Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Palmetto, FL
Considering a move to Palmetto, FL? With a friendly population of about 14,700, Palmetto offers affordable living, with median home prices around $338,000 and typical two-bedroom rents near $1,460. Residents enjoy warm weather year-round, over 70% sunny days, and convenient commute times averaging 26 minutes. The city features local schools, access to major hospitals, and a relaxed small-town feel—though crime rates are a bit above national averages. If you're seeking Florida sunshine and accessible living on the Gulf Coast, Palmetto is worth a closer look!
Demographics - Palmetto, FL
Demographics - Palmetto, FL
Palmetto, Florida is home to around 14,730 residents with a median age of 44, and a balanced gender ratio. The community is diverse, with over 23% speaking a language other than English at home and a mix of White, Black, and Hispanic populations. Its moderate population density and cultural variety make it inviting for newcomers seeking a small-city atmosphere.
Population:
14,730
Density:
2,500 per sq mi
Median Age:
44.2
Gender Ratio:
96 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
23.6%
Ethnic Composition
White:
63.4%
Black:
17.5%
Asian:
1.2%
Others:
17.9%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Palmetto, FL?
Living in Palmetto comes with a cost of living index slightly above the national average, with a median home value of $338,000 and typical rent for a two-bedroom apartment at $1,460. Utility and insurance costs are on par with state norms, and Florida’s state income tax rate of 0% offers added financial advantages. Everyday expenses like groceries and healthcare are only marginally higher than average, making Palmetto an accessible choice for many families.
Median House Value:
$338,000
Gross Rent:
$1,460
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$155
Auto Insurance:
$2,080
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,830
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$585
State Taxes:
Low:
0%
|
High:
0%
Cost Of Living Index:
101.7
Grocery:
103.5
Housing:
107.4
Utilities:
97.2
Transportation:
98.0
Health Care:
99.8
Miscellaneous:
95.6
Crime
Is Palmetto, FL a safe place to live?
Palmetto experiences crime rates above the national average, with a violent crime rate of 319 per 100,000 residents and a property crime rate of 2,100 per 100,000. Residents have a 1 in 48 chance of property crime, so staying vigilant and informed is recommended. Despite these figures, many locals find the city’s sense of community strong and supportive.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
319
Property Crimes Per 100k:
2,100
Crime Index:
2,419
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 313
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 48
Weather
What is the weather like in Palmetto, FL year-round?
Palmetto enjoys warm, subtropical weather with mild winters averaging highs in the low 70s and hot, humid summers peaking around 91°F. The area gets about 70% sunny days each year and receives roughly 56 inches of rainfall, supporting lush greenery. This climate is ideal for those who love year-round outdoor activities and sunshine.
Winter
Min:
53°F
Max:
73°F
Spring
Min:
62°F
Max:
85°F
Summer
Min:
74°F
Max:
91°F
Fall
Min:
66°F
Max:
86°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
55.6 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
70%
Neighbors
The median household income in Palmetto is about $56,200, and while the area has a poverty rate of 17.8%, unemployment remains relatively low at 3.7%. Most residents commute an average of 26 minutes to work, and less than 1% use public transportation. The community is largely English-speaking, but nearly a quarter of residents speak another language at home, reflecting its diversity.
Median Income:
$28,900
Household Income:
$56,200
Family Income:
$63,400
Per Capita Income:
$26,000
Income Male:
$36,500
Income Female:
$28,200
Poverty Rate:
17.8%
Non English Speakers:
23.6%
Rent:
$1,460
Unemployment Rate:
3.7%
Public Transport Usage:
0.8%
Commute Time:
26.2 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
82.5%
Bachelors or More:
13.6%
Education
How are the schools in Palmetto, FL?
Educational options in Palmetto include local public schools like Palmetto High and James Tillman Elementary, as well as private and Christian school choices. For higher education, the State College of Florida and University of South Florida Sarasota-Manatee are both within a 15-mile radius. The area’s schools and nearby colleges provide a range of academic opportunities for families and students.
Public Schools
Name:
Palmetto High School
Street:
1200 17th St W
Phone:
941-723-4848
Students:
2,100
Student Teacher Ratio:
22.4
Name:
James Tillman Elementary School
Street:
1415 29th St E
Phone:
941-723-4833
Students:
530
Student Teacher Ratio:
13.7
Private Schools
Name:
Palmetto Christian School
Street:
540 17th St W
Phone:
941-729-7600
Students:
180
Colleges
Name:
State College of Florida, Manatee-Sarasota
City:
Bradenton
State:
FL
Distance:
6 miles
Students:
9,600
Name:
University of South Florida Sarasota-Manatee
City:
Sarasota
State:
FL
Distance:
14 miles
Students:
2,100
Healthcare
Healthcare in Palmetto is accessible, with major hospitals like Manatee Memorial and Lakewood Ranch Medical Center nearby and an average of 2.3 physicians per 1,000 residents. Over 85% of locals have health insurance, and the area’s healthcare resources cater to both routine and emergency needs. Residents benefit from a good mix of medical facilities within a short drive.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Manatee Memorial Hospital
Address:
206 Second Street East, Bradenton, FL 34208
Phone:
(941) 746-5111
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Lakewood Ranch Medical Center
Address:
8330 Lakewood Ranch Blvd, Bradenton, FL 34202
Phone:
(941) 782-2100
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.3
Health Insurance Coverage:
85.2%
Health Care Index:
76.1
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Palmetto, FL?
Palmetto’s housing market features a median home price of $338,000 and an owner occupancy rate of 57%, with average two-bedroom rents at $1,460. The market is stable, seeing a 6.2% appreciation rate over the past year and a low foreclosure rate of 0.6%. Both buyers and renters have a range of options in this growing Gulf Coast community.
Median Home Price:
$338,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,460
Owner Occupied Rate:
57.1%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
7.7%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
6.2%
New Construction Rate:
2.2%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.6%
DMV Information
Palmetto residents are served by the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, with the nearest office located in Bradenton. DMV services include licensing, registration, and title needs, and more information can be found on the state's official website. The Bradenton location provides convenient access for Palmetto drivers.
State:
Florida
Department:
Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles
Address:
3428 14th St W, Bradenton, FL 34205
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.