Median Income
$25,395
66% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
1,103/100K
190% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$1,350
16% higher than US avg
Obesity Rate
46.6%
45% higher than US avg
Unemployment
6.7%
86% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
How Florida Gulf Coast University Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population4,416
Median Age19.5 yrs
Density1,832/mi²
Male / Female44% / 56%
Largest GroupWhite 80%
Veterans0.0%
Economy
C+
Median Income$25,395
Per Capita$4,725
Unemployment6.7%
Poverty0.0%
County GDP$54,160M
Commute15 min
Housing
F
Rent$1,350
Ownership0.0%
Zillow$494,321
Housing Units33
Rent Burden51.0%
Crime
F
Violent1,103/100K
Property3,121/100K
Health
Obesity46.6%
Uninsured24.0%
Smoking35.6%
Depression24.2%
Heart Disease14.7%
Climate
Avg Temp74°F (23°C)
AQI41 (Good)
Rain61.3 in/yr
Sunny Days330/yr
Elevation19 ft (6 m)
Education
A+
Bachelor's+0.0%
High School+100.0%
Graduate+0.0%
School Score5.70
Community
2024 VoteR 64% / D 35%
Commute15 min
Broadband78.0%
EV Stations11
Libraries16
Is Florida Gulf Coast University a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Florida Gulf Coast University receives an overall livability score of 2.5 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include abundant sunshine, a low poverty rate, high health insurance coverage. Areas to be aware of include elevated crime rates, above-average unemployment, a high uninsured rate. Florida Gulf Coast University has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Florida Gulf Coast University is $25,395, 66% below the national average of $75,149. The unemployment rate of 6.7% is somewhat elevated compared to the national rate of 3.6%. Only 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 15 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
Renters pay a median of $1,350 per month.
Safety & Crime
With 1,103 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, public safety is a notable concern / this is significantly above the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,121 per 100,000, 59% above the national average.
Education
0.0% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 100.0% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.7/10.
Climate & Weather
Florida Gulf Coast University has a warm climate with an average annual temperature of 74°F. Winters average 63°F in January while summers reach 81°F in July. With 330 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 61.3 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41.
Florida Gulf Coast University has a population of 4,416 with a density of 1,832 people per square mile, spread across 2.4 square miles. The median age is 19.5 years, 50% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 56.3% female and 43.7% male. The city is predominantly White (79.8%), with 1.2% Hispanic, 7.1% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 90.6% of residents, while 9.4% speak Spanish. 0.0% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 16.9% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 95.8% have health insurance coverage.
Population
19.5yrs
Median Age
50% below US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Florida Gulf Coast University vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
90.6%
15% above US avg
Spanish
9.4%
30% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Florida Gulf Coast University vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Florida Gulf Coast University is $25,395, which is 66% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $4,725 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,184, 17% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 6.7% (above the 3.6% US average). 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 28,954 business establishments, including 1,636 restaurants. The cost of living index is 103.4, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 15 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 9.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Florida Gulf Coast University vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $25,395 |
| 66% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $4,725 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,184 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $108,048 |
| Gini Index | 0.480 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 6.7% |
| 86% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 28,954 |
| County GDP | $54,160M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 1,636 |
| Healthcare | 2,112 |
| Retail | 2,648 |
| Manufacturing | 389 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $9,664 |
| 176% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 103.40 (100=avg) |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 15.4 min |
| Drive Alone | 63.6% |
| Public Transit | 6.8% |
| Work from Home | 9.0% |
Zillow estimates the typical home value at $494,321. Monthly rent averages $1,350 (16% above the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $1,296 for a one-bedroom to $1,526 for a two-bedroom apartment. 0.0% of housing units are owner-occupied (below the 65.4% national rate). There are 33 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 2013. The average annual property tax is $9,664 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 51.0% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing, indicating a significant affordability challenge for renters.
