countyscore
43.4
County Score
Water Quality 86Income & Jobs 85Health 69.7

County Report Card

About Sarasota County, Florida

Near national average with refined profile

Sarasota County scores 44.0 on the CountyScore composite index, just 6.0 points below the national median of 50.0. This respectable performance reflects a sophisticated county profile with strong health and schools, though tempered by housing costs.

Slightly below Florida average

Sarasota County scores 44.0 against Florida's state average of 45.1, placing it just at or slightly below the middle of state counties. The 1.1-point gap masks significant strength in health and education that offset housing affordability challenges.

Excellent health, schools, and water quality

Sarasota excels in health (69.7), the second-highest among these counties, and in schools (58.9), reflecting strong healthcare infrastructure and education investment. Water quality (86.0) matches Santa Rosa's standard, and median income of $80,633 supports middle-to-upper-class living.

Housing affordability remains steep

Housing is expensive with a cost score of 11.1, median values of $373,100, and rents at $1,715 monthly—among the highest in the sample. This affordability gap limits access for middle-income families despite the county's other competitive advantages.

For health-conscious affluent families and retirees

Sarasota County suits affluent families and active retirees prioritizing healthcare quality, strong schools, and environmental amenities over affordability. This county appeals to those with substantial savings who value wellness and education as premium features worth the housing premium.

2040608010054.79.43469.758.9851.88610Tax54.7Cost9.4Safety34Health69.7Schools58.9Income85Risk1.8Water86Weather1043.4/100
This county
National avg
3 above average4 below average

Sarasota County DNA

Foverall

How Sarasota County compares to the national average across nine baseline dimensions

Sarasota County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Income (85/100) but notably weak in Weather & Climate (10/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
54.7
Cost
9.4-38.6
Safety
34-21
Health
69.7+19.700000000000003
Schools
58.9
Income
85+34
Risk
1.8-45.2
Water
86+28
Weather
10-46
Sponsored

Compare mortgage rates in Sarasota County

Whether buying or refinancing in Sarasota County, compare rates from top lenders to find the best deal.

See Today's Rates

Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$411,800

National median: $185,300

Median Rent

$1,818/mo

National median: $877/mo

Income Needed (home)

$411,800/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$72,720/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum4.9x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $83,416/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

35.2

per 100K

Data from Federal Reserve (FRED), U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, and CMS NPPES.

Deep Dives

Sarasota County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 9 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Sarasota County

via TaxByCounty

Sarasota taxes above national average

Sarasota County's 0.757% effective tax rate exceeds the national median of 0.71%, placing it firmly in the higher-tax tier nationally. The median property tax of $2,826 surpasses the national median of $2,690 by 5%, reflecting both elevated home values ($373,100) and a robust tax rate.

Pricier than Florida's state average

Sarasota's 0.757% effective rate runs above Florida's state average of 0.731%, making it one of the more expensive counties to own property statewide. The median annual tax of $2,826 exceeds the state median of $1,885 by 50%.

Higher than most Gulf Coast peers

Sarasota's 0.757% rate surpasses Santa Rosa (0.599%) and ranks above average for the region, reflecting the county's upscale market demographics. The combination of high home values and steady millage creates a substantial tax burden.

Approximately $2,826 yearly on median home

On Sarasota's median home value of $373,100, homeowners pay roughly $2,826 per year in property taxes. With a mortgage, the annual bill remains around $2,839.

Assessment appeals yield real savings

In Sarasota's high-value market, even modest percentage reductions in assessed value generate substantial annual tax savings. Review your property appraiser's assessment and consider filing an appeal—it's free and straightforward.

Income & Jobs in Sarasota County

via IncomeByCounty

Sarasota income well above national average

Sarasota County's median household income of $80,633 exceeds the national median of $74,755 by 7.8%. This strong standing reflects the county's affluent retiree population, professional services concentration, and thriving tourism and cultural economy.

Second-highest income in Florida

At $80,633, Sarasota County ranks second only to Santa Rosa among Florida's 67 counties, exceeding the state average of $65,468 by $15,165. Its per capita income of $55,430 is the highest in the surveyed set, reflecting significant wealth concentration.

Coastal wealth rival to Palm Beach

Sarasota's $80,633 income matches Palm Beach County ($81,115) almost exactly, with the highest per capita income ($55,430) among all surveyed counties. Both counties share similar demographics of affluent retirees and high-income professionals in premium coastal locations.

High income supports premium home values

With a rent-to-income ratio of 25.5% and median home values of $373,100—highest in the survey—Sarasota demands substantial household income for homeownership. Yet strong median income of $80,600+ makes these premium properties accessible for a significant portion of residents.

Wealth diversification and legacy planning

Sarasota County's $80,600+ income and affluent demographics position residents for sophisticated wealth strategies including real estate diversification, estate planning, and philanthropic giving. Working with financial and tax advisors can optimize investment returns and generational wealth transfer.

Safety in Sarasota County

via CrimeByCounty

Sarasota County Safety vs. National Data

Sarasota County reports a total crime rate of 1,533.3 per 100,000 residents, which is safer than the national rate of 2,385.5. The county earns a solid safety score of 97.6 out of 100. Local agencies report figures that reflect a generally secure community.

Sarasota Compared to Florida Averages

The county's crime rate of 1,533.3 is above the Florida state average of 1,027.9. Its safety score of 97.6 is slightly lower than the state's average score of 98.4. Thirteen reporting agencies provide the data used to track these local trends.

