Home Value
$101,900
64% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
6.7%
80% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$933
20% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
42.0%
31% higher than US avg
Unemployment
11.2%
211% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
33.7%
172% higher than US avg
How Raiford Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population286
Median Age38.5 yrs
Density520/mi²
Male / Female43% / 57%
Largest GroupWhite 98%
Veterans12.4%
Economy
Per Capita$16,758
Unemployment11.2%
Poverty33.7%
County GDP$533M
Commute30 min
Housing
Home Value$101,900
Rent$933
Ownership57.9%
Zillow$223,122
Housing Units129
Rent Burden31.7%
Health
Obesity42.0%
Uninsured12.2%
Smoking21.6%
Depression23.7%
Heart Disease7.6%
Climate
Avg Temp71°F (22°C)
Rain53.4 in/yr
Elevation128 ft (39 m)
Education
D
Bachelor's+6.7%
High School+80.0%
Graduate+7.9%
School Score6.04
Community
2024 VoteR 84% / D 16%
Commute30 min
Broadband93.0%
EV Stations2
Libraries2
Is Raiford a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Raiford receives an overall livability score of 1.5 out of 5.0, earning a grade of D. Key strengths include affordable housing, strong internet connectivity. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment, an elevated poverty rate, a high uninsured rate. Raiford faces significant challenges across several quality-of-life categories.
Economy & Jobs
At 11.2%, unemployment is notably high. The poverty rate of 33.7% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 30 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Raiford is $101,900, 64% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $933 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability.
Education
6.7% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 80.0% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 6/10.
Climate & Weather
Raiford has a warm climate with an average annual temperature of 71°F. Winters average 57°F in January while summers reach 83°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 53.4 inches.
Raiford has a population of 286 with a density of 520 people per square mile, spread across 0.6 square miles. The median age is 38.5 years, 1% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 57.3% female and 42.7% male. The city is predominantly White (97.6%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 12.4% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 26.2% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 87.8% have health insurance coverage.
Population
286
Total Population
2023 Census
38.5yrs
Median Age
1% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
100.0%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.0%
100% below US avg
Per capita income is $16,758 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,017, 29% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 11.2% (above the 3.6% US average). 33.7% 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 30 minutes. 3.8% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| |
| Per Capita Income | $16,758 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,017 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $53,470 |
| Gini Index | 0.510 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 11.2% |
| 211% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 33.7% |
| 172% 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 | 3.16% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 29.5 min |
| Drive Alone | 92.4% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 3.8% |
The median home value in Raiford is $101,900, 64% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $223,122, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $933 (20% 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. 57.9% of housing units are owner-occupied (below the 65.4% national rate). There are 129 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1980. The average annual property tax is $3,222. 31.7% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing.
Home Values
| Census Median | $101,900 |
| 64% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $223,122 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $933 |
| 20% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 31.7% |
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 | 57.9% |
| Owner-Occupied | 57.9% |
| Renter-Occupied | 42.1% |
| Housing Units | 129 |
| Median Year Built | 1980 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,222 |
| 8% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 3.16% |
In Raiford, 42.0% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 13.1% have diabetes (above the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 7.6% of residents, above the national average. 37.5% have high blood pressure. 21.6% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 16.1% report binge drinking. 31.5% are physically inactive, above the national average. 23.7% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 22.4% experience frequent mental distress. 12.2% 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: Raiford vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 42.0% |
| 31% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 13.1% |
| Heart Disease | 7.6% |
| High Blood Pressure | 37.5% |
| Asthma | 11.6% |
| COPD | 10.1% |
| Cancer | 7.2% |
| Stroke | 4.2% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 21.6% |
| 54% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 16.1% |
| Physical Inactivity | 31.5% |
| Depression | 23.7% |
| Mental Distress | 22.4% |
| Physical Distress | 17.5% |
| Short Sleep | 40.2% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 87.8% |
| Uninsured | 12.2% |
| 42% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:3,267 |
| Dentists | 1:3,865 |
| Mental Health | 1:1,726 |
| Checkup Rate | 73.8% |
| Dental Visits | 48.9% |
| Premature Death | 17,101/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 6.3/10 |
| Exercise Access | 6.8% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 11 |
Raiford has a warm climate with an average annual temperature of 71°F (22°C). Winters average 57°F in January while summers reach 83°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 53.4 inches (wetter than the 38-inch national average). The city sits at an elevation of 128 feet.
