RANK #969 / 996 · POP 131,832 · FL
PROJECTED GROWTH: -4.0%
Sumter County, Florida, is often recognized for The Villages, a large, master-planned retirement community that spans parts of the county and is known for its extensive amenities and active lifestyle. Located in central Florida, approximately 45 miles northwest of Orlando and 20 miles south of Ocala, the county offers a blend of rural charm and developed communities. Commutes to larger cities are manageable, with easy access to I-75 and Florida's Turnpike. The community feel varies, from the bustling town squares of The Villages to the quieter, more traditional towns like Bushnell, the county seat. The area boasts natural beauty, with opportunities for hiking, kayaking, fishing, and birdwatching in places like Lake Panasoffkee and various wildlife management areas.
Life in Sumter County caters to a diverse population, including a significant number of retirees drawn to The Villages, which offers numerous recreational activities and social clubs. Families also reside in towns like Bushnell and Lake Panasoffkee, which have public schools rated above average. The economy is expanding beyond its agricultural roots, with growth in sectors such as healthcare and manufacturing. Major investments are flowing into energy-related industries, contributing to job creation and economic diversification. The county's central location and transportation network also make it a distribution hub within Florida.
Overvalued relative to economy
Prices declining
Moderate climate & terrain
Above national median (13x)
Housing looks overvalued at 7.4x — home prices are high relative to local economic output. The typical U.S. county is 4–6x.
Source: Redfin · Census BPS — Browse sales on Redfin →
| PROJECT | AMOUNT | STATUS |
|---|---|---|
|
Sumter Solar Project
Recurrent Energy
|
$150M | Permitting/Planned |
|
Half Moon Renewable Energy Center
Duke Energy Florida
|
$75M | Under Construction |
|
Road Construction CR-525E & Buena Vista Blvd Ext S of SR 44
Sumter County
|
$50M | Under Construction |
|
New Residential Communities (e.g., Sumter Villas, Twisted Oaks)
Various (e.g., Century Complete, Pulte Homes)
|
$50M | Under Construction |
Source: public records, news, corporate announcements. Amounts are estimates where noted.
Bars show percentile rank among all 996 counties.
Sumter County has a Boom Town Index score of 3/100, ranking #969 among 996 U.S. counties. With job growth at +3.0% and a median household income of $70,105, it faces some economic headwinds compared to faster-growing counties.
The median home value in Sumter County is $324,400 with median rent at $1,185/month. The income-to-home-value ratio is 0.2161, which is less affordable than the national average.
Population growth: +3.5% year-over-year. Job growth: +3.0%. Home values changed -1.2% in the past 12 months.
Yes — 3.97% of Sumter County's population moved from another state, which is above the national average and indicates strong in-migration.