Median Income
$55,000
27% lower than US avg
Home Value
$160,900
43% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
554/100K
46% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
7.7%
77% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$670
42% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
34.4%
7% higher than US avg
Unemployment
17.9%
397% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
16.3%
31% higher than US avg
How Lawtey Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population1,317
Median Age41.5 yrs
Density872/mi²
Male / Female56% / 44%
Largest GroupWhite 47%
Veterans27.7%
Economy
C
Median Income$55,000
Per Capita$21,362
Unemployment17.9%
Poverty16.3%
County GDP$533M
Commute47 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$160,900
Rent$670
Ownership74.2%
Zillow$223,122
Housing Units318
Rent Burden22.1%
Crime
F
Violent554/100K
Property693/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault554/100K
Burglary277/100K
Health
Obesity34.4%
Uninsured15.9%
Smoking18.7%
Depression20.6%
Heart Disease6.3%
Climate
Avg Temp69°F (20°C)
AQI41 (Good)
Rain53.2 in/yr
Sunny Days306/yr
Elevation157 ft (48 m)
Education
D
Bachelor's+7.7%
High School+70.6%
Graduate+3.3%
School Score6.04
Community
2024 VoteR 84% / D 16%
Commute47 min
Broadband79.1%
EV Stations2
Libraries2
Is Lawtey a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Lawtey 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, above-average unemployment, an elevated poverty rate. Lawtey has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Lawtey is $55,000, 27% below the national average of $75,149. At 17.9%, unemployment is notably high. The poverty rate of 16.3% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 47 minutes, longer than the typical American commute of 28 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Lawtey is $160,900, 43% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $670 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.9x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
The violent crime rate of 554 per 100,000 is above the national average of 380 / something for prospective residents to consider. Property crime occurs at a rate of 693 per 100,000, 65% below the national average.
Education
7.7% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 70.6% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 6/10.
Climate & Weather
Lawtey enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 69°F. Winters average 54°F in January while summers reach 82°F in July. With 306 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 53.2 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41.
Lawtey has a population of 1,317 with a density of 872 people per square mile, spread across 1.4 square miles. The median age is 41.5 years, 7% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 44.3% female and 55.7% male. The city is predominantly White (47.4%), with 38% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 90.3% of residents, while 9.7% speak Spanish. 27.7% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 7.5% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 92.6% have health insurance coverage.
Population
41.5yrs
Median Age
7% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
90.3%
15% above US avg
Spanish
9.7%
28% below US avg
The median household income in Lawtey is $55,000, which is 27% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $21,362 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,017, 29% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 17.9% (above the 3.6% US average). 16.3% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 225 business establishments, including 6 restaurants. The cost of living index is 103.4, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 47 minutes (longer than the 28-minute US average). 8.9% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $55,000 |
| 27% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $21,362 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,017 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $53,470 |
| Gini Index | 0.510 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 17.9% |
| 397% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 16.3% |
| 31% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 225 |
| County GDP | $533M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 6 |
| Healthcare | 11 |
| Retail | 26 |
| Manufacturing | 6 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,222 |
| 8% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 103.40 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.00% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 46.7 min |
| Drive Alone | 74.3% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 8.9% |
The median home value in Lawtey is $160,900, 43% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $223,122, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $670 (42% 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. 74.2% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 318 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1982. The average annual property tax is $3,222. 22.1% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.9x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $160,900 |
| 43% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $223,122 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $670 |
| 42% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 22.1% |
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 | 74.2% |
| Owner-Occupied | 74.2% |
| Renter-Occupied | 25.8% |
| Housing Units | 318 |
| Median Year Built | 1982 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,222 |
| 8% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.00% |
In Lawtey, 34.4% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 12.0% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 6.3% of residents. 34.1% have high blood pressure. 18.7% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 16.4% report binge drinking. 30.3% are physically inactive, above the national average. 20.6% report depression. 21.5% experience frequent mental distress. 15.9% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:3,267. The dentist ratio is 1:3,865. 6.8% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 6.3 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Lawtey vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 34.4% |
| 7% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 12.0% |
| Heart Disease | 6.3% |
| High Blood Pressure | 34.1% |
| Asthma | 11.3% |
| COPD | 8.2% |
| Cancer | 6.9% |
| Stroke | 3.9% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 18.7% |
| 34% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 16.4% |
| Physical Inactivity | 30.3% |
| Depression | 20.6% |
| Mental Distress | 21.5% |
| Physical Distress | 15.7% |
| Short Sleep | 44.3% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 92.6% |
| Uninsured | 15.9% |
| 85% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:3,267 |
| Dentists | 1:3,865 |
| Mental Health | 1:1,726 |
| Checkup Rate | 75.2% |
| Dental Visits | 47.7% |
| Premature Death | 17,101/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 6.3/10 |
| Exercise Access | 6.8% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 11 |
Lawtey has a violent crime rate of 554 per 100,000 residents, 46% above the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 554.0 per 100,000, robbery at 0.0, rape at 0.0. The murder rate is 0.0 per 100,000 (below the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 693 per 100,000, 65% below the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 416, burglary at 277, vehicle theft at 0 per 100,000 residents. The county recorded 2 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Lawtey receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Lawtey vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 554.0/100K |
| 46% above US avg |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Rape | 0.0/100K |
| Robbery | 0.0/100K |
| Assault | 554.0/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 692.5/100K |
| 65% below US avg |
| Burglary | 277.0/100K |
| Theft | 415.5/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 0.0/100K |
| Arson | 138.5/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 2 |
| Traffic Accidents | 71 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.1 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Lawtey enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 69°F (20°C). Winters average 54°F in January while summers reach 82°F in July. The area gets 306 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 53.2 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 157 feet.
