Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Fort Pierce, FL
Thinking of relocating to Fort Pierce, FL? With a population of around 48,150, this coastal city offers a warm year-round climate, affordable median home prices at $245,000, and average rents near $1,310. Residents enjoy shorter commutes (about 25 minutes), access to Indian River State College, and plenty of sunny days. While property and violent crime rates are higher than national averages, the cost of living is notably below the U.S. norm, making Fort Pierce an appealing choice for those seeking beachfront living on a budget.
Demographics - Fort Pierce, FL
Demographics - Fort Pierce, FL
Fort Pierce is home to about 48,150 residents, featuring a diverse community with nearly equal numbers of White and Black residents and a sizable Hispanic population. The median age is just under 39, creating a blend of young families and older adults. With almost one in five residents speaking a language other than English at home, the city offers a vibrant multicultural atmosphere.
Population:
48,150
Density:
2,300 per sq mi
Median Age:
38.7
Gender Ratio:
97 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
18.5%
Ethnic Composition
White:
37.2%
Black:
41.1%
Others:
0.9%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Fort Pierce, FL?
Living in Fort Pierce is generally affordable, with a cost of living index of 91.5—below the national average. Homebuyers will find median house values around $245,000, and renters pay about $1,310 per month. Florida’s lack of state income tax and reasonable utility costs add to the city’s appeal for budget-conscious residents.
Median House Value:
$245,000
Gross Rent:
$1,310
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$145
Auto Insurance:
$2,320
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,575
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$505
State Taxes:
Low:
0% (no state income tax)
|
High:
0% (no state income tax)
Cost Of Living Index:
91.5
Grocery:
98.2
Housing:
84.8
Utilities:
104.5
Transportation:
95.6
Health Care:
97.1
Miscellaneous:
96.0
Crime
Is Fort Pierce, FL a safe place to live?
Fort Pierce experiences higher-than-average crime rates, with a 1 in 174 chance of violent crime and a 1 in 36 chance of property crime. While safety may be a concern in some neighborhoods, residents can take precautions and benefit from community initiatives aimed at improving security. It's important for newcomers to research local areas to find the right fit.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
575
Property Crimes Per 100k:
2,800
Crime Index:
3,375
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 174
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 36
Weather
What is the weather like in Fort Pierce, FL year-round?
Fort Pierce offers a warm, sunny climate year-round, with summer highs reaching 90°F and mild winter temperatures around 75°F. The city enjoys 66% sunny days annually and receives about 54 inches of rainfall, creating lush landscapes and ideal conditions for outdoor activities. Residents can expect pleasant weather for most of the year.
Winter
Min:
55°F
Max:
75°F
Spring
Min:
63°F
Max:
83°F
Summer
Min:
74°F
Max:
90°F
Fall
Min:
65°F
Max:
84°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
53.9 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
66%
Neighbors
The city’s median household income is around $41,600, with a poverty rate higher than the national average at 27.2%. Most residents commute about 25 minutes to work, and educational attainment sees 80% holding a high school diploma or higher. The area is known for its friendly, close-knit neighborhoods and cultural diversity.
Median Income:
$24,900
Household Income:
$41,600
Family Income:
$47,500
Per Capita Income:
$19,000
Income Male:
$32,000
Income Female:
$28,500
Poverty Rate:
27.2%
Non English Speakers:
18.5%
Rent:
$1,310
Unemployment Rate:
5.9%
Public Transport Usage:
0.8%
Commute Time:
24.9 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
80.4%
Bachelors or More:
14.2%
Education
How are the schools in Fort Pierce, FL?
Fort Pierce offers diverse educational options, including public and private schools and higher education at Indian River State College, which enrolls over 22,000 students. Local schools like Fort Pierce Central High School and Weatherbee Elementary provide accessible K-12 education, while nearby colleges expand opportunities for advanced learning. The community values education, with the majority of residents holding at least a high school diploma.
Public Schools
Name:
Fort Pierce Central High School
Street:
4101 S 25th St
Phone:
772-468-5888
Students:
2,500
Student Teacher Ratio:
19.7
Name:
Weatherbee Elementary School
Street:
800 E Weatherbee Rd
Phone:
772-468-5300
Students:
630
Student Teacher Ratio:
15.2
Private Schools
Name:
John Carroll High School
Street:
3402 Delaware Ave
Phone:
772-464-5200
Students:
420
Colleges
Name:
Indian River State College
City:
Fort Pierce
State:
FL
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
22,000
Name:
Keiser University - Port St. Lucie
City:
Port St. Lucie
State:
FL
Distance:
11 miles
Students:
1,800
Healthcare
Fort Pierce provides access to quality healthcare, including two major hospitals—HCA Florida Lawnwood Hospital and Cleveland Clinic Tradition Hospital. With approximately 1.9 physicians per 1,000 residents and over 81% of locals covered by health insurance, medical services are readily available. Residents benefit from comprehensive emergency and general medical care within the city.
Major Hospitals
Name:
HCA Florida Lawnwood Hospital
Address:
1700 S 23rd St, Fort Pierce, FL 34950
Phone:
(772) 461-4000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Cleveland Clinic Tradition Hospital
Address:
10000 SW Innovation Way, Port St. Lucie, FL 34987
Phone:
(772) 345-8100
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.9
Health Insurance Coverage:
81.2%
Health Care Index:
69.1
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Fort Pierce, FL?
The housing market in Fort Pierce features a median home price of $245,000 and average rent for a two-bedroom apartment at $1,310, making it an accessible option for both buyers and renters. Over half of homes are owner-occupied, and the market has seen steady appreciation with a 6.4% increase in the past year. Rental availability remains healthy, with a vacancy rate just above 8%.
Median Home Price:
$245,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,310
Owner Occupied Rate:
52.4%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
8.2%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
6.4%
New Construction Rate:
2.1%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.7%
DMV Information
Fort Pierce residents are served by the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, conveniently located on S US Highway 1 in the city. Services include licensing, registration, and title processing, with information available both in person and online. The DMV provides essential support for drivers and vehicle owners in the area.
State:
Florida
Department:
Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles
Address:
3230 S US Highway 1, Fort Pierce, FL 34982
Phone:
772-462-1650
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.