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $1,350 |
| 16% above US avg |
| Rent Burden | 51.0% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $1,212 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,296 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,526 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,971 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,261 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 0.0% |
| Owner-Occupied | 0.0% |
| Renter-Occupied | 34.5% |
| Housing Units | 33 |
| Median Year Built | 2013 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $9,664 |
| 176% above US avg |
In Florida Gulf Coast University, 46.6% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 24.9% have diabetes (above the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 14.7% of residents, above the national average. 49.0% have high blood pressure. 35.6% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 13.8% report binge drinking. 46.8% are physically inactive, above the national average. 24.2% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 25.9% experience frequent mental distress. 24.0% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,504. The dentist ratio is 1:1,886. 85.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.5 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Florida Gulf Coast University vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 46.6% |
| 45% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 24.9% |
| Heart Disease | 14.7% |
| High Blood Pressure | 49.0% |
| Asthma | 11.4% |
| COPD | 19.9% |
| Cancer | 7.1% |
| Stroke | 7.8% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 35.6% |
| 154% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 13.8% |
| Physical Inactivity | 46.8% |
| Depression | 24.2% |
| Mental Distress | 25.9% |
| Physical Distress | 25.3% |
| Short Sleep | 47.2% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 95.8% |
| Uninsured | 24.0% |
| 179% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,504 |
| Dentists | 1:1,886 |
| Mental Health | 1:681 |
| Checkup Rate | 75.5% |
| Dental Visits | 26.8% |
| Premature Death | 8,494/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.5/10 |
| Exercise Access | 85.3% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 2,112 |
Florida Gulf Coast University has a violent crime rate of 1,103 per 100,000 residents, 190% above the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 3,121 per 100,000, 59% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 128 fatal traffic crashes. The area has experienced 91 federally declared disasters. Overall, Florida Gulf Coast University receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Florida Gulf Coast University vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 1,103.0/100K |
| 190% above US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 3,121.2/100K |
| 59% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 128 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
| FEMA Disasters | 91 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Florida Gulf Coast University has a warm climate with an average annual temperature of 74°F (23°C). Winters average 63°F in January while summers reach 81°F in July / relatively mild seasonal variation. The area gets 330 sunny days per year, well above the U.S. average of 205 / making it one of the sunnier locations in the country. Annual precipitation totals 61.3 inches (wetter than the 38-inch national average). Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41. The city sits at an elevation of 19 feet, near sea level.
Temperature
63°F Jan (17°C)
81°F Jul (27°C)
| Annual Average | 73.5°F |
| 36% above US avg |
| January Average | 63°F (17°C) |
| July Average | 81°F (27°C) |
| Sunny Days | 330 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 19 ft (6 m) |
| Area | 2.4 sq mi (6.2 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,832/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 26.4677°N, 81.7637°W |
| Timezone | America/New_York |
| County | Lee County County |
| Nearest Airport | Southwest Florida International (RSW) 3 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
61.3"
61% above US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
