countyscore
36.3
County Score
Water Quality 68.2Income & Jobs 67.4Property Tax 59.9

County Report Card

About Pinellas County, Florida

Low livability score despite tax advantages

Pinellas County scores 36.2 on the CountyScore composite index, 13.8 points below the national median of 50.0. This below-average ranking is surprising given the county's strong tax position, indicating that safety and housing affordability pose significant offsetting challenges.

Lower-middle performance in Florida

Pinellas County scores 36.2 against Florida's state average of 45.1, placing it in the lower-middle tier of the state. The 8.9-point gap reflects regional struggles that outweigh some competitive advantages.

Best tax rate and strong water quality

Pinellas boasts the lowest effective tax rate (0.729%) among all eight counties, with a tax score of 59.9. Water quality also stands out at 68.2, offering residents environmental reliability and low local tax burden.

Safety concerns and housing costs

Safety is a major concern with a score of just 20.1—the lowest among these eight counties—suggesting residents should review crime data carefully. Housing remains relatively expensive with median values of $319,000 and rents at $1,525, limiting affordability gains from low taxes.

For tax-conscious retirees accepting safety tradeoffs

Pinellas County suits financially stable individuals who prioritize low tax rates and waterfront access over crime-free neighborhoods. This county appeals to experienced, independent residents with resources to manage safety concerns proactively.

Score breakdown

Tax59.9Cost12.2Safety20.1Health53.9Schools45.3Income67.4Risk1.8Water68.2Weather14.8
🏛59.9
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠12.2
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼67.4
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡20.1
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤53.9
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓45.3
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡1.8
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧68.2
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤14.8
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨38.2
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱17.8
Lawn Care
Lawn difficulty score based on climate, soil, and grass suitability
LawnByCounty →
🛒
Farmers Markets
Local market density, SNAP/EBT acceptance, and product variety
MarketsByCounty →
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Nearby counties

Hillsborough County
Florida
35.8
Manatee County
Florida
45.3
Pasco County
Florida
42.4
Sarasota County
Florida
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Hernando County
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Hardee County
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Polk County
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Sumter County
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Deep Dives

Pinellas County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Pinellas County

via TaxByCounty

Pinellas taxes in line with national median

Pinellas County's 0.729% effective tax rate matches the national median almost exactly at 0.71%, making it one of Florida's most tax-neutral counties nationally. The median property tax of $2,324 sits just below the national median of $2,690, despite higher median home values at $319,000.

Below-average rate for Florida

Pinellas's 0.729% effective rate essentially matches Florida's 0.731% state average, positioning it as a middle-of-the-pack county statewide. The median annual tax of $2,324 exceeds the state median of $1,885 by 23%.

Competitive with Polk, Pasco, Osceola

Pinellas's 0.729% rate is the lowest among major Tampa Bay area competitors, trailing Pasco (0.763%) and Osceola (0.786%). It's an attractive option for retirees and homeowners seeking moderate tax burden.

Approximately $2,324 in annual taxes

On the median Pinellas home value of $319,000, homeowners owe roughly $2,324 per year in property taxes. With a mortgage, the annual bill climbs to $2,657.

Assessment appeals still worth pursuing

Even counties with moderate rates benefit from assessment accuracy checks—overvaluation still occurs in Pinellas despite competitive millage rates. A simple appeal filing could secure measurable annual savings with no cost to you.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Pinellas County

via CostByCounty

Pinellas rents consume one-quarter of income

Pinellas County renters dedicate 26.0% of their income to rent, landing squarely in the affordability stress zone relative to national benchmarks. With a median household income of $70,293 just below the national average of $74,755, residents carry a heavier housing burden than peers nationwide.

Above Florida's median affordability

At 26.0%, Pinellas's rent-to-income ratio exceeds Florida's state average of 22.5%, placing it among the costlier counties in the state. Median rent of $1,525 runs $292 higher than Florida's state average, driven by the St. Petersburg–Tampa coastal demand.

Pricier than Pasco, cheaper than Osceola

Pinellas renters pay $1,525 monthly—$153 more than Pasco County but $126 less than Osceola—positioning it in the mid-tier of Tampa Bay affordability. The county's coastal and urban attractions justify somewhat higher costs than inland Pasco alternatives.