Temperature
57°F Jan (14°C)
83°F Jul (29°C)
| Annual Average | 70.9°F |
| 31% above US avg |
| January Average | 57°F (14°C) |
| July Average | 83°F (29°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 128 ft (39 m) |
| Area | 0.6 sq mi (1.4 km²) |
| Population Density | 520/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 30.0637°N, 82.2408°W |
| Timezone | America/New_York |
| County | Union County County |
| Nearest Airport | Gainesville Regional (GNV)
26 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
53.4"
41% above US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
8.17"
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
22 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 |
141 km |
| 2024 |
Milton |
Category 3 |
237 km |
| 2024 |
Debby |
Category 1 |
113 km |
| 2023 |
Idalia |
Category 4 |
107 km |
| 2022 |
Ian |
Category 2 |
244 km |
| 2020 |
Isaias |
Category 1 |
274 km |
| 2019 |
Dorian |
Category 3 |
245 km |
| 2018 |
Michael |
Category 3 |
269 km |
| 2017 |
Irma |
Category 1 |
207 km |
| 2016 |
Matthew |
Category 3 |
149 km |
| 2016 |
Hermine |
Category 1 |
171 km |
| 2014 |
Arthur |
Category 1 |
293 km |
| 2004 |
Jeanne |
Category 2 |
231 km |
| 2004 |
Frances |
Category 1 |
292 km |
| 2004 |
Charley |
Category 1 |
139 km |
| 2000 |
Gordon |
Category 1 |
275 km |
| 1999 |
Irene |
Category 1 |
235 km |
| 1995 |
Erin |
Category 1 |
277 km |
| 1985 |
Elena |
Category 3 |
206 km |
| 1985 |
Kate |
Category 1 |
200 km |
Source: NOAA IBTrACS (Cat 1+, 1980-2026)
Tornado History
458 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF3. Total: 8 fatalities, 143 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Feb 27, 1984 |
EF3 |
89 km |
0 |
| Feb 7, 1971 |
EF3 |
69 km |
0 |
| Feb 25, 1960 |
EF3 |
40 km |
0 |
| Apr 15, 1958 |
EF3 |
93 km |
0 |
| Mar 7, 2008 |
EF2 |
42 km |
1 |
| Apr 15, 2007 |
EF2 |
52 km |
0 |
| Dec 25, 2006 |
EF2 |
19 km |
0 |
| Aug 12, 2004 |
EF2 |
62 km |
0 |
| Mar 29, 2001 |
EF2 |
52 km |
0 |
| Mar 13, 2001 |
EF2 |
82 km |
0 |
| Sep 29, 1998 |
EF2 |
87 km |
0 |
| Feb 2, 1996 |
EF2 |
58 km |
0 |
| Apr 24, 1995 |
EF2 |
67 km |
0 |
| Oct 2, 1994 |
EF2 |
99 km |
0 |
| Mar 12, 1993 |
EF2 |
88 km |
3 |
| Mar 14, 1986 |
EF2 |
47 km |
0 |
| Feb 27, 1984 |
EF2 |
38 km |
0 |
| Apr 23, 1983 |
EF2 |
74 km |
0 |
| Apr 9, 1983 |
EF2 |
99 km |
0 |
| Feb 2, 1983 |
EF2 |
61 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 |
60 km |
| 2007 |
BIG TURNAROUND COMPLEX (FLOYDS ISLAND PRAIRIE) |
215,381 |
98 km |
| 2017 |
WEST MIMS |
166,737 |
66 km |
| 2011 |
HONEY PRAIRIE |
147,065 |
70 km |
| 2011 |
CRAVENS HAMMOCK |
142,688 |
83 km |
| 2002 |
BLACKJACK BAY COMPLEX |
107,076 |
69 km |
| 1999 |
FRIENDLY |
75,089 |
56 km |
| 2001 |
UNNAMED |
59,179 |
81 km |
| 2012 |
COUNTY LINE |
35,440 |
54 km |
| 2004 |
IMPASSABLE ONE |
29,836 |
43 km |
| 1998 |
OAK |
21,478 |
38 km |
| 1990 |
SHORTS |
21,413 |
73 km |
| 2011 |
DURDIN PRAIRIE |
19,487 |
88 km |
| 2004 |
UNNAMED |
18,577 |
40 km |
| 1998 |
UNNAMED |
16,594 |
45 km |
| 1989 |
PIN HOOK |
16,471 |
50 km |
| 1999 |
HICKORY IS |
14,656 |
92 km |
| 2014 |
UNNAMED |
14,543 |
32 km |
| 1998 |
UNNAMED |
13,873 |
6 km |
| 2007 |
UNNAMED |
13,806 |
28 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
