Sarasota, FL
Population 56,218 · Florida
About Sarasota, FL
Sarasota is a mid-sized city located in Florida with a population of 56,218 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $70,065 per year, which is 7% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 49.3 years is notably older the US median age of 38.9 years, suggesting a more established community with a higher proportion of long-term residents.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Sarasota features a median home value of $409,700, which is 67% above the national median of $244,900. This places Sarasota in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $1,514, 30% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 32,123 total housing units, 56% are owner-occupied (14,244 units) and 44% are renter-occupied (11,328 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Sarasota shows an unemployment rate of 3.6%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 14.3%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Sarasota have an average one-way commute time of 21.3 minutes.
Education & Demographics
41.7% of Sarasota residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This is in line with national trends in educational attainment. The community's demographic composition includes 7.0% White, 0.6% Hispanic or Latino, 1.1% Black or African American, and 5.9% Asian residents, with 15.0% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Sarasota, FL
Compared to national averages, Sarasota has a median household income of $70,065 (7% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $409,700, which is 67% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,514 is 30% above the US average of $1,163. Within Florida, Sarasota's income is 8% below the state average of $75,893, and home values are 16% above the state median of $353,675.
Why Live in Sarasota, FL?
Sarasota offers a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 3.6%, and a well-educated community where 41.7% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, and short commute times averaging just 21.3 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($70,065) that falls below the national average, and a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $409,700. However, as a mid-sized city, Sarasota provides access to a wide range of amenities and services.
Sarasota has a population of 56,218 with a median age of 49.3 years. Compare Sarasota with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Florida.
Similar Cities Near Sarasota
Cities in Florida with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apopka | 56,202 | $95,703 | $364,300 | Compare |
| Bradenton | 56,289 | $60,964 | $282,500 | Compare |
| Fountainebleau | 56,453 | $65,568 | $284,600 | Compare |
| Coconut Creek | 57,587 | $75,516 | $291,000 | Compare |
| Bonita Springs | 54,830 | $90,486 | $460,600 | Compare |
| Margate | 58,418 | $60,852 | $286,200 | Compare |
| Pensacola | 54,011 | $72,699 | $276,500 | Compare |
| The Hammocks | 58,548 | $83,253 | $437,700 | 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 Sarasota With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Sarasota
What is the population of Sarasota, FL?
The population of Sarasota, FL is 56,218 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a mid-sized city in Florida.
What is the median household income in Sarasota?
The median household income in Sarasota, FL is $70,065 per year, which is 7% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Sarasota?
The median home value in Sarasota, FL is $409,700, which is 67% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Sarasota?
The median monthly rent in Sarasota, FL is $1,514, which is 30% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Sarasota?
The unemployment rate in Sarasota, FL is 3.6%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Sarasota, FL a good place to live?
Sarasota offers a moderate cost of living, a competitive housing market, and a strong job market. With a population of 56,218 and a median age of 49.3, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Sarasota, FL?
41.7% of residents in Sarasota aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This above-average educational attainment often reflects a knowledge-based local economy.
What is the cost of living in Sarasota?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Sarasota, FL: median home value is $409,700 (67% above national), median rent is $1,514/month, and median household income is $70,065. The home-value-to-income ratio is 5.8x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Sarasota?
The poverty rate in Sarasota, FL is 14.3%, 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 Sarasota, FL?
Sarasota's population is 7.0% White, 0.6% Hispanic or Latino, 1.1% Black or African American, 5.9% Asian, and 15.0% two or more races. 15.0% of residents are foreign-born.