Combined housing claims 27% of income

Renters pay $1,525 while homeowners carry $1,201 monthly, combining for roughly 27% of the $70,293 median household income. This allocation leaves Pinellas households about $4,200 monthly for all non-housing expenses.

Urban amenities come with a cost

Moving to Pinellas means budgeting 26% of income for rent—notably higher than inland Pasco but lower than Osceola. If you value beach access and urban energy, the premium is competitive; for maximum affordability within the region, Pasco offers 2 percentage points of relief.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Pinellas County

via IncomeByCounty

Pinellas income stable near national median

Pinellas County's median household income of $70,293 sits about 6% below the national median of $74,755. This respectable standing reflects the county's mature, diverse economy spanning professional services, tourism, healthcare, and manufacturing in the Tampa Bay region.

Outperforms Florida state average

At $70,293, Pinellas County exceeds Florida's state average of $65,468 by roughly $4,800, placing it in the upper third of the state's counties. Its per capita income of $46,580 also leads the state average substantially, indicating concentrated high earners.

Regional income leader in west-central Florida

Pinellas's $70,293 income leads neighboring Pasco County ($67,384) and significantly exceeds Polk County ($63,644), reflecting its strength as a professional and retiree destination. The county's higher per capita income suggests a wealthier demographic composition than inland neighbors.

Housing costs well-controlled

With a rent-to-income ratio of 26.0%, Pinellas County maintains excellent housing affordability relative to household earnings. A median home value of $319,000 remains accessible for families earning the county median, supporting stable homeownership rates.

Invest in retirement security early

Pinellas County's $70,000+ household income supports consistent long-term investing, particularly important given Florida's large retiree population. Workers should prioritize employer retirement plans and catch-up contributions to ensure adequate savings for 20+ year retirements.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Pinellas County

via CrimeByCounty

Pinellas Safety Trends and National Averages

Pinellas County reports a total crime rate of 2,078.4 per 100,000, which remains lower than the national average of 2,385.5. The county maintains a safety score of 96.7 out of 100. Despite local challenges, the area stays safer than many other metropolitan regions across the U.S.

Pinellas Compares to Florida Standards

Pinellas County's crime rate of 2,078.4 is notably higher than the Florida state average of 1,027.9. Its safety score of 96.7 also falls below the state average of 98.4. Thirty-two reporting agencies work daily to address these urban safety figures.

Pinellas Shows Higher Rates Than Neighbors

Pinellas County has a higher crime rate than nearby Pasco County, which sits at just 947.5. It also reports more activity than Sarasota County's rate of 1,533.3. This highlights Pinellas as a more active area for law enforcement in the Gulf Coast region.

A Look at Crime Categories

Property crime is the primary issue in Pinellas, with 1,751.5 incidents per 100,000 residents. Violent crime occurs at a rate of 326.9, which is slightly lower than the national average of 369.8. Residents should be most mindful of property-related security.

Securing Property in Pinellas County

With property crime as the leading concern, visible security cameras act as a powerful deterrent. Joining local neighborhood watch groups can also help keep your street safer and more vigilant. Consistent habits like locking cars and garages go a long way in Pinellas.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Pinellas County

via HealthByCounty

Pinellas beats national health benchmarks

Pinellas County residents live to 77.6 years on average, outpacing the U.S. average of 76.4 years by 1.2 years. With 17.7% reporting poor or fair health—below the national average of 18%—the county demonstrates strong preventive care and chronic disease management.

Tops Florida's health outcome rankings

Pinellas's 77.6-year life expectancy stands nearly 2 years above Florida's 75.8-year average, ranking the county among the state's healthiest. This performance reflects established medical infrastructure, aging but insured retiree populations, and robust provider networks.

Regional health leader alongside Sarasota

Pinellas's 77.6-year life expectancy leads its immediate neighbors, with only Sarasota County's 80.3 years and Palm Beach's 80.7 years surpassing it in the state. The county's advantage over Pasco (76.2) reflects better-resourced health systems and higher healthcare access.

