Sarasota County, FL demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
459,547
2.4% year-over-year change
Median household income
$83,416/yr
3.5% year-over-year change
Housing units
266,492
2.4% year-over-year change

Sarasota County population

How many people live in Sarasota County

Sarasota County is home to 459,547 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 48% of Sarasota County locals are male, and 52% are female.

Total population
459,547
2.4% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
48%
220,359
Female
52%
239,188
Value Percent YoY change
Male 220,359 48% 2.4%
Female 239,188 52% 2.3%
A higher population often means more rental variety and livelier areas. The gender balance—how many men live here compared to women—can reveal a lot about the community and the lifestyles of its residents. Use this info to get a sense of the area's pace and personality.

Age demographics

The median age in Sarasota County is 57, with the population distributed as follows: about 11.3% are children under 15, then 8.4% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 17% of the population, while another 25.8% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 37.5% are 65 or older.

Median age
57.4
Age breakdown
Under 15
11.3%
15 to 24
8.4%
25 to 44
17%
45 to 64
25.8%
Over 65
37.5%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 51,851 11.3% 1.9%
15 to 24 38,354 8.4% 2.6%
25 to 44 78,293 17% 3.1%
45 to 64 118,687 25.8% 1.2%
Over 65 172,362 37.5% 2.9%
The age composition helps you get insight into who lives in the area. A younger population might mean a more active, fast-paced vibe, while an older one could suggest a quieter, slower lifestyle. If there's a balanced makeup, you’re likely to find a variety of services, housing types, and community spaces that cater to different life stages.

Racial makeup

In Sarasota County, 85.3% of the population are US-born citizens, while 10% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 4.7% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 82.2% of locals are Caucasian, 4% are African American and 1.9% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 9.1% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
85.3%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
10%
Non-citizens
4.7%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 391,915 85.3% 1.7%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 46,086 10% 6.4%
Non-citizens 21,546 4.7% 6.4%
Racial breakdown
White
82.2%
Black or African American
4%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.3%
Asian
1.9%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
9.1%
Other
2.4%
Value Percent
White 377,661 82.2%
Black or African American 18,197 4%
American Indian and Alaska Native 1,418 0.3%
Asian 8,919 1.9%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 237 0%
Two or more races 41,886 9.1%
Other 11,229 2.4%

Households in Sarasota County

A peek inside Sarasota County households

Sarasota County has 212,204 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 63% are families, while the remaining 37% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
212,204
3.3% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
78,487
Family households
133,717
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 78,487 37% 3.4%
Family households 133,717 63% 3.2%
The mix between family and non-family households gives a glimpse into daily life. A higher percentage of families might mean more parks and schools, while more non-family setups can mean flexible housing and diverse living styles. For renters, this can signal what kinds of homes are common and can help you figure out if the area matches your lifestyle.

Housing in Sarasota County

The housing landscape of Sarasota County

Sarasota County's housing consists of 266,492 units, with 57.5% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 10.1% and offer a more compact, shared living style. Then there are the multifamily buildings in the area, and for those seeking flexibility, non-traditional options like mobile homes account for 8.3% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
266,492
2.4% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 153,135 57.5%
1 unit, attached 26,999 10.1%
2 units 3,150 1.2%
3 or 4 units 7,543 2.8%
5 to 9 units 8,785 3.3%
10 to 19 units 11,447 4.3%
20 to 49 units 14,993 5.6%
50 or more units 18,001 6.8%
Mobile home 22,112 8.3%
Boat, RV, van, etc. 327 0.1%
Homes built since 2020
10,828
72.2% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Sarasota County

