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Is Fort Myers a Good Place to Live? Fort Myers, Florida: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Fort Myers ranks #913 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #380 of 524 smaller cities and #43 of 80 in Florida. Against similar-size cities it stands out for fast population growth (+1.4%, #79 of 468), and trails on low household income ($63,732, #407 of 524) and high violent crime (444 per 100,000, #343 of 442).
Fort Myers by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Fort Myers'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 Fort Myers?
Fort Myers's cost of living index is 102.3, 2% above the US level of 100 and #806 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,580/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $305,650, 19% below the typical Florida home ($375,470).
| Measure | Fort Myers | FloridaFL | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 102.4 · US 100 | 102.3#806 of 1,308 | 103 | 102.4 | 100 |
| Typical home value (Zillow)Zillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $431,438 · US $368,697 | $305,650#392 of 1,187 | $375,470 | $431,438 | $368,697 |
| Typical asking rent (Zillow)Zillow Observed Rent Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,884/mo · US $1,948/mo | $1,745/mo#546 of 1,115 | — | $1,884/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $401,950 | $384,500#754 of 1,309 | — | $401,950 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,633/mo | $1,580/mo#773 of 1,309 | — | $1,633/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.5x | 6x#1040 of 1,309 | — | 4.5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 22.2% | 29.7%#1245 of 1,309 | — | 22.2% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 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.
Fort Myers 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. Fort Myers is in the Cape Coral-Fort Myers, FL metro.
Florida housing market →Is Fort Myers safe?
Fort Myers recorded 444 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 19% above the US rate of 373 and 16% above Florida's 384. That ranks #773 of 1,083 cities with data (1 = safest) and #343 of 442 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Fort Myers Police Department. Property crime runs 1,067 per 100,000 (US 2,083).
| Measure | Fort Myers | FloridaFL | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 264 · US 373 | 444#773 of 1,083 | 384 | 264 | 373 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,553 · US 2,083 | 1,067#249 of 1,083 | 1,954 | 1,553 | 2,083 |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 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 Fort Myers?
The median household in Fort Myers earns $63,732, 17% below the US figure of $76,827 and 11% below Florida ($71,516). Unemployment is 4.4% (US 4.2%). 16.3% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 1.4% in the latest year (US +0.8%).
| Measure | Fort Myers | FloridaFL | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $83,646 · US $76,827 | $63,732#957 of 1,312 | $71,516 | $83,646 | $76,827 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.2% · US 4.2% | 4.4%#664 of 1,058 | 4.3% | 4.2% | 4.2% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.8% | 16.3%#936 of 1,312 | — | 10.8% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.2% · US +0.8% | +1.4%#173 of 1,132 | +2% | +0.2% | +0.8% |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). Florida is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure.
Who lives in Fort Myers?
The median resident of Fort Myers is 41.3 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 32% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #717 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 49.1% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Fort Myers | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 37.7 | 41.3 | 37.7 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 35.1% | 32%#717 of 1,312 | 35.1% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 61.7% | 49.1% | 61.7% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure.
How are Fort Myers's schools and health?
Fort Myers's 16 public schools graduate 88% of students in four years (Florida 87%), with 21.2 students per teacher and $12,108 spent per pupil. 33% of adults are obese and 14.8% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 31.9% and 11%.
| Measure | Fort Myers | FloridaFL | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 89% | 88%#518 of 1,063 | 87% | 89% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 16.4 | 21.2#983 of 1,188 | — | 16.4 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $15,354 | $12,108#946 of 1,188 | — | $15,354 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 31.9% | 33%#614 of 1,311 | — | 31.9% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11% | 14.8%#1152 of 1,311 | — | 11% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 16.7% | 16.8%#585 of 1,311 | — | 16.7% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.1% | 19.1%#1199 of 1,311 | — | 10.1% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). Florida is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. 12,489 students are enrolled in Fort Myers's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Fort Myers?
