FloridaPop. 117,247Mid-size cities
Is Clearwater a Good Place to Live? Clearwater, Florida: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Clearwater ranks #629 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #104 of 256 mid-size cities and #22 of 80 in Florida. Against similar-size cities it stands out for high graduation rates (92%, #41 of 205), and trails on a shrinking population (-1.5%, #241 of 241).
Clearwater by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Clearwater's rank among the tracked cities and the US figure (or the similar-size median where there is no national figure).
What is the cost of living in Clearwater?
Clearwater's cost of living index is 100.9, 1% above the US level of 100 and #710 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,658/mo against $1,641/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $342,820, 9% below the typical Florida home ($375,470).
| Measure | Clearwater | FloridaFL | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 101.8 · US 100 | 100.9#710 of 1,308 | 103 | 101.8 | 100 |
| Typical home value (Zillow)Zillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $439,863 · US $368,697 | $342,820#504 of 1,187 | $375,470 | $439,863 | $368,697 |
| Typical asking rent (Zillow)Zillow Observed Rent Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,871/mo · US $1,948/mo | $1,963/mo#693 of 1,115 | — | $1,871/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $405,750 | $361,300#687 of 1,309 | — | $405,750 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,641/mo | $1,658/mo#839 of 1,309 | — | $1,641/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 5x | 5.4x#918 of 1,309 | — | 5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 23.9% | 30%#1252 of 1,309 | — | 23.9% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). Florida is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. Zillow figures track homes and rentals on the market now; Census figures are survey medians of all homes and leases, so the two differ.
Clearwater housing market · August
Typical home value is a monthly index of homes in the middle third of the market; the Census figures above are survey medians and will differ. Source in the data sources list below. Clearwater is in the Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL metro.
Florida housing market →Is Clearwater safe?
Clearwater recorded 254 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 32% below the US rate of 373 and 34% below Florida's 384. That ranks #465 of 1,083 cities with data (1 = safest) and #81 of 235 mid-size cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Clearwater Police Department. Property crime runs 1,419 per 100,000 (US 2,083).
| Measure | Clearwater | FloridaFL | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 352 · US 373 | 254#465 of 1,083 | 384 | 352 | 373 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,730 · US 2,083 | 1,419#428 of 1,083 | 1,954 | 1,730 | 2,083 |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). Florida is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. City rates come from each police agency's report to the FBI and are not strictly comparable across agencies.
What do people earn in Clearwater?
The median household in Clearwater earns $66,381, 14% below the US figure of $76,827 and 7% below Florida ($71,516). Unemployment is 3.8% (US 4.2%). 14.8% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 1.5% in the latest year (US +0.8%).
| Measure | Clearwater | FloridaFL | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $80,112 · US $76,827 | $66,381#895 of 1,312 | $71,516 | $80,112 | $76,827 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.2% · US 4.2% | 3.8%#390 of 1,058 | 4.3% | 4.2% | 4.2% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 12.6% | 14.8%#851 of 1,312 | — | 12.6% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.3% · US +0.8% | -1.5%#1123 of 1,132 | +2% | +0.3% | +0.8% |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). Florida is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure.
Who lives in Clearwater?
The median resident of Clearwater is 46.6 years old, against 36.7 in similar-size cities. 32.6% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #695 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 58.6% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Clearwater | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 36.7 | 46.6 | 36.7 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 34% | 32.6%#695 of 1,312 | 34% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 56.7% | 58.6% | 56.7% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure.
How are Clearwater's schools and health?
Clearwater's 13 public schools graduate 92% of students in four years (Florida 87%), with 15.9 students per teacher and $12,514 spent per pupil. 33.3% of adults are obese and 13.5% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 33.3% and 11.5%.
| Measure | Clearwater | FloridaFL | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 88% | 92%#222 of 1,063 | 87% | 88% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 17.4 | 15.9#617 of 1,188 | — | 17.4 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $14,993 | $12,514#873 of 1,188 | — | $14,993 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 33.3% | 33.3%#638 of 1,311 | — | 33.3% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.5% | 13.5%#1026 of 1,311 | — | 11.5% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 17.5% | 16.8%#585 of 1,311 | — | 17.5% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.1% | 14.7%#1057 of 1,311 | — | 11.1% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). Florida is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. 9,338 students are enrolled in Clearwater's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Clearwater?
