Last Updated: January 10, 2025
Pinellas County sits on Florida's Gulf Coast and offers a rare blend of vibrant city life, laid‑back beach towns and suburban neighborhoods. If you're considering a move here, understanding the local geography, costs and lifestyle will help you make the right decision.
🏡 Quick Facts About Pinellas County
Population & Geography:
- Total Population: 975,000+ (2025)
- Land Area: 280 square miles with 588 miles of coastline
- Major Cities: St. Petersburg (265,000), Clearwater (118,000)
- Sunshine Days: 361 days annually
Real Estate Market (2025):
- Median Home Price: $425,000-$450,000 countywide
- St.Petersburg: $385,000-$420,000
- Clearwater: $395,000-$430,000
- Rental Range: $1,400-$2,200/month
Key Takeaway: Pinellas County offers 361 days of sunshine annually, diverse job opportunities,. Competitive home prices compared to other Florida metro areas - making it an attractive destination for relocating families and professionals.
Here's everything you need to know about moving to Pinellas County in 2025.
Geography and Population
Although Pinellas is Florida's second‑smallest county by land mass, it packs a lot of variety. The peninsula measures 38 miles long and 15 miles wide for a total of 280 square miles with 588 miles of coastline.
Major Cities (2025):
- St. Petersburg - Largest city (population 265,000+)
- Clearwater - County seat with beautiful beaches (population 118,000+)
- 24 municipalities throughout the county
Population Statistics (2025):
- Total residents: 975,000+ (seventh most populous county in Florida)
- Growth rate: 1.0-1.5% annually
- Median age: 44 years
- Geographic diversity: Urban centers, beach communities, and suburban neighborhoods
Natural Assets:
- 20,000+ acres of parks and preserves
- 35 miles of beaches and nearly 588 miles of coastline
- 4,500 miles of paved roads and 400+ bridges
Cost of Living and Housing
Home Prices. Rents (2025)
Pinellas County remains more affordable than larger Florida metro areas, though prices have increased significantly:
Median Home Prices (2025):
- St. Petersburg: $385,000-$420,000
- Clearwater: $395,000-$430,000
- Beach towns (Indian Rocks Beach): $650,000-$1.2M+
- Overall county range: $350,000-$900,000 depending on location
- Year-over-year growth: 8-12%
Rental Costs (2025):
- St. Petersburg one‑bedroom: $1,500-$1,800
- Clearwater one‑bedroom: $1,400-$1,700
- Dunedin one‑bedroom: $1,200-$1,500
- Overall rental range: $1,400 to $2,200 per month
Day‑to‑Day Expenses
Non‑mortgage housing costs add up quickly.A 2025 survey found that the typical American homeowner spends $24,529 per year on non‑mortgage expenses:
Annual Cost Breakdown:
- Utilities: $7,319 per year
- Maintenance. Repairs: $6,087 per year
- Renovations: $5,762 per year
- Property taxes: $3,057 per year
- Homeowners insurance: $2,304 per year
Florida-Specific Considerations:
- Rising insurance premiums in coastal areas
- Flood‑mitigation fees can add $1,000–$2,000 per year
- Hurricane season preparation costs
Cost of Living Comparison (2025)
Pinellas County vs.Other Florida Areas:
- Miami-Dade County: 15-20% higher housing costs
- Orlando Metro: 5-10% lower housing costs
- Jacksonville: Similar housing costs, lower insurance
- Tampa (Hillsborough): 5-8% lower housing costs
Monthly Living Cost Breakdown (Family of 4):
- Housing (3BR): $2,200-$3,500
- Utilities: $200-$300
- Groceries: $600-$800
- Transportation: $400-$600
- Healthcare: $500-$700
- Total: $3,900-$5,900/month
Employment and Education
Economy and Jobs
Pinellas County's economy is diverse and robust:
Key Industries:
- Financial services
- Life sciences
- Tourism and hospitality
- Manufacturing
- Defense. Aviation
- Information technology
Employment Statistics (2025):
- 40,000+ businesses in the county
- 500,000+ employees
- Unemployment rate: 3.2-3.8%
- Median household income: $62,000-$65,000
Major Employers (2025):
- BayCare Health System
- Raymond James Financial
- Tech Data (now TD Synnex)
- Jabil Circuit
- Pinellas County Schools
- Tourism and hospitality businesses
Entrepreneur Support:
- Coworking spaces available
- Business‑friendly services
- Startup incubators and accelerators
Current Market Trends (2025)
Real Estate Market Conditions:
- Inventory levels: 2.5-3.0 months supply (seller's market)
- Average days on market: 25-35 days
- Interest rates: 6.5-7.2% (30-year fixed)
- New construction: Limited due to land constraints
Key Market Drivers:
- Strong demand from remote workers
- Continued retiree migration
- Limited land availability driving prices up
- Strong investment activity in multifamily and STR properties
Price Appreciation by Area:
- St. Petersburg: 8-10% year-over-year
- Clearwater: 7-9% year-over-year
- Beach communities: 10-15% year-over-year
- Inland areas: 6-8% year-over-year
Schools and Education
Pinellas County School District:
- Serves 100,000+ students
