Median Income
$52,112
31% lower than US avg
Home Value
$290,900
3% higher than US avg
Violent Crime
511/100K
34% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
34.8%
3% higher than US avg
Median Rent
$913
21% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
34.0%
6% higher than US avg
Unemployment
4.0%
11% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
8.9%
28% lower than US avg
How Crystal River Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population3,443
Median Age63.3 yrs
Density450/mi²
Male / Female52% / 49%
Largest GroupWhite 82%
Veterans13.5%
Economy
B+
Median Income$52,112
Per Capita$33,965
Unemployment4.0%
Poverty8.9%
County GDP$6,981M
Commute19 min
Housing
B+
Home Value$290,900
Rent$913
Ownership61.0%
Zillow$268,419
Housing Units2,155
Rent Burden31.8%
Crime
F
Violent511/100K
Property3,348/100K
Health
Obesity34.0%
Uninsured13.2%
Smoking17.1%
Depression21.7%
Heart Disease6.4%
Climate
Avg Temp73°F (23°C)
AQI41 (Good)
Sunny Days319/yr
Elevation4 ft (1 m)
Education
B+
Bachelor's+34.8%
High School+89.2%
Graduate+10.2%
School Score6.02
Community
2024 VoteR 73% / D 27%
Commute19 min
Broadband78.1%
EV Stations4
Libraries6
Is Crystal River a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Crystal River receives an overall livability score of 3.0 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include abundant sunshine, high health insurance coverage. Areas to be aware of include elevated crime rates, a high uninsured rate, below-average incomes. Crystal River offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Crystal River is $52,112, 31% below the national average of $75,149. Unemployment stands at 4.0%, indicating a healthy job market. 8.9% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 19 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Crystal River is $290,900, roughly aligned with the national median of $281,900. Renters pay a median of $913 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. The price-to-income ratio of 5.6x means housing costs are stretched relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
The violent crime rate of 511 per 100,000 is above the national average of 380 / something for prospective residents to consider. Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,348 per 100,000, 71% above the national average.
Education
Educational attainment is solid, with 34.8% holding a bachelor's degree or higher, near the national average. 89.2% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 6/10.
Climate & Weather
Crystal River has a warm climate with an average annual temperature of 73°F. Winters average 60°F in January while summers reach 83°F in July. With 319 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41.
Crystal River has a population of 3,443 with a density of 450 people per square mile, spread across 6.8 square miles. The median age is 63.3 years, 63% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 48.5% female and 51.5% male. The city is predominantly White (82.4%), with 2.5% Hispanic, 10.6% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 92.6% of residents, while 7.4% speak Spanish. 13.5% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 25.4% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 96.4% have health insurance coverage.
Population
63.3yrs
Median Age
63% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Crystal River vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
92.6%
18% above US avg
Spanish
7.4%
45% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Crystal River vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Crystal River is $52,112, which is 31% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $33,965 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $941, 34% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 4.0% (above the 3.6% US average). 8.9% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 3,656 business establishments, including 235 restaurants. The cost of living index is 103.4, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 19 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 9.8% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Crystal River vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $52,112 |
| 31% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $33,965 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $941 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $65,147 |
| Gini Index | 0.478 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 4.0% |
| 11% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 8.9% |
| 28% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 3,656 |
| County GDP | $6,981M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 235 |
| Healthcare | 428 |
| Retail | 445 |
| Manufacturing | 66 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,909 |
| 40% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 103.40 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 1.69% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 18.5 min |
| Drive Alone | 63.8% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 9.8% |
The median home value in Crystal River is $290,900, 3% above the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $268,419. Homes sell for 91% of their list price, suggesting buyers have room to negotiate. Monthly rent averages $913 (21% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $1,296 for a one-bedroom to $1,526 for a two-bedroom apartment. 61.0% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 2,155 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1985. The average annual property tax is $4,909 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 31.8% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 5.6x, above the traditionally affordable threshold of 3-4x.