The average commute in Fort Myers is 25.2 minutes (Florida 24.6); 1.2% of workers take transit and 13.8% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Fort Myers scores 12.1 of 20 (above average walkable), #464 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 83°F and winters 66.4°F, with 57.4 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Fort Myers | FloridaFL | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 25.1 min | 25.2 min#793 of 1,312 | 24.6 min | 25.1 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 6.5% | 5.8%#687 of 1,312 | 8.5% | 6.5% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 70.8% | 68.1% | 74.1% | 70.8% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.1% | 1.2% | 1.3% | 1.1% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.4% | 1% | 1.4% | 1.4% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.2% | 0.5% | 0.5% | 0.2% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 13.7% | 13.8% | 11.9% | 13.7% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 11.1 | 12.1#464 of 1,312 | — | 11.1 | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 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 | 75 | 54.3 | 2.4 |
| Feb | 78 | 56.6 | 1.8 |
| Mar | 81.1 | 59.6 | 2.1 |
| Apr | 85.3 | 64.3 | 2.4 |
| May | 89.5 | 69.1 | 3.5 |
| Jun | 91 | 73.6 | 9.7 |
| Jul | 91.6 | 74.7 | 9.4 |
| Aug | 91.7 | 75.1 | 10.4 |
| Sep | 90 | 74.3 | 9 |
| Oct | 86.6 | 69.4 | 3.1 |
| Nov | 81.3 | 61.8 | 1.8 |
| Dec | 77.3 | 57.3 | 1.9 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Ft Myers Page Fld Airport.
| Measure | Fort Myers | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 58.1°F | 75.4°F | 58.1°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 74.2°F | 83°F | 74.2°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 40.8°F | 66.4°F | 40.8°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 38.3 in | 57.4 in | 38.3 in | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Ft Myers Page Fld Airport.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Fort Myers?
Lee County's air had a median air quality index of 40, and 76% of measured days were rated good; 0 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from ozone. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Lee County's biggest natural hazard losses in hurricane, coastal flooding, and wildfire, with expected yearly losses of 0.32% of building value, higher than 90% of US counties.
| Measure | Fort Myers | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 44 | 40#354 of 1,138 | 44 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 3 | 0#1 of 1,138 | 3 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.15% | 0.32%#1125 of 1,312 | 0.15% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. County figures for Lee County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Lee County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Hurricane | 0.2% | 93% of counties |
| Coastal flooding | 0.0089% | 81% of counties |
| Wildfire | 0.0031% | 72% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.068% | 33% of counties |
| Tornado | 0.0022% | 24% 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 Fort Myers compare with similar-size cities?
Fort Myers is one of 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track and ranks #380 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 95,051.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fort Myers, FLPop. 95,051 | #913 | 51.5 | $63,732 | $1,580/mo | 444 | 25.2 min |
| Lawrence, KSPop. 96,051 | #637 | 56.0 | $65,009 | $1,091/mo | 441 | 19.8 min |
| Reading, PAPop. 95,242 | #1177 | 45.8 | $44,091 | $1,067/mo | 258 | 24.1 min |
| Arden-Arcade, CAPop. 94,994 | #1002 | 50.0 | $77,321 | $1,588/mo | no data | 25.9 min |
| Toms River, NJPop. 94,956 | #419 | 59.7 | $100,137 | $1,731/mo | no data | 30.1 min |
| Asheville, NCPop. 94,535 | #902 | 51.7 | $71,102 | $1,402/mo | 753 | 18.2 min |
| Sandy, UTPop. 94,291 | #349 | 60.9 | $112,176 | $1,777/mo | 221 | 22.7 min |
| Fall River, MAPop. 94,082 | #1084 | 48.2 | $56,673 | $1,155/mo | 768 | 25.8 min |
| Mount Pleasant, SCPop. 93,993 | #224 | 63.8 | $124,755 | $2,159/mo | 132 | 24.9 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 Fort Myers compare with the rest of Florida?
Fort Myers ranks #43 of the 80 Florida cities we track, with a score of 51.5 against Florida's statewide 52.8. Its households earn 11% below the Florida median. Violent crime is 16% above the statewide rate. Homes are 19% 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 |
| Palm Harbor, FLPop. 61,512 | … #39 | 52.6 | $78,935 | $1,806/mo | no data |
| Lakeland, FLPop. 119,961 | #40 | 52.5 | $64,185 | $1,395/mo | 370 |
| Melbourne, FLPop. 86,576 | #41 | 52.2 | $66,991 | $1,525/mo | 452 |
| Davie, FLPop. 108,346 | #42 | 51.6 | $87,250 | $2,066/mo | part year |
| Fort Myers, FLPop. 95,051 | #43 | 51.5 | $63,732 | $1,580/mo | 444 |
| Homestead, FLPop. 82,807 | #44 | 51.4 | $65,423 | $1,674/mo | 442 |
| Port Orange, FLPop. 64,767 | #45 | 51.4 | $74,426 | $1,634/mo | part year |
| Bradenton, FLPop. 57,014 | #46 | 51.4 | $60,822 | $1,618/mo | 400 |
| Fort Lauderdale, FLPop. 185,604 | #47 | 51.2 | $83,130 | $1,854/mo | 673 |
The top 10 of the 80 and the cities ranked either side of Fort Myers among the Florida cities we track, by overall score. Florida statewide: median income $71,516, violent crime 384 per 100,000.
