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Is Sarasota a Good Place to Live? Sarasota, Florida: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Sarasota ranks #584 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #264 of 524 smaller cities and #20 of 80 in Florida. Against similar-size cities it stands out for fast population growth (+1.2%, #91 of 468) and short commutes (20.7 min, #114 of 524), with no measure in the bottom quarter.
Sarasota by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Sarasota'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 Sarasota?
Sarasota's cost of living index is 102.4, 2% above the US level of 100 and #810 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,684/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $409,878, 9% above the typical Florida home ($375,470).
| Measure | Sarasota | FloridaFL | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 102.4 · US 100 | 102.4#810 of 1,308 | 103 | 102.4 | 100 |
| Typical home value (Zillow)Zillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $431,438 · US $368,697 | $409,878#648 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 | $2,175/mo#790 of 1,115 | — | $1,884/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $401,950 | $463,000#917 of 1,309 | — | $401,950 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,633/mo | $1,684/mo#860 of 1,309 | — | $1,633/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.5x | 6.4x#1089 of 1,309 | — | 4.5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 22.2% | 28%#1191 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.
Sarasota 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. Sarasota is in the North Port-Sarasota-Bradenton, FL metro.
Florida housing market →Is Sarasota safe?
Sarasota recorded 380 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 2% above the US rate of 373 and 1% below Florida's 384. That ranks #690 of 1,083 cities with data (1 = safest) and #304 of 442 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Sarasota Police Department. Property crime runs 1,431 per 100,000 (US 2,083).
| Measure | Sarasota | FloridaFL | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 264 · US 373 | 380#690 of 1,083 | 384 | 264 | 373 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,553 · US 2,083 | 1,431#436 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 Sarasota?
The median household in Sarasota earns $72,105, 6% below the US figure of $76,827 and 1% above Florida ($71,516). Unemployment is 4.1% (US 4.2%). 15% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 1.2% in the latest year (US +0.8%).
| Measure | Sarasota | FloridaFL | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $83,646 · US $76,827 | $72,105#780 of 1,312 | $71,516 | $83,646 | $76,827 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.2% · US 4.2% | 4.1%#522 of 1,058 | 4.3% | 4.2% | 4.2% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.8% | 15%#864 of 1,312 | — | 10.8% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.2% · US +0.8% | +1.2%#198 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 Sarasota?
The median resident of Sarasota is 48.2 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 41.8% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #418 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 57.5% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Sarasota | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 37.7 | 48.2 | 37.7 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 35.1% | 41.8%#418 of 1,312 | 35.1% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 61.7% | 57.5% | 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 Sarasota's schools and health?
Sarasota's 12 public schools graduate 92% of students in four years (Florida 87%), with 15.9 students per teacher and $14,033 spent per pupil. 31.5% of adults are obese and 12.9% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 31.9% and 11%.
| Measure | Sarasota | FloridaFL | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 89% | 92%#222 of 1,063 | 87% | 89% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 16.4 | 15.9#617 of 1,188 | — | 16.4 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $15,354 | $14,033#694 of 1,188 | — | $15,354 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 31.9% | 31.5%#502 of 1,311 | — | 31.9% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11% | 12.9%#933 of 1,311 | — | 11% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 16.7% | 15.2%#289 of 1,311 | — | 16.7% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.1% | 14.2%#1033 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. 9,596 students are enrolled in Sarasota's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Sarasota?
The average commute in Sarasota is 20.7 minutes (Florida 24.6); 1% of workers take transit and 13.3% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Sarasota scores 14.6 of 20 (above average walkable), #72 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 82.8°F and winters 64.1°F, with 49.1 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Sarasota | FloridaFL | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 25.1 min | 20.7 min#395 of 1,312 | 24.6 min | 25.1 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 6.5% | 2.8%#149 of 1,312 | 8.5% | 6.5% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 70.8% | 71.5% | 74.1% | 70.8% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.1% | 1% | 1.3% | 1.1% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.4% | 2.3% | 1.4% | 1.4% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.2% | 1% | 0.5% | 0.2% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 13.7% | 13.3% | 11.9% | 13.7% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 11.1 | 14.6#72 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 | 72.5 | 52.3 | 2.8 |
| Feb | 74.9 | 54.6 | 1.9 |
| Mar | 78.2 | 58.1 | 2.9 |
| Apr | 82.5 | 62.7 | 2.5 |
| May | 87.5 | 68.2 | 2.6 |
| Jun | 90 | 73.6 | 7.1 |
| Jul | 91.1 | 75.2 | 7.4 |
| Aug | 91.5 | 75.3 | 9.1 |
| Sep | 90.2 | 74.1 | 6 |
| Oct | 86.3 | 68.3 | 2.8 |
| Nov | 80 | 60.1 | 1.8 |
| Dec | 75.2 | 55.2 | 2.3 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Sarasota Bradenton Airport.
| Measure | Sarasota | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 58.1°F | 74.1°F | 58.1°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 74.2°F | 82.8°F | 74.2°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 40.8°F | 64.1°F | 40.8°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 38.3 in | 49.1 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 Sarasota Bradenton Airport.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Sarasota?
Sarasota County's air had a median air quality index of 46, and 65% of measured days were rated good; 0 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Sarasota County's biggest natural hazard losses in hurricane, coastal flooding, and wildfire, with expected yearly losses of 0.31% of building value, higher than 89% of US counties.
| Measure | Sarasota | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 44 | 46#700 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% | 0.31%#1122 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 Sarasota County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Sarasota County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Hurricane | 0.19% | 93% of counties |
| Coastal flooding | 0.0071% | 78% of counties |
| Wildfire | 0.0019% | 66% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.074% | 41% of counties |
| Tornado | 0.0048% | 37% 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 Sarasota compare with similar-size cities?
