campus resource officers.

As of 2023, Hernando County, FL has an employment rate of approximately 55%, with a labor force of nearly 77,000. The largest industries are health care and social assistance (17%), retail trade (15%), and construction (13%). The leading occupations include office and administrative support (14%), sales (11%), and construction trades (10%). About 82% of residents commute by car, with a mean travel time of 30 minutes; many work locally, while a significant portion (over 25%) commute to nearby counties such as Hillsborough and Pasco for employment.

Hernando County, FL, boasts a homeownership rate of around 77%, with median home values near $290,000 in 2024—a roughly 4% annual increase. Median rent is approximately $1,450/month. Housing ranges from single-family homes to townhouses, with Spring Hill and Brooksville as popular neighborhoods. New construction is rising, catering to retirees and families alike. The county’s property tax rate averages 1.0%, making it relatively affordable. The real estate market is moderately competitive, reflecting steady population growth and demand.