Temperature
54°F Jan (12°C)
82°F Jul (28°C)
| Annual Average | 68.8°F |
| 27% above US avg |
| January Average | 54°F (12°C) |
| July Average | 82°F (28°C) |
| Sunny Days | 306 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 157 ft (48 m) |
| Area | 1.4 sq mi (3.7 km²) |
| Population Density | 872/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 30.0484°N, 82.0725°W |
| Timezone | America/New_York |
| County | Union County County |
| Nearest Airport | Gainesville Regional (GNV)
27 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
53.2"
40% above US avg
Wettest Month (Aug)
7.76"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 41.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 10.9 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 39.5 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 32.0 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Very Low |
| Strong Wind |
Very Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Very Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Very Low |
| Cold Wave |
Very Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
| Coastal Flood |
No Rating |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Hurricane History
23 hurricanes (Cat 1+) within 500 km since 1980.
Strongest: Category 4. Most recent: Helene (2024, Cat 4).
| Year |
Name |
Category |
Closest |
| 2024 |
Helene |
Category 4 |
157 km |
| 2024 |
Milton |
Category 3 |
229 km |
| 2024 |
Debby |
Category 1 |
129 km |
| 2023 |
Idalia |
Category 4 |
118 km |
| 2022 |
Ian |
Category 2 |
230 km |
| 2020 |
Isaias |
Category 1 |
261 km |
| 2019 |
Dorian |
Category 3 |
228 km |
| 2018 |
Michael |
Category 3 |
283 km |
| 2017 |
Irma |
Category 1 |
206 km |
| 2016 |
Matthew |
Category 3 |
133 km |
| 2016 |
Hermine |
Category 1 |
187 km |
| 2014 |
Arthur |
Category 1 |
277 km |
| 2004 |
Jeanne |
Category 2 |
228 km |
| 2004 |
Frances |
Category 1 |
285 km |
| 2004 |
Charley |
Category 1 |
123 km |
| 2000 |
Gordon |
Category 1 |
283 km |
| 1999 |
Floyd |
Category 3 |
287 km |
| 1999 |
Irene |
Category 1 |
219 km |
| 1995 |
Erin |
Category 1 |
290 km |
| 1985 |
Elena |
Category 3 |
217 km |
Source: NOAA IBTrACS (Cat 1+, 1980–2026)
Tornado History
472 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF3. Total: 8 fatalities, 137 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Dec 2, 2018 |
EF3 |
96 km |
0 |
| Feb 7, 1971 |
EF3 |
53 km |
0 |
| Feb 25, 1960 |
EF3 |
56 km |
0 |
| Apr 15, 1958 |
EF3 |
77 km |
0 |
| Oct 12, 2023 |
EF2 |
96 km |
0 |
| Sep 10, 2017 |
EF2 |
89 km |
0 |
| Mar 7, 2008 |
EF2 |
58 km |
1 |
| Apr 15, 2007 |
EF2 |
56 km |
0 |
| Dec 25, 2006 |
EF2 |
35 km |
0 |
| Aug 12, 2004 |
EF2 |
54 km |
0 |
| Mar 29, 2001 |
EF2 |
37 km |
0 |
| Mar 13, 2001 |
EF2 |
98 km |
0 |
| Feb 2, 1996 |
EF2 |
45 km |
0 |
| Apr 24, 1995 |
EF2 |
55 km |
0 |
| Oct 2, 1994 |
EF2 |
91 km |
0 |
| Mar 12, 1993 |
EF2 |
99 km |
3 |
| Mar 14, 1986 |
EF2 |
50 km |
0 |
| Feb 27, 1984 |
EF2 |
100 km |
0 |
| Feb 27, 1984 |
EF2 |
30 km |
0 |
| Apr 23, 1983 |
EF2 |
88 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: BIG TURNAROUND COMPLEX (328,827 ac, 2007).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2007 |
BIG TURNAROUND COMPLEX |
328,827 |
67 km |
| 2017 |
WEST MIMS |
166,737 |
70 km |
| 2011 |
HONEY PRAIRIE |
147,065 |
75 km |
| 2011 |
CRAVENS HAMMOCK |
142,688 |
88 km |
| 2002 |
BLACKJACK BAY COMPLEX |
107,076 |
74 km |
| 1999 |
FRIENDLY |
75,089 |
63 km |
| 2001 |
UNNAMED |
59,179 |
96 km |
| 2012 |
COUNTY LINE |
35,440 |
63 km |
| 2004 |
IMPASSABLE ONE |
29,836 |
52 km |
| 1998 |
UNNAMED |
24,956 |
90 km |
| 1998 |
OAK |
21,478 |
51 km |
| 1990 |
SHORTS |
21,413 |
80 km |
| 2011 |
DURDIN PRAIRIE |
19,487 |
90 km |
| 2004 |
UNNAMED |
18,577 |
53 km |
| 1998 |
UNNAMED |
16,594 |
46 km |
| 1989 |
PIN HOOK |
16,471 |
59 km |
| 1999 |
HICKORY IS |
14,656 |
97 km |
| 2014 |
UNNAMED |
14,543 |
42 km |
| 1998 |
UNNAMED |
13,873 |
18 km |
| 2007 |
UNNAMED |
13,806 |
25 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
