Median Income
$50,365
33% lower than US avg
Home Value
$187,400
34% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
248/100K
35% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
20.5%
39% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$1,008
13% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
43.7%
36% higher than US avg
Unemployment
4.0%
11% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
16.6%
34% higher than US avg
How Okeechobee Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population5,376
Median Age37.7 yrs
Density1,324/mi²
Male / Female53% / 47%
Largest GroupWhite 70%
Veterans10.5%
Economy
B
Median Income$50,365
Per Capita$23,909
Unemployment4.0%
Poverty16.6%
County GDP$2,754M
Commute18 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$187,400
Rent$1,008
Ownership66.4%
Zillow$289,623
Housing Units2,147
Rent Burden25.0%
Crime
F
Violent248/100K
Property4,650/100K
Health
Obesity43.7%
Uninsured6.9%
Smoking18.1%
Depression20.9%
Heart Disease6.9%
Climate
Avg Temp75°F (24°C)
Rain50.3 in/yr
Elevation30 ft (9 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+20.5%
High School+81.1%
Graduate+9.0%
School Score5.01
Community
2024 VoteR 77% / D 23%
Commute18 min
Broadband85.4%
EV Stations20
Libraries1
Is Okeechobee a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Okeechobee receives an overall livability score of 2.9 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include low crime rates, affordable housing, high health insurance coverage. Areas to be aware of include an elevated poverty rate, below-average incomes, high obesity rates. Okeechobee has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Okeechobee is $50,365, 33% below the national average of $75,149. Unemployment stands at 4.0%, indicating a healthy job market. The poverty rate of 16.6% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 18 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Okeechobee is $187,400, 34% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $1,008 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. A price-to-income ratio of 3.7x indicates a reasonably affordable housing market.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Okeechobee is below the national average at 248 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 4,650 per 100,000, 137% above the national average.
Education
20.5% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 81.1% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5/10.
Climate & Weather
Okeechobee has a warm climate with an average annual temperature of 75°F. Winters average 63°F in January while summers reach 83°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 50.3 inches.
Okeechobee has a population of 5,376 with a density of 1,324 people per square mile, spread across 4.2 square miles. The median age is 37.7 years, 3% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 46.9% female and 53.1% male. The city is predominantly White (69.8%), with 24.7% Hispanic, 16% Black, 3.4% Asian. English is the primary language spoken at home by 78.6% of residents, while 19.5% speak Spanish. 10.5% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 22.8% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 93.1% have health insurance coverage.
Population
5,376
Total Population
2023 Census
37.7yrs
Median Age
3% below US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Okeechobee vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
78.6%
0% below US avg
Spanish
19.5%
46% above US avg
Social Characteristics
Okeechobee vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Okeechobee is $50,365, which is 33% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $23,909 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $931, 35% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 4.0% (above the 3.6% US average). 16.6% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 1,089 business establishments, including 58 restaurants. The cost of living index is 103.4, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 18 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 7.2% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Okeechobee vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $50,365 |
| 33% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $23,909 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $931 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $65,024 |
| Gini Index | 0.452 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 4.0% |
| 11% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 16.6% |
| 34% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 1,089 |
| County GDP | $2,754M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 58 |
| Healthcare | 115 |
| Retail | 139 |
| Manufacturing | 18 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,813 |
| 38% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 103.40 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.57% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 18.2 min |
| Drive Alone | 78.9% |
| Public Transit | 5.6% |
| Work from Home | 7.2% |
The median home value in Okeechobee is $187,400, 34% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $289,623, higher than the Census estimate. According to Redfin, the median sale price is $316,065 with homes selling in an average of 142 days. Homes sell for 92.1% of their list price, suggesting buyers have room to negotiate. Monthly rent averages $1,008 (13% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $1,032 for a one-bedroom to $1,346 for a two-bedroom apartment. 66.4% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 2,147 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1980. The average annual property tax is $4,813 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 25.0% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.7x.
