Cost of Living in St. Lucie County, Florida
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How St. Lucie County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
St. Lucie County ranks #2,786 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 11%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in St. Lucie County, Florida
St. Lucie stretches modest incomes thin
St. Lucie County's 25.9% rent-to-income ratio ranks among the highest in our comparison, reflecting a median household income of just $69,027 against median rents of $1,489. Housing costs here consume a larger share of paychecks than the national average, signaling affordability pressure.
Least affordable county in our group
St. Lucie's 25.9% rent-to-income ratio exceeds Florida's statewide average of 22.5%, placing it among the state's more strained counties. Despite median rents under the highest-cost neighbors, lower incomes here create sharper affordability challenges.
Worse affordability than Seminole or Volusia
St. Lucie renters face higher affordability pressure than Seminole (24.4% ratio) and Volusia (24.7%), despite having lower median rent. The county's $69,027 median income—the weakest among coastal counties—tilts the affordability equation unfavorably.
Renters squeezed, homeowners stable
Renters pay $1,489 monthly (25.9% of income), while homeowners owe $1,236 (21.4% of income), showing why renters face more acute affordability stress. Median home values of $305,800 remain within reach for those able to save a down payment.
St. Lucie for homeowners seeking value
Renters should consider moving inland to Sumter or Suwannee counties, where housing consumes a smaller income share. Prospective homebuyers, however, may find St. Lucie's $305,800 median home value and coastal access worthwhile if securing a mortgage.
Cost of Living Advisory: St. Lucie County
Affordability Verdict
Housing in St. Lucie County is moderately affordable. The median rent is $1,489/month against a median household income of $69,027, putting rent at 25.9% of income.
Rent vs. Own
Renters in St. Lucie County pay $1,489/month on average, compared to $1,236/month for homeowners. This market favors buyers by about 17%.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $59,560/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $52,971/year. With a median household income of $69,027, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 34.0% of renter households in St. Lucie County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Within Florida, St. Lucie County is less affordable than Hillsborough County by roughly 3% ($1,489/mo vs $1,543/mo).
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in St. Lucie County
Rent Burden
25.9%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,611
per month
Owner Cost Burden
21.5%
of gross income
The median home in St. Lucie County may be a stretch
Median home value is $305,800. Estimated monthly cost: $2,441 vs. your max of $1,611.
Rent Affordability Guide
Income Needed Calculator
See how much you need to earn to comfortably afford housing
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Based on the 30% rule for rent and 28% rule for housing costs (mortgage + owner costs). Mortgage estimate assumes 20% down, 7.2% interest, 30-year fixed.
Frequently Asked Questions
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See Today's RatesData: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023) — Informational only. Not financial or legal advice.
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