How is Fort Myers's score calculated?
Fort Myers scores 51.5 out of 100, #913 of 1,312 (grade C, 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 Fort Myers. Similar-size median 55.5.
45.4 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Fort Myers's police agency. Similar-size median 77.6.
71.0 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Fort Myers. Similar-size median 58.9.
49.5 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Fort Myers's public schools. Similar-size median 55.2.
43.6 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Fort Myers's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 59.3.
61.0 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Fort Myers. Similar-size median 56.1.
37.9 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Fort Myers. Similar-size median 42.4.
53.8 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Fort Myers. Similar-size median 50.0.
50.1 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Fort Myers's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 53.2.
58.4 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 50.8.
35.3 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Fort Myers's category score out of 100. Tick: median of the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track. Shares of score are the category weights rescaled over the categories Fort Myers 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 Fort Myers
Is Fort Myers, FL a good place to live?
Fort Myers ranks #913 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #380 of 524 smaller cities and #43 of 80 in Florida. Against similar-size cities it stands out for fast population growth (+1.4%, #79 of 468), and trails on low household income ($63,732, #407 of 524) and high violent crime (444 per 100,000, #343 of 442).
What is the cost of living in Fort Myers?
Fort Myers's cost of living index is 102.3, 2% above the US level of 100 and #806 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,580/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $305,650, 19% below the typical Florida home ($375,470).
What is the crime rate in Fort Myers?
Fort Myers recorded 444 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 19% above the US rate of 373 and 16% above Florida's 384. That ranks #773 of 1,083 cities with data (1 = safest) and #343 of 442 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Fort Myers Police Department. Property crime runs 1,067 per 100,000 (US 2,083).
What is the median household income in Fort Myers?
The median household in Fort Myers earns $63,732, 17% below the US figure of $76,827 and 11% below Florida ($71,516). Unemployment is 4.4% (US 4.2%). 16.3% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 1.4% in the latest year (US +0.8%).
How much is rent in Fort Myers?
Median rent in Fort Myers is $1,580/mo (Census), #773 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Zillow's typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $1,745/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 29.7% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Fort Myers?
Zillow's typical home value in Fort Myers is $305,650, down 5% in a year, against $375,470 for Florida and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $384,500.
How are the public schools in Fort Myers?
Fort Myers's 16 public schools graduate 88% of students in four years (Florida 87%), with 21.2 students per teacher and $12,108 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Fort Myers?
The average commute is 25.2 minutes, #793 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 24.6 minutes across Florida. 5.8% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Fort Myers?
Fort Myers averages 75.4°F over the year, 83°F in summer and 66.4°F in winter, with 57.4 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Fort Myers walkable?
Fort Myers scores 12.1 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (above average walkable), #464 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 Fort Myers at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Lee County's biggest natural hazard losses in hurricane, coastal flooding, and wildfire, with expected yearly losses of 0.32% of building value, higher than 90% of US counties.
How is the air quality in Fort Myers?
Lee County's air had a median air quality index of 40, and 76% of measured days were rated good; 0 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from ozone.
Who lives in Fort Myers?
Fort Myers has 95,051 residents. The median resident of Fort Myers is 41.3 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 32% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #717 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 49.1% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Fort Myers compare with the rest of Florida?
Fort Myers ranks #43 of the 80 Florida cities we track, with a score of 51.5 against Florida's statewide 52.8. Its households earn 11% below the Florida median. Violent crime is 16% above the statewide rate. Homes are 19% below the typical Florida home.
What cities are similar in size to Fort Myers?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Fort Myers's population of 95,051 are Lawrence, KS (#637 overall), Reading, PA (#1177 overall), Arden-Arcade, CA (#1002 overall), Toms River, NJ (#419 overall), and Asheville, NC (#902 overall). Fort Myers is #913.