FloridaPop. 232,491Mid-size cities
Is Port St. Lucie a Good Place to Live? Port St. Lucie, Florida: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Port St. Lucie ranks #488 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #72 of 256 mid-size cities and #12 of 80 in Florida. Against similar-size cities it stands out for fast population growth (+3.5%, #9 of 241) and low violent crime (128 per 100,000, #25 of 235), and trails on long commutes (30.5 min, #214 of 256).
Port St. Lucie by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Port St. Lucie'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 Port St. Lucie?
Port St. Lucie's cost of living index is 100.2, in line with the US level of 100 and #663 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,937/mo against $1,641/mo in similar-size cities. The median owner-occupied home is valued at $369,200.
| Measure | Port St. Lucie | FloridaFL | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 101.8 · US 100 | 100.2#663 of 1,308 | 103.4 | 101.8 | 100 |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $405,750 | $369,200#710 of 1,309 | — | $405,750 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,641/mo | $1,937/mo#1062 of 1,309 | — | $1,641/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 5x | 4.6x#755 of 1,309 | — | 5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 23.9% | 28.8%#1220 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.
Is Port St. Lucie safe?
Port St. Lucie recorded 128 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 61% below the US rate of 328 and 54% below Florida's 275. That ranks #196 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #25 of 235 mid-size cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Port St. Lucie Police Department. Property crime runs 625 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Port St. Lucie | FloridaFL | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 352 · US 328 | 128#196 of 1,085 | 275 | 352 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,730 · US 1,548 | 625#60 of 1,085 | 1,402 | 1,730 | 1,548 |
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 Port St. Lucie?
The median household in Port St. Lucie earns $80,648, 3% below the US figure of $83,163 and 4% above Florida ($77,735). Unemployment is 4.3% (US 4.3%). 9.5% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 3.5% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Port St. Lucie | FloridaFL | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $80,112 · US $83,163 | $80,648#607 of 1,312 | $77,735 | $80,112 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.2% · US 4.3% | 4.3%#615 of 1,058 | 3.9% | 4.2% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 12.6% | 9.5%#455 of 1,312 | — | 12.6% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.3% · US +0.5% | +3.5%#44 of 1,132 | +0.9% | +0.3% | +0.5% |
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 Port St. Lucie?
The median resident of Port St. Lucie is 43.9 years old, against 36.7 in similar-size cities. 28.1% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #870 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 84% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Port St. Lucie | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 36.7 | 43.9 | 36.7 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 34% | 28.1%#870 of 1,312 | 34% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 56.7% | 84% | 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 Port St. Lucie's schools and health?
Port St. Lucie's 24 public schools graduate 93.2% of students in four years (Florida 87.3%), with 20.2 students per teacher and $12,177 spent per pupil. 30.5% of adults are obese and 13.1% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 33.3% and 11.5%.
| Measure | Port St. Lucie | FloridaFL | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 88% | 93.2%#166 of 1,063 | 87.3% | 88% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 17.4 | 20.2#950 of 1,188 | — | 17.4 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $14,993 | $12,177#917 of 1,188 | — | $14,993 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 33.3% | 30.5%#424 of 1,311 | — | 33.3% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.5% | 13.1%#970 of 1,311 | — | 11.5% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 17.5% | 16.6%#541 of 1,311 | — | 17.5% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.1% | 14.5%#1050 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. 29,995 students are enrolled in Port St. Lucie's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Port St. Lucie?