Home Values
| Census Median | $187,400 |
| 34% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $289,623 |
| Redfin Median Sale | $316,065 |
| Median List Price | $425,000 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median Sale Price | $316,065 |
| Median List Price | $425,000 |
| $/Sq Ft | $181 |
| Homes Sold | 4 |
| Days on Market | 142 days |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 92.1% |
| Price Drops | 14.9% |
| Inventory | 47 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $1,008 |
| 13% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 25.0% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $1,025 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,032 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,346 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,650 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,782 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 66.4% |
| Owner-Occupied | 66.4% |
| Renter-Occupied | 33.6% |
| Housing Units | 2,147 |
| Median Year Built | 1980 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,813 |
| 38% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.57% |
In Okeechobee, 43.7% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 12.6% have diabetes (above the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 6.9% of residents, above the national average. 35.2% have high blood pressure. 18.1% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 16.9% report binge drinking. 29.8% are physically inactive, above the national average. 20.9% report depression. 20.4% experience frequent mental distress. 6.9% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,369. The dentist ratio is 1:2,245. 69.4% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 5.2 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Okeechobee vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 43.7% |
| 36% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 12.6% |
| Heart Disease | 6.9% |
| High Blood Pressure | 35.2% |
| Asthma | 10.3% |
| COPD | 8.6% |
| Cancer | 7.2% |
| Stroke | 3.8% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 18.1% |
| 29% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 16.9% |
| Physical Inactivity | 29.8% |
| Depression | 20.9% |
| Mental Distress | 20.4% |
| Physical Distress | 16.7% |
| Short Sleep | 41.2% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 93.1% |
| Uninsured | 6.9% |
| 20% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,369 |
| Dentists | 1:2,245 |
| Mental Health | 1:1,090 |
| Checkup Rate | 75.2% |
| Dental Visits | 49.1% |
| Premature Death | 12,549/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 5.2/10 |
| Exercise Access | 69.4% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 115 |
Okeechobee has a violent crime rate of 248 per 100,000 residents, 35% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 4,650 per 100,000, 137% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 12 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Okeechobee receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Okeechobee vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 247.8/100K |
| 35% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 4,650.3/100K |
| 137% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 12 |
| Traffic Accidents | 956 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.3 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Okeechobee has a warm climate with an average annual temperature of 75°F (24°C). Winters average 63°F in January while summers reach 83°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 50.3 inches (wetter than the 38-inch national average). The city sits at an elevation of 30 feet, near sea level.
Temperature
63°F Jan (17°C)
83°F Jul (29°C)
| Annual Average | 74.6°F |
| 38% above US avg |
| January Average | 63°F (17°C) |
| July Average | 83°F (29°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 30 ft (9 m) |
| Area | 4.2 sq mi (10.8 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,324/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 27.2416°N, 80.8293°W |
| Timezone | America/New_York |
| County | Okeechobee County County |
| Nearest Airport | Treasure Coast International (FPR) 33 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
50.3"
32% above US avg
Wettest Month (Aug)
7.31"
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 80.3 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 87.9 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 3.0 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Relatively High |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Moderate |
| Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hail |
Very Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively High |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
No Rating |
| Lightning |
Relatively High |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
| Coastal Flood |
No Rating |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Hurricane History
18 hurricanes (Cat 1+) within 500 km since 1980.
Strongest: Category 5. Most recent: Milton (2024, Cat 3).
| Year |
Name |
Category |
Closest |
| 2024 |
Milton |
Category 3 |
106 km |
| 2022 |
Ian |
Category 5 |
58 km |
| 2022 |
Nicole |
Category 1 |
66 km |
| 2021 |
Elsa |
Category 1 |
246 km |
| 2019 |
Dorian |
Category 5 |
219 km |
| 2017 |
Irma |
Category 4 |
99 km |
| 2016 |
Matthew |
Category 4 |
123 km |
| 2005 |
Wilma |
Category 3 |
96 km |
| 2005 |
Katrina |
Category 2 |
156 km |
| 2005 |
Ophelia |
Category 1 |
213 km |
| 2004 |
Charley |
Category 4 |
122 km |
| 2004 |
Jeanne |
Category 3 |
24 km |
| 2004 |
Frances |
Category 2 |
22 km |
| 1999 |
Floyd |
Category 4 |
253 km |
| 1999 |
Irene |
Category 1 |
68 km |
| 1995 |
Erin |
Category 1 |
55 km |
| 1992 |
Andrew |
Category 5 |
186 km |
| 1987 |
Floyd |
