Sarasota, FL demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
516,517
% year-over-year change
Median household income
$77,760/yr
% year-over-year change
Housing units
298,816
% year-over-year change

Sarasota population

How many people live in Sarasota

Sarasota is home to 516,517 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 47.6% of Sarasota locals are male, and 52.4% are female.

Total population
516,517
% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
47.6%
246,059
Female
52.4%
270,458
Value Percent YoY change
Male 246,059 47.6% N/A
Female 270,458 52.4% N/A
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 is 53, with the population distributed as follows: about 11.4% are children under 15, then 8.8% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 17.6% of the population, while another 25.7% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 36.6% are 65 or older.

Median age
53
Age breakdown
Under 15
11.4%
15 to 24
8.8%
25 to 44
17.6%
45 to 64
25.7%
Over 65
36.6%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 58,959 11.4% N/A
15 to 24 45,303 8.8% N/A
25 to 44 90,722 17.6% N/A
45 to 64 132,561 25.7% N/A
Over 65 188,972 36.6% N/A
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, 84.9% of the population are US-born citizens, while 10.1% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 5% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 80.3% of locals are Caucasian, 5.1% are African American and 1.9% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 9.7% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
84.9%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
10.1%
Non-citizens
5%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 438,534 84.9% N/A
Non-U.S.-born citizens 52,046 10.1% N/A
Non-citizens 25,937 5% N/A
Racial breakdown
White
80.3%
Black or African American
5.1%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.3%
Asian
1.9%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
9.7%
Other
2.5%
Value Percent
White 414,968 80.3%
Black or African American 26,557 5.1%
American Indian and Alaska Native 1,591 0.3%
Asian 10,031 1.9%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 246 0%
Two or more races 50,182 9.7%
Other 12,942 2.5%

Households in Sarasota

A peek inside Sarasota households

Sarasota has 237,955 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 62% are families, while the remaining 38% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
237,955
% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
90,428
Family households
147,527
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 90,428 38% N/A
Family households 147,527 62% N/A
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

The housing landscape of Sarasota

Sarasota's housing consists of 298,816 units, with 55.5% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 10.2% 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 7.8% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
298,816
% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 165,726 55.5%
1 unit, attached 30,376 10.2%
2 units 3,822 1.3%
3 or 4 units 8,822 3%
5 to 9 units 10,378 3.5%
10 to 19 units 13,691 4.6%
20 to 49 units 17,637 5.9%
50 or more units 24,675 8.3%
Mobile home 23,362 7.8%
Boat, RV, van, etc. 327 0.1%
Homes built since 2020
11,812
% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Sarasota

In Sarasota, the median construction year is 1982. About 1.6% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 1.2% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 16.8% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 11% between 2010 and 2019, and 4% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 4,887 1.6% N/A
Built between 1940 and 1949 3,538 1.2% N/A
Built between 1950 and 1959 20,919 7% N/A
Built between 1960 and 1969 26,351 8.8% N/A
Built between 1970 and 1979 58,332 19.5% N/A
Built between 1980 and 1989 53,190 17.8% N/A
Built between 1990 and 1999 36,545 12.2% N/A
Built between 2000 and 2009 50,325 16.8% N/A
Built between 2010 and 2019 32,917 11% N/A
Built in 2020 or later 11,812 4% N/A
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 occupancy rates

Out of the 237,955 occupied housing units in Sarasota, 74.6% are owner-occupied, while 25.4% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 20.4% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
237,955
% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
60,380
Owner occupied
177,575
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 60,380 25.4% N/A
Owner occupied 177,575 74.6% N/A
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 housing costs

Housing costs in Sarasota come to a median of $1,533 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,751.

