Median Income
$41,564
45% lower than US avg
Home Value
$189,200
33% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
511/100K
34% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
14.2%
58% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$922
21% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
33.4%
4% higher than US avg
Unemployment
3.7%
3% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
18.9%
52% higher than US avg
How Hernando Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population8,795
Median Age60.4 yrs
Density277/mi²
Male / Female55% / 45%
Largest GroupWhite 92%
Veterans14.7%
Economy
C+
Median Income$41,564
Per Capita$27,694
Unemployment3.7%
Poverty18.9%
County GDP$6,981M
Commute33 min
Housing
A
Home Value$189,200
Rent$922
Ownership84.7%
Zillow$352,541
Housing Units5,574
Rent Burden33.8%
Crime
F
Violent511/100K
Property3,348/100K
Health
Obesity33.4%
Uninsured13.1%
Smoking17.9%
Depression21.9%
Heart Disease6.5%
Climate
Avg Temp70°F (21°C)
AQI41 (Good)
Rain52.4 in/yr
Sunny Days314/yr
Elevation76 ft (23 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+14.2%
High School+92.1%
Graduate+5.3%
School Score5.66
Community
2024 VoteR 73% / D 27%
Commute33 min
Broadband88.5%
EV Stations2
Libraries6
Is Hernando a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Hernando receives an overall livability score of 2.5 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include elevated crime rates, an elevated poverty rate, a high uninsured rate. Hernando has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Hernando is $41,564, 45% below the national average of $75,149. Unemployment stands at 3.7%, indicating a healthy job market. The poverty rate of 18.9% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 33 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Hernando is $189,200, 33% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $922 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. A price-to-income ratio of 4.6x indicates a reasonably affordable housing market.
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
14.2% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 92.1% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.7/10.
Climate & Weather
Hernando enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 70°F. Winters average 56°F in January while summers reach 81°F in July. With 314 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 52.4 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41.
Hernando has a population of 8,795 with a density of 277 people per square mile, spread across 35.5 square miles. The median age is 60.4 years, 55% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 45.4% female and 54.6% male. The city is predominantly White (92%), with 3% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 97.9% of residents. 14.7% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 24.2% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 90.7% have health insurance coverage.
Population
60.4yrs
Median Age
55% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
97.9%
25% above US avg
Spanish
2.1%
84% below US avg
The median household income in Hernando is $41,564, which is 45% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $27,694 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $941, 34% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 3.7% (above the 3.6% US average). 18.9% of residents live below the poverty line, higher 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 33 minutes (longer than the 28-minute US average). 11.8% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $41,564 |
| 45% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $27,694 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $941 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $65,147 |
| Gini Index | 0.478 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 3.7% |
| 3% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 18.9% |
| 52% above 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 | 2.59% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 32.6 min |
| Drive Alone | 79.5% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 11.8% |
The median home value in Hernando is $189,200, 33% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $352,541, higher than the Census estimate. Homes sell for 95.2% of their list price, suggesting buyers have room to negotiate. Monthly rent averages $922 (21% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $1,696 for a one-bedroom to $1,977 for a two-bedroom apartment. 84.7% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 5,574 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1986. The average annual property tax is $4,909 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 33.8% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 4.6x.