Sarasota is one of 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track and ranks #264 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 56,970.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sarasota, FLPop. 56,970 | #584 | 56.9 | $72,105 | $1,684/mo | 380 | 20.7 min |
| Kettering, OHPop. 57,206 | #313 | 61.8 | $74,681 | $1,051/mo | 86 | 20.3 min |
| Marana, AZPop. 56,938 | #157 | 65.9 | $112,606 | $1,818/mo | 61 | 27.7 min |
| Bartlett, TNPop. 56,876 | #445 | 59.1 | $102,070 | $1,638/mo | 262 | 24.4 min |
| Oak Lawn, ILPop. 56,861 | #318 | 61.7 | $83,911 | $1,335/mo | 73 | 30.8 min |
| Albany, ORPop. 56,839 | #866 | 52.2 | $78,114 | $1,372/mo | 164 | 21 min |
| Kyle, TXPop. 56,823 | #366 | 60.7 | $90,323 | $1,752/mo | 135 | 36.4 min |
| Tonawanda Town, NYPop. 56,806 | #168 | 65.4 | $77,679 | $1,102/mo | 140 | 21.3 min |
| Highland, CAPop. 56,675 | #1075 | 48.4 | $77,120 | $1,629/mo | 490 | 30.4 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 Sarasota compare with the rest of Florida?
Sarasota ranks #20 of the 80 Florida cities we track, with a score of 56.9 against Florida's statewide 52.8. Its households earn 1% above the Florida median. Violent crime is 1% below the statewide rate. Homes are 9% above 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 |
| Pembroke Pines, FLPop. 173,194 | … #16 | 57.6 | $85,104 | $2,046/mo | 42 |
| Alafaya, FLPop. 92,449 | #17 | 57.0 | $100,950 | $1,999/mo | no data |
| 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 |
The top 10 of the 80 and the cities ranked either side of Sarasota among the Florida cities we track, by overall score. Florida statewide: median income $71,516, violent crime 384 per 100,000.
How is Sarasota's score calculated?
Sarasota scores 56.9 out of 100, #584 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 Sarasota. Similar-size median 55.5.
50.8 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Sarasota's police agency. Similar-size median 77.6.
72.4 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Sarasota. Similar-size median 58.9.
58.5 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Sarasota's public schools. Similar-size median 55.2.
61.7 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Sarasota's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 59.3.
56.4 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Sarasota. Similar-size median 56.1.
43.9 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Sarasota. Similar-size median 42.4.
52.8 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Sarasota. Similar-size median 50.0.
53.6 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Sarasota's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 53.2.
71.6 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 50.8.
29.6 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Sarasota'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 Sarasota 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 Sarasota
Is Sarasota, FL a good place to live?
Sarasota ranks #584 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #264 of 524 smaller cities and #20 of 80 in Florida. Against similar-size cities it stands out for fast population growth (+1.2%, #91 of 468) and short commutes (20.7 min, #114 of 524), with no measure in the bottom quarter.
What is the cost of living in Sarasota?
Sarasota's cost of living index is 102.4, 2% above the US level of 100 and #810 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,684/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $409,878, 9% above the typical Florida home ($375,470).
What is the crime rate in Sarasota?
Sarasota recorded 380 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 2% above the US rate of 373 and 1% below Florida's 384. That ranks #690 of 1,083 cities with data (1 = safest) and #304 of 442 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Sarasota Police Department. Property crime runs 1,431 per 100,000 (US 2,083).
What is the median household income in Sarasota?
The median household in Sarasota earns $72,105, 6% below the US figure of $76,827 and 1% above Florida ($71,516). Unemployment is 4.1% (US 4.2%). 15% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 1.2% in the latest year (US +0.8%).
How much is rent in Sarasota?
Median rent in Sarasota is $1,684/mo (Census), #860 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Zillow's typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $2,175/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 28% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Sarasota?
Zillow's typical home value in Sarasota is $409,878, down 2.7% in a year, against $375,470 for Florida and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $463,000.
How are the public schools in Sarasota?
Sarasota's 12 public schools graduate 92% of students in four years (Florida 87%), with 15.9 students per teacher and $14,033 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Sarasota?
The average commute is 20.7 minutes, #395 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 24.6 minutes across Florida. 2.8% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Sarasota?
Sarasota averages 74.1°F over the year, 82.8°F in summer and 64.1°F in winter, with 49.1 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Sarasota walkable?
Sarasota scores 14.6 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (above average walkable), #72 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 Sarasota at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Sarasota County's biggest natural hazard losses in hurricane, coastal flooding, and wildfire, with expected yearly losses of 0.31% of building value, higher than 89% of US counties.
How is the air quality in Sarasota?
Sarasota County's air had a median air quality index of 46, and 65% of measured days were rated good; 0 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles.
Who lives in Sarasota?
Sarasota has 56,970 residents. The median resident of Sarasota is 48.2 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 41.8% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #418 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 57.5% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Sarasota compare with the rest of Florida?
Sarasota ranks #20 of the 80 Florida cities we track, with a score of 56.9 against Florida's statewide 52.8. Its households earn 1% above the Florida median. Violent crime is 1% below the statewide rate. Homes are 9% above the typical Florida home.
What cities are similar in size to Sarasota?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Sarasota's population of 56,970 are Kettering, OH (#313 overall), Marana, AZ (#157 overall), Bartlett, TN (#445 overall), Oak Lawn, IL (#318 overall), and Albany, OR (#866 overall). Sarasota is #584.