57°F (14°C) |
4.0 in |
Coldest |
| February |
59°F (15°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| March |
64°F (18°C) |
3.1 in |
|
| April |
70°F (21°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| May |
77°F (25°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| June |
82°F (28°C) |
8.2 in |
Wettest |
| July |
83°F (29°C) |
7.1 in |
Warmest |
| August |
83°F (28°C) |
6.4 in |
|
| September |
80°F (27°C) |
5.9 in |
|
| October |
73°F (23°C) |
4.3 in |
|
| November |
65°F (18°C) |
2.3 in |
Driest |
| December |
59°F (15°C) |
2.7 in |
|
Raiford has a seasonal temperature swing of 27°F / from 57°F in January to 83°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 53.4 inches, with June being the wettest month (8.2") and November the driest (2.3").
Average costs for common services in Raiford. 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 Raiford
What is the population of Raiford?
Raiford has a population of 286 residents and is located in Florida. The population density is 520 people per square mile, spread across 0.6 square miles. The median age of residents is 38.5 years. The population is 57.3% female and 42.7% male.
Is Raiford expensive to live in?
Raiford has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 103.4 (baseline: 100). The median home value is $101,900 (64% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $933 per month, below the national average of $1,163.
What is the weather like in Raiford?
Raiford has a warm climate with an average annual temperature of 71°F (22°C). Winter temperatures average 57°F in January, while summers reach an average of 83°F in July. Annual rainfall totals 53.4 inches.
How is the job market in Raiford?
The job market in Raiford faces challenges, with unemployment at 11.2% / 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 30 minutes, and 3.8% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Raiford?
The median home value in Raiford is $101,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $223,122. For renters, the median monthly rent is $933. Fair market rent is $1,296 for a 1-bedroom and $1,526 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 57.9%. The average annual property tax is $3,222.
How are the schools in Raiford?
Schools in Raiford score 6 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 6.7% of adults in Raiford hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 80.0% have completed high school. 7.9% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Raiford?
The obesity rate in Raiford is 42.0% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 21.6% of adults are smokers. 31.5% are physically inactive. 23.7% of residents report depression. 12.2% 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 Raiford?
The average commute in Raiford is 30 minutes. 92.4% of workers drive alone to work, and 3.8% work from home.
What are the demographics of Raiford?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Raiford is 97.6% White, 0.7% Black or African American, 1% Hispanic or Latino, 0.7% Asian. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 12.4% of the population are military veterans. 26.2% of residents have a disability. 87.8% have health insurance coverage.