The average commute in Clearwater is 22.7 minutes (Florida 24.6); 3.7% of workers take transit and 20.7% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Clearwater scores 13.3 of 20 (above average walkable), #280 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 82.9°F and winters 63.4°F, with 53.6 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Clearwater | FloridaFL | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 24.6 min | 22.7 min#565 of 1,312 | 24.6 min | 24.6 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 6% | 3.6%#311 of 1,312 | 8.5% | 6% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 70.7% | 62% | 74.1% | 70.7% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.1% | 3.7% | 1.3% | 1.1% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.6% | 1.4% | 1.4% | 1.6% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.3% | 1.3% | 0.5% | 0.3% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 13.3% | 20.7% | 11.9% | 13.3% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 11.6 | 13.3#280 of 1,312 | — | 11.6 | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). Florida is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. The walkability index is the EPA's, averaged over the city's neighborhoods by population.
| Month | Average high (°F) | Average low (°F) | Precipitation (inches) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 70.6 | 52.5 | 2.6 |
| Feb | 73.3 | 55.1 | 2.4 |
| Mar | 77 | 59.2 | 2.4 |
| Apr | 81.8 | 64.2 | 2.6 |
| May | 87.1 | 69.8 | 2.7 |
| Jun | 89.6 | 74.6 | 8.9 |
| Jul | 90.3 | 75.9 | 9.7 |
| Aug | 90.6 | 76.3 | 8.8 |
| Sep | 88.9 | 75.2 | 6.4 |
| Oct | 84.2 | 69.7 | 2.5 |
| Nov | 77.2 | 60.9 | 1.6 |
| Dec | 72.8 | 56 | 2.9 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at St Petersburg Clearwater International.
| Measure | Clearwater | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 62.1°F | 73.9°F | 62.1°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 76.9°F | 82.9°F | 76.9°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 47.7°F | 63.4°F | 47.7°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 36.8 in | 53.6 in | 36.8 in | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. NOAA 30-year climate normals at St Petersburg Clearwater International.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Clearwater?
Pinellas County's air had a median air quality index of 44, and 70% of measured days were rated good; 1 day was unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Pinellas County's biggest natural hazard losses in hurricane, coastal flooding, and hail, with expected yearly losses of 0.16% of building value, higher than 53% of US counties.
| Measure | Clearwater | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 46 | 44#571 of 1,138 | 46 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4 | 1#309 of 1,138 | 4 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.16% | 0.16%#710 of 1,312 | 0.16% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. County figures for Pinellas County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Pinellas County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Hurricane | 0.063% | 88% of counties |
| Coastal flooding | 0.013% | 87% of counties |
| Hail | 0.0014% | 41% of counties |
| Tornado | 0.0053% | 38% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.056% | 16% of counties |
FEMA National Risk Index: expected yearly building losses from each hazard as a share of the county's building value, compared with every US county exposed to that hazard. Loss rates, unlike FEMA's risk ratings, do not rise just because a county has more property.
How does Clearwater compare with similar-size cities?
