Holmes County Public RecordsFlorida

Holmes County, FL, has 9 public schools, including Holmes County High School. Roughly 78% of adults hold a high school diploma, while only about 11% possess a bachelor’s degree or higher. School ratings average around 5/10 on review sites. The district offers career and technical education, adult education programs, and dual enrollment opportunities. Safety measures are in place, with schools reporting below-state-average incidents. Overall, educational attainment and test scores lag behind state averages, but there are dedicated efforts to improve academic achievement and workforce readiness.

Holmes County, FL, had an employment rate of approximately 49% in 2022. Major industries include health care and social assistance (22%), retail trade (17%), and educational services (10%). The predominant occupation types are office and administrative support (15%) and management occupations (12%). Over 76% of workers commute alone by car, with an average commute time of 27 minutes; about 31% of residents work outside the county, primarily in neighboring Walton and Washington counties.

Holmes County, FL has a homeownership rate of around 77% and a median home value of approximately $140,000 as of 2023. Median gross rent is about $730 per month. The housing market is stable, with property values rising modestly by 2–3% annually. Most homes are single-family, with some mobile homes and a few rentals. Popular neighborhoods include Bonifay and Ponce de Leon. Property tax rates average 0.55%, making taxes on a $140,000 home around $770 yearly. The area offers mainly rural living with affordable housing options.

Holmes County, FL, had 11,204 registered voters as of February 2024, with the majority Republican (over 74%), followed by Democrats and others. The county participates in local, state, and federal elections, primarily at in-person polling locations and early voting sites like the Bonifay Agri-Center. In the 2020 presidential election, over 89% voted for Republican candidates. Local election issues often center on agriculture, education, and rural infrastructure. Elections are administered by the Holmes County Supervisor of Elections office, ensuring compliance with state laws and transparent results. Third-party and independent registrations remain below 5%.

As of 2023, Holmes County, FL has a population of approximately 19,850. The median age is about 41 years. Females make up 48.5% of the population, while males are 51.5%. Racially, the county is 85% White, 9% Black or African American, 2% two or more races, and about 3% Hispanic or Latino. Other racial groups comprise less than 1% each, reflecting a predominantly White, rural community.

Holmes County, FL, maintains relatively low crime rates compared to state averages. In 2022, the county reported a violent crime rate of approximately 170 per 100,000 residents and a property crime rate of around 850 per 100,000. Recent years indicate slight decreases in both categories, reflecting effective local law enforcement initiatives. The county sheriff's office encourages residents to report suspicious activities, enhancing community safety. Overall, Holmes County remains safer than many parts of Florida, with crime rates consistently below the state average.