Okeechobee County Public RecordsFlorida

Okeechobee County, FL, hosts 16 public schools, including Okeechobee High School, serving around 6,500 students. Approximately 74% graduate high school, but only 12% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below state averages. The district offers vocational and adult education programs. School safety measures include on-site resource officers and secure entry protocols. Test scores are below state averages, with an average math proficiency score of 45% and reading at 41%. Educational programs focus on STEM, agriculture, and career readiness to enhance student outcomes and future opportunities.

Okeechobee County, FL, had an unemployment rate of approximately 3.6% in 2023. Major employment sectors include agriculture (16%), health care and social assistance (14%), and retail trade (13%). Leading occupations are management, office/administrative support, and construction/labor. About 83% of residents drive alone to work, with an average commute time of 27 minutes. Around 88% of workers are employed within Okeechobee County, while the rest commute to neighboring counties such as Highlands and St. Lucie.

Okeechobee County, FL, features a homeownership rate of approximately 75%, with median home values around $235,000 in 2024, reflecting steady growth over recent years. Median rent is roughly $1,300 per month. Housing types include single-family homes, mobile homes, and ranch properties, concentrated in neighborhoods like Basswood Estates and Taylor Creek. The area remains affordable compared to nearby regions. Property tax rates average 0.83%, equating to annual taxes of about $1,950 on a median-valued home. Both retirees and families are drawn to Okeechobee’s rural charm and housing affordability.

Okeechobee County, FL, has a crime rate of approximately 35 crimes per 1,000 residents, which is higher than 69% of Florida’s communities. The county sees about 4.9 violent crimes and 30 property crimes per 1,000 people annually. Property crime, including burglary and theft, is the most reported offense. The Okeechobee County Sheriff's Office actively encourages community reporting and operates a tip line to improve safety. Despite efforts, residents are advised to remain vigilant, as the county's crime rate exceeds both the state and national averages.

As of 2023, Okeechobee County, FL, has a population of approximately 40,000. The median age is 40.8 years, with 49% male and 51% female residents. Racially, the county is 74% White, 10% Black or African American, 2% Asian, and 12% from other races or multiracial backgrounds. About 28% of the population identifies as Hispanic or Latino.

Okeechobee County, FL, has about 23,000 registered voters as of 2024, with roughly 53% Republican, 25% Democrat, and 22% No Party Affiliation. Elections include primaries, general, and local referendums, with major polling locations at the Okeechobee County Agri-Civic Center and schools. In the 2022 gubernatorial race, Republicans won 73% of the county vote. Key local issues include water management and agricultural policy. Elections are run by the Okeechobee County Supervisor of Elections. Recent administration efforts focus on increasing early voting and updating voting technology to ensure accessibility and security.