RANK #967 / 996 · POP 155,173 · FL
PROJECTED GROWTH: -3.9%
Citrus County, Florida, distinguishes itself as the "Manatee Capital of the World," particularly in Crystal River, where visitors can legally swim with these gentle giants in their natural habitat. Located on Florida's Nature Coast, about 65 miles north of Tampa, the county offers a blend of suburban and rural living. Notable towns include Inverness, the county seat with a historic downtown, and Homosassa Springs, known for its wildlife park. Commutes to larger cities like Tampa or Orlando are manageable, and within the county, Citrus County Transit provides fixed routes and on-demand services. The area boasts extensive outdoor recreation, with over 50,000 acres of protected land, including springs, rivers, and state forests. Activities like kayaking, fishing, hiking on the Withlacoochee State Trail, and scalloping in the Gulf of Mexico are popular draws.
Life in Citrus County offers a relaxed pace, attracting retirees and those seeking a quieter lifestyle. The community maintains a small-town feel with local events and festivals. The economy, while historically agricultural, has diversified into tourism, healthcare, manufacturing, and technology. Major investment is flowing into sectors like data centers and energy, contributing to economic growth. The county also sees significant activity in homebuilding, which supports various trades and attracts workers. Public schools in Citrus County offer a range of programs, including specialized academies.
Above national median (4.7x)
Well below national median
Prices declining
Housing is fairly valued at 5.5x relative to local economic output. Climate and geography support a structural premium. The typical U.S. county is 4–6x.
Source: Redfin · Census BPS — Browse sales on Redfin →
| PROJECT | AMOUNT | STATUS |
|---|---|---|
|
Citrus Combined-Cycle Power Plant
Duke Energy Florida
|
$1,500M | Operating |
|
Holder Industrial Park Data Center Proposal
Deltona Corporation
|
$500M | Proposed |
|
Powerline Energy Storage
Undisclosed
|
$100M | Planned |
|
Bay Trail Solar Power Plant
Duke Energy Florida
|
$75M | Operating |
|
Crystal Ridge Residential Community
DIX Developments
|
$50M | Under Construction |
Source: public records, news, corporate announcements. Amounts are estimates where noted.
Bars show percentile rank among all 996 counties.
Citrus County has a Boom Town Index score of 3/100, ranking #967 among 996 U.S. counties. With job growth at +0.6% and a median household income of $52,569, it faces some economic headwinds compared to faster-growing counties.
The median home value in Citrus County is $190,800 with median rent at $1,000/month. The income-to-home-value ratio is 0.2755, which is more affordable than the national average.
Population growth: +2.2% year-over-year. Job growth: +0.6%. Home values changed -3.8% in the past 12 months.
Yes — 3.77% of Citrus County's population moved from another state, which is above the national average and indicates strong in-migration.