9.21"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 41.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively High |
| Risk Score | 99.1 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 67.8 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 8.8 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hurricane |
Very High |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Moderate |
| Flood |
Relatively High |
| Hail |
Very Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Winter Weather |
No Rating |
| Lightning |
Very High |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
| Coastal Flood |
Very High |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Hurricane History
23 hurricanes (Cat 1+) within 500 km since 1980.
Strongest: Category 5. Most recent: Milton (2024, Cat 4).
| Year |
Name |
Category |
Closest |
| 2024 |
Milton |
Category 4 |
131 km |
| 2024 |
Debby |
Category 1 |
283 km |
| 2023 |
Idalia |
Category 4 |
296 km |
| 2022 |
Ian |
Category 5 |
44 km |
| 2022 |
Nicole |
Category 1 |
192 km |
| 2021 |
Elsa |
Category 1 |
144 km |
| 2020 |
Eta |
Category 1 |
226 km |
| 2017 |
Irma |
Category 4 |
30 km |
| 2016 |
Matthew |
Category 4 |
246 km |
| 2005 |
Rita |
Category 4 |
278 km |
| 2005 |
Katrina |
Category 3 |
128 km |
| 2005 |
Wilma |
Category 3 |
63 km |
| 2005 |
Dennis |
Category 3 |
282 km |
| 2004 |
Charley |
Category 4 |
46 km |
| 2004 |
Jeanne |
Category 3 |
132 km |
| 2004 |
Frances |
Category 2 |
138 km |
| 2000 |
Gordon |
Category 1 |
255 km |
| 1999 |
Irene |
Category 1 |
123 km |
| 1998 |
Georges |
Category 2 |
217 km |
| 1995 |
Erin |
Category 1 |
178 km |
Source: NOAA IBTrACS (Cat 1+, 1980–2026)
Tornado History
401 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF3. Total: 9 fatalities, 155 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Oct 9, 2024 |
EF3 |
86 km |
0 |
| Mar 17, 1985 |
EF3 |
99 km |
2 |
| Oct 9, 2024 |
EF2 |
11 km |
0 |
| Jan 16, 2022 |
EF2 |
22 km |
0 |
| Jan 9, 2016 |
EF2 |
30 km |
0 |
| Jun 21, 2006 |
EF2 |
67 km |
0 |
| Aug 13, 2004 |
EF2 |
90 km |
0 |
| Apr 4, 1993 |
EF2 |
65 km |
0 |
| Jul 23, 1989 |
EF2 |
20 km |
0 |
| Nov 4, 1988 |
EF2 |
20 km |
0 |
| Aug 9, 1986 |
EF2 |
25 km |
0 |
| Dec 12, 1983 |
EF2 |
84 km |
0 |
| Jun 17, 1982 |
EF2 |
38 km |
1 |
| Jun 18, 1972 |
EF2 |
44 km |
0 |
| Jun 18, 1972 |
EF2 |
22 km |
0 |
| Jun 18, 1972 |
EF2 |
36 km |
0 |
| Dec 3, 1971 |
EF2 |
95 km |
0 |
| Dec 3, 1971 |
EF2 |
74 km |
0 |
| Jun 18, 1971 |
EF2 |
92 km |
0 |
| Mar 3, 1971 |
EF2 |
24 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: BUZZARD (61,663 ac, 2018).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2018 |
BUZZARD |
61,663 |
90 km |
| 2007 |
BICY COMPLEX |
60,644 |
85 km |
| 2007 |
MOONSHINE BAY |
38,664 |
85 km |
| 2008 |
MYAKKA CUT |
36,877 |
85 km |
| 2018 |
116TH AVE SE (11) |
29,269 |
52 km |
| 2006 |
BERG FIRE |
28,992 |
92 km |
| 2017 |
PARLIAMENT |
26,967 |
85 km |
| 2017 |
THREE MILE |
26,683 |
92 km |
| 2001 |
BEARISLAND |
24,213 |
64 km |
| 2014 |
L 4 CUTOUT |
23,068 |
92 km |
| 2017 |
COWBELL |
21,781 |
78 km |
| 2024 |
BCP KIRBY D RX 0405 |
20,790 |
91 km |
| 2009 |
DEEP FIRE |
20,073 |
57 km |
| 2013 |
HUCKABEE |
19,723 |
61 km |
| 2015 |
ELLISON |
19,387 |
82 km |
| 2017 |
IPP 17 TRT 2 AIRPLANE RXS |
19,112 |
70 km |
| 2019 |
SOUTH 41 TREATMENT 1 FY19 (KIRBY RX) |
16,981 |
92 km |
| 2007 |
BALSA |
16,278 |
43 km |
| 1990 |
UNNAMED |
16,253 |
83 km |
| 1986 |
UNNAMED |
16,145 |
46 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
63°F (17°C) |
2.1 in |
Coldest |
| February |
65°F (18°C) |
2.0 in |
|
| March |
69°F (20°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| April |
72°F (22°C) |
1.7 in |
|
| May |
77°F (25°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| June |
81°F (27°C) |
9.2 in |
Wettest |
| July |
81°F (27°C) |
8.2 in |
|
| August |
83°F (28°C) |
8.9 in |
Warmest |
| September |
82°F (28°C) |
7.4 in |
|
| October |
77°F (25°C) |
2.9 in |
|
| November |
72°F (22°C) |
1.8 in |
|
| December |
67°F (19°C) |
1.6 in |
Driest |
Florida Gulf Coast University has a seasonal temperature swing of 20°F / from 63°F in January to 83°F in August. Total annual precipitation is 52.4 inches, with June being the wettest month (9.2") and December the driest (1.6").
