Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Clearwater Beach, FL
Thinking about moving to Clearwater Beach, FL? With a population just over 9,000, this sunny coastal gem offers a relaxed, resort-like lifestyle. Expect a higher cost of living, with median home prices around $885,000 and average 2-bedroom rents at $2,500, but benefit from no state income tax and 74% sunny days annually. Crime rates are moderate, and the average commute is a breezy 25 minutes. Residents enjoy quality healthcare, access to local schools, and a vibrant beachside atmosphere that makes every day feel like a vacation.
Demographics - Clearwater Beach, FL
Demographics - Clearwater Beach, FL
Clearwater Beach is home to about 9,000 residents, with a median age of nearly 57, reflecting a community popular with retirees. The area is predominantly White, and there is a near-even gender balance, making it a peaceful and established coastal neighborhood.
Population:
9,057
Density:
3,200 per sq mi
Median Age:
56.8
Gender Ratio:
95 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
10.1%

Ethnic Composition
White:
94.2%
Black:
1.6%
Asian:
1.1%
Others:
3.1%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Clearwater Beach, FL?
Living in Clearwater Beach comes with a cost of living index of 140.5, higher than the national average, largely due to a median home value of $885,000 and average rents around $2,500. However, Florida's lack of state income tax helps offset some expenses for residents.
Median House Value:
$885,000
Gross Rent:
$2,500
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$130
Auto Insurance:
$2,040
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$2,950
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$960
State Taxes:
Low:
0% (no state income tax)
|
High:
0% (no state income tax)
Cost Of Living Index:
140.5
Grocery:
110.3
Housing:
194.2
Utilities:
97.6
Transportation:
110.7
Health Care:
104.9
Miscellaneous:
103.0
Crime
Is Clearwater Beach, FL a safe place to live?
Clearwater Beach has moderate crime levels, with a 1 in 595 chance of violent crime and a 1 in 62 chance of property crime. These rates suggest residents enjoy relative safety in this resort community, especially compared to larger urban areas.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
168
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,614
Crime Index:
1,782
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 595
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 62
Weather
What is the weather like in Clearwater Beach, FL year-round?
The city boasts a warm, sunny climate year-round, featuring mild winters (lows in the mid-50s) and hot summers (highs in the low 90s), plus 74% sunny days annually. With over 51 inches of rainfall, it's lush and vibrant, perfect for beachgoers and outdoor enthusiasts.

Winter
Min:
54°F
Max:
71°F

Spring
Min:
63°F
Max:
80°F

Summer
Min:
76°F
Max:
91°F

Fall
Min:
67°F
Max:
82°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
51.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
74%
Neighbors
Local households typically earn around $75,200, with a poverty rate of just over 8% and an unemployment rate of 3.8%. Education levels are high, and the average commute time of under 25 minutes adds to the area’s laid-back lifestyle.
Median Income:
$48,500
Household Income:
$75,200
Family Income:
$87,300
Per Capita Income:
$63,700
Income Male:
$55,200
Income Female:
$40,800
Poverty Rate:
8.2%
Non English Speakers:
10.1%
Rent:
$2,500
Unemployment Rate:
3.8%
Public Transport Usage:
1.2%
Commute Time:
24.7 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
95.4%
Bachelors or More:
38.9%
Education
How are the schools in Clearwater Beach, FL?
The area features a mix of public and private schools, including Sandy Lane Elementary and Clearwater Fundamental Middle, as well as proximity to higher education options like St. Petersburg College. This ensures families have access to quality educational opportunities from kindergarten through college.

Public Schools
Name:
Sandy Lane Elementary School
Street:
1360 Sandy Ln, Clearwater, FL 33755
Phone:
727-469-5974
Students:
420
Student Teacher Ratio:
15.3
Name:
Clearwater Fundamental Middle School
Street:
1660 Palmetto St, Clearwater, FL 33755
Phone:
727-298-1609
Students:
800
Student Teacher Ratio:
17.1

Private Schools
Name:
Saint Cecelia Catholic School
Street:
1350 Court St, Clearwater, FL 33756
Phone:
727-461-1200
Students:
370

Colleges
Name:
St. Petersburg College - Clearwater Campus
City:
Clearwater
State:
FL
Distance:
6 miles
Students:
8,500
Name:
University of South Florida - St. Petersburg
City:
St. Petersburg
State:
FL
Distance:
22 miles
Students:
4,500
Healthcare
Residents have access to quality healthcare, with major hospitals like Morton Plant Hospital nearby and 2.1 physicians per 1,000 people. Nearly 90% of locals have health insurance, contributing to the community’s overall well-being.

Major Hospitals
Name:
Morton Plant Hospital
Address:
300 Pinellas St, Clearwater, FL 33756
Phone:
(727) 462-7000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Mease Countryside Hospital
Address:
3231 McMullen Booth Rd, Safety Harbor, FL 34695
Phone:
(727) 725-6111
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.1
Health Insurance Coverage:
89.8%
Health Care Index:
71.2
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Clearwater Beach, FL?
Clearwater Beach's housing market is robust, with a median home price of $885,000 and a healthy 7.4% annual appreciation rate. About two-thirds of homes are owner-occupied, and rental options are available, though vacancy rates remain modest.
Median Home Price:
$885,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$2,500
Owner Occupied Rate:
67.9%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
7.2%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
7.4%
New Construction Rate:
1.2%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.3%
DMV Information
Local DMV services are provided by the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles at a nearby Largo location, offering convenient access for driver licensing and vehicle registration. Residents can find information and online services through the official FLHSMV website.
State:
Florida
Department:
Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles
Address:
11319 Ulmerton Rd, Largo, FL 33778
Phone:
850-617-2000
Website:
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is based on publicly available sources including AccuWeather, U.S. Census Bureau, local government data, and third-party partners such as Neustar. While we strive to ensure accuracy, all data is provided “as is” and should be independently verified before making any decisions. Movers.com makes no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the information.