St. Lucie
Florida

What stands out

Against every county in America, St. Lucie County is unusual in three ways: the average temperature is among the warmest in America (75°F), population growth is among the fastest growing in America (+4.1% a year), and natural-hazard risk is in the top 2% of American counties (98 of 100). Within Florida it ranks 9th of 67 counties for the average temperature.

Where you are

You live in St. Lucie County, Florida. 334,682 people live here with you. The population grew 4.1% last year, and more Americans moved in than out (net +14,011).

Florida has no income tax and no estate tax, and its Save Our Homes cap limits assessed-value growth to 3% a year for homesteaded owners. The trade-off is insurance: home, wind and flood premiums are the highest in the country and several national carriers have left the market. The state has added more residents than any other since 2020.

Money

The typical household here brings in $66,154 a year, higher than 65% of American counties. Employers pay an average wage of $53,238. Unemployment runs 3.4%, higher than 50% of American counties. 9% of workers work from home.

Florida has no state income tax, so none of that goes to the state.

Home

The median home costs $373K, pricier than 82% of American counties, about 3.6 years of the median household's income. A two-bedroom rents for around $1,244 a month. Property tax is 0.99% of home value, roughly $2,722 a year on that median home, higher than 59% of American counties. 77% of households own rather than rent.

Safety and health

Violent crime here is 3.7 per 1,000 residents, lower than 59% of American counties. Drug overdoses killed 18 people per 100,000 in 2024.

A child born here can expect to live 78.7 years, longer than 82% of American counties. There are 503 active physicians in the county, about 15.0 per 10,000 people. Medicare rates the local hospitals 1.0 of 5 stars. 14.0% of people under 65 have no health insurance.

School

Local students test at grade level 3.06 where 3.0 is national grade level, higher than 67% of American counties. 89% of adults finished high school.

Neighbors and politics

In 2024 your neighbors voted Republican by 6 points. 73% of eligible voters turned out. Under Florida law you can carry a concealed handgun without a permit, abortion is banned with narrow exceptions, and marijuana is medical only.

Weather and risk

The year averages 75°F, highs near 84 and lows near 66, warmer than almost every county in America. About 44 inches of rain and snow fall a year. FEMA puts natural-hazard risk at 98 out of 100, riskier than 98% of American counties; the county has had 38 federal disaster declarations since 1953.

Getting around, going out

Home internet averages 288 Mbps down, faster than 92% of American counties. There are 9 airports in the county, counting general aviation. For a night or a weekend out: 0.6 full-service restaurants per 1,000 people, 3 breweries.