Sarasota vs. Neighboring Counties

Sarasota's crime rate of 1,533.3 is lower than Pinellas County's 2,078.4, but higher than Pasco County's 947.5. It is nearly identical to Palm Beach County's rate of 1,507.2. This places Sarasota in the middle of the pack for coastal Florida safety.

A Breakdown of Sarasota Crime

Property crime is the most common concern, occurring at a rate of 1,332.1 per 100,000 residents. Violent crime is much lower at 201.2, which is significantly safer than the national average of 369.8. Residents are most likely to experience property-related incidents.

Securing Your Sarasota Residence

Since property crime is the primary issue, installing a modern security system can be a wise investment. Ensuring that packages are not left on porches and that entries are lit can deter many thieves. Community awareness helps Sarasota remain a safe place to live.

Weather & Climate in Sarasota County

via WeatherByCounty

Tropical Leanings on the Gulf

Sarasota County averages 73.7°F, a temperature profile that is significantly warmer than the national median. This climate is characterized by long, hot summers and very mild winters.

A Top Rank for Heat

The county's average temperature exceeds the state benchmark of 71.1°F by over two degrees. It ranks as one of the consistently warmest areas in the state.

Extreme Heat Leader

Sarasota experiences 131 days of extreme heat per year, more than any other county in this group. This is much higher than neighboring Pinellas, which sees only 87 such days.

Intense Summer Heat Waves

With 131 days over 90°F, heat is a constant summer companion. Winters are nearly nonexistent by national standards, averaging 63.9°F with no snowfall.

Maximize Cooling Efficiency

Heavy-duty AC and ceiling fans are critical for surviving the 131 days of extreme heat. Plan outdoor activities for the mild 62.1°F January mornings to avoid the afternoon sun.

Soil Quality in Sarasota County

via SoilByCounty

Mild Acidity in Coastal Sarasota

Sarasota County soils have an average pH of 5.37, which is more balanced than the state average of 4.88. While still more acidic than the national median, this pH level is relatively friendly to a broad range of ornamental plants. The county earns a high soil score of 41.8, the best among these eight counties.

Sand-Dominated Coastal Soil

The soil is 86.6% sand, with 1.2% silt and 2.2% clay, creating a very light and airy texture. This high sand content ensures that the soil is easy to work and won't often become waterlogged or compacted. However, it also means nutrients can leach away quickly during heavy rains.

Rich in Organic Material

Sarasota features a high organic matter content of 10.37%, beating both the state and national averages significantly. This high level of organic material results in an available water capacity of 0.117 in/in. These factors contribute to the county's excellent soil score and strong growing potential.

Poorly Drained Despite High Sand

The soil is classified as poorly drained, which may seem surprising given the 86.6% sand content. This usually indicates a very high water table or impermeable layers deep underground that prevent water from moving downward. Local gardeners often use raised beds to keep plant roots from sitting in water.

Tropical Excellence in Zone 10a

Zone 10a status allows Sarasota residents to grow tropical favorites like bougainvillea and birds of paradise year-round. The high organic matter makes this some of the best soil in the state for home landscaping. Start your tropical oasis today by taking advantage of this highly-rated soil.

Lawn Care in Sarasota County

via LawnByCounty

Sarasota's Intense Heat Challenges

Sarasota County has a lawn difficulty score of 17.6, which is slightly more challenging than the state average. In this Zone 10a environment, the combination of coastal humidity and high heat creates a specialized maintenance niche. Success here requires managing water carefully in a high-evaporation environment.

Extreme Heat and Ample Rain

Sarasota endures 131 extreme heat days reaching 90°F or more, which is 39 days higher than the Florida average. The county receives 56.2 inches of rain annually and records 8,674 growing degree days. This extreme heat can quickly scorch lawns if irrigation doesn't keep up with the high growth rate.

Managing Poorly Drained Sands

The soil in Sarasota is 86.6% sand with an acidic pH of 5.37, requiring lime to bring it toward the 6.0-7.0 ideal range. Uniquely, these sands are classified as poorly drained, meaning water can pool after heavy Florida downpours. Proper grading and choosing water-tolerant grass species are critical for success in these conditions.

Persistent Severe Drought Conditions

Sarasota is currently experiencing 100.0% severe drought and has spent 37 weeks in drought over the last year. With a record 131 days of extreme heat, soil moisture evaporates rapidly, putting turf at high risk of stress. Using rain barrels and soil moisture sensors can help you maximize every drop of the 56.2 inches of rain.

Start Your Sarasota Lawn in February

St. Augustine is the dominant choice here due to its heat tolerance and ability to handle poorly drained soils. The last spring frost typically passes by February 1, giving you a very long window to establish new growth. Take advantage of the 8,674 growing degree days to build a thick, resilient lawn before the peak summer heat.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Sarasota County's county score?
Sarasota County, Florida has a composite county score of 43.4 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 Sarasota County rank among counties in Florida?
Sarasota County ranks #39 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 Sarasota County, Florida?
The median annual property tax in Sarasota County is $3,106, with an effective tax rate of 0.75%. This earns Sarasota County a tax score of 54.7/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Sarasota County?
The median household income in Sarasota County, Florida is $83,416 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Sarasota County earns an income score of 85/100 on CountyScore.
Is Sarasota County, Florida a good place to live?
Sarasota County scores 43.4/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #39 in Florida. The best way to evaluate Sarasota 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 Sarasota County with other counties side by side.
By Evan Brooks, Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor

ByCounty Network

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