Home Values
| Census Median | $189,200 |
| 33% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $352,541 |
| Median List Price | $368,700 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median List Price | $368,700 |
| $/Sq Ft | $176 |
| Homes Sold | 15 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 95.2% |
| Price Drops | 40.0% |
| Inventory | 45 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $922 |
| 21% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 33.8% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $1,593 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,696 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,977 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $2,527 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $3,077 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 84.7% |
| Owner-Occupied | 84.7% |
| Renter-Occupied | 15.3% |
| Housing Units | 5,574 |
| Median Year Built | 1986 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,909 |
| 40% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.59% |
In Hernando, 33.4% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 10.3% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 6.5% of residents. 30.5% have high blood pressure. 17.9% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 17.6% report binge drinking. 25.3% are physically inactive. 21.9% report depression. 20.6% experience frequent mental distress. 13.1% 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: Hernando vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 33.4% |
| 4% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 10.3% |
| Heart Disease | 6.5% |
| High Blood Pressure | 30.5% |
| Asthma | 10.4% |
| COPD | 8.0% |
| Cancer | 7.8% |
| Stroke | 3.3% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 17.9% |
| 28% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 17.6% |
| Physical Inactivity | 25.3% |
| Depression | 21.9% |
| Mental Distress | 20.6% |
| Physical Distress | 14.8% |
| Short Sleep | 41.5% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 90.7% |
| Uninsured | 13.1% |
| 52% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,166 |
| Dentists | 1:3,251 |
| Mental Health | 1:906 |
| Checkup Rate | 74.6% |
| Dental Visits | 52.3% |
| Premature Death | 14,552/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 6.4/10 |
| Exercise Access | 77.4% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 428 |
Hernando 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, Hernando receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Hernando 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 | 258 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Hernando enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 70°F (21°C). Winters average 56°F in January while summers reach 81°F in July. The area gets 314 sunny days per year, well above the U.S. average of 205 / making it one of the sunnier locations in the country. Annual precipitation totals 52.4 inches (wetter than the 38-inch national average). Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41. The city sits at an elevation of 76 feet.
Temperature
56°F Jan (13°C)
81°F Jul (27°C)
| Annual Average | 69.8°F |
| 29% above US avg |
| January Average | 56°F (13°C) |
| July Average | 81°F (27°C) |
| Sunny Days | 314 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 76 ft (23 m) |
| Area | 35.5 sq mi (92.0 km²) |
| Population Density | 277/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 28.9545°N, 82.3935°W |
| Timezone | America/New_York |
| County | Citrus County County |
| Nearest Airport | Ocala International-Jim Taylor Field (OCF)
18 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
52.4"
38% above US avg
Wettest Month (Aug)
7.87"
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
21 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 |
132 km |
| 2024 |
Helene |
Category 4 |
165 km |
| 2024 |
Debby |
Category 1 |
136 km |
| 2023 |
Idalia |
Category 4 |
157 km |
| 2022 |
Ian |
Category 5 |
188 km |
| 2022 |
Nicole |
Category 1 |
254 km |
| 2021 |
Elsa |
Category 1 |
274 km |
| 2019 |
Dorian |
Category 3 |
277 km |
| 2017 |
Irma |
Category 1 |
86 km |
| 2016 |
Matthew |
Category 4 |
178 km |
| 2016 |
Hermine |
Category 1 |
209 km |
| 2004 |
Charley |
Category 4 |
117 km |
| 2004 |
Jeanne |
Category 3 |
113 km |
| 2004 |
Frances |
Category 2 |
191 km |
| 2000 |
Gordon |
Category 1 |
174 km |
| 1999 |
Irene |
Category 1 |
246 km |
| 1995 |
Erin |
Category 1 |
225 km |
| 1985 |
Elena |
Category 3 |
138 km |
| 1985 |
Kate |
Category 2 |
282 km |
| 1985 |
Bob |
Category 1 |
251 km |
Source: NOAA IBTrACS (Cat 1+, 1980–2026)
Tornado History
468 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF3. Total: 35 fatalities, 407 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Feb 2, 2007 |
EF3 |
78 km |
13 |
| Feb 2, 2007 |
EF3 |
34 km |
8 |
| Feb 22, 1998 |
EF3 |
84 km |
3 |
| Apr 9, 1983 |
EF3 |
