Cost of Living in Hardee County, Florida
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Hardee County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Hardee County ranks #2,889 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 8%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Hardee County, Florida
Hardee keeps housing affordable
Hardee County residents spend 21.1% of income on rent, below the national affordability standard and well below Florida's state average. With a median household income of $54,231 and rent at $954 monthly, Hardee offers solid affordability for working families in rural central Florida.
Hardee below Florida average
At 21.1%, Hardee's rent-to-income ratio undershoots Florida's 22.5% state average, making it a genuinely affordable county despite lower overall incomes. The $954 median rent falls $279 below the state median, positioning Hardee as an accessible rental market in the state.
Hardee's moderate affordability
Hardee's $954 rent sits between Gilchrist ($855) and Gulf ($1,161), with the county's $54,231 income providing reasonable balance for working residents. Among comparable rural counties, Hardee occupies the middle ground—not the absolute cheapest, but offering good value without sacrificing economic diversity.
Hardee's working-family housing
Renters spend $954 monthly from a $54,231 median income, consuming 21.1% of earnings and preserving adequate funds for family needs. Homeowners encounter median monthly costs of $636 (14% of income), with median home values of $129,400 making homeownership genuinely attainable for working families.
Hardee: affordable working-family choice
Hardee County suits working families seeking moderate housing costs without extreme rurality, positioned between Florida's most affordable and average markets. If you need reliable affordability with reasonable economic opportunity, Hardee's balanced profile delivers solid relocation value for household builders and savers.
Cost of Living Advisory: Hardee County
Affordability Verdict
Housing in Hardee County is affordable. The median rent is $954/month against a median household income of $54,231, putting rent at 21.1% of income.
Rent vs. Own
At $954/month rent versus $636/month in owner costs, owning is roughly $318/month cheaper — a 33% difference.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $38,160/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $27,257/year. With a median household income of $54,231, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 34.0% of renter households in Hardee County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Compared to Putnam County where rent averages $902/month, Hardee County is approximately 6% more expensive.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Hardee County
Rent Burden
21.1%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,265
per month
Owner Cost Burden
14.1%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Hardee County
Median home value is $129,400. Estimated monthly cost: $1,033 vs. your max of $1,265.
Rent Affordability Guide
Income Needed Calculator
See how much you need to earn to comfortably afford housing
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Based on the 30% rule for rent and 28% rule for housing costs (mortgage + owner costs). Mortgage estimate assumes 20% down, 7.2% interest, 30-year fixed.
Frequently Asked Questions
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See Today's RatesData: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023) — Informational only. Not financial or legal advice.
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