The average commute in Port St. Lucie is 30.5 minutes (Florida 28.9); 0.2% of workers take transit and 12.8% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Port St. Lucie scores 7.6 of 20 (below average walkable), #1149 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 82.4°F and winters 66.7°F, with 58.9 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Port St. Lucie | FloridaFL | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 24.6 min | 30.5 min#1137 of 1,312 | 28.9 min | 24.6 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 6% | 9.8%#1048 of 1,312 | 9.6% | 6% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 70.7% | 76.7% | 69% | 70.7% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.1% | 0.2% | 1.3% | 1.1% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.6% | 1.1% | 1.4% | 1.6% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.3% | 0.4% | 0.5% | 0.3% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 13.3% | 12.8% | 15.5% | 13.3% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 11.6 | 7.6#1149 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 | 73.1 | 57.2 | 3.1 |
| Feb | 73.8 | 59.7 | 2.6 |
| Mar | 76.6 | 63.2 | 3.7 |
| Apr | 80.3 | 68.1 | 2.8 |
| May | 83.7 | 71.9 | 4.8 |
| Jun | 87.3 | 75.6 | 7 |
| Jul | 88.6 | 76.7 | 5.9 |
| Aug | 89.1 | 77 | 7.9 |
| Sep | 87.6 | 76.4 | 9.2 |
| Oct | 84.7 | 72.8 | 5.8 |
| Nov | 79.1 | 65.8 | 3.4 |
| Dec | 75.1 | 61.3 | 2.8 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Nettles Is.
| Measure | Port St. Lucie | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 62.1°F | 75.2°F | 62.1°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 76.9°F | 82.4°F | 76.9°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 47.7°F | 66.7°F | 47.7°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 36.8 in | 58.9 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 Nettles Is.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Port St. Lucie?
St. Lucie County's air had a median air quality index of 34, and 96% 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 St. Lucie County's biggest natural hazard losses in hurricane, wildfire, and coastal flooding, with expected yearly losses of 0.38% of building value, higher than 93% of US counties.
| Measure | Port St. Lucie | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 46 | 34#119 of 1,138 | 46 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4 | 0#1 of 1,138 | 4 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.16% | 0.38%#1170 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 St. Lucie County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, St. Lucie County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Hurricane | 0.27% | 97% of counties |
| Wildfire | 0.0013% | 61% of counties |
| Coastal flooding | 0.0012% | 55% of counties |
| Strong wind | 0.0019% | 49% of counties |
| Tornado | 0.0042% | 34% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.066% | 30% 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 Port St. Lucie compare with similar-size cities?
Port St. Lucie is one of 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track and ranks #72 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 232,491.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Port St. Lucie, FLPop. 232,491 | #488 | 58.2 | $80,648 | $1,937/mo | 128 | 30.5 min |
| Scottsdale, AZPop. 243,821 | #345 | 61.0 | $110,886 | $2,013/mo | 175 | 21.6 min |
| Enterprise, NVPop. 240,464 | #616 | 56.4 | $98,462 | $1,934/mo | no data | 23.8 min |
| Boise, IDPop. 237,242 | #200 | 64.4 | $83,904 | $1,446/mo | 289 | 18.9 min |
| Norfolk, VAPop. 233,596 | #751 | 54.1 | $66,109 | $1,321/mo | 399 | 23 min |
| Spokane, WAPop. 230,293 | #767 | 53.8 | $70,064 | $1,215/mo | 613 | 20.6 min |
| Santa Clarita, CAPop. 230,221 | #651 | 55.8 | $123,062 | $2,544/mo | 173 | 34.1 min |
| Huntsville, ALPop. 222,791 | #589 | 56.8 | $74,714 | $1,171/mo | 399 | 19.7 min |
| Baton Rouge, LAPop. 222,771 | #1234 | 43.3 | $49,994 | $1,067/mo | part year | 21 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 Port St. Lucie compare with the rest of Florida?
Port St. Lucie ranks #12 of the 80 Florida cities we track, with a score of 58.2 against Florida's statewide 59.9. Its households earn 4% above the Florida median. Violent crime is 54% below the statewide rate.
| 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 |
| Miramar, FLPop. 138,600 | #11 | 58.3 | $89,125 | $2,117/mo | 121 |
| Port St. Lucie, FLPop. 232,491 | #12 | 58.2 | $80,648 | $1,937/mo | 128 |
| Plantation, FLPop. 96,293 | #13 | 58.2 | $92,541 | $2,240/mo | 166 |
| Weston, FLPop. 68,837 | #14 | 58.2 | $139,825 | $2,851/mo | part year |
| Coral Springs, FLPop. 136,103 | #15 | 57.9 | $93,602 | $2,084/mo | 119 |
| Pembroke Pines, FLPop. 173,194 | #16 | 57.6 | $85,104 | $2,046/mo | 42 |
The top 10 of the 80 and the cities ranked either side of Port St. Lucie among the Florida cities we track, by overall score. Florida statewide: median income $77,735, violent crime 275.2 per 100,000.