In Sarasota County, the median construction year is 1988. About 1.2% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 0.9% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 17.5% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 11.2% between 2010 and 2019, and 4.1% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 3,165 1.2% -4.6%
Built between 1940 and 1949 2,413 0.9% -5.3%
Built between 1950 and 1959 15,882 6% -0.4%
Built between 1960 and 1969 22,422 8.4% -0.7%
Built between 1970 and 1979 51,255 19.2% 0.4%
Built between 1980 and 1989 49,529 18.6% 0.5%
Built between 1990 and 1999 34,572 13% -1.2%
Built between 2000 and 2009 46,649 17.5% 0.7%
Built between 2010 and 2019 29,777 11.2% 6.6%
Built in 2020 or later 10,828 4.1% 72.2%
As a renter, knowing when homes were built helps you understand the potential condition and design of rental units. Newer builds may have more contemporary layouts, while older homes can offer character or larger lots, depending on the area.

Sarasota County occupancy rates

Out of the 212,204 occupied housing units in Sarasota County, 76.7% are owner-occupied, while 23.3% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 20.4% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
212,204
3.3% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
49,428
Owner occupied
162,776
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 49,428 23.3% 1.6%
Owner occupied 162,776 76.7% 3.8%
Unoccupied housing units
20.4%
Unoccupied housing units refer to homes that are currently without residents—whether they're waiting for renters or owners, used seasonally, or simply unclaimed. A higher share of empty homes may mean more housing availability, while a low number can reflect a tighter market with more competition. This, along with the renter-vs.-owner mix, helps paint a clearer picture of what types of housing and services are likely to be available in the area.

Sarasota County housing costs

Housing costs in Sarasota County come to a median of $1,461 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,818.

Median housing costs per month
$1,461/month
This figure sums up typical monthly housing costs for all households in the area. If you own, it includes mortgage payments in addition to property taxes, insurance and HOA fees. If you rent, it accounts for rent plus extras like utilities. It’s useful for seeing how local living expenses stack up compared to other places.
Median gross rent in Sarasota County
$1,818/month
Gross rent gives a more complete look at what renters actually pay, including not just base rent, but also utilities and fees. It’s a key number for evaluating rental affordability in your area of interest and understanding how it compares to nearby locations.

Education in Sarasota County

Sarasota County education at a glance

About 29.6% of the population in Sarasota County went to high school, while 19.8% pursued college studies. Another 9.6% earned an associate degree and 23% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 16.1% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 7,431 1.9% 3.6%
High school diploma 117,188 29.6% -1.5%
College diploma 78,317 19.8% 0.8%
Associate degree 38,095 9.6% 6.2%
Bachelor's degree 90,735 23% 6.5%
Graduate degree 63,456 16.1% 3.9%
A community’s education mix can offer insights into the local economy and housing market. Higher levels of education often align with more job opportunities and stable incomes, which can increase demand for homes and influence both rent prices and rental availability.

Income in Sarasota County

How much people earn in Sarasota County

The average annual household income in Sarasota County was $124,732 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +3.9% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $83,416, reflecting a +3.4% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Sarasota County
$124,732/year
3.9% year-over-year change
Median household income in Sarasota County
$83,416/year
3.5% year-over-year change

Sarasota County income by age

In Sarasota County, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $93,298. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $101,018 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $59,239, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $71,458 in earnings. Overall, 91.4% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $59,239 4.9%
25 - 44 $93,298 3.8%
45 - 64 $101,018 6.6%
Over 65 $71,458 1.7%
Above poverty level
410,128
Below poverty level
38,350
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 410,128 91.4% 1.9%
Below poverty level 38,350 8.6% 7.0%

Employment in Sarasota County

Workforce and job types in Sarasota County

The job market in Sarasota County is powered by 189,706 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 82.7% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 17.3% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 17.2% run their own businesses, 66.4% are employed by private companies, and 9.1% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
189,706
2.7% year-over-year change
White collar
156,972
Blue collar
32,734
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 156,972 82.7% 2.6%
Blue collar 32,734 17.3% 2.9%
Employer type
Self employees
17.2%
Private companies
66.4%
Governmental workers
9.1%
Not for profit companies
7.3%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 32,588 17.2% 7.3%
Private companies 126,028 66.4% 1.8%
Governmental workers 17,210 9.1% 3.3%
Not for profit companies 13,880 7.3% 0.1%
Unemployment rate
3.7%
4.5% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Sarasota County stands at 3.7%, representing the share of the workforce currently without a job and actively looking for one.