Category 1 |
240 km |
Source: NOAA IBTrACS (Cat 1+, 1980-2026)
Tornado History
466 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF3. Total: 15 fatalities, 243 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Oct 9, 2024 |
EF3 |
44 km |
0 |
| Oct 9, 2024 |
EF3 |
42 km |
6 |
| Oct 9, 2024 |
EF3 |
91 km |
0 |
| Jan 24, 1979 |
EF3 |
37 km |
0 |
| Oct 19, 1958 |
EF3 |
50 km |
1 |
| Apr 15, 1958 |
EF3 |
39 km |
0 |
| Sep 18, 1954 |
EF3 |
53 km |
2 |
| Oct 9, 2024 |
EF2 |
72 km |
0 |
| Oct 9, 2024 |
EF2 |
51 km |
0 |
| Oct 9, 2024 |
EF2 |
7 km |
0 |
| Oct 9, 2024 |
EF2 |
24 km |
0 |
| Oct 9, 2024 |
EF2 |
65 km |
0 |
| Apr 29, 2023 |
EF2 |
87 km |
0 |
| Apr 6, 2017 |
EF2 |
37 km |
0 |
| Aug 18, 2008 |
EF2 |
91 km |
0 |
| Oct 24, 2005 |
EF2 |
91 km |
0 |
| Mar 9, 1998 |
EF2 |
93 km |
0 |
| Nov 15, 1994 |
EF2 |
78 km |
1 |
| Aug 8, 1983 |
EF2 |
94 km |
0 |
| Mar 21, 1983 |
EF2 |
1 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNNAMED (49,716 ac, 1989).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 1989 |
UNNAMED |
49,716 |
87 km |
| 2007 |
MOONSHINE BAY |
38,664 |
46 km |
| 2008 |
MYAKKA CUT |
36,877 |
46 km |
| 2006 |
BERG FIRE |
28,992 |
94 km |
| 2021 |
BOBCAT |
28,849 |
96 km |
| 2017 |
THREE MILE |
26,683 |
93 km |
| 2014 |
L 4 CUTOUT |
23,068 |
93 km |
| 2007 |
FROG LIGHT |
20,174 |
24 km |
| 1989 |
UNNAMED |
19,103 |
95 km |
| 1990 |
UNNAMED |
16,253 |
46 km |
| 1986 |
UNNAMED |
16,145 |
100 km |
| 2021 |
KISSIMMEE BEND NORTH |
13,782 |
45 km |
| 2007 |
APRILS FOOLS |
13,275 |
96 km |
| 2006 |
UNNAMED |
12,050 |
59 km |
| 1992 |
UNNAMED |
11,488 |
46 km |
| 2008 |
UNNAMED |
11,294 |
50 km |
| 1994 |
UNNAMED |
11,268 |
100 km |
| 2018 |
G-205 (50) |
10,761 |
96 km |
| 2004 |
ROTTONBERG |
9,795 |
97 km |
| 2008 |
UNNAMED |
9,670 |
65 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
63°F (17°C) |
2.5 in |
Coldest |
| February |
66°F (19°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| March |
71°F (21°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| April |
74°F (23°C) |
2.9 in |
|
| May |
78°F (26°C) |
4.2 in |
|
| June |
82°F (28°C) |
7.3 in |
|
| July |
83°F (29°C) |
5.9 in |
|
| August |
83°F (29°C) |
7.3 in |
Warmest, Wettest |
| September |
82°F (28°C) |
7.2 in |
|
| October |
77°F (25°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| November |
70°F (21°C) |
1.9 in |
Driest |
| December |
65°F (19°C) |
2.3 in |
|
Okeechobee has a seasonal temperature swing of 20°F / from 63°F in January to 83°F in August. Total annual precipitation is 50.3 inches, with August being the wettest month (7.3") and November the driest (1.9").
Average costs for common services in Okeechobee. 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 Okeechobee
What is the population of Okeechobee?
Okeechobee has a population of 5,376 residents and is located in Florida. The population density is 1,324 people per square mile, spread across 4.2 square miles. The median age of residents is 37.7 years. The population is 46.9% female and 53.1% male.
Is Okeechobee expensive to live in?
Okeechobee 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 $50,365, 33% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $187,400 (34% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $1,008 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.7x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Okeechobee safe?
Okeechobee is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 248 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 4,650 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Okeechobee receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Okeechobee?
Okeechobee has a warm climate with an average annual temperature of 75°F (24°C). Winter temperatures average 63°F in January, while summers reach an average of 83°F in July. Annual rainfall totals 50.3 inches.
How is the job market in Okeechobee?
Okeechobee has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 4.0%, near the national average of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $931. There are 1,089 business establishments in the area, including 58 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 18 minutes, and 7.2% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Okeechobee?
The median home value in Okeechobee is $187,400. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $289,623. According to Redfin, the median sale price is $316,065, with homes typically selling within 142 days. For renters, the median monthly rent is $1,008. Fair market rent is $1,032 for a 1-bedroom and $1,346 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 66.4%. The average annual property tax is $4,813.
How are the schools in Okeechobee?
Schools in Okeechobee score 5 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 20.5% of adults in Okeechobee hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 81.1% have completed high school. 9.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Okeechobee?
The obesity rate in Okeechobee is 43.7% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 18.1% of adults are smokers. 29.8% are physically inactive. 20.9% of residents report depression. 6.9% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 69.4% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,369.
What is transportation like in Okeechobee?
The average commute in Okeechobee is 18 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 78.9% of workers drive alone to work, 5.6% use public transit, and 7.2% work from home.
What are the demographics of Okeechobee?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Okeechobee is 69.8% White, 16% Black or African American, 24.7% Hispanic or Latino, 3.4% Asian. 78.6% of residents speak only English at home, while 19.5% speak Spanish. 10.5% of the population are military veterans. 22.8% of residents have a disability. 93.1% have health insurance coverage.