Fort Myers Shores, FL
Population 5,966 · Florida
About Fort Myers Shores, FL
Fort Myers Shores is a small town located in Florida with a population of 5,966 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $66,150 per year, which is 12% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 39.5 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Fort Myers Shores features a median home value of $256,600, which is 5% above the national median of $244,900. This positions Fort Myers Shores in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $1,435, 23% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 2,495 total housing units, 58% are owner-occupied (1,292 units) and 42% are renter-occupied (917 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Fort Myers Shores shows an unemployment rate of 5.4%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 13.8%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Fort Myers Shores have an average one-way commute time of 30.4 minutes.
Education & Demographics
16.5% of Fort Myers Shores residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The lower educational attainment rate may reflect the area's industry mix, with more employment in trades, manufacturing, or agricultural sectors. The community's demographic composition includes 16.3% White, 1.5% Hispanic or Latino, 9.1% Black or African American, and 4.7% Asian residents, with 14.3% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Fort Myers Shores, FL
Compared to national averages, Fort Myers Shores has a median household income of $66,150 (12% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $256,600, which is 5% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,435 is 23% above the US average of $1,163. Within Florida, Fort Myers Shores's income is 13% below the state average of $75,893, and home values are 27% below the state median of $353,675.
Why Live in Fort Myers Shores, FL?
Potential considerations include median household income ($66,150) that falls below the national average. However, Fort Myers Shores’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Fort Myers Shores has a population of 5,966 with a median age of 39.5 years. Compare Fort Myers Shores with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Florida.
Similar Cities Near Fort Myers Shores
Cities in Florida with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Three Oaks | 6,037 | $102,392 | $421,300 | Compare |
| Crawfordville | 5,892 | $74,192 | $243,900 | Compare |
| Southgate | 6,054 | $77,616 | $374,800 | Compare |
| Starke | 5,821 | $46,291 | $200,200 | Compare |
| Tequesta | 6,118 | $103,036 | $570,400 | Compare |
| Jan Phyl Village | 5,798 | $58,520 | $215,200 | Compare |
| Bay Harbor Islands | 5,793 | $84,750 | $542,700 | Compare |
| Lochmoor Waterway Estates | 5,791 | $87,606 | $335,600 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Florida
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Fort Myers Shores With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Fort Myers Shores
What is the population of Fort Myers Shores, FL?
The population of Fort Myers Shores, FL is 5,966 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small town in Florida.
What is the median household income in Fort Myers Shores?
The median household income in Fort Myers Shores, FL is $66,150 per year, which is 12% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Fort Myers Shores?
The median home value in Fort Myers Shores, FL is $256,600, which is 5% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Fort Myers Shores?
The median monthly rent in Fort Myers Shores, FL is $1,435, which is 23% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Fort Myers Shores?
The unemployment rate in Fort Myers Shores, FL is 5.4%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Fort Myers Shores, FL a good place to live?
Fort Myers Shores offers a moderate cost of living, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 5,966 and a median age of 39.5, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Fort Myers Shores, FL?
16.5% of residents in Fort Myers Shores aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The educational profile reflects the area's industry mix and employment landscape.
What is the cost of living in Fort Myers Shores?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Fort Myers Shores, FL: median home value is $256,600 (5% above national), median rent is $1,435/month, and median household income is $66,150. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.9x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Fort Myers Shores?
The poverty rate in Fort Myers Shores, FL is 13.8%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. Residents and prospective movers should be aware of the economic challenges facing parts of this community.
How diverse is Fort Myers Shores, FL?
Fort Myers Shores's population is 16.3% White, 1.5% Hispanic or Latino, 9.1% Black or African American, 4.7% Asian, and 1.1% two or more races. 14.3% of residents are foreign-born.