Best-in-class provider access

Pinellas leads most Florida counties with 91 primary care providers and 286 mental health providers per 100,000 residents, ensuring robust care access. At 13.0% uninsured, the county remains near Florida's average, meaning gaps persist despite ample providers—a sign of affordability and enrollment challenges.

Discover coverage options available to you

Even in well-resourced Pinellas, over 13% lack insurance. Explore marketplace plans with subsidies, Medicaid eligibility, and employer programs at Healthcare.gov or contact Pinellas County's enrollment navigators at 211.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Pinellas County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Large Urban School System

Pinellas County supports 93,702 students across 154 public schools. This extensive network includes 91 elementary campuses and 31 high schools concentrated in city and suburban areas.

Exceeding Benchmarks in Student Success

The county's 92.0% graduation rate is significantly higher than the national 87.0% benchmark. This success is paired with a $6,394 per-pupil spend and a school score of 53.3, both exceeding state averages.

One District with High Specialization

The Pinellas District manages every public school in the county, including 15 alternative and 6 special education schools. Charter options are available at 18 locations, making up about 12% of the county's schools.

Intimate Campus Sizes in Urban Hubs

Despite the large total enrollment, the average school size is relatively small at 616 students. Schools are strictly urban or suburban, with Palm Harbor University High being the largest at 2,474 students.

High-Performing Schools in Coastal Pinellas

With a 92% graduation rate, Pinellas County is a standout choice for families relocating to Florida's coast. Real estate near Palm Harbor or East Lake provides access to some of the county's most populous and successful schools.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Pinellas County

via RiskByCounty

Pinellas ranks among nation's highest risk

Pinellas County's composite risk score of 98.22 places it in the highest tier of U.S. counties for disaster exposure, rated Relatively High. Tornado risk at 99.05 and flood risk at 99.20 reflect the county's unique vulnerability, amplified by hurricane exposure at 98.87.

Top-three risk county in Florida

Pinellas ranks among Florida's riskiest communities with a 98.22 score, standing 22.48 points above the state average of 75.74. Only the most exposed coastal counties match Pinellas's overall hazard burden.

Coastal concentration of extreme risk

Pinellas's 98.22 score aligns with Sarasota County (98.16) and Palm Beach County (99.20) as part of Florida's most hazardous coastal region. Inland Polk County (96.53) and Pasco County (95.96) show measurably lower exposure, underscoring coastal Florida's disproportionate risk.

Flooding and tornadoes top threats

Pinellas faces exceptional flood risk at 99.20 and tornado risk at 99.05, making storm surge and violent winds the county's most pressing hazards. Hurricane exposure at 98.87 means Atlantic storms will routinely threaten the county with compounded surge, wind, and rainfall impacts.

Flood and wind coverage essential

Pinellas homeowners must secure separate flood insurance—storm surge and rainfall overwhelm drainage systems regularly in this low-lying county. Comprehensive wind coverage, roof reinforcement, and storm shutters are mandatory investments for properties facing the region's frequent hurricane and tornado threats.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Pinellas County

via WeatherByCounty

A Subtropical Peninsula Paradise

Pinellas County maintains a warm annual average of 73.8°F, nearly 20 degrees higher than the national median. This humid subtropical climate ensures year-round warmth and eliminates the risk of snowfall.

Warmer Than the Florida Average

The county's 73.8°F average temperature sits well above the Florida state average of 71.1°F. Its coastal position on the Gulf of Mexico helps maintain these elevated temperatures throughout the year.

Balanced Heat Along the Coast

Pinellas shares a nearly identical climate with Sarasota County's 73.7°F average. However, it experiences only 87 extreme heat days, which is far fewer than the 121 days seen in inland Polk County.

Mild Winters and Humid Summers

Summer temperatures average 83.1°F, while winter months remain very mild at 63.1°F. Residents enjoy zero snowfall, though they must navigate 87 days each year where temperatures exceed 90°F.

Prepare for Sun and Humidity

Invest in high-efficiency cooling systems to manage the frequent 90-degree days and high humidity. Light, breathable clothing is essential for the 51.5 inches of annual rain that often falls in sudden bursts.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Pinellas County

via SoilByCounty

Balanced Acidity on the Peninsula

Pinellas County features an average pH of 5.08, which is slightly less acidic than the Florida state average of 4.88. It remains well below the national median of 6.5, suggesting a need for lime if you are growing vegetables that prefer neutral soil. This acidity is typical for the coastal peninsula environment.