For renters, the unemployment rate helps paint a picture of job security and financial stability in the area. Rates around 4% to 5% are considered typical. A lower-than-average rate might suggest strong job prospects and a thriving local economy, while a higher rate could hint at fewer opportunities—both useful to consider when planning a move.

Transportation in Sarasota County

How people get around in Sarasota County

Commuting methods vary: 80% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 1% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 148,603 80% 0.9%
Taxicab 185 0.1% -45.9%
Bus or trolleybus 668 0.4% -8.7%
Subway or elevated 45 0% N/A
Railroad 18 0% -53.9%
Motorcycle 304 0.2% 55.1%
Bicycle 841 0.4% -11.9%
Walk 1,915 1% 8.7%
Understanding how locals get to work can help you plan your own routine. High car usage might mean you’ll need a vehicle, while strong public transit or walkability could save you the hassle. Commute times also play a big role in quality of life—shorter trips can give you more time for the things you enjoy.

What is the median and average household income in Sarasota County by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
34223 19,884 10,450 $76,016 $116,604
34228 7,539 4,222 $158,030 $273,024
34229 7,495 3,653 $103,657 $158,419
34231 32,404 15,546 $69,925 $116,620
34232 34,013 15,477 $80,795 $109,840
34233 19,123 8,599 $75,394 $109,373
34234 22,986 9,203 $57,288 $80,402
34235 15,146 7,166 $78,958 $116,583
34236 14,446 8,176 $95,881 $195,691
34237 17,367 7,124 $66,762 $97,746

Find your place

Explore more communities

FAQs about Sarasota County demographics 

What is the total population of Sarasota County?

Sarasota County has a total population of 459,547 residents, according to the latest release from the U.S. Census Bureau: the 2019-2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates. This figure changed by +2.4% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Sarasota County?

The gender ratio in Sarasota County is as follows:
  • 48% males (220,359 residents)
  • 52% females (239,188 residents)

What is the median age in Sarasota County?

The median age in Sarasota County is 57.4.

What is the age distribution of the population in Sarasota County?

The age distribution in Sarasota County is as follows:
  • Under 15: 11.3% (51,851 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 8.4% (38,354 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 17% (78,293 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 25.8% (118,687 residents)
  • Over 65: 37.5% (172,362 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Sarasota County?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Sarasota County is as follows:
  • White: 82.2% (377,661 residents)
  • Black or African American: 4% (18,197 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.3% (1,418 residents)
  • Asian: 1.9% (8,919 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (237 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 9.1% (41,886 residents)
  • Other: 2.4% (11,229 residents)

What percentage of the population in Sarasota County are U.S.-born citizens?

U.S.-born citizens represent 85.3% of the population in Sarasota County.

How many housing units are there in Sarasota County?

There are 266,492 housing units in Sarasota County, reflecting a +2.4% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

How many households are in Sarasota County and what is the average household size?

Sarasota County has a total of 212,204 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Sarasota County?

Sarasota County has a median household income of $83,416, representing a +3.5% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for Sarasota County?

The employment rate is 96.3% in Sarasota County, with a workforce of 189,706 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 82.7% (156,972 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 17.3% (32,734 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 17.2% (32,588 residents)
  • Private companies: 66.4% (126,028 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 9.1% (17,210 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 7.3% (13,880 residents)

Data source & methodology

The demographic data on this page was sourced from the latest U.S. Census Bureau release—the 2019–2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates.

The information, issued annually, is compiled and published by the Point2Homes Research Team as soon as new data becomes available.

No representation, guarantee, or warranty is made concerning the accuracy or completeness of modified or aggregated information for particular areas.

Page last updated: September 2025