City Profile
Clearwater, Florida
USA · Comprehensive city data and intelligence
Clearwater is a vibrant coastal city located in Pinellas County, Florida, renowned for its stunning Gulf Coast beaches and warm tropical climate. Founded in the 19th century and incorporated in 1915, the city has evolved from a small fishing and citrus community into a major tourism and retirement hub. People move to Clearwater for its world-famous Clearwater Beach, abundant sunshine, and relaxed coastal lifestyle combined with modern urban amenities.
Florida, known as the "Sunshine State," offers a diverse character with a laid-back beach culture and vibrant city life, attracting a mix of residents including many transplants. Its economy, the fourth largest in the U.S. as of 2024, is driven by major industries such as tourism, real estate, agriculture, aerospace and aviation, financial services, and healthcare and life sciences. Living in Florida generally entails a cost of living slightly higher than the national average, though it varies by city, with an average annual cost around $50,689 per person. The climate is characterized by hot, humid summers and mild winters, with abundant sunshine year-round, fostering an outdoor-oriented lifestyle. Florida also boasts a tax-friendly environment with no state income tax.
How this 60/100 was calculated five components, with every reading behind them
| Component | Readings used | Points | Weight | Contributes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Safety | Safety score: 70 / 100 | 70.0 | 30% | 21.0 |
| Affordability | Cost of living index (100 = national baseline): 102.0 | 41.3 | 25% | 10.3 |
| Economy & jobs | Median household income: $65,400 Income needed to live here: $54,000 Unemployment rate: 3.5% | 66.3 | 20% | 13.3 |
| Growth | Population growth rate: 0.8% Job growth rate: 2.3% | 55.5 | 15% | 8.3 |
| Business climate assessment | Business climate assessment: 70 / 100 | 70.0 | 10% | 7.0 |
| Overall score | 59.9 | |||
Provenance.
These figures were produced by the research pass recorded as
Tier 1 (fast) (q=52, partial — below threshold), last refreshed
15 October 2026.
They are researched estimates drawn from public sources, not a licensed data feed.
Each component is scored against fixed published endpoints, so this number is comparable with any other city and does not move as the dataset grows. Scoring framework 2026.10 — full methodology, weights and accepted ranges.
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Cost of Living
The cost of living in Clearwater is roughly aligned with the national average, though housing costs tend to be slightly higher due to high demand for coastal real estate. While everyday goods, groceries, and transportation remain relatively standard compared to the rest of the United States, coastal property values and insurance premiums have experienced notable upward pressure. Renters and homebuyers alike often find that proximity to the waterfront commands a significant financial premium.
Income
Salary Insights
Clearwater's economy is heavily anchored by tourism, hospitality, healthcare, and retail trade, serving as a major employment engine within the Tampa Bay metropolitan area. Major local employers include Morton Plant Hospital, BayCare Health System, and various tech and manufacturing firms dotted throughout the region. The remote work scene has also grown substantially, drawing professionals who want to combine a career with a coastal Florida lifestyle.
The average salary in Clearwater is $63,000 per year. You would need approximately $54,000 to live comfortably.
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Mobility
Transport
Getting around Clearwater relies primarily on automobiles, with major thoroughfares like US-19 facilitating regional connectivity across Pinellas County. Public transit is serviced by the Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority (PSTA), offering bus routes throughout the city and connections to neighboring municipalities. While downtown and the immediate beachfront areas offer decent walkability, the city as a whole remains largely car-dependent.
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Questions about Clearwater
What people ask about living in and moving to Clearwater, Florida.
What is the typical rent for a one‑bedroom apartment in Clearwater?
The average rent in Clearwater is about $1,750 per month, which reflects a range of unit sizes and locations. One‑bedroom apartments close to the waterfront tend to be at the higher end of that average, while those farther inland may be somewhat cheaper. To gauge current listings, check regional rental websites, local classifieds, or the city’s housing portal. Keep in mind that utilities are often separate, and some...
What are the average salaries like in Clearwater?