A Sandy Foundation with Minimal Clay

The soil is 81.5% sand, 1.2% silt, and 2.2% clay, which is slightly less sandy than its inland neighbors. The low clay and silt percentages mean the soil lacks natural structural stability but offers excellent aeration for roots. This makes it an easy medium for landscaping and turfgrass management.

Exceptional Organic Matter Levels

Pinellas boasts a massive 13.91% organic matter content, nearly double the state average of 8.03% and seven times the national average. This high organic level results in an available water capacity of 0.124 in/in, which is significantly better than the state average. This soil is naturally primed for high productivity and moisture retention.

Coastal Water Dynamics and Drainage

While specific drainage classes are not listed, the high available water capacity suggests the soil holds moisture better than typical Florida sand. The county's peninsula geography means drainage is heavily influenced by the proximity to the Gulf of Mexico and Tampa Bay. Urban development in this area also impacts how rain moves through the soil profile.

Tropical Possibilities in Zone 10a

In Zone 10a, Pinellas gardeners can grow everything from hibiscus to starfruit with ease. The high organic matter in the soil provides a fantastic head start for any garden project. Embrace the coastal climate by planting salt-tolerant species and enjoying year-round blooms.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Pinellas County

via LawnByCounty

Pinellas Lawns Follow State Trends

Pinellas County scores 17.8 on the lawn difficulty scale, placing it just slightly below the Florida average of 19.2. While it tracks with the state, it is still far more demanding than the national average of 50.0. The coastal Zone 10a climate dictates almost every aspect of lawn care from watering to species selection.

A Coastal Balance of Heat and Rain

The county experiences 87 extreme heat days annually, which is slightly lower than the state average of 92. Precipitation is steady at 51.5 inches per year, while 8,731 growing degree days ensure year-round growth. This consistent warmth means there is no true dormant season for your turf.

Acidic Sands in the Sun

Pinellas soil is composed of 81.5% sand and a 5.08 pH level, requiring intervention to support healthy grass. With only 2.2% clay, these soils drain quickly and lose nutrients to leaching during heavy rain. Adding organic compost can help improve the soil structure and provide a buffer against the naturally acidic environment.

Facing Total County Drought

Pinellas is currently under 100% severe drought conditions and has spent 41 weeks in drought over the last year. This persistent dry state makes efficient irrigation non-negotiable for maintaining green cover. Drip irrigation for perimeter beds and high-efficiency nozzles for the lawn can help you navigate these restrictive periods.

Best Practices for Zone 10a

St. Augustine grass is the standard here for its salt tolerance and ability to handle the 10a hardiness zone. Since the last spring frost usually passes by January 20, you can begin your lawn renovation early in the year. Strong growth is supported by 8,731 growing degree days, so prepare for regular maintenance immediately after planting.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Pinellas County's county score?
Pinellas County, Florida has a composite county score of 36.3 out of 100 on CountyScore. This score is calculated from a weighted average of available data dimensions including property tax, cost of living, income, safety, health, and schools.
How does Pinellas County rank among counties in Florida?
Pinellas County ranks #54 among all counties in Florida on CountyScore's composite ranking. Rankings are based on available data dimensions and updated as new data is added.
What are property taxes like in Pinellas County, Florida?
The median annual property tax in Pinellas County is $2,324, with an effective tax rate of 0.73%. This earns Pinellas County a tax score of 59.9/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Pinellas County?
The median household income in Pinellas County, Florida is $70,293 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Pinellas County earns an income score of 67.4/100 on CountyScore.
Is Pinellas County, Florida a good place to live?
Pinellas County scores 36.3/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #54 in Florida. The best way to evaluate Pinellas County is to compare individual dimension scores — property tax, cost of living, income, safety, health, and schools — based on your personal priorities. Use CountyScore to compare Pinellas County with other counties side by side.

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Data from U.S. Census Bureau ACS, FBI UCR, CDC, FEMA NRI, NCES, EPA SDWIS, NOAA — informational only.