RANK #913 / 996 · POP 159,399 · FL
PROJECTED GROWTH: -1.8%
Stuart, Florida, often called the "Sailfish Capital of the World," anchors Martin County, a region known for its commitment to preserving an "Old Florida" feel. The county, situated on Florida's Treasure Coast, maintains a four-story height restriction on buildings, contributing to its uncrowded beaches and open spaces. It lies north of Palm Beach County, offering a quieter alternative to more densely developed areas. Outdoor recreation is a major draw, with over 100,000 acres of parks and conservation land, including Jonathan Dickinson State Park, the largest in Southeast Florida. Residents and visitors can enjoy 22 miles of beaches, kayaking on the Loxahatchee River, and exploring the biodiverse Indian River Lagoon. Commuting within the county is facilitated by the MARTY bus system, with connections to neighboring counties.
Life in Martin County often revolves around its natural surroundings and a relaxed pace. Many residents own their homes, and the community is considered family-friendly with highly-rated public schools. The economy is driven by industries such as healthcare, retail trade, and construction. Martin County is also developing as an industrial hub on the Treasure Coast, with growth in aerospace, marine, and advanced manufacturing sectors. Efforts are underway to build a skilled workforce for these emerging industries through initiatives like the REACH Center at Witham Field and expanded technical programs at Indian River State College and the Martin County School District.
Above national median (4.7x)
Well below national median
Prices declining
Below national median (13x)
Housing is fairly valued at 6.0x relative to local economic output. Climate and geography support a structural premium. The typical U.S. county is 4–6x.
Source: Redfin · Census BPS — Browse sales on Redfin →
Bars show percentile rank among all 996 counties.
Martin County has a Boom Town Index score of 8/100, ranking #913 among 996 U.S. counties. With job growth at +1.1% and a median household income of $77,894, it faces some economic headwinds compared to faster-growing counties.
The median home value in Martin County is $359,200 with median rent at $1,374/month. The income-to-home-value ratio is 0.2169, which is less affordable than the national average.
Population growth: +0.7% year-over-year. Job growth: +1.1%. Home values changed -5.0% in the past 12 months.
Yes — 3.58% of Martin County's population moved from another state, which is above the national average and indicates strong in-migration.