27 km |
3 |
| Dec 31, 1975 |
EF3 |
26 km |
1 |
| Oct 12, 2023 |
EF2 |
24 km |
0 |
| Dec 25, 2006 |
EF2 |
72 km |
0 |
| Mar 29, 2001 |
EF2 |
4 km |
0 |
| Sep 3, 1998 |
EF2 |
11 km |
0 |
| Jan 7, 1995 |
EF2 |
27 km |
1 |
| Mar 12, 1993 |
EF2 |
21 km |
0 |
| Mar 12, 1993 |
EF2 |
77 km |
3 |
| Mar 12, 1993 |
EF2 |
68 km |
1 |
| Jun 25, 1988 |
EF2 |
15 km |
0 |
| Apr 15, 1987 |
EF2 |
76 km |
1 |
| Apr 15, 1987 |
EF2 |
48 km |
0 |
| Mar 14, 1986 |
EF2 |
78 km |
0 |
| Aug 31, 1985 |
EF2 |
54 km |
0 |
| Feb 27, 1984 |
EF2 |
99 km |
0 |
| Apr 23, 1983 |
EF2 |
98 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 |
75 km |
| 1998 |
UNNAMED |
9,705 |
97 km |
| 2009 |
JUNIPER SPRINGS |
8,363 |
74 km |
| 1998 |
UNNAMED |
7,078 |
94 km |
| 2011 |
SANTE FE |
6,497 |
100 km |
| 1995 |
UNNAMED |
5,474 |
74 km |
| 2012 |
UNNAMED |
5,431 |
80 km |
| 2019 |
C236/238/239/305 BOWERS ALEX SPRINGS N |
4,561 |
86 km |
| 1998 |
UNNAMED |
4,421 |
98 km |
| 2006 |
UNNAMED |
4,336 |
47 km |
| 2006 |
UNNAMED |
4,231 |
32 km |
| 1996 |
MAJOR 1 |
4,067 |
77 km |
| 2000 |
UNNAMED |
3,972 |
87 km |
| 2004 |
SANTA FE SWAMP FIRE |
3,924 |
100 km |
| 2003 |
UNNAMED |
3,890 |
88 km |
| 1995 |
UNNAMED |
3,726 |
78 km |
| 2019 |
CPT 243 FARLES |
3,613 |
73 km |
| 1996 |
EAST MARSH |
3,540 |
100 km |
| 2010 |
RX SOUTHMARSH |
3,434 |
96 km |
| 2001 |
S MARSH |
3,372 |
96 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
56°F (13°C) |
3.5 in |
Coldest |
| February |
59°F (15°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| 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) |
7.1 in |
|
| July |
81°F (27°C) |
7.3 in |
|
| August |
81°F (27°C) |
7.9 in |
Warmest, Wettest |
| September |
79°F (26°C) |
6.0 in |
|
| October |
73°F (23°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| November |
65°F (19°C) |
2.3 in |
Driest |
| December |
59°F (15°C) |
2.6 in |
|
Hernando has a seasonal temperature swing of 25°F / from 56°F in January to 81°F in August. Total annual precipitation is 52.9 inches, with August being the wettest month (7.9") and November the driest (2.3").
Average costs for common services in Hernando. 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 Hernando
What is the population of Hernando?
Hernando has a population of 8,795 residents and is located in Florida. The population density is 277 people per square mile, spread across 35.5 square miles. The median age of residents is 60.4 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 45.4% female and 54.6% male.
Is Hernando expensive to live in?
Hernando 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 $41,564, 45% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $189,200 (33% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $922 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 4.6x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Hernando safe?
The violent crime rate in Hernando 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, Hernando receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Hernando?
Hernando enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 70°F (21°C). Winter temperatures average 56°F in January, while summers reach an average of 81°F in July. The area receives 314 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 52.4 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 41.
How is the job market in Hernando?
Hernando has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 3.7%, 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 33 minutes, and 11.8% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Hernando?
The median home value in Hernando is $189,200. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $352,541. For renters, the median monthly rent is $922. Fair market rent is $1,696 for a 1-bedroom and $1,977 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 84.7%. The average annual property tax is $4,909.
How are the schools in Hernando?
Schools in Hernando score 5.7 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 14.2% of adults in Hernando hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 92.1% have completed high school. 5.3% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Hernando?
The obesity rate in Hernando is 33.4% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 17.9% of adults are smokers. 25.3% are physically inactive. 21.9% of residents report depression. 13.1% 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 Hernando?
The average commute in Hernando is 33 minutes, longer than the national average of 28 minutes. 79.5% of workers drive alone to work, and 11.8% work from home.
What are the demographics of Hernando?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Hernando is 92% White, 3% Black or African American. 97.9% of residents speak only English at home. 14.7% of the population are military veterans. 24.2% of residents have a disability. 90.7% have health insurance coverage.
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