Cost of Living in Hernando, FL

Population 8,795 · Florida · Data vintage 2023

65
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

Hernando skews considerably older than the national median, with an average age of 60. Reported household income of $41,564 often reflects pension and investment income rather than wages, which makes the local tax picture — especially property tax treatment — a larger factor than in working-age cities. Unemployment has stayed elevated relative to the national figure — 10.7% as of the most recent ACS release — which shows up in household-income and poverty figures as well.

Hernando is about 35 miles north of Spring Hill, the nearest large metro — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Median home values run roughly 24% lower than Spring Hill's $248,000.

Cost Overview

Housing 62
Rent 70

Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.

About the Cost of Living in Hernando

The median home value in Hernando is $189,200 — 38% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $922/month, 30% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $41,564/year is 44% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 10.7%, above the national average of 4.8%. Florida charges no state income tax, a meaningful advantage for take-home pay. Overall, Hernando has a cost of living index of 65 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 35% less expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$189,200
38% below avg
Zillow Home Value
$352,541
Zillow ZHVI
Median Rent
$922/mo
30% below avg
Price-to-Rent Ratio
17.1x
Favors buying
Property Tax Rate
0.9%
Effective rate

HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom

Studio
$1,085
1 BR
$1,181
2 BR
$1,427
3 BR
$1,797
4 BR
$2,099
Owner-occupied 84.7%
Renter-occupied 15.3%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$922
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $1,536/mo

Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.

🛒 Food & Groceries

National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.

🥚
Eggs (dozen)
$0.548
🍞
White Bread (lb)
$1.912
🥩
Ground Beef (lb)
$5.61

🚗 Transportation

Avg Commute
36.0 min
33% above avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
11.8%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
79.5%
Carpooled
5.9%
Work from home
11.8%

Utilities

Electricity
$0.176/kWh
0% below avg

📋 Taxes

State Income Tax (flat) None
Total Sales Tax 7.0%
State rate 6.0%
Avg local rate 1.1%
Property Tax 0.9%

💼 Income & Employment

Median Household Income
$41,564
44% below avg
Per Capita Income
$27,694
Unemployment Rate
10.7%
122% above avg
Poverty Rate
19.0%
Labor Force Participation
35.1%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 10.5%
Graduate degree 3.7%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 60.4
Male median age 60.2
Female median age 61.1

💨 Air Quality

EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data

Median AQI 45 — Good
65.2%
Good air days/yr
118
Max AQI recorded
353
PM2.5 days
0
Ozone days

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Hernando, FL?

Hernando has a cost index of 65 (100 = national average). It is 35% below the national average.

What is average rent in Hernando, FL?

The median gross rent in Hernando is $922 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Hernando?

The median home value in Hernando is $189,200 according to Zillow and Census data.

What is the median income in Hernando?

The median household income in Hernando is $41,564 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Hernando, FL?

The combined state and local sales tax rate in Hernando is 7.0%. Florida has no state income tax.

Is Hernando, FL affordable?

Yes, Hernando is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 65 — about 35% below the US national average of 100.