Median housing costs per month
$1,533/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
$1,751/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

Sarasota education at a glance

About 30% of the population in Sarasota went to high school, while 19.5% pursued college studies. Another 9.6% earned an associate degree and 22.8% 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 8,867 2% N/A
High school diploma 133,072 30% N/A
College diploma 86,507 19.5% N/A
Associate degree 42,320 9.6% N/A
Bachelor's degree 101,261 22.8% N/A
Graduate degree 71,276 16.1% N/A
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

How much people earn in Sarasota

The average annual household income in Sarasota was $129,018 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

Average household income in Sarasota
$129,018/year
% year-over-year change
Median household income in Sarasota
$77,760/year
% year-over-year change

Sarasota income by age

In Sarasota, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $81,300. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $91,668 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $56,475, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $71,594 in earnings. Overall, 90.8% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $56,475 N/A
25 - 44 $81,300 N/A
45 - 64 $91,668 N/A
Over 65 $71,594 N/A
Above poverty level
454,989
Below poverty level
46,146
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 454,989 90.8% N/A
Below poverty level 46,146 9.2% N/A

Average renter income in Sarasota

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Sarasota, their median household income was $51,313 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 40.9%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$51,313
Rent-to-income ratio
40.9%
Understanding the rent-to-income ratio can help renters gauge if local housing costs align with their earnings. A ratio under 30% usually signals affordability, while exceeding this mark means rent is taking a larger-than-recommended bite out of income. That could make it harder for you to cover other costs like transportation, healthcare, or child care.

Employment in Sarasota

Workforce and job types in Sarasota

The job market in Sarasota is powered by 215,133 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 82.8% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 17.2% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 17.1% run their own businesses, 66.6% are employed by private companies, and 8.9% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
215,133
White collar
178,152
Blue collar
36,981
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 178,152 82.8% N/A
Blue collar 36,981 17.2% N/A
Employer type
Self employees
17.1%
Private companies
66.6%
Governmental workers
8.9%
Not for profit companies
7.4%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 36,817 17.1% N/A
Private companies 143,210 66.6% N/A
Governmental workers 19,147 8.9% N/A
Not for profit companies 15,959 7.4% N/A
Unemployment rate
3.7%

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Sarasota 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

How people get around in Sarasota

Commuting methods vary: 97.1% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 1.4% 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 168,904 97.1% N/A
Taxicab 227 0.1% N/A
Bus or trolleybus 902 0.5% N/A
Railroad 25 0% N/A
Motorcycle 312 0.2% N/A
Bicycle 1,081 0.6% N/A
Walk 2,498 1.4% N/A
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 by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
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
34238 23,821 12,109 $97,926 $134,377
34239 14,635 6,782 $80,923 $128,186
34240 18,774 7,390 $130,148 $157,592

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FAQs about Sarasota demographics 

What is the total population of Sarasota?

Sarasota has a total population of 516,517 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 % compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Sarasota?

The gender ratio in Sarasota is as follows:
  • 47.6% males (246,059 residents)
  • 52.4% females (270,458 residents)

What is the median age in Sarasota?

The median age in Sarasota is 53.

What is the age distribution of the population in Sarasota?

The age distribution in Sarasota is as follows:
  • Under 15: 11.4% (58,959 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 8.8% (45,303 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 17.6% (90,722 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 25.7% (132,561 residents)
  • Over 65: 36.6% (188,972 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Sarasota?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Sarasota is as follows:
  • White: 80.3% (414,968 residents)
  • Black or African American: 5.1% (26,557 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.3% (1,591 residents)
  • Asian: 1.9% (10,031 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (246 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 9.7% (50,182 residents)
  • Other: 2.5% (12,942 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 84.9% of the population in Sarasota.

How many housing units are there in Sarasota?

There are 298,816 housing units in Sarasota, reflecting a % change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Sarasota has a total of 237,955 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Sarasota?

Sarasota has a median household income of $77,760, representing a % shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

The employment rate is 96.3% in Sarasota, with a workforce of 215,133 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 82.8% (178,152 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 17.2% (36,981 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 17.1% (36,817 residents)
  • Private companies: 66.6% (143,210 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 8.9% (19,147 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 7.4% (15,959 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