Home Values
| Census Median | $290,900 |
| 3% above US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $268,419 |
| Median List Price | $434,900 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median List Price | $434,900 |
| $/Sq Ft | $146 |
| Homes Sold | 12 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 91.0% |
| Price Drops | 25.0% |
| Inventory | 100 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $913 |
| 21% below US avg |
| Zillow Rent (ZORI) | $1,834 |
| Rent Burden | 31.8% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $1,212 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,296 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,526 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,971 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,261 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 61.0% |
| Owner-Occupied | 61.0% |
| Renter-Occupied | 39.0% |
| Housing Units | 2,155 |
| Median Year Built | 1985 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,909 |
| 40% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 1.69% |
In Crystal River, 34.0% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 10.7% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 6.4% of residents. 31.1% have high blood pressure. 17.1% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 16.6% report binge drinking. 25.5% are physically inactive. 21.7% report depression. 20.2% experience frequent mental distress. 13.2% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,166. The dentist ratio is 1:3,251. 77.4% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 6.4 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Crystal River vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 34.0% |
| 6% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 10.7% |
| Heart Disease | 6.4% |
| High Blood Pressure | 31.1% |
| Asthma | 10.6% |
| COPD | 7.9% |
| Cancer | 7.7% |
| Stroke | 3.4% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 17.1% |
| 22% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 16.6% |
| Physical Inactivity | 25.5% |
| Depression | 21.7% |
| Mental Distress | 20.2% |
| Physical Distress | 14.8% |
| Short Sleep | 42.0% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 96.4% |
| Uninsured | 13.2% |
| 53% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,166 |
| Dentists | 1:3,251 |
| Mental Health | 1:906 |
| Checkup Rate | 75.7% |
| Dental Visits | 51.5% |
| Premature Death | 14,552/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 6.4/10 |
| Exercise Access | 77.4% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 428 |
Crystal River has a violent crime rate of 511 per 100,000 residents, 34% above the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 3,348 per 100,000, 71% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 24 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Crystal River receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Crystal River vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 510.8/100K |
| 34% above US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 3,348.5/100K |
| 71% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 24 |
| Traffic Accidents | 335 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Crystal River has a warm climate with an average annual temperature of 73°F (23°C). Winters average 60°F in January while summers reach 83°F in July. The area gets 319 sunny days per year, well above the U.S. average of 205 / making it one of the sunnier locations in the country. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41. The city sits at an elevation of 4 feet, near sea level.
Temperature
60°F Jan (15°C)
83°F Jul (28°C)
| Annual Average | 72.6°F |
| 34% above US avg |
| January Average | 60°F (15°C) |
| July Average | 83°F (28°C) |
| Sunny Days | 319 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 4 ft (1 m) |
| Area | 6.8 sq mi (17.7 km²) |
| Population Density | 450/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 28.8955°N, 82.6019°W |
| Timezone | America/New_York |
| County | Citrus County County |
| Nearest Airport | Ocala International-Jim Taylor Field (OCF)
30 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Wettest Month (Aug)
8.31"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 41.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively High |
| Risk Score | 94.7 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 82.3 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 6.8 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hurricane |
Very High |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Moderate |
| Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hail |
Very Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Very Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively High |
| Drought |
Very Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
| Coastal Flood |
Relatively High |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Hurricane History
20 hurricanes (Cat 1+) within 500 km since 1980.
Strongest: Category 5. Most recent: Helene (2024, Cat 4).