- Public elementary, middle and high schools
- Charter and private school options
Higher Education:
- St. Petersburg College
- University of South Florida St.Petersburg campus
- Several technical schools and community colleges
Transportation and Commute
Road Infrastructure:
- 4,500 miles of paved roads
- 400+ bridges
- Major highways like Interstate 275
Key Bridges:
- Gandy and Sunshine Skyway bridges - Connect to Tampa and Manatee counties
- Howard Frankland Bridge - Main connection to Tampa
- Commute time: 30 minutes to an hour depending on traffic
Public Transportation:
- Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority (PSTA)
- 4,379 bus stops and 210 buses
- Buses and trolleys throughout the county
- Ride‑share services and bike‑sharing programs available
Climate and Lifestyle
Weather. Climate
Subtropical Climate:
- Summers: 90s with high humidity
- Winters: Mild 50°F to 70°F
- Sunshine: St. Petersburg boasts 361 days of sunshine per year
Hurricane Season:
- June through November
- Flood insurance and storm readiness essential
- Evacuation routes and emergency planning required
Recreation and Lifestyle
Outdoor Activities:
- 20 million annual visitors to county parks and preserves
- Boating and fishing opportunities
- Pinellas Trail for biking and walking
- Arts districts and cultural attractions
Award‑Winning Beaches:
- Clearwater Beach
- St. Pete Beach
- Fort De Soto Park
- Caladesi Island
Cultural Attractions:
- Museums and art galleries
- Performing arts venues
- Festivals and events year-round
- Historic districts and landmarks
Tips for New Residents
Essential Preparation
1. Work with a Local Realtor
- Navigate neighborhoods and zoning rules
- Understand property values and market trends
- Access to off-market properties
- Local expertise on schools and amenities
2. Budget for Higher Insurance Costs
- Florida homeowners pay $5,000–$7,000 per year in insurance premiums
- Special assessments for flood mitigation: $1,000–$2,000 per year
- Shop around for best rates
3. Check Property Lines
- Before buying or renovating, confirm boundaries
- Essential for any construction projects
- Avoid costly disputes with neighbors
4. Prepare for Storms
- Invest in hurricane shutters
- Keep emergency kit ready
- Review evacuation routes
- Some areas require additional flood insurance
5.Explore Neighborhoods
- From historic Kenwood to beach communities
- Each area has unique vibe and price point
- Consider renting for a few months to find the right fit
Moving Checklist
Before Moving:
- Research neighborhoods and schools
- Budget for higher insurance costs
- Plan for hurricane season
- Connect with local real estate professional
After Moving:
- Update driver's license and vehicle registration
- Register to vote
- Find local healthcare providers
- Join community groups. Activities
Related Resources
Essential Guides:
- Pinellas County Home Buying Guide 2025 - Complete buyer's handbook with current market data
- Pinellas County Neighborhood Guide 2025 - Best places to live with detailed area profiles
- St. Petersburg's Top Neighborhoods 2025 - Complete guide to St. Pete's best neighborhoods
- Tampa Bay Real Estate Market 2025 - Market trends and investment opportunities
- How to Find Property Lines - Essential before any renovations or improvements
Additional Resources
Ready to Make the Move?
Pinellas County offers sunny weather, diverse job opportunities and plenty of recreation. When you're ready to move, our experienced team can help you navigate the relocation process smoothly.What We Provide:
- Neighborhood analysis - Find the perfect area for your lifestyle and budget
- Market insights - Understand current conditions and pricing trends
- Local expertise - Navigate regulations, schools, and amenities
- Relocation support - From initial search to closing. Beyond
- Ongoing assistance - Help with property management and local connections
Make Your Move Stress-Free! 👉 Contact our team for a personalized relocation consultation and discover how we can help you find the perfect neighborhood, understand local regulations and make your transition to Pinellas County smooth and successful.
Our team has helped hundreds of families relocate to Pinellas County successfully. Let us help you make the most of your move to paradise.
Related Pinellas County Real Estate Resources
- Pinellas County Short-Term Rental Inspections: Complete 2025 Guide – Comprehensive inspection requirements. Compliance guide
- Pinellas County Short-Term Rental Guide 2025 – Complete compliance handbook for STR investors
- Clearwater Home Buying Guide 2025 – Detailed guide to buying homes in Clearwater
- Short-Term Rental Specialist Realtor Services – Professional STR management and consulting
This guide is updated regularly to reflect current market conditions. For the most current information, contact Troy Nowak directly.