The average annual salary in Clearwater is $63,000. This figure includes a mix of industries, with hospitality, tourism, and service sectors representing a significant share of local employment. While the average gives a baseline, salaries can vary widely by role, experience, and employer. For hospitality positions, wages may be lower than the overall average, but tips and seasonal bonuses can supplement income. Revi...
How are public schools rated in Clearwater?
Clearwater’s public schools are administered by the county school district, which provides performance reports and standardized test scores on its website. Overall, the district’s schools tend to perform at or slightly above state averages, with some elementary schools receiving higher ratings for student achievement and safety. To assess individual schools, review the district’s school report cards, visit school ope...
What public transportation options are available in Clearwater?
Clearwater is served by a regional transit authority that operates bus routes covering the downtown area, the beach corridor, and surrounding suburbs. The system offers regular weekday service, reduced weekend schedules, and a fare structure that is comparable to other Florida cities. For longer trips, the transit authority connects with neighboring county services and regional rail stations. You can view route maps,...
Where can I find hospitals or urgent care in Clearwater?
Clearwater is part of a larger county health network that includes several hospitals, urgent‑care centers, and specialty clinics. The county health department’s website lists facilities by type, location, and the services they provide, such as emergency care, primary care, and chronic disease management. Many providers accept a range of insurance plans, but it’s wise to verify coverage directly with your insurer. For...
What free or low‑cost activities are popular in Clearwater?
Clearwater offers a variety of inexpensive recreational options. The city’s public beaches are free and provide opportunities for swimming, sunbathing, and beach volleyball. Parks and nature trails are maintained by the municipal parks department and often host community events, outdoor concerts, and fitness classes at little or no cost. The downtown waterfront promenade features public art installations and occasion...
What should I know about utilities and services when moving to Clearwater?
When you relocate to Clearwater, you’ll need to set up accounts with the city’s utility providers for electricity, water, and waste collection. The municipal water department and the regional electric utility both allow online account creation and provide rate information on their websites. Internet and cable services are offered by several regional providers; you can compare plans and speeds on consumer comparison s...
What’s the overall vibe of living in Clearwater?
Clearwater blends a laid‑back coastal atmosphere with a modest urban core. Residents enjoy easy access to beaches, a growing downtown area with restaurants and shops, and a range of outdoor activities like boating and fishing. The cost of living is slightly above the national average, driven mainly by housing, while the average salary of $63,000 helps offset expenses. Safety scores suggest a generally safe environmen...
How does Clearwater's cost of living compare to the national average?
Clearwater’s cost‑of‑living index is 102, meaning it is roughly 2 % higher than the national average of 100. This modest increase is driven mainly by housing costs, which are near the national median, while other expenses such as groceries, transportation, and healthcare tend to be close to average. When budgeting, factor in the $1,750 average rent and the $63,000 median household salary to gauge purchasing power. On...
Is Clearwater a safe place to live?
Clearwater has a safety score of 70 out of 100, indicating a moderate level of safety relative to other U.S. cities. Crime tends to be concentrated in certain neighborhoods, while many residential areas, especially those near the coast and in suburban zones, report lower incident rates. The city’s police department publishes crime statistics and safety alerts on its official site, which can be useful for evaluating s...
Some answers here were drafted as a starting point and may be out of date. Live in Clearwater? Add your own.
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Senior Care in Clearwater
62 assisted living, nursing & memory care facilities in Clearwater.
Senior Care
MHVillage
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Lincolnshire Assisted Living
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Belleair Towers
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Pacifica Senior Living Belleair
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Orchid Cove At Gulfside
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Clearwater Center
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Assisted Living
Belleair Health Care Center
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Assisted Living
Highland Pines Rehabilitation Center
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The Preserve at Clearwater
Clearwater, FL
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The Colonnade at Beckett Lake
Clearwater, FL
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Orchid Cove At Clearwater
Clearwater, FL
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Palm Garden Of Clearwater
Clearwater, FL
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