| Year |
Name |
Category |
Closest |
| 2024 |
Milton |
Category 4 |
131 km |
| 2024 |
Helene |
Category 4 |
154 km |
| 2024 |
Debby |
Category 1 |
121 km |
| 2023 |
Idalia |
Category 4 |
148 km |
| 2022 |
Ian |
Category 5 |
195 km |
| 2022 |
Nicole |
Category 1 |
268 km |
| 2021 |
Elsa |
Category 1 |
262 km |
| 2019 |
Dorian |
Category 3 |
299 km |
| 2017 |
Irma |
Category 2 |
87 km |
| 2016 |
Matthew |
Category 3 |
200 km |
| 2016 |
Hermine |
Category 1 |
193 km |
| 2004 |
Charley |
Category 4 |
132 km |
| 2004 |
Jeanne |
Category 3 |
116 km |
| 2004 |
Frances |
Category 2 |
199 km |
| 2000 |
Gordon |
Category 1 |
154 km |
| 1999 |
Irene |
Category 1 |
265 km |
| 1995 |
Erin |
Category 1 |
205 km |
| 1985 |
Elena |
Category 3 |
117 km |
| 1985 |
Kate |
Category 2 |
274 km |
| 1985 |
Bob |
Category 1 |
270 km |
Source: NOAA IBTrACS (Cat 1+, 1980–2026)
Tornado History
430 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF3. Total: 34 fatalities, 457 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Feb 2, 2007 |
EF3 |
99 km |
13 |
| Feb 2, 2007 |
EF3 |
54 km |
8 |
| Feb 22, 1998 |
EF3 |
98 km |
3 |
| Apr 9, 1983 |
EF3 |
23 km |
3 |
| Dec 31, 1975 |
EF3 |
47 km |
1 |
| Oct 12, 2023 |
EF2 |
6 km |
0 |
| Dec 25, 2006 |
EF2 |
70 km |
0 |
| Mar 29, 2001 |
EF2 |
24 km |
0 |
| Sep 3, 1998 |
EF2 |
13 km |
0 |
| Jan 7, 1995 |
EF2 |
48 km |
1 |
| Mar 12, 1993 |
EF2 |
85 km |
1 |
| Mar 12, 1993 |
EF2 |
72 km |
3 |
| Mar 12, 1993 |
EF2 |
42 km |
0 |
| Jul 12, 1992 |
EF2 |
99 km |
0 |
| Jun 25, 1988 |
EF2 |
28 km |
0 |
| Apr 15, 1987 |
EF2 |
60 km |
0 |
| Apr 15, 1987 |
EF2 |
95 km |
1 |
| Mar 14, 1986 |
EF2 |
88 km |
0 |
| Aug 31, 1985 |
EF2 |
72 km |
0 |
| Apr 23, 1983 |
EF2 |
96 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: JUNIPER (11,998 ac, 2006).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2006 |
JUNIPER |
11,998 |
96 km |
| 2009 |
JUNIPER SPRINGS |
8,363 |
95 km |
| 1995 |
UNNAMED |
5,474 |
80 km |
| 2006 |
UNNAMED |
4,336 |
47 km |
| 2006 |
UNNAMED |
4,231 |
31 km |
| 1996 |
MAJOR 1 |
4,067 |
99 km |
| 2000 |
UNNAMED |
3,972 |
97 km |
| 2003 |
UNNAMED |
3,890 |
91 km |
| 1995 |
UNNAMED |
3,726 |
85 km |
| 2019 |
CPT 243 FARLES |
3,613 |
94 km |
| 2006 |
UNNAMED |
3,337 |
41 km |
| 2011 |
BAD LAND |
3,086 |
37 km |
| 2006 |
UNNAMED |
3,048 |
75 km |
| 2010 |
BOMBING RANGE NINE 21 |
2,911 |
90 km |
| 1985 |
RIVERRD/HENDERSON |
2,824 |
73 km |
| 1994 |
UNNAMED |
2,792 |
76 km |
| 2010 |
BURNT ISLAND |
2,736 |
80 km |
| 2013 |
UNNAMED |
2,516 |
93 km |
| 2010 |
UNNAMED |
2,510 |
76 km |
| 2017 |
ANCLOTE BRANCH |
2,510 |
72 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
60°F (15°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| February |
59°F (15°C) |
3.4 in |
Coldest |
| March |
64°F (18°C) |
4.2 in |
|
| April |
69°F (21°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| May |
75°F (24°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| June |
80°F (27°C) |
6.9 in |
|
| July |
83°F (28°C) |
7.6 in |
Warmest |
| August |
81°F (27°C) |
8.3 in |
Wettest |
| September |
80°F (26°C) |
6.2 in |
|
| October |
73°F (23°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| November |
65°F (19°C) |
2.4 in |
Driest |
| December |
59°F (15°C) |
2.8 in |
|
Crystal River has a seasonal temperature swing of 24°F / from 59°F in February to 83°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 54.0 inches, with August being the wettest month (8.3") and November the driest (2.4").
