Highlands County Land: A Buyer's Guide to Sebring, Avon Park & Lake Placid

Highlands County is central Florida at its most unhurried: more than a hundred lakes, citrus groves and cattle ranches, and a cost of living noticeably below the state average. For buyers priced out of the coast or simply drawn to lake country, the land here, around Sebring, Avon Park, and Lake Placid, is some of Florida's best value.

Key Takeaways

• Highlands County's towns are Sebring (the county seat), Avon Park, and Lake Placid, with about 101,000 residents (U.S. Census, 2020).
• Lake Istokpoga, at roughly 27,700 acres, is Florida's fifth-largest lake and a top bass fishery (FWC).
• The county's cost of living runs about 15% below the Florida average (Highlands County).
• It's prime citrus, cattle, and lake country on the ancient Lake Wales Ridge.

Where is Highlands County?

Highlands sits in the center of the state, along the Lake Wales Ridge, an ancient sandy spine that's the highest and longest of central Florida's ridges (USGS). That elevation gives the county relatively high, dry ground by Florida standards, dotted with more than a hundred lakes. Its roughly 101,000 residents are spread across about 1,017 square miles of land, anchored by three towns (U.S. Census Bureau).

The three towns

Each has its own character. Sebring, the county seat, is best known for Sebring International Raceway and its 12 Hours of Sebring endurance race, North America's oldest sports-car endurance event. Avon Park is the county's oldest city, with a historic main street. Lake Placid is the "Caladium Capital of the World," growing the vast majority of the globe's caladium bulbs, and is known as the Town of Murals. For land buyers, the towns anchor services while the surrounding county offers acreage, groves, and lakefront.

Lakes and recreation

Water is the draw. Lake Istokpoga, about 27,700 acres just northeast of Lake Placid, is Florida's fifth-largest lake and has one of the highest largemouth bass catch rates in the state (FWC). With more than a hundred lakes countywide, lakefront and near-water parcels are a major part of the market, prized by anglers, retirees, and remote workers alike.

Citrus, cattle, and agricultural land

Agriculture runs deep here. Highlands is historically one of Florida's top citrus-producing counties, alongside a strong cattle industry (USDA NASS). For land buyers, that means working groves and ranch acreage, much of which can qualify for Florida's Greenbelt agricultural classification and its property-tax savings. That agricultural base is a big part of why investors have long eyed Highlands County land.

What land costs, and buying smart

The clearest affordability signal is the county's own: cost of living about 15% below the Florida average (Highlands County). Land follows suit, trading well under coastal South Florida, though a specific per-acre figure depends heavily on the parcel, lake frontage, and agricultural classification. As with any rural land, confirm the parcel will support a well and septic, check the flood zone and access, and run the full land-buying checklist before you offer.

Interested in land around Sebring, Avon Park, or Lake Placid? Pure Equity Realty can help you find the right parcel. Talk to a land specialist, or browse Highlands County land.

Frequently asked questions

Is Highlands County a good place to buy land?

For value, lakes, and agriculture, yes. With a cost of living about 15% below the state average (Highlands County) and abundant lake and ranch land, it's one of central Florida's most affordable land markets.

What towns are in Highlands County?

The three incorporated towns are Sebring (the county seat), Avon Park, and Lake Placid. Sebring is known for its raceway, and Lake Placid is the "Caladium Capital of the World" and a town of murals.

How big is Lake Istokpoga?

About 27,700 acres, making it Florida's fifth-largest lake (FWC). It sits just northeast of Lake Placid and has one of the highest largemouth bass catch rates in the state.

Can you get an agricultural tax break in Highlands County?

Yes. Working citrus, cattle, and other bona fide commercial agriculture can qualify for Florida's Greenbelt classification, which taxes the land on agricultural use value (Fla. Stat. 193.461). Apply through the county Property Appraiser by March 1.

Sources

• FWC, Lake Istokpoga; U.S. Census Bureau, Highlands County.
• Highlands County, Relocate Here (cost of living); USDA NASS (citrus and cattle).
• USGS, Lake Wales Ridge; Fla. Stat. 193.461 (Greenbelt).

Published June 19, 2026. Population is the 2020 Census figure; land values vary by parcel.