Everything You Should Know Before Moving to St Petersburg, FL
Considering a move to St Petersburg, FL? With a population of over 258,000, St Pete blends sunny Gulf Coast living with reasonable housing costs—median home prices around $339,000 and average rents near $1,600. The city enjoys 68% sunny days per year and warm winters, making it great for outdoor enthusiasts. Commutes are manageable at 24 minutes, and local healthcare, schools, and amenities are plentiful. While property crime is above national average, residents enjoy a vibrant arts scene, waterfront parks, and a laid-back lifestyle, all at a cost of living just above the U.S. average.
Demographics - St Petersburg, FL
Demographics - St Petersburg, FL
St. Petersburg is home to roughly 258,000 residents, offering a diverse community with a median age of 43.6 and a population density of about 4,300 people per square mile. The city has a mix of ethnic backgrounds, with nearly two-thirds identifying as White and over one-fifth as Black, while about 12.5% of residents speak languages other than English. This blend creates a rich cultural environment and a welcoming atmosphere for newcomers.
Population:
258,245
Density:
4,300 per sq mi
Median Age:
43.6
Gender Ratio:
94 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
12.5%

Ethnic Composition
White:
66.6%
Black:
22.2%
Asian:
3.2%
Others:
8.0%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in St Petersburg, FL?
St. Petersburg's cost of living is just slightly above the national average, with a median home value of $339,000 and typical rents around $1,600 per month. Residents benefit from Florida’s lack of state income tax, helping offset higher-than-average utility and housing costs. Overall, the city offers a balance of affordability and coastal amenities for families and professionals alike.
Median House Value:
$339,000
Gross Rent:
$1,600
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$160
Auto Insurance:
$2,590
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,910
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$610
State Taxes:
Low:
0%
|
High:
0%
Cost Of Living Index:
104.0
Grocery:
102.3
Housing:
107.5
Utilities:
113.2
Transportation:
99.3
Health Care:
97.1
Miscellaneous:
100.2
Crime
Is St Petersburg, FL a safe place to live?
While St. Petersburg boasts a vibrant community, its crime rate is above the national average, particularly for property crimes, with a chance of 1 in 36. Violent crime is less common but still notable, at a rate of 466 incidents per 100,000 residents. Newcomers should consider neighborhood safety when choosing where to live, but many areas are actively engaged in community policing and revitalization.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
466
Property Crimes Per 100k:
2,795
Crime Index:
3,261
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 215
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 36
Weather
What is the weather like in St Petersburg, FL year-round?
Residents of St. Petersburg enjoy a warm, subtropical climate with mild winters averaging lows in the mid-50s and hot summers reaching highs in the low 90s. The city experiences about 68% sunny days each year and receives around 51.5 inches of rainfall, making it ideal for year-round outdoor activities. The pleasant weather is a major draw for those seeking an active, coastal lifestyle.

Winter
Min:
55°F
Max:
72°F

Spring
Min:
62°F
Max:
80°F

Summer
Min:
76°F
Max:
91°F

Fall
Min:
65°F
Max:
83°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
51.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
68%
Neighbors
The typical household income in St. Petersburg is about $68,900, with a poverty rate of 13.1% and a low unemployment rate of 3.3%. Most residents have at least a high school diploma, and commute times average a reasonable 24 minutes. The community is friendly and diverse, with many households enjoying access to local amenities and public transportation options.
Median Income:
$42,000
Household Income:
$68,900
Family Income:
$83,000
Per Capita Income:
$39,600
Income Male:
$46,500
Income Female:
$38,700
Poverty Rate:
13.1%
Non English Speakers:
14.1%
Rent:
$1,600
Unemployment Rate:
3.3%
Public Transport Usage:
2.2%
Commute Time:
24.4 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
91.9%
Bachelors or More:
37.2%
Education
How are the schools in St Petersburg, FL?
St. Petersburg offers a range of educational opportunities, with reputable public schools like St. Petersburg High School and access to higher education through institutions like the University of South Florida St. Petersburg and St. Petersburg College. The city’s schools feature diverse student bodies and a variety of academic programs. Families can choose from public, private, and collegiate options to suit their needs.

Public Schools
Name:
St. Petersburg High School
Street:
2501 5th Ave N
Phone:
727-893-1842
Students:
1,800
Student Teacher Ratio:
20.3
Name:
John Hopkins Middle School
Street:
701 16th St S
Phone:
727-893-2400
Students:
1,100
Student Teacher Ratio:
17.5

Private Schools
Name:
Shorecrest Preparatory School
Street:
5101 1st St NE
Phone:
727-522-2111
Students:
1,000

Colleges
Name:
University of South Florida St. Petersburg
City:
St Petersburg
State:
FL
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
4,500
Name:
St. Petersburg College
City:
St Petersburg
State:
FL
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
28,000
Healthcare
St. Petersburg offers strong healthcare access, featuring major hospitals like Bayfront Health and St. Anthony’s Hospital, both providing emergency services. With 2.2 physicians per 1,000 residents and nearly 90% health insurance coverage, locals benefit from reliable medical care. The city’s healthcare system is comprehensive and supports the needs of its growing population.

Major Hospitals
Name:
Bayfront Health St. Petersburg
Address:
701 6th St S, St. Petersburg, FL 33701
Phone:
(727) 823-1234
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
St. Anthony's Hospital
Address:
1200 7th Ave N, St. Petersburg, FL 33705
Phone:
(727) 825-1100
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.2
Health Insurance Coverage:
89.5%
Health Care Index:
66.4
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in St Petersburg, FL?
The St. Petersburg housing market remains active, with a median home price of $339,000 and about 60% of homes owner-occupied. Average rent for a two-bedroom apartment is $1,700, and home values have appreciated by over 7% in the past year. Low foreclosure and vacancy rates reflect a stable and desirable real estate environment.
Median Home Price:
$339,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,700
Owner Occupied Rate:
60.4%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
8.1%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
7.2%
New Construction Rate:
1.6%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.9%
DMV Information
St. Petersburg residents handle vehicle registration and licensing through the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, located in nearby Tampa. The state DMV provides a comprehensive website and phone support for all licensing and registration needs. Efficient service makes managing driving requirements straightforward for new arrivals.
State:
Florida
Department:
Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles
Address:
5701 E. Hillsborough Ave, Tampa, FL 33610
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.