Average costs for common services in Crystal River. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$259 ($155–$414) |
| Specialist Visit |
$362 ($207–$569) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$207 ($103–$362) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,275 ($827–$5,170) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$134 ($78–$207) |
| Dental Filling |
$259 ($155–$414) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$47 ($26–$78) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$78 ($52–$124) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$310 ($155–$517) |
| Tire Rotation |
$41 ($21–$78) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$620 ($414–$1,034) |
| Battery Replacement |
$207 ($103–$362) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$103 ($62–$155) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$93 ($52–$145) |
| HVAC Repair |
$414 ($155–$827) |
| HVAC System Install |
$7,238 ($4,136–$12,408) |
| Roof Repair |
$1,034 ($414–$2,068) |
| Roof Replacement |
$9,306 ($5,687–$15,510) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,551 ($517–$3,619) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$15,510 ($5,170–$31,020) |
| DUI Defense |
$5,170 ($2,068–$10,340) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,551 ($827–$3,102) |
| Will Preparation |
$517 ($207–$1,034) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,585 ($1,034–$5,170) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$26 ($16–$47) |
| Women's Haircut |
$57 ($31–$103) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$155 ($78–$259) |
| Manicure |
$26 ($16–$47) |
| Pedicure |
$41 ($26–$67) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$83 ($52–$134) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$4.24 ($3.10–$5.69) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.62 ($2.59–$5.17) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.93 ($2.59–$5.69) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.65 ($3.10–$6.72) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.69 ($4.14–$7.76) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$1.03 ($0.62–$1.86) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$145 ($83–$259) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$72 ($31–$155) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$72 ($41–$124) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$72 ($41–$103) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$67 ($31–$103) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$88 ($52–$155) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$207 ($78–$517) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$2,068 ($1,241–$3,619) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$72 ($31–$134) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$16 ($8.27–$26) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$103 ($31–$259) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$31 ($16–$78) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,241 ($620–$2,585) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$1,034 ($517–$2,068) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$414 ($207–$724) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$52 ($26–$103) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$1,034 ($414–$2,585) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$12,925 ($5,170–$31,020) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$62 ($31–$103) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$103 ($52–$207) |
| Dog Grooming |
$62 ($31–$103) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$41 ($21–$78) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$310 ($155–$517) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$207 ($103–$414) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $758 |
| Toddler | $606 |
| Preschool | $563 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $563 |
| Toddler | $541 |
| Preschool | $541 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Crystal River
What is the population of Crystal River?
Crystal River has a population of 3,443 residents and is located in Florida. The population density is 450 people per square mile, spread across 6.8 square miles. The median age of residents is 63.3 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 48.5% female and 51.5% male.
Is Crystal River expensive to live in?
Crystal River has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 103.4 (baseline: 100). The median household income is $52,112, 31% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $290,900 (3% above the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $913 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 5.6x, which means housing is a stretch relative to local earnings.
Is Crystal River safe?
The violent crime rate in Crystal River is 511 per 100,000 residents, above the national average of 380. Prospective residents should research specific neighborhoods, as crime rates can vary significantly within the city. Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,348 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Crystal River receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Crystal River?
Crystal River has a warm climate with an average annual temperature of 73°F (23°C). Winter temperatures average 60°F in January, while summers reach an average of 83°F in July. The area receives 319 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 41.
How is the job market in Crystal River?
Crystal River has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 4.0%, near the national average of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $941. There are 3,656 business establishments in the area, including 235 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 19 minutes, and 9.8% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Crystal River?
The median home value in Crystal River is $290,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $268,419. For renters, the median monthly rent is $913. Fair market rent is $1,296 for a 1-bedroom and $1,526 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 61.0%. The average annual property tax is $4,909.
How are the schools in Crystal River?
Schools in Crystal River score 6 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 34.8% of adults in Crystal River hold a bachelor's degree or higher, above the national average of 33.7%. 89.2% have completed high school. 10.2% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Crystal River?
The obesity rate in Crystal River is 34.0% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 17.1% of adults are smokers. 25.5% are physically inactive. 21.7% of residents report depression. 13.2% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 77.4% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,166.
What is transportation like in Crystal River?
The average commute in Crystal River is 19 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 63.8% of workers drive alone to work, and 9.8% work from home.
What are the demographics of Crystal River?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Crystal River is 82.4% White, 10.6% Black or African American, 2.5% Hispanic or Latino. 92.6% of residents speak only English at home, while 7.4% speak Spanish. 13.5% of the population are military veterans. 25.4% of residents have a disability. 96.4% have health insurance coverage.
All Countries