How is Port St. Lucie's score calculated?
Port St. Lucie scores 58.2 out of 100, #488 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 Port St. Lucie. Similar-size median 52.9.
53.4 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Port St. Lucie's police agency. Similar-size median 70.6.
94.2 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Port St. Lucie. Similar-size median 53.8.
56.6 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Port St. Lucie's public schools. Similar-size median 52.1.
51.0 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Port St. Lucie's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 59.1.
58.6 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Port St. Lucie. Similar-size median 51.2.
57.8 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Port St. Lucie. Similar-size median 42.1.
75.1 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Port St. Lucie. Similar-size median 50.1.
39.4 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Port St. Lucie's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 56.1.
34.7 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 45.9.
39.6 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Port St. Lucie'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 Port St. Lucie 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 Port St. Lucie
Is Port St. Lucie, FL a good place to live?
Port St. Lucie ranks #488 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #72 of 256 mid-size cities and #12 of 80 in Florida. Against similar-size cities it stands out for fast population growth (+3.5%, #9 of 241) and low violent crime (128 per 100,000, #25 of 235), and trails on long commutes (30.5 min, #214 of 256).
What is the cost of living in Port St. Lucie?
Port St. Lucie's cost of living index is 100.2, in line with the US level of 100 and #663 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,937/mo against $1,641/mo in similar-size cities. The median owner-occupied home is valued at $369,200.
What is the crime rate in Port St. Lucie?
Port St. Lucie recorded 128 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 61% below the US rate of 328 and 54% below Florida's 275. That ranks #196 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #25 of 235 mid-size cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Port St. Lucie Police Department. Property crime runs 625 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Port St. Lucie?
The median household in Port St. Lucie earns $80,648, 3% below the US figure of $83,163 and 4% above Florida ($77,735). Unemployment is 4.3% (US 4.3%). 9.5% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 3.5% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Port St. Lucie?
Median rent in Port St. Lucie is $1,937/mo (Census), #1062 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent takes 28.8% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Port St. Lucie?
The Census median value of owner-occupied homes in Port St. Lucie is $369,200, #710 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest).
How are the public schools in Port St. Lucie?
Port St.
How long is the commute in Port St. Lucie?
The average commute is 30.5 minutes, #1137 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 28.9 minutes across Florida. 9.8% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Port St. Lucie?
Port St. Lucie averages 75.2°F over the year, 82.4°F in summer and 66.7°F in winter, with 58.9 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Port St. Lucie walkable?
Port St. Lucie scores 7.6 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (below average walkable), #1149 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 Port St. Lucie at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts St.
How is the air quality in Port St. Lucie?
St. Lucie County's air had a median air quality index of 34, and 96% of measured days were rated good; 0 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from ozone. Lucie County's biggest natural hazard losses in hurricane, wildfire, and coastal flooding, with expected yearly losses of 0.38% of building value, higher than 93% of US counties.
Who lives in Port St. Lucie?
Port St. Lucie has 232,491 residents. The median resident of Port St. Lucie is 43.9 years old, against 36.7 in similar-size cities. 28.1% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #870 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 84% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Port St. Lucie compare with the rest of Florida?
Port St. Lucie ranks #12 of the 80 Florida cities we track, with a score of 58.2 against Florida's statewide 59.9. Its households earn 4% above the Florida median. Violent crime is 54% below the statewide rate.
What cities are similar in size to Port St. Lucie?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Port St. Lucie's population of 232,491 are Scottsdale, AZ (#345 overall), Enterprise, NV (#616 overall), Boise, ID (#200 overall), Norfolk, VA (#751 overall), and Spokane, WA (#767 overall). Port St. Lucie is #488.