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Port St. Lucie, Florida

USA · Comprehensive city data and intelligence

70
Overall Score

Port St. Lucie is situated along Florida's Treasure Coast and has evolved from a master-planned retirement community into one of the fastest-growing and most populous cities in the state. Known for its quiet neighborhoods, master-planned developments, and extensive green spaces, the city attracts families, professionals, and retirees alike looking for a suburban lifestyle within close proximity to the Atlantic Ocean. Its history is rooted in expansive ranch land development that transformed over decades into a thriving urban center characterized by planned communities, diverse commercial zones, and extensive parks.

About Florida

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.

238,124
Population
$65K
Avg Salary
98
Cost Index
69.6
Quality Score
How this 70/100 was calculated five components, with every reading behind them
Component Readings used Points Weight Contributes
Safety Safety score: 82 / 100 82.0 30% 24.6
Affordability Cost of living index (100 = national baseline): 98.0 46.3 25% 11.6
Economy & jobs Median household income: $74,500 Income needed to live here: $58,000 Unemployment rate: 3.4% 71.5 20% 14.3
Growth Population growth rate: 2.4% Job growth rate: 2.8% 80.5 15% 12.1
Business climate assessment Business climate assessment: 71 / 100 71.0 10% 7.1
Overall score 69.6

Provenance. These figures were produced by the research pass recorded as Tier 2 (reasoned) (q=54, 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.

Businesses in Port St. Lucie

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Quality Scores

Business
71
Livability
79
Affordability
68
Growth
83

Cost of Living

The cost of living in Port St. Lucie generally aligns slightly below the national average for major metropolitan regions, though housing costs have risen significantly over recent years due to massive population influx. While everyday expenses like groceries and utilities hover near or slightly above state norms, the primary driver of cost adjustments remains the competitive residential real estate market. Renters and prospective homebuyers encounter a market shaped by high demand for suburban single-family homes and modern multi-family complexes.

Average Rent
$1,950/mo
Groceries
$420/mo
Transport
$135/mo
Utilities
$175/mo
Healthcare
$240/mo
Gym membership (monthly)
$50.00
Cinema ticket
$15.00
Restaurant meal (mid-range)
$25.00
Monthly groceries
$420.00
Doctor visit (without insurance)
$160.00

Salary Insights

Port St. Lucie's economy is anchored by healthcare, retail trade, education, and construction sectors, driven by the rapid expansion of its residential base. Major healthcare providers like Cleveland Clinic Florida and HCA Florida Healthcare serve as primary regional employers, offering stable professional opportunities. Additionally, the city supports a growing remote work population and a budding entrepreneurial climate boosted by local economic development initiatives focused on attracting technology and light manufacturing businesses.

The average salary in Port St. Lucie is $64,500 per year. You would need approximately $58,000 to live comfortably.

Top Industries

Retail Trade +1.90% Construction +3.10% Educational Services +2.20% Healthcare and Social Assistance +3.50% Professional and Business Services +2.60%

Climate

🌡️
76°F
Avg Temp
☀️
90°F
Summer High
❄️
60°F
Winter Low
🌧️
45.30"
Annual Rain
💧
72.00%
Humidity
🌤️
207
Sunny Days

Transport

Transportation in Port St. Lucie is predominantly car-dependent, with a grid and parkway system designed to handle extensive suburban commuter traffic. While the city lacks a heavy rail transit system, local bus services and arterial highways like I-95 and Florida's Turnpike provide essential connectivity to West Palm Beach and Orlando. Walkability varies heavily by neighborhood, with master-planned communities like Tradition offering higher pedestrian-friendly zones compared to older residential tracts.

28 min
Avg Commute
42.00/10
Transit Score
48.00/10
Walkability
High
Car Dependency

Pros & Cons

Advantages
Violent and property crime rates consistently rank significantly below both Florida and national averages per FBI crime data.
Master-planned communities like Tradition offer modern infrastructure, walkable town centers, and dedicated green spaces.
Housing remains notably more affordable than in nearby South Florida metropolitan areas like Miami and Fort Lauderdale.
Abundant outdoor recreational amenities including public golf courses, parks, and proximity to the Treasure Coast beaches.
Strong local job growth driven by healthcare expansions at Cleveland Clinic Tradition and HCA Florida Healthcare.
Drawbacks
High car dependency makes the city less viable for residents seeking comprehensive public transit or walk-everywhere urban living.
Rapid population growth has outpaced certain segments of road infrastructure, leading to peak-hour traffic congestion on arterial routes.
Home prices and rental rates have experienced sharp upward pressure since 2024, squeezing affordability for median-income workers.
Summer temperatures and high humidity levels limit comfortable outdoor activity during peak afternoon hours.
Vulnerability to seasonal tropical weather events and hurricanes requires continuous emergency preparedness.

Questions about Port St. Lucie

What people ask about living in and moving to Port St. Lucie, Florida.

How does the median home price in Port St. Lucie compare to the national average? Housing 1 answer

The median home price in Port St. Lucie is about $285,000, which is slightly above the national median. The city offers a range of single-family homes, townhomes, and condos across its residential neighborhoods. You can browse current listings on local real‑estate websites or contact a real‑estate agent who specializes in the area. Checking recent sales data on the county’s property appraiser site will give you an up...

