Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Live Oak, FL
Considering a move to Live Oak, FL? This welcoming city of about 7,000 residents features affordable living with a median home price of $146,000 and typical rent around $910. Enjoy warm weather with 66% sunny days, a relaxed average commute of just over 21 minutes, and access to local healthcare at Shands Live Oak Regional Medical Center. While property crime is above the national average, the community offers a small-town feel and convenient amenities. Explore local schools, cost of living, and neighborhood details to see if Live Oak is a fit for you.
Demographics - Live Oak, FL
Demographics - Live Oak, FL
Live Oak, FL is home to nearly 7,000 residents with a median age of 38, reflecting a balanced mix of families and working professionals. The city has a diverse community, with significant White and Black populations, and about 9% of residents speak a language other than English at home. Its moderate population density gives Live Oak a close-knit, small-town atmosphere.
Population:
6,949
Density:
1,200 per sq mi
Median Age:
38.0
Gender Ratio:
88 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
9.2%

Ethnic Composition
White:
56.7%
Black:
34.2%
Asian:
1.1%
Others:
8.0%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Live Oak, FL?
Live Oak offers an affordable cost of living, with a median home value of $146,000 and average rent around $910 per month. The city benefits from Florida's no state income tax, and its overall cost of living index is well below the national average. Residents enjoy budget-friendly housing, utilities, and transportation costs, making it attractive for those seeking value.
Median House Value:
$146,000
Gross Rent:
$910
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$135
Auto Insurance:
$2,070
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,130
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$385
State Taxes:
Low:
0% (no state income tax)
|
High:
0% (no state income tax)
Cost Of Living Index:
81.5
Grocery:
94.0
Housing:
56.0
Utilities:
97.0
Transportation:
80.0
Health Care:
92.0
Miscellaneous:
88.0
Crime
Is Live Oak, FL a safe place to live?
While Live Oak maintains a welcoming feel, its property crime rate is above the national average, with a 1 in 39 chance of experiencing property crime and 1 in 263 for violent crime annually. The community remains proactive about safety, but new residents should consider local crime prevention resources. Overall, awareness and community involvement contribute to neighborhood security.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
380
Property Crimes Per 100k:
2,590
Crime Index:
2,970
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 263
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 39
Weather
What is the weather like in Live Oak, FL year-round?
Live Oak enjoys a warm, temperate climate with mild winters in the low 40s and hot summers reaching the low 90s. The area receives about 54 inches of rainfall each year, and residents can look forward to sunny days about two-thirds of the time. This climate supports outdoor activities year-round and a relaxed, Florida lifestyle.

Winter
Min:
41°F
Max:
67°F

Spring
Min:
55°F
Max:
82°F

Summer
Min:
70°F
Max:
92°F

Fall
Min:
55°F
Max:
81°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
54 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
66%
Neighbors
The median household income in Live Oak is just under $42,000, and about 29% of the population lives below the poverty line. Most residents commute around 21 minutes to work, and public transportation use is very low. The community is friendly and diverse, though educational attainment and income levels are below state averages.
Median Income:
$35,000
Household Income:
$41,800
Family Income:
$46,200
Per Capita Income:
$18,200
Income Male:
$32,500
Income Female:
$29,400
Poverty Rate:
29.2%
Non English Speakers:
9.2%
Rent:
$910
Unemployment Rate:
5.2%
Public Transport Usage:
0.7%
Commute Time:
21.4 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
81.0%
Bachelors or More:
11.2%
Education
How are the schools in Live Oak, FL?
Live Oak offers a range of educational options, including public schools like Suwannee High School and Suwannee Middle School, both with student-teacher ratios near 20:1. Private education is available at Melody Christian Academy, and North Florida College is located about 32 miles away for higher education opportunities. The city’s schools serve a diverse student population and are active in the community.

Public Schools
Name:
Suwannee High School
Street:
1314 Pine Ave SW
Phone:
386-647-4000
Students:
1,100
Student Teacher Ratio:
20.1
Name:
Suwannee Middle School
Street:
1730 Walker Ave SW
Phone:
386-647-5000
Students:
850
Student Teacher Ratio:
18.5

Private Schools
Name:
Melody Christian Academy
Street:
508 SW 3rd St
Phone:
386-364-4800
Students:
230

Colleges
Name:
North Florida College
City:
Madison
State:
FL
Distance:
32 miles
Students:
1,200
Healthcare
Residents have access to local healthcare at Shands Live Oak Regional Medical Center, a general and surgical hospital offering emergency services. With about 1.2 physicians per 1,000 people and 83.5% of residents insured, healthcare coverage is solid for a city of this size. The city’s healthcare facilities serve the needs of both families and retirees.

Major Hospitals
Name:
Shands Live Oak Regional Medical Center
Address:
1100 SW 11th St, Live Oak, FL 32064
Phone:
(386) 362-0800
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.2
Health Insurance Coverage:
83.5%
Health Care Index:
62.8
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Live Oak, FL?
The housing market in Live Oak is very affordable, with median home prices at $146,000 and average rents for a two-bedroom apartment around $910. Over half of the homes are owner-occupied, and the market has seen modest appreciation at just over 5% in the past year. Rental vacancy rates are moderate, offering options for both buyers and renters.
Median Home Price:
$146,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$910
Owner Occupied Rate:
51.3%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
6.5%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
5.1%
New Construction Rate:
0.8%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.9%
DMV Information
Live Oak residents can handle their driving and vehicle needs at the local branch of the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles located on Pine Ave SW. The office provides essential DMV services, including licensing, registration, and title transfers. Additional information and online services are available through the state’s official website.
State:
Florida
Department:
Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles
Address:
215 Pine Ave SW, Live Oak, FL 32064
Phone:
(850) 617-2000
Website:
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is based on publicly available sources including AccuWeather, U.S. Census Bureau, local government data, and third-party partners such as Neustar. While we strive to ensure accuracy, all data is provided “as is” and should be independently verified before making any decisions. Movers.com makes no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the information.