Clearwater is one of 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track and ranks #104 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 117,247.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Clearwater, FLPop. 117,247 | #629 | 56.2 | $66,381 | $1,658/mo | 254 | 22.7 min |
| Lowell, MAPop. 118,368 | #610 | 56.5 | $78,658 | $1,625/mo | 505 | 27.9 min |
| Broken Arrow, OKPop. 118,180 | #370 | 60.5 | $86,765 | $1,320/mo | 198 | 21.9 min |
| West Jordan, UTPop. 116,692 | #454 | 58.8 | $108,153 | $1,757/mo | 313 | 24.1 min |
| Antioch, CAPop. 116,477 | #1226 | 43.8 | $97,465 | $2,278/mo | 762 | 42 min |
| High Point, NCPop. 116,245 | #796 | 53.3 | $64,561 | $1,116/mo | 521 | 20.7 min |
| League City, TXPop. 116,215 | #286 | 62.2 | $121,099 | $1,684/mo | 60 | 29.9 min |
| Evansville, INPop. 116,116 | #1196 | 45.1 | $53,387 | $975/mo | 1,087 | 18.3 min |
| Manchester, NHPop. 115,643 | #546 | 57.3 | $81,007 | $1,564/mo | 323 | 23.9 min |
Rank is overall rank of 1,312. Income is median household income; rent is Census median rent; violent crime is per 100,000 residents as reported to the FBI ("no data" and "incomplete" are explained on each city's page).
How does Clearwater compare with the rest of Florida?
Clearwater ranks #22 of the 80 Florida cities we track, with a score of 56.2 against Florida's statewide 52.8. Its households earn 7% below the Florida median. Violent crime is 34% below the statewide rate. Homes are 9% below the typical Florida home.
| City | Rank in FL | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Palm Beach Gardens, FLPop. 60,959 | #1 | 64.8 | $106,947 | $2,417/mo | 72 |
| Horizon West, FLPop. 67,416 | #2 | 64.0 | $127,335 | $2,464/mo | no data |
| Jupiter, FLPop. 61,883 | #3 | 62.6 | $110,240 | $2,381/mo | 126 |
| Doral, FLPop. 79,216 | #4 | 61.5 | $94,164 | $2,669/mo | 79 |
| North Port, FLPop. 84,605 | #5 | 61.2 | $84,049 | $1,894/mo | 102 |
| Wellington, FLPop. 62,146 | #6 | 61.1 | $115,632 | $2,562/mo | 90 |
| Boca Raton, FLPop. 100,234 | #7 | 61.0 | $106,273 | $2,508/mo | 113 |
| Apopka, FLPop. 58,232 | #8 | 59.4 | $96,884 | $1,969/mo | 408 |
| St. Cloud, FLPop. 65,130 | #9 | 58.8 | $83,174 | $1,683/mo | 141 |
| Delray Beach, FLPop. 67,979 | #10 | 58.5 | $82,041 | $1,961/mo | 292 |
| Boynton Beach, FLPop. 81,435 | … #18 | 57.0 | $70,074 | $2,041/mo | 176 |
| Palm Bay, FLPop. 130,132 | #19 | 56.9 | $72,614 | $1,601/mo | 275 |
| Sarasota, FLPop. 56,970 | #20 | 56.9 | $72,105 | $1,684/mo | 380 |
| Wesley Chapel, FLPop. 76,011 | #21 | 56.3 | $107,504 | $2,100/mo | no data |
| Clearwater, FLPop. 117,247 | #22 | 56.2 | $66,381 | $1,658/mo | 254 |
| St. Petersburg, FLPop. 262,732 | #23 | 56.1 | $75,192 | $1,663/mo | 492 |
| Miami Beach, FLPop. 82,031 | #24 | 56.0 | $72,856 | $1,826/mo | part year |
| Tampa, FLPop. 401,618 | #25 | 55.8 | $75,475 | $1,701/mo | 334 |
| Largo, FLPop. 82,617 | #26 | 55.5 | $62,096 | $1,618/mo | 254 |
The top 10 of the 80 and the cities ranked either side of Clearwater among the Florida cities we track, by overall score. Florida statewide: median income $71,516, violent crime 384 per 100,000.
How is Clearwater's score calculated?
Clearwater scores 56.2 out of 100, #629 of 1,312 (grade B, which follows rank). It is scored on the 10 of 11 categories with local data; outdoor access is left out rather than filled with Florida's statewide figure, and the other weights are scaled up to fill the gap. Each score is compared with the median of similar-size cities, which are scored the same way.
