Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Port Saint Joe, FL
Considering a move to Port Saint Joe, FL? With a small-town population of 3,357 and a median home price of $321,000, this Gulf Coast community offers affordable living, mild winters, and 69% sunny days per year. Enjoy quick commutes (avg. 21 minutes), access to local schools and healthcare, and a low violent crime rate of 258 per 100k. Explore below for more on housing, cost of living, schools, and lifestyle amenities in this friendly Florida town.
Demographics - Port Saint Joe, FL
Demographics - Port Saint Joe, FL
Port Saint Joe is a close-knit community of about 3,357 residents, with a median age of 44.1 and a population density of 590 per square mile. The city’s population is predominantly White (77%), with a notable Black community (16%) and a small percentage of non-English speakers (7%). This diverse but intimate setting offers a balanced gender ratio and a welcoming environment for newcomers.
Population:
3,357
Density:
590 per sq mi
Median Age:
44.1
Gender Ratio:
95 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
7.2%

Ethnic Composition
White:
77.2%
Black:
16.0%
Asian:
1.1%
Others:
5.7%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Port Saint Joe, FL?
Port Saint Joe offers a cost of living slightly below the national average, with a median home value of $321,000 and average rent around $1,280. Utilities and groceries are reasonably priced, and residents benefit from Florida’s 0% state income tax. These factors combine to make the area attractive for those seeking affordability along Florida’s Gulf Coast.
Median House Value:
$321,000
Gross Rent:
$1,280
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$145
Auto Insurance:
$2,240
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,430
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$470
State Taxes:
Low:
0%
|
High:
0%
Cost Of Living Index:
98.5
Grocery:
98.0
Housing:
95.2
Utilities:
103.8
Transportation:
93.0
Health Care:
98.4
Miscellaneous:
96.1
Crime
Is Port Saint Joe, FL a safe place to live?
The city experiences a relatively low violent crime rate of 258 incidents per 100,000 residents, giving residents a 1 in 388 chance of being affected. Property crime is more common, with a rate of 1,260 per 100,000, translating to a 1 in 79 chance. Overall, Port Saint Joe maintains a safer environment compared to many urban areas, contributing to its small-town charm.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
258
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,260
Crime Index:
1,518
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 388
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 79
Weather
What is the weather like in Port Saint Joe, FL year-round?
Port Saint Joe enjoys mild winters with highs in the mid-60s°F and warm, sunny summers reaching up to 90°F. The area receives about 58 inches of rainfall annually and boasts sunshine nearly 70% of the year, making it ideal for outdoor activities and beach enthusiasts. Seasonal changes are gentle, offering comfortable living conditions year-round.

Winter
Min:
44°F
Max:
64°F

Spring
Min:
58°F
Max:
78°F

Summer
Min:
75°F
Max:
90°F

Fall
Min:
61°F
Max:
80°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
58.4 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
69%
Neighbors
Local households in Port Saint Joe earn a median income of $46,150, with a poverty rate of 15.4% and an unemployment rate of 4.7%. Most residents commute about 21 minutes to work, and only a small percentage rely on public transportation. The area features a strong sense of community, with nearly 88% of adults holding at least a high school diploma.
Median Income:
$33,760
Household Income:
$46,150
Family Income:
$56,900
Per Capita Income:
$27,600
Income Male:
$35,400
Income Female:
$29,700
Poverty Rate:
15.4%
Non English Speakers:
7.2%
Rent:
$1,280
Unemployment Rate:
4.7%
Public Transport Usage:
0.6%
Commute Time:
21.3 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
87.6%
Bachelors or More:
23.1%
Education
How are the schools in Port Saint Joe, FL?
Families in Port Saint Joe benefit from access to public schools like Port St. Joe Elementary and High School, both known for their manageable student-teacher ratios and engaged communities. Private education is also available through Faith Christian School, while higher education needs are met by Gulf Coast State College, located 34 miles away in Panama City. The city’s education system emphasizes small class sizes and personal attention.

Public Schools
Name:
Port St. Joe Elementary School
Street:
2201 Long Ave
Phone:
850-227-1221
Students:
520
Student Teacher Ratio:
14.5
Name:
Port St. Joe High School
Street:
100 Shark Dr
Phone:
850-229-8251
Students:
450
Student Teacher Ratio:
16.2

Private Schools
Name:
Faith Christian School
Street:
801 20th St
Phone:
850-229-6707
Students:
90

Colleges
Name:
Gulf Coast State College
City:
Panama City
State:
FL
Distance:
34 miles
Students:
4,900
Healthcare
Residents have access to quality healthcare at Ascension Sacred Heart Gulf, a general and surgical hospital with emergency services located within the city. With 1.7 physicians per 1,000 people and 82% of residents covered by health insurance, essential medical needs are well-supported locally. The healthcare index reflects reliable care for this size community.

Major Hospitals
Name:
Ascension Sacred Heart Gulf
Address:
3801 E Hwy 98, Port St Joe, FL 32456
Phone:
(850) 229-5600
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.7
Health Insurance Coverage:
82.1%
Health Care Index:
79.4
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Port Saint Joe, FL?
Port Saint Joe’s housing market is affordable and stable, featuring a median home price of $321,000 and an average two-bedroom rent of $1,280. With nearly 70% owner-occupied homes and a low foreclosure rate, buyers and renters have a range of options in a market that has appreciated by almost 8% in the past year. New construction remains modest, maintaining the area’s quaint residential feel.
Median Home Price:
$321,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,280
Owner Occupied Rate:
69.4%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
8.1%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
7.9%
New Construction Rate:
2.0%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.8%
DMV Information
For vehicle registration and licensing, residents are served by the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, with the nearest office located in Panama City. The DMV offers comprehensive services both in-person and online, providing convenience for new arrivals and long-time locals alike.
State:
Florida
Department:
Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles
Address:
1616 W. 14th Street, Panama City, FL 32401
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.