RANK #995 / 996 · POP 439,392 · FL
PROJECTED GROWTH: -6.5%
Sarasota County, Florida, is often recognized for Siesta Key Beach, frequently ranked among the best beaches in the U.S.. Located on Florida's Gulf Coast, about an hour south of Tampa, the county offers a blend of urban amenities and a relaxed, coastal atmosphere. Commuting within the county is facilitated by Breeze Transit, which includes bus routes and an on-demand rideshare service in zones like Downtown Sarasota/Lido Key/Longboat Key, Venice/Englewood, and North Port. The area boasts extensive outdoor recreation, including Myakka River State Park with its hiking trails and opportunities for kayaking and birding, as well as the 20-mile Legacy Trail for biking and walking.
Life in Sarasota County attracts a mix of retirees, remote workers, and families drawn to its quality of life. The Sarasota County Schools district has consistently received an "A" grade from the Florida Department of Education. The local economy is diversifying, with growth in sectors such as healthcare, technology, and manufacturing. Major investment is occurring in both commercial and residential development, supported by a growing workforce and an emphasis on innovation.
Above national median (4.7x)
Above national median
Prices declining
Below national median (13x)
Housing is fairly valued at 5.3x 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 →
| PROJECT | AMOUNT | STATUS |
|---|---|---|
|
Skye Ranch Master-Planned Community
Multiple builders (e.g., DiVosta, Neal Communities, M/I Homes, David Weekley, Kolter Homes)
|
$100M | Under Construction |
|
Sarasota County Enterprise Information Technology (EIT) and Data Facility
Sarasota County
|
$50M | Under Construction |
|
Wellen Park Golf & Country Club - Executive Homes
Wellen Park
|
$50M | Under Construction |
|
Lakespur Wellen Park
Wellen Park
|
$50M | Under Construction |
Source: public records, news, corporate announcements. Amounts are estimates where noted.
Bars show percentile rank among all 996 counties.
Sarasota County has a Boom Town Index score of 0/100, ranking #995 among 996 U.S. counties. With job growth at +1.7% and a median household income of $77,213, it faces some economic headwinds compared to faster-growing counties.
The median home value in Sarasota County is $338,500 with median rent at $1,590/month. The income-to-home-value ratio is 0.2281, which is less affordable than the national average.
Population growth: +2.3% year-over-year. Job growth: +1.7%. Home values changed -8.2% in the past 12 months.
Yes — 2.79% of Sarasota County's population moved from another state, which is above the national average and indicates strong in-migration.