Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Fort Myers, FL
Thinking of moving to Fort Myers, FL? With a population just under 96,000, this sunny Gulf Coast city offers a laid-back lifestyle, warm winters, and a cost of living close to the national average. The median home price is about $360,000 with average rents around $1,620. Commutes are short at 24 minutes, and while property crime rates are higher than average, the city boasts great weather with 73% sunny days and easy access to beaches. Education options include a large state college and public schools, making it an attractive option for families and retirees alike.
Demographics - Fort Myers, FL
Demographics - Fort Myers, FL
Fort Myers is home to nearly 96,000 residents, featuring a diverse community with a median age of just over 40. The city has a balanced gender ratio and a mix of ethnic backgrounds, with around 16.5% of the population speaking a language other than English at home. Its moderate population density offers a blend of urban amenities and suburban comfort.
Population:
95,949
Density:
2,060 per sq mi
Median Age:
40.3
Gender Ratio:
93 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
16.5%

Ethnic Composition
White:
62.6%
Black:
21.7%
Asian:
1.8%
Others:
13.9%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Fort Myers, FL?
The cost of living in Fort Myers is slightly above the national average, with a median home value of $360,000 and typical rent for a two-bedroom apartment at $1,620. Utilities and groceries are reasonably priced, and Florida’s lack of state income tax helps residents keep more of their income. Overall, living expenses are manageable for many households, especially compared to other coastal cities.
Median House Value:
$360,000
Gross Rent:
$1,620
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$145
Auto Insurance:
$2,480
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,980
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$600
State Taxes:
Low:
0%
|
High:
0%
Cost Of Living Index:
104.1
Grocery:
103.3
Housing:
110.5
Utilities:
97.4
Transportation:
101.8
Health Care:
98.7
Miscellaneous:
102.1
Crime
Is Fort Myers, FL a safe place to live?
While Fort Myers enjoys a strong sense of community, property crime rates are somewhat higher than the national average, with a 1 in 42 chance of being affected. Violent crime is less common, at a rate of 366 incidents per 100,000 residents. Residents benefit from staying vigilant and taking typical urban safety precautions.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
366
Property Crimes Per 100k:
2,397
Crime Index:
2,763
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 273
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 42
Weather
What is the weather like in Fort Myers, FL year-round?
Fort Myers boasts a warm, subtropical climate with mild winters averaging highs in the mid-70s and hot summers peaking in the low 90s. The city enjoys 73% sunny days each year and receives about 55 inches of rainfall annually, making it ideal for outdoor activities and beachgoers. The weather is a major draw for retirees and families seeking year-round warmth.

Winter
Min:
54°F
Max:
76°F

Spring
Min:
64°F
Max:
89°F

Summer
Min:
75°F
Max:
92°F

Fall
Min:
66°F
Max:
87°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
54.7 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
73%
Neighbors
The city’s median household income stands at around $59,700, with a poverty rate of 16.2%. Most residents enjoy relatively short commute times of about 24 minutes, and the community is marked by a high school graduation rate nearing 87%. While some neighborhoods face economic challenges, Fort Myers offers a welcoming atmosphere and diverse cultural influences.
Median Income:
$32,600
Household Income:
$59,700
Family Income:
$68,200
Per Capita Income:
$32,600
Income Male:
$36,800
Income Female:
$28,900
Poverty Rate:
16.2%
Non English Speakers:
16.5%
Rent:
$1,620
Unemployment Rate:
3.5%
Public Transport Usage:
0.8%
Commute Time:
24.2 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
86.8%
Bachelors or More:
23.9%
Education
How are the schools in Fort Myers, FL?
Fort Myers offers a mix of public and private schools, including Fort Myers High School and Bishop Verot Catholic High School, as well as higher education at Florida SouthWestern State College and Florida Gulf Coast University. The area features strong enrollment and diverse academic opportunities for students of all ages. Families will find a supportive educational environment for both K-12 and college-level learners.

Public Schools
Name:
Fort Myers High School
Street:
2635 Cortez Blvd
Phone:
239-334-2167
Students:
1,900
Student Teacher Ratio:
22.1
Name:
Allen Park Elementary School
Street:
3345 Canelo Drive
Phone:
239-936-1459
Students:
1,000
Student Teacher Ratio:
17.0

Private Schools
Name:
Bishop Verot Catholic High School
Street:
5598 Sunrise Dr
Phone:
239-274-6700
Students:
800

Colleges
Name:
Florida SouthWestern State College
City:
Fort Myers
State:
FL
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
15,000
Name:
Florida Gulf Coast University
City:
Fort Myers
State:
FL
Distance:
13 miles
Students:
16,000
Healthcare
Fort Myers provides solid healthcare access, with major hospitals like Lee Memorial Hospital and Gulf Coast Medical Center offering comprehensive services and emergency care. There are about 2.2 physicians per 1,000 residents, and over 83% of the population has health insurance. The city’s healthcare infrastructure supports both families and retirees.

Major Hospitals
Name:
Lee Memorial Hospital
Address:
2776 Cleveland Ave, Fort Myers, FL 33901
Phone:
(239) 343-2000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Gulf Coast Medical Center
Address:
13681 Doctors Way, Fort Myers, FL 33912
Phone:
(239) 343-1000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.2
Health Insurance Coverage:
83.5%
Health Care Index:
71.2
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Fort Myers, FL?
The local housing market features a median home price of $360,000, with owner-occupied homes making up just over half the market. Rental options are plentiful, with average rents for a two-bedroom at $1,620 and a rental vacancy rate of 7.2%. Home values have appreciated by nearly 7% in the past year, reflecting steady demand.
Median Home Price:
$360,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,620
Owner Occupied Rate:
53.3%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
7.2%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
6.7%
New Construction Rate:
2.1%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.7%
DMV Information
Residents can access motor vehicle services through the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, with a convenient office located in nearby Cape Coral. The DMV provides driver's licensing, vehicle registration, and title services both in-person and online. The state’s official DMV website offers additional resources and appointment scheduling.
State:
Florida
Department:
Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles
Address:
1039 SE 9th Place, Cape Coral, FL 33990
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.