Okeechobee County, FL demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
40,816
1.4% year-over-year change
Median household income
$57,984/yr
10.9% year-over-year change
Housing units
18,572
0.2% year-over-year change

Okeechobee County population

How many people live in Okeechobee County

Okeechobee County is home to 40,816 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 53.5% of Okeechobee County locals are male, and 46.5% are female.

Total population
40,816
1.4% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
53.5%
21,819
Female
46.5%
18,997
Value Percent YoY change
Male 21,819 53.5% 0.5%
Female 18,997 46.5% 2.5%
A higher population often means more rental variety and livelier areas. The gender balance—how many men live here compared to women—can reveal a lot about the community and the lifestyles of its residents. Use this info to get a sense of the area's pace and personality.

Age demographics

The median age in Okeechobee County is 41, with the population distributed as follows: about 17% are children under 15, then 11.9% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 25.8% of the population, while another 25.2% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 20% are 65 or older.

Median age
40.8
Age breakdown
Under 15
17%
15 to 24
11.9%
25 to 44
25.8%
45 to 64
25.2%
Over 65
20%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 6,953 17% -0.7%
15 to 24 4,868 11.9% 6.1%
25 to 44 10,524 25.8% 1.2%
45 to 64 10,302 25.2% 1.1%
Over 65 8,169 20% 1.2%
The age composition helps you get insight into who lives in the area. A younger population might mean a more active, fast-paced vibe, while an older one could suggest a quieter, slower lifestyle. If there's a balanced makeup, you’re likely to find a variety of services, housing types, and community spaces that cater to different life stages.

Racial makeup

In Okeechobee County, 84% of the population are US-born citizens, while 9.2% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 6.8% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 69.1% of locals are Caucasian, 7.7% are African American and 0.8% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 15.3% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
84%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
9.2%
Non-citizens
6.8%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 34,301 84% -0.3%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 3,740 9.2% 11.8%
Non-citizens 2,775 6.8% 11.1%
Racial breakdown
White
69.1%
Black or African American
7.7%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.4%
Asian
0.8%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
15.3%
Other
6.8%
Value Percent
White 28,213 69.1%
Black or African American 3,147 7.7%
American Indian and Alaska Native 142 0.4%
Asian 313 0.8%
Two or more races 6,235 15.3%
Other 2,766 6.8%

Households in Okeechobee County

A peek inside Okeechobee County households

Okeechobee County has 15,113 households, with an average of 3 members in each. Of these, 64.5% are families, while the remaining 35.5% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
15,113
-0.5% year-over-year change
Average people per household
3
Non-family households
5,365
Family households
9,748
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 5,365 35.5% 1.7%
Family households 9,748 64.5% -1.6%
The mix between family and non-family households gives a glimpse into daily life. A higher percentage of families might mean more parks and schools, while more non-family setups can mean flexible housing and diverse living styles. For renters, this can signal what kinds of homes are common and can help you figure out if the area matches your lifestyle.

Housing in Okeechobee County

The housing landscape of Okeechobee County

Okeechobee County's housing consists of 18,572 units, with 51% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 1.3% and offer a more compact, shared living style. Then there are the multifamily buildings in the area, and for those seeking flexibility, non-traditional options like mobile homes account for 39% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
18,572
0.2% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 9,477 51%
1 unit, attached 241 1.3%
2 units 225 1.2%
3 or 4 units 518 2.8%
5 to 9 units 193 1%
10 to 19 units 48 0.3%
20 to 49 units 181 1%
50 or more units 59 0.3%
Mobile home 7,233 39%
Boat, RV, van, etc. 397 2.1%
Homes built since 2020
426
50.5% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Okeechobee County

In Okeechobee County, the median construction year is 1988. About 1.2% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 0.4% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 18.4% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 5.5% between 2010 and 2019, and 2.3% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 216 1.2% -1.8%
Built between 1940 and 1949 82 0.4% 20.6%
Built between 1950 and 1959 366 2% -21.6%
Built between 1960 and 1969 910 4.9% -10.3%
Built between 1970 and 1979 3,759 20.2% -4.8%
Built between 1980 and 1989 4,665 25.1% 3.2%
Built between 1990 and 1999 3,712 20% -2.8%
Built between 2000 and 2009 3,422 18.4% 11.9%
Built between 2010 and 2019 1,014 5.5% -10.7%
Built in 2020 or later 426 2.3% 50.5%
As a renter, knowing when homes were built helps you understand the potential condition and design of rental units. Newer builds may have more contemporary layouts, while older homes can offer character or larger lots, depending on the area.

Okeechobee County occupancy rates

Out of the 15,113 occupied housing units in Okeechobee County, 73.8% are owner-occupied, while 26.2% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 18.6% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
15,113
-0.5% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
3,952
Owner occupied
11,161
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 3,952 26.2% 2.3%
Owner occupied 11,161 73.8% -1.4%
Unoccupied housing units
18.6%
Unoccupied housing units refer to homes that are currently without residents—whether they're waiting for renters or owners, used seasonally, or simply unclaimed. A higher share of empty homes may mean more housing availability, while a low number can reflect a tighter market with more competition. This, along with the renter-vs.-owner mix, helps paint a clearer picture of what types of housing and services are likely to be available in the area.

Okeechobee County housing costs

Housing costs in Okeechobee County come to a median of $830 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,082.

Median housing costs per month
$830/month
This figure sums up typical monthly housing costs for all households in the area. If you own, it includes mortgage payments in addition to property taxes, insurance and HOA fees. If you rent, it accounts for rent plus extras like utilities. It’s useful for seeing how local living expenses stack up compared to other places.
Median gross rent in Okeechobee County
$1,082/month
Gross rent gives a more complete look at what renters actually pay, including not just base rent, but also utilities and fees. It’s a key number for evaluating rental affordability in your area of interest and understanding how it compares to nearby locations.

