Monroe County Public RecordsFlorida

Monroe County, FL, had approximately 55,000 registered voters for the 2022 general election, with 39% Republican, 33% Democrat, and 28% No Party Affiliation. Elections include local, state, and federal races, with turnout often exceeding 70% in presidential years. Major issues include hurricane recovery, affordable housing, and environmental protection. The Supervisor of Elections (headquartered in Key West) manages polling at over 30 precincts. In 2020, Donald Trump won Monroe with 51% of the vote. Voting methods include early voting, mail ballots, and Election Day precincts, with bipartisan oversight ensuring fairness and accuracy.

Monroe County, FL, has 17 public schools, including 6 high schools, serving about 8,700 students. The county high school graduation rate is 91%, and around 30% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Average statewide test scores place Monroe schools above Florida's average. School safety is a priority, with resource officers in all schools. Adult education programs, such as GED and ESOL, are available through Monroe County Adult Education. The district offers AP, dual enrollment, and vocational programs, supporting robust educational outcomes.

Monroe County, FL, had an unemployment rate of 2.2% in 2023. About 61% of residents are employed, with leading industries being accommodation and food services (28%), retail trade (12%), and construction (9%). The largest occupation types are service (35%), management/business/finance (24%), and sales (18%). Commuting is primarily by car, with 68% driving alone and an average commute time of 18 minutes. Most residents work within the county, particularly in Key West and Marathon, while a small portion commutes to Miami-Dade County.

Monroe County, FL, covering the Florida Keys, has a homeownership rate of about 70%, with median home values around $750,000 as of 2024. Median gross rents are approximately $2,400 monthly. Property values have risen 8% year-over-year. Housing types range from waterfront single-family homes to condos and vacation rentals, with neighborhoods like Key West, Islamorada, and Marathon popular. Property taxes average 1.04% of assessed value. The area’s high demand and limited land contribute to elevated prices, especially in desirable coastal locations.

As of 2022, Monroe County, FL has a population of approximately 79,300. The median age is about 48.7 years, with 50.1% male and 49.9% female residents. The racial and ethnic makeup is 83% White, 8% Black or African American, 2% Asian, and 2% identifying with two or more races; 22% of the population is Hispanic or Latino of any race. The population reflects a blend of retirees, working adults, and families, contributing to the county’s diverse community composition.

Monroe County, FL, which includes the Florida Keys, generally has a lower violent crime rate than the state average, with 2022 reporting 227 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, compared to Florida’s 378. Property crime is moderate, with about 1,120 incidents per 100,000. The Monroe County Sheriff’s Office ensures public safety and encourages crime reporting via online and anonymous hotlines. While tourist thefts and boating-related incidents occur, overall crime levels remain steady, making Monroe County relatively safe compared to similar coastal areas.