54°F (12°C) |
3.6 in |
Coldest |
| February |
56°F (13°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| March |
62°F (17°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| April |
67°F (20°C) |
2.7 in |
|
| May |
74°F (23°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| June |
79°F (26°C) |
6.5 in |
|
| July |
82°F (28°C) |
6.7 in |
Warmest |
| August |
80°F (27°C) |
7.8 in |
Wettest |
| September |
78°F (25°C) |
5.8 in |
|
| October |
70°F (21°C) |
2.4 in |
|
| November |
62°F (17°C) |
2.3 in |
Driest |
| December |
56°F (13°C) |
3.0 in |
|
Lawtey has a seasonal temperature swing of 29°F / from 54°F in January to 82°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 52.4 inches, with August being the wettest month (7.8") and November the driest (2.3").
Average costs for common services in Lawtey. 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
Frequently Asked Questions About Lawtey
What is the population of Lawtey?
Lawtey has a population of 1,317 residents and is located in Florida. The population density is 872 people per square mile, spread across 1.4 square miles. The median age of residents is 41.5 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 44.3% female and 55.7% male.
Is Lawtey expensive to live in?
Lawtey 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 $55,000, 27% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $160,900 (43% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $670 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.9x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Lawtey safe?
The violent crime rate in Lawtey is 554 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 693 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Lawtey receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Lawtey?
Lawtey enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 69°F (20°C). Winter temperatures average 54°F in January, while summers reach an average of 82°F in July. The area receives 306 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 53.2 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 41.
How is the job market in Lawtey?
The job market in Lawtey faces challenges, with unemployment at 17.9% / significantly above the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,017. There are 225 business establishments in the area, including 6 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 47 minutes, and 8.9% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Lawtey?
The median home value in Lawtey is $160,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $223,122. For renters, the median monthly rent is $670. Fair market rent is $1,296 for a 1-bedroom and $1,526 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 74.2%. The average annual property tax is $3,222.
How are the schools in Lawtey?
Schools in Lawtey score 6 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 7.7% of adults in Lawtey hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 70.6% have completed high school. 3.3% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Lawtey?
The obesity rate in Lawtey is 34.4% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 18.7% of adults are smokers. 30.3% are physically inactive. 20.6% of residents report depression. 15.9% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 6.8% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:3,267.
What is transportation like in Lawtey?
The average commute in Lawtey is 47 minutes, longer than the national average of 28 minutes. 74.3% of workers drive alone to work, and 8.9% work from home.
What are the demographics of Lawtey?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Lawtey is 47.4% White, 38% Black or African American, 1% Hispanic or Latino. 90.3% of residents speak only English at home, while 9.7% speak Spanish. 27.7% of the population are military veterans. 7.5% of residents have a disability. 92.6% have health insurance coverage.
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