Education in Okeechobee County

Okeechobee County education at a glance

About 48.4% of the population in Okeechobee County went to high school, while 20.5% pursued college studies. Another 8.3% earned an associate degree and 10.3% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 4.8% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 2,460 7.7% 25.4%
High school diploma 15,542 48.4% -2.6%
College diploma 6,586 20.5% 6.6%
Associate degree 2,666 8.3% -2.8%
Bachelor's degree 3,298 10.3% -4.4%
Graduate degree 1,543 4.8% 14.7%
A community’s education mix can offer insights into the local economy and housing market. Higher levels of education often align with more job opportunities and stable incomes, which can increase demand for homes and influence both rent prices and rental availability.

Income in Okeechobee County

How much people earn in Okeechobee County

The average annual household income in Okeechobee County was $75,029 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +3.5% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $57,984, reflecting a +10.9% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Okeechobee County
$75,029/year
3.5% year-over-year change
Median household income in Okeechobee County
$57,984/year
10.9% year-over-year change

Okeechobee County income by age

In Okeechobee County, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $62,251. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $74,479 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $82,661, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $40,441 in earnings. Overall, 82.1% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $82,661 23.8%
25 - 44 $62,251 6.2%
45 - 64 $74,479 25.9%
Over 65 $40,441 0.3%
Above poverty level
30,844
Below poverty level
6,734
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 30,844 82.1% 3.3%
Below poverty level 6,734 17.9% -4.2%

Employment in Okeechobee County

Workforce and job types in Okeechobee County

The job market in Okeechobee County is powered by 15,959 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 72.6% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 27.4% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 13.4% run their own businesses, 62.2% are employed by private companies, and 19.4% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
15,959
5.2% year-over-year change
White collar
11,592
Blue collar
4,367
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 11,592 72.6% 5.6%
Blue collar 4,367 27.4% 4.2%
Employer type
Self employees
13.4%
Private companies
62.2%
Governmental workers
19.4%
Not for profit companies
5%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 2,144 13.4% -1.1%
Private companies 9,924 62.2% 6.3%
Governmental workers 3,096 19.4% 9.4%
Not for profit companies 795 5% -4.3%
Unemployment rate
4.4%
-23.4% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Okeechobee County stands at 4.4%, representing the share of the workforce currently without a job and actively looking for one.

For renters, the unemployment rate helps paint a picture of job security and financial stability in the area. Rates around 4% to 5% are considered typical. A lower-than-average rate might suggest strong job prospects and a thriving local economy, while a higher rate could hint at fewer opportunities—both useful to consider when planning a move.

Transportation in Okeechobee County

How people get around in Okeechobee County

In Okeechobee County, the average commute time is 28 minutes. Commuting methods vary: 86.9% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 1.7% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Commute time
28 min
9.2% year-over-year change
Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 13,653 86.9% 5.8%
Taxicab 57 0.4% 54.0%
Bus or trolleybus 174 1.1% 38.1%
Bicycle 175 1.1% 37.8%
Walk 273 1.7% -10.5%
Understanding how locals get to work can help you plan your own routine. High car usage might mean you’ll need a vehicle, while strong public transit or walkability could save you the hassle. Commute times also play a big role in quality of life—shorter trips can give you more time for the things you enjoy.

What is the median and average household income in Okeechobee County by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
34972 20,066 6,290 $61,040 $76,804
34974 23,975 10,272 $53,013 $71,491

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FAQs about Okeechobee County demographics 

What is the total population of Okeechobee County?

Okeechobee County has a total population of 40,816 residents, according to the latest release from the U.S. Census Bureau: the 2019-2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates. This figure changed by +1.4% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Okeechobee County?

The gender ratio in Okeechobee County is as follows:
  • 53.5% males (21,819 residents)
  • 46.5% females (18,997 residents)

What is the median age in Okeechobee County?

The median age in Okeechobee County is 40.8.

What is the age distribution of the population in Okeechobee County?

The age distribution in Okeechobee County is as follows:
  • Under 15: 17% (6,953 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 11.9% (4,868 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 25.8% (10,524 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 25.2% (10,302 residents)
  • Over 65: 20% (8,169 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Okeechobee County?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Okeechobee County is as follows:
  • White: 69.1% (28,213 residents)
  • Black or African American: 7.7% (3,147 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.4% (142 residents)
  • Asian: 0.8% (313 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 15.3% (6,235 residents)
  • Other: 6.8% (2,766 residents)

What percentage of the population in Okeechobee County are U.S.-born citizens?

U.S.-born citizens represent 84% of the population in Okeechobee County.

How many housing units are there in Okeechobee County?

There are 18,572 housing units in Okeechobee County, reflecting a +0.2% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

How many households are in Okeechobee County and what is the average household size?

Okeechobee County has a total of 15,113 households, with an average of 3 people in each.

What is the median household income in Okeechobee County?

Okeechobee County has a median household income of $57,984, representing a +10.9% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for Okeechobee County?

The employment rate is 95.6% in Okeechobee County, with a workforce of 15,959 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 72.6% (11,592 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 27.4% (4,367 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 13.4% (2,144 residents)
  • Private companies: 62.2% (9,924 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 19.4% (3,096 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 5% (795 residents)

Data source & methodology

The demographic data on this page was sourced from the latest U.S. Census Bureau release—the 2019–2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates.

The information, issued annually, is compiled and published by the Point2Homes Research Team as soon as new data becomes available.

No representation, guarantee, or warranty is made concerning the accuracy or completeness of modified or aggregated information for particular areas.

Page last updated: September 2025