- EconomyCity data · 16% of score
Median household income and unemployment in Clearwater. Similar-size median 52.9.
50.1 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Clearwater's police agency. Similar-size median 70.6.
80.4 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Clearwater. Similar-size median 53.8.
51.7 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Clearwater's public schools. Similar-size median 52.1.
59.0 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Clearwater's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 59.1.
61.9 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Clearwater. Similar-size median 51.2.
41.8 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Clearwater. Similar-size median 42.1.
26.9 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Clearwater. Similar-size median 50.1.
63.5 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Clearwater's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 56.1.
64.7 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 45.9.
49.4 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Clearwater's category score out of 100. Tick: median of the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track. Shares of score are the category weights rescaled over the categories Clearwater has data for. City scores use city formulas and are not on the same scale as state scores. Grades follow rank among the 1,312 cities. Methodology
Frequently asked questions about living in Clearwater
Is Clearwater, FL a good place to live?
Clearwater ranks #629 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #104 of 256 mid-size cities and #22 of 80 in Florida. Against similar-size cities it stands out for high graduation rates (92%, #41 of 205), and trails on a shrinking population (-1.5%, #241 of 241).
What is the cost of living in Clearwater?
Clearwater's cost of living index is 100.9, 1% above the US level of 100 and #710 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,658/mo against $1,641/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $342,820, 9% below the typical Florida home ($375,470).
What is the crime rate in Clearwater?
Clearwater recorded 254 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 32% below the US rate of 373 and 34% below Florida's 384. That ranks #465 of 1,083 cities with data (1 = safest) and #81 of 235 mid-size cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Clearwater Police Department. Property crime runs 1,419 per 100,000 (US 2,083).
What is the median household income in Clearwater?
The median household in Clearwater earns $66,381, 14% below the US figure of $76,827 and 7% below Florida ($71,516). Unemployment is 3.8% (US 4.2%). 14.8% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 1.5% in the latest year (US +0.8%).
How much is rent in Clearwater?
Median rent in Clearwater is $1,658/mo (Census), #839 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Zillow's typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $1,963/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 30% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Clearwater?
Zillow's typical home value in Clearwater is $342,820, down 0.6% in a year, against $375,470 for Florida and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $361,300.
How are the public schools in Clearwater?
Clearwater's 13 public schools graduate 92% of students in four years (Florida 87%), with 15.9 students per teacher and $12,514 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Clearwater?
The average commute is 22.7 minutes, #565 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 24.6 minutes across Florida. 3.6% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Clearwater?
Clearwater averages 73.9°F over the year, 82.9°F in summer and 63.4°F in winter, with 53.6 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Clearwater walkable?
Clearwater scores 13.3 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (above average walkable), #280 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). The index weighs street intersection density, distance to transit and the mix of homes and jobs in each neighborhood.
What natural disasters is Clearwater at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Pinellas County's biggest natural hazard losses in hurricane, coastal flooding, and hail, with expected yearly losses of 0.16% of building value, higher than 53% of US counties.
How is the air quality in Clearwater?
Pinellas County's air had a median air quality index of 44, and 70% of measured days were rated good; 1 day was unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles.
Who lives in Clearwater?
Clearwater has 117,247 residents. The median resident of Clearwater is 46.6 years old, against 36.7 in similar-size cities. 32.6% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #695 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 58.6% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Clearwater compare with the rest of Florida?
Clearwater ranks #22 of the 80 Florida cities we track, with a score of 56.2 against Florida's statewide 52.8. Its households earn 7% below the Florida median. Violent crime is 34% below the statewide rate. Homes are 9% below the typical Florida home.
What cities are similar in size to Clearwater?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Clearwater's population of 117,247 are Lowell, MA (#610 overall), Broken Arrow, OK (#370 overall), West Jordan, UT (#454 overall), Antioch, CA (#1226 overall), and High Point, NC (#796 overall). Clearwater is #629.