Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Sarasota, FL
Thinking of relocating to Sarasota, FL? With a vibrant population of 56,888 and beautiful weather featuring 76% sunny days, Sarasota blends coastal charm with a moderate cost of living. The median home price sits at $505,000, and average rents are around $1,730, while the average commute is a manageable 22.8 minutes. Residents enjoy reputable schools, abundant healthcare options, and a lively arts scene, though property crime rates are higher than the national average. Explore more on housing, lifestyle, and local highlights to see if Sarasota fits your next move!
Demographics - Sarasota, FL
Demographics - Sarasota, FL
Sarasota is home to 56,888 residents, with a population density of 3,820 people per square mile and a median age of 49.5, reflecting its appeal to both retirees and families. The city is predominantly White (79.1%), with notable Black (14.5%) and Hispanic communities, and about 16% of residents speak a language other than English at home.
Population:
56,888
Density:
3,820 per sq mi
Median Age:
49.5
Gender Ratio:
90 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
16.2%

Ethnic Composition
White:
79.1%
Black:
14.5%
Asian:
2.0%
Others:
4.4%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Sarasota, FL?
Sarasota's cost of living index is 11% above the U.S. average, largely due to higher housing costs, with median home values at $505,000 and typical rents around $1,730 per month. Residents benefit from Florida’s absence of state income tax, but utilities, groceries, and transportation remain close to national averages.
Median House Value:
$505,000
Gross Rent:
$1,730
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$135
Auto Insurance:
$2,250
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$2,270
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$780
State Taxes:
Low:
0% (no state income tax)
|
High:
0% (no state income tax)
Cost Of Living Index:
111.5
Grocery:
106.1
Housing:
124.2
Utilities:
98.7
Transportation:
104.3
Health Care:
102.5
Miscellaneous:
101.0
Crime
Is Sarasota, FL a safe place to live?
Sarasota experiences a higher property crime rate than the national average, with about 2,160 property crimes per 100,000 residents and a 1 in 46 chance of being affected. Violent crime is less prevalent, with a rate of 332 incidents per 100,000 people, or a 1 in 301 chance.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
332
Property Crimes Per 100k:
2,160
Crime Index:
2,492
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 301
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 46
Weather
What is the weather like in Sarasota, FL year-round?
Sarasota boasts a warm, subtropical climate with mild winters (lows near 52°F) and hot, humid summers (highs up to 91°F). Residents enjoy abundant sunshine—about 76% of days are sunny—and the city receives around 56 inches of rainfall annually, making it ideal for outdoor activities.

Winter
Min:
52°F
Max:
73°F

Spring
Min:
62°F
Max:
84°F

Summer
Min:
74°F
Max:
91°F

Fall
Min:
67°F
Max:
85°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
56.0 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
76%
Neighbors
Sarasota’s households earn a median income of $64,142, and about 42.7% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Commutes average 23 minutes, the unemployment rate is low at 3.6%, and 13.5% of residents live below the poverty line, reflecting moderate economic diversity.
Median Income:
$42,800
Household Income:
$64,142
Family Income:
$81,070
Per Capita Income:
$48,271
Income Male:
$53,900
Income Female:
$39,100
Poverty Rate:
13.5%
Non English Speakers:
16.2%
Rent:
$1,730
Unemployment Rate:
3.6%
Public Transport Usage:
1.9%
Commute Time:
22.8 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
92.1%
Bachelors or More:
42.7%
Education
How are the schools in Sarasota, FL?
Sarasota offers a variety of public and private education options, including Sarasota High School and The Out-of-Door Academy, plus local colleges like New College of Florida and Ringling College of Art and Design. Over 92% of adults have at least a high school diploma, supporting a well-educated community.

Public Schools
Name:
Sarasota High School
Street:
2155 Bahia Vista St
Phone:
941-955-0181
Students:
2,400
Student Teacher Ratio:
19.5
Name:
Southside Elementary School
Street:
1901 Webber St
Phone:
941-361-6420
Students:
750
Student Teacher Ratio:
15.7

Private Schools
Name:
The Out-of-Door Academy
Street:
444 Reid St
Phone:
941-349-3223
Students:
765

Colleges
Name:
New College of Florida
City:
Sarasota
State:
FL
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
675
Name:
Ringling College of Art and Design
City:
Sarasota
State:
FL
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
1,700
Healthcare
The city offers excellent healthcare access, with top-rated hospitals like Sarasota Memorial and Doctors Hospital, and a strong physician presence at 3.2 doctors per 1,000 residents. About 89% of locals have health insurance, contributing to Sarasota’s reputation for high-quality medical care.

Major Hospitals
Name:
Sarasota Memorial Hospital
Address:
1700 S Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, FL 34239
Phone:
(941) 917-9000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Doctors Hospital of Sarasota
Address:
5731 Bee Ridge Rd, Sarasota, FL 34233
Phone:
(941) 342-1100
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
3.2
Health Insurance Coverage:
88.6%
Health Care Index:
78.4
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Sarasota, FL?
Sarasota’s housing market features a median home price of $505,000 and average two-bedroom rents of $1,730, with 58% of homes owner-occupied. The area has seen steady appreciation (6.1% over the past year), relatively low vacancy and foreclosure rates, and moderate new construction activity.
Median Home Price:
$505,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,730
Owner Occupied Rate:
57.6%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
6.9%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
6.1%
New Construction Rate:
2.3%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.6%
DMV Information
Vehicle services for Sarasota residents are managed by the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, accessible online or at the main office in Bartow. The DMV provides licensing, registration, and titling services, with statewide support and helpful resources for new arrivals.
State:
Florida
Department:
Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles
Address:
601 North Broadway Ave, Bartow, FL 33830
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.