Is the cost of living in Port St. Lucie higher or lower than other Florida cities? Cost of Living 1 answer

Port St. Lucie’s cost of living is roughly 5% higher than the U.S. average, but generally lower than major Florida hubs like Miami and Orlando. Housing is a major contributor, with median prices and rents slightly above national averages. Everyday expenses such as groceries, utilities, and transportation are comparable to other mid‑size Florida cities. For a detailed breakdown, you can consult the city’s economic dev...

What are the biggest employment sectors in Port St. Lucie? Jobs & Economy 1 answer

The economy is dominated by service (40%), retail (20%), and healthcare (15%) sectors. There are a number of hospitals, clinics, and outpatient centers that employ many residents. Service jobs include hospitality, food service, and tourism, while retail ranges from local shopping centers to chain stores. For specific openings, check the city’s job board or local business directories that list positions across these i...

How many public schools are there in Port St. Lucie for K‑12? Schools & Education 1 answer

The public school system includes about five elementary schools, three middle schools, and two high schools. Each school offers a range of programs, from standard curricula to specialized academies. Enrollment data, school performance reports, and program details are available on the school district’s website, which also provides information on school boundaries and transportation options.

Is Port St. Lucie a safe place to live? Safety 1 answer

Crime rates in Port St. Lucie are roughly 10% lower than the national average, making it one of the safer communities in the region. Property and violent crime statistics are published by the local police department and can be accessed through their annual reports. Residents often cite the low crime rates, community policing efforts, and neighborhood watch programs as key safety factors.

What public transportation options are available in Port St. Lucie? Getting Around 1 answer

The city offers a network of bus routes that connect residential areas with commercial centers, schools, and medical facilities. Several dedicated bike lanes traverse the main thoroughfares, encouraging cycling for short trips. While there is no commuter rail, nearby cities have regional train services that can be accessed via a short drive. For schedules and fare information, consult the city transit authority’s web...

How many hospitals serve the Port St. Lucie area? Healthcare 1 answer

Three hospitals provide inpatient and outpatient care for the community. They offer a range of services from emergency medicine to specialty clinics. Each facility has affiliated clinics and urgent care centers throughout the city. For details on services, hours, and provider directories, visit the hospitals’ official websites or the county health department’s portal.

What recreational activities are popular in Port St. Lucie? Things to Do 1 answer

The city boasts numerous parks, golf courses, and waterfront areas for recreation. Visitors and residents often enjoy kayaking, fishing, and hiking along coastal trails. Seasonal festivals, farmers markets, and community events are held in the downtown area and local parks. Checking the city’s recreation department website will give you a calendar of events and information on park facilities.

What should I know about moving logistics to Port St. Lucie? Moving Here 1 answer

Moving to Port St. Lucie typically involves hiring local moving companies that specialize in coastal relocations. Many offer packing, loading, and storage services, with options for climate‑controlled units if needed. It’s wise to compare quotes from several movers, read reviews, and confirm insurance coverage. For long‑term storage, the city has several facilities that offer both short‑term and long‑term options. Ch...

What is the climate like in Port St. Lucie? General 1 answer

Port St. Lucie experiences a humid subtropical climate, with hot, humid summers and mild, dry winters. Average summer temperatures hover around the upper 80s to low 90s Fahrenheit, while winter highs are typically in the 60s. Humidity can feel high, especially during the rainy season. The city’s weather patterns are similar to other Gulf Coast locations, so residents often use air conditioning and stay hydrated durin...

Some answers here were drafted as a starting point and may be out of date. Live in Port St. Lucie? Add your own.

Frequently Asked Questions

Urblytica benchmarks its Cost of Living Index against a United States national average baseline of 100. A score of 115 means a city is approximately 15% more expensive than the national average, while a score of 85 indicates it is 15% more affordable. This composite calculation is weighted across six primary expenditure categories: housing, utilities, grocery items, transportation, healthcare, and miscellaneous goods.

Urblytica aggregates housing data from multiple authoritative sources, including Multiple Listing Service (MLS) feeds, municipal property tax registries, the U.S. Census Bureau’s American Community Survey (ACS), and verified historical deed transactions. This multi-tier aggregation ensures precision in tracking median home values and rental rates.

A municipality must meet minimum data-density thresholds—including consistent reporting population samples from the U.S. Census and active residential or commercial real estate transaction feeds—to ensure statistical significance before a complete scoring profile is published.

When primary agencies (such as the Bureau of Labor Statistics or U.S. Census Bureau) issue historical data revisions or benchmark corrections, Urblytica's data pipeline automatically re-indexes affected historical archives to maintain longitudinal trend accuracy.

U.S. affordability calculations incorporate federal income tax brackets, state-specific income tax rates, and local municipal tax variations to evaluate the true net tax drag on median household earnings across different states and cities.

Local county and municipal property tax millage rates are factored directly into the housing component of the cost-of-living index to reflect recurring annual tax burdens for homeowners.

The platform aggregates state sales taxes alongside county and city surtaxes to measure consumer basket purchasing power parity accurately across different retail jurisdictions.

Utility calculations apply regional seasonal consumption weightings, incorporating high summer air conditioning loads in southern states and heavy winter heating demands in northern states.

The index tracks average out-of-pocket healthcare expenses, routine outpatient visit costs, and regional health insurance premium benchmarks published by federal health agencies.

Educational metrics aggregate state standardized testing benchmarks, student-to-teacher ratios, high school graduation rates, and per-pupil expenditure data published by state departments of education.

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