Sarasota County

Florida · FL

#52 in Florida
61.3
County Score

County Report Card

About Sarasota County, Florida

Sarasota Ranks Above National Livability

Sarasota County scores 64.1, exceeding the national median of 50.0 and placing it in the 64th percentile nationally. This respectable performance indicates above-average livability conditions relative to the nation.

Below Florida's Average Performance

At 64.1, Sarasota sits 5.3 points below Florida's state average of 69.4, ranking in the middle-lower tier of state counties. The gap suggests some livability challenges compared to higher-performing Florida peers.

Strong Incomes and Tax Efficiency

Sarasota's income score of 36.0 reflects median household earnings of $80,633, well above state averages and among the highest in this group. The tax score of 81.0 and effective rate of 0.757% add solid fiscal advantages.

Highest Housing Costs and Missing Data

The cost score of 58.5 reveals Sarasota's highest median home value at $373,100 and elevated rents at $1,715 monthly—the priciest housing in this county comparison. Safety, health, schools, and water quality dimensions lack available data.

Suited for Affluent Retirees

Sarasota appeals to affluent retirees and high-earning households comfortable with premium housing costs for strong incomes and favorable taxes. The county's profile works best for those whose wealth and income can comfortably absorb above-average property prices.

Score breakdown

5 dimensions have live data. 3 more coming as vertical sites launch.

Tax81Cost58.5SafetyComing SoonHealth73.6SchoolsComing SoonIncome36Risk1.8WaterComing Soon
🏛81
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty
🏠58.5
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty
💼36
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
73.6
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
1.8
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty
💧Coming Soon
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades

Deep Dives

Sarasota County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 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.

Cost of Living in Sarasota County

via CostByCounty

Sarasota housing absorbs one-quarter of income

Sarasota County renters dedicate 25.5% of their income to rent, landing in the national affordability stress zone despite a median household income of $80,633. The county's $1,715 median rent reflects its status as a high-demand Gulf Coast destination.

Moderately expensive by Florida standards

At 25.5%, Sarasota's rent-to-income ratio exceeds Florida's state average of 22.5%, though only modestly, while median rent of $1,715 runs $482 above the state baseline. The county ranks among Florida's pricier markets due to tourist demand and retiree appeal.

Rivals Palm Beach for premium positioning

Sarasota renters pay $1,715 monthly—$103 less than Palm Beach County but $368 more than Pinellas—establishing it as the second-costliest in the surveyed region. Both counties command premium prices for beach access and quality-of-life amenities.

Combined housing costs quarter of income

Renters pay $1,715 while homeowners carry $1,196 monthly, combining for roughly 25% of the $80,633 median household income. This allocation leaves Sarasota households about $5,100 monthly for all non-housing expenses.

Premium Gulf living carries premium price

Moving to Sarasota means budgeting 25.5% of income for rent—the second-highest burden in the survey but justified by coastal amenities and strong job markets. If you prioritize quality of life over maximum affordability, Sarasota competes favorably with Palm Beach while offering measurable savings.

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.

Health in Sarasota County

via HealthByCounty

Sarasota achieves exceptional longevity

Sarasota County residents live to 80.3 years on average, outpacing the U.S. average of 76.4 years by nearly 4 years—among America's healthiest outcomes. With only 13.6% reporting poor or fair health, the county demonstrates excellence in preventive care, chronic disease management, and health equity.

Co-leader of Florida health outcomes

Sarasota's 80.3-year life expectancy rivals Palm Beach County (80.7) for the state's highest, placing it among Florida's most elite health performers. This achievement reflects strong healthcare systems, high household incomes, and aging but well-insured populations concentrated in affluent coastal communities.

Sarasota and Palm Beach set state gold standard

Sarasota's 80.3-year life expectancy matches only Palm Beach County (80.7) among major Florida regions, vastly exceeding Polk (76.1), Pasco (76.2), and Pinellas (77.6). This 4-year advantage over mid-tier counties reflects Sarasota's concentrated wealth and healthcare investment.

Premium access, modest coverage gaps

Sarasota provides 79 primary care and 212 mental health providers per 100,000 residents, ensuring robust specialist and behavioral health access. Yet 13.4% remain uninsured—near Florida's average—suggesting that provider abundance alone doesn't guarantee universal coverage without affordability solutions.

Complete Sarasota's health picture

Even Sarasota's well-resourced communities leave one in seven residents uninsured. Check Healthcare.gov during open enrollment or call Sarasota's community health navigators at 211 to find marketplace plans, subsidies, and coverage options matching your needs.

Disaster Risk in Sarasota County

via RiskByCounty

Sarasota ranks among nation's riskiest

Sarasota County's composite risk score of 98.16 places it in the highest tier of U.S. counties for disaster exposure, rated Relatively High. Hurricane risk at 99.54 and flood risk at 95.67 reflect the county's exceptional vulnerability to coastal hazards.

Top-three risk county in Florida

Sarasota's 98.16 score ranks it among Florida's most hazard-exposed communities, standing 22.42 points above the state average of 75.74. Only a handful of counties match Sarasota's combined exposure to hurricane, flood, and wildfire threats.

Part of Florida's coastal risk belt

Sarasota's 98.16 score closely mirrors Pinellas County (98.22) and trails only Palm Beach County (99.20) in statewide risk ranking. Inland Polk County (96.53) and Pasco County (95.96) show measurably lower exposure, underscoring the Gulf Coast's concentration of disaster hazards.

Hurricanes and flooding are critical

Sarasota faces exceptional hurricane risk at 99.54 and flood risk at 95.67, making Atlantic storm impacts the county's most pressing concern. Wildfire risk at 93.26 and tornado risk at 92.46 add significant secondary threats requiring year-round preparedness.

Flood and wind coverage mandatory

Sarasota homeowners must carry separate flood insurance—standard policies exclude damage from storm surge and rainfall that routinely occur during Atlantic hurricanes. Comprehensive wind coverage, elevated utilities, impact-resistant windows, and reinforced roof attachments are essential investments for homes facing the region's relentless hurricane exposure.

ByCounty Network

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