Lafayette County Public RecordsFlorida

Lafayette County, FL has 2 public schools: Lafayette High School and Lafayette Elementary, serving about 1,200 students in total. The high school graduation rate is 92%, while about 10.1% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. School safety ratings are above state average, and schools offer career and technical education programs. The student-teacher ratio is 15:1. Adult education opportunities are available through local programs. On statewide assessments, Lafayette schools score around the 60th percentile, reflecting solid academic performance in a rural setting.

Lafayette County, FL has an employment rate of approximately 52% (2022). The largest industries are Health Care & Social Assistance (17%), Educational Services (13%), and Retail Trade (12%). Most employees work in management, office, and sales occupations. About 87% of workers commute by car, with an average commute time of 24 minutes; 60% work within the county, while others travel to neighboring areas like Suwannee and Taylor Counties. The unemployment rate hovers around 3.5%, below the national average.

Lafayette County, FL, has a homeownership rate of about 80%, with median home values around $155,000 and median rent at $725/month. Property values have increased approximately 8% year-over-year. Housing stock is predominantly single-family homes, with limited multifamily units. Main neighborhoods include Mayo and Day, offering rural living and small-town amenities. Property tax rates average 0.68%, equating to roughly $1,050 annually for a median-priced home. Rental options are scarce, as most residents own their homes.

Lafayette County, FL, reports one of the lowest crime rates in the state, with a violent crime rate of 97.9 per 100,000 people—well below the Florida average of 384.5. Property crime remains low, at approximately 400 per 100,000. The county’s small population (about 8,600) and strong community ties contribute to its safety. The sheriff’s office promptly reports and investigates incidents, maintaining transparency. Overall, Lafayette County is considered a safe rural area, with crime well below state and national averages.

As of 2023, Lafayette County, FL, has a population of about 8,500. The median age is approximately 44 years, with 49% male and 51% female residents. The racial composition is 77% White, 12% Black or African American, 8% Hispanic or Latino, and 3% other races or multiracial. This rural county’s demographics reflect a relatively older, predominantly White population, with minorities comprising over one-fifth of residents.

Lafayette County, FL, had 5,112 registered voters as of 2024, with Republicans constituting about 68%, Democrats 21%, and others 11%. Elections include local, state, and federal races, with recent turnout exceeding 70%. Polling locations are mainly in Mayo, the county seat. The Supervisor of Elections administers voting processes and maintains compliance. Key concerns include rural broadband, agriculture, education, and hurricane preparedness. In the 2020 presidential election, Lafayette County voted 85% Republican. Both major parties are active, but Republicans dominate local offices and electoral outcomes.