Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Clearwater, FL
Thinking of moving to Clearwater, FL? Home to about 117,000 people, Clearwater offers a sunny, coastal lifestyle with 76% sunny days per year and mild winters. The median home price is $355,000 and typical rent for a two-bedroom is around $1,565, making housing relatively affordable for a beach city. Commute times average just 23.5 minutes and the city has a strong healthcare presence. While property crime rates are higher than national averages, residents enjoy good schools, easy access to Gulf Coast beaches, and a vibrant community vibe. Explore more on cost of living, schools, and local amenities below as you plan your move.
Demographics - Clearwater, FL
Demographics - Clearwater, FL
Clearwater is home to approximately 117,000 residents, with a median age of 45.1 years and a population density of about 4,600 people per square mile. The city is predominantly White (74.9%) but has a diverse community, including 17.8% non-English speakers, making it welcoming for people of various backgrounds.
Population:
117,292
Density:
4,600 per sq mi
Median Age:
45.1
Gender Ratio:
94 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
17.8%
Ethnic Composition
White:
74.9%
Black:
11.1%
Asian:
3.1%
Others:
10.9%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Clearwater, FL?
The cost of living in Clearwater is slightly above the national average, with a cost of living index of 104.4. Median home values are around $355,000, rent for a typical two-bedroom averages $1,565, and Florida’s lack of state income tax offers significant savings for residents.
Median House Value:
$355,000
Gross Rent:
$1,565
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$140
Auto Insurance:
$2,250
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,900
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$625
State Taxes:
Low:
0%
|
High:
0%
Cost Of Living Index:
104.4
Grocery:
101.7
Housing:
108.3
Utilities:
97.6
Transportation:
98.2
Health Care:
97.4
Miscellaneous:
105.0
Crime
Is Clearwater, FL a safe place to live?
Clearwater experiences a higher property crime rate compared to national figures, with about 2,822 property crimes per 100,000 residents and a 1 in 35 chance of being affected. However, violent crime remains low, with rates of 289 per 100,000 and a 1 in 346 chance, making most neighborhoods relatively secure for families and individuals.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
289
Property Crimes Per 100k:
2,822
Crime Index:
3,111
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 346
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 35
Weather
What is the weather like in Clearwater, FL year-round?
Clearwater boasts a warm, coastal climate with mild winters averaging lows of 53°F and highs of 71°F, and hot summers reaching up to 91°F. The area enjoys 76% sunny days annually and receives about 51.5 inches of rainfall, ideal for outdoor activities year-round.
Winter
Min:
53°F
Max:
71°F
Spring
Min:
62°F
Max:
80°F
Summer
Min:
76°F
Max:
91°F
Fall
Min:
65°F
Max:
83°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
51.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
76%
Neighbors
Typical households in Clearwater have a median income of $56,800, with a poverty rate of 13.7% and an unemployment rate of just 3.2%. Most residents have at least a high school diploma and commute an average of 23.5 minutes, contributing to a stable and educated community.
Median Income:
$34,400
Household Income:
$56,800
Family Income:
$70,200
Per Capita Income:
$36,100
Income Male:
$42,700
Income Female:
$32,800
Poverty Rate:
13.7%
Non English Speakers:
17.8%
Rent:
$1,565
Unemployment Rate:
3.2%
Public Transport Usage:
2.8%
Commute Time:
23.5 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
90.2%
Bachelors or More:
30.5%
Education
How are the schools in Clearwater, FL?
Clearwater’s public schools, such as Clearwater High School and Plumb Elementary, offer a variety of educational opportunities, with student-to-teacher ratios that support learning. The city is also home to higher education institutions like St. Petersburg College, providing both K-12 and college-level options.
Public Schools
Name:
Clearwater High School
Street:
540 S Hercules Ave
Phone:
727-298-1620
Students:
1,740
Student Teacher Ratio:
20.1
Name:
Plumb Elementary School
Street:
1920 Lakeview Rd
Phone:
727-469-5976
Students:
735
Student Teacher Ratio:
15.4
Private Schools
Name:
Saint Cecelia Interparochial Catholic School
Street:
1350 Court St
Phone:
727-461-1200
Students:
370
Colleges
Name:
St. Petersburg College - Clearwater Campus
City:
Clearwater
State:
FL
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
8,000
Name:
University of South Florida - St. Petersburg
City:
St. Petersburg
State:
FL
Distance:
20 miles
Students:
4,500
Healthcare
Clearwater offers robust healthcare options, including major hospitals like Morton Plant Hospital and a physician-to-resident ratio of 2.6 per 1,000 people. With 85.2% health insurance coverage and a strong healthcare index, residents have reliable access to quality medical services.
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:
2.6
Health Insurance Coverage:
85.2%
Health Care Index:
78.9
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Clearwater, FL?
The housing market in Clearwater is moderately priced for a beach city, with a median home price of $355,000 and average rent for a two-bedroom at $1,565. Homeownership rates are about 58%, and the area has seen an 8.4% rise in home values over the past year, reflecting steady demand.
Median Home Price:
$355,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,565
Owner Occupied Rate:
57.6%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
7.1%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
8.4%
New Construction Rate:
2.2%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.8%
DMV Information
Residents handle vehicle and licensing needs through the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles located in nearby Largo, with accessible online resources and support. The DMV provides a full range of services for Clearwater’s drivers and new arrivals.
State:
Florida
Department:
Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles
Address:
11351 Ulmerton Rd, Largo, FL 33778
Phone:
1-850-617-2000
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.