Average costs for common services in Florida Gulf Coast University. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$259 ($155–$414) |
| Specialist Visit |
$362 ($207–$569) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$207 ($103–$362) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,275 ($827–$5,170) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$134 ($78–$207) |
| Dental Filling |
$259 ($155–$414) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$47 ($26–$78) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$78 ($52–$124) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$310 ($155–$517) |
| Tire Rotation |
$41 ($21–$78) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$620 ($414–$1,034) |
| Battery Replacement |
$207 ($103–$362) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$103 ($62–$155) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$93 ($52–$145) |
| HVAC Repair |
$414 ($155–$827) |
| HVAC System Install |
$7,238 ($4,136–$12,408) |
| Roof Repair |
$1,034 ($414–$2,068) |
| Roof Replacement |
$9,306 ($5,687–$15,510) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,551 ($517–$3,619) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$15,510 ($5,170–$31,020) |
| DUI Defense |
$5,170 ($2,068–$10,340) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,551 ($827–$3,102) |
| Will Preparation |
$517 ($207–$1,034) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,585 ($1,034–$5,170) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$26 ($16–$47) |
| Women's Haircut |
$57 ($31–$103) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$155 ($78–$259) |
| Manicure |
$26 ($16–$47) |
| Pedicure |
$41 ($26–$67) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$83 ($52–$134) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$4.24 ($3.10–$5.69) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.62 ($2.59–$5.17) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.93 ($2.59–$5.69) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.65 ($3.10–$6.72) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.69 ($4.14–$7.76) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$1.03 ($0.62–$1.86) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$145 ($83–$259) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$72 ($31–$155) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$72 ($41–$124) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$72 ($41–$103) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$67 ($31–$103) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$88 ($52–$155) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$207 ($78–$517) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$2,068 ($1,241–$3,619) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$72 ($31–$134) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$16 ($8.27–$26) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$103 ($31–$259) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$31 ($16–$78) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,241 ($620–$2,585) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$1,034 ($517–$2,068) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$414 ($207–$724) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$52 ($26–$103) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$1,034 ($414–$2,585) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$12,925 ($5,170–$31,020) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$62 ($31–$103) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$103 ($52–$207) |
| Dog Grooming |
$62 ($31–$103) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$41 ($21–$78) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$310 ($155–$517) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$207 ($103–$414) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $866 |
| Toddler | $693 |
| Preschool | $650 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $650 |
| Toddler | $563 |
| Preschool | $541 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Florida Gulf Coast University
What is the population of Florida Gulf Coast University?
Florida Gulf Coast University has a population of 4,416 residents and is located in Florida. The population density is 1,832 people per square mile, spread across 2.4 square miles. The median age of residents is 19.5 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 56.3% female and 43.7% male.
Is Florida Gulf Coast University expensive to live in?
Florida Gulf Coast University has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 103.4 (baseline: 100). The median household income is $25,395, 66% below the national average of $75,149. Renters pay a median of $1,350 per month, above the national average of $1,163.
Is Florida Gulf Coast University safe?
Public safety is a concern in Florida Gulf Coast University, with a violent crime rate of 1,103 per 100,000 / significantly above the national average of 380. However, crime tends to concentrate in certain areas, and many neighborhoods remain relatively safe. Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,121 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Florida Gulf Coast University receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Florida Gulf Coast University?
Florida Gulf Coast University has a warm climate with an average annual temperature of 74°F (23°C). Winter temperatures average 63°F in January, while summers reach an average of 81°F in July. The area receives 330 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 61.3 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 41.
How is the job market in Florida Gulf Coast University?
The unemployment rate in Florida Gulf Coast University is 6.7%, somewhat above the national average of 3.6%. Job seekers may face moderate competition. The average weekly wage is $1,184. There are 28,954 business establishments in the area, including 1,636 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 15 minutes, and 9.0% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Florida Gulf Coast University?
For renters, the median monthly rent is $1,350. Fair market rent is $1,296 for a 1-bedroom and $1,526 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 0.0%. The average annual property tax is $9,664.
How are the schools in Florida Gulf Coast University?
Schools in Florida Gulf Coast University score 5.7 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 0.0% of adults in Florida Gulf Coast University hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 100.0% have completed high school. 0.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Florida Gulf Coast University?
The obesity rate in Florida Gulf Coast University is 46.6% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 35.6% of adults are smokers. 46.8% are physically inactive. 24.2% of residents report depression. 24.0% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 85.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,504.
What is transportation like in Florida Gulf Coast University?
The average commute in Florida Gulf Coast University is 15 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 63.6% of workers drive alone to work, 6.8% use public transit, and 9.0% work from home.
What are the demographics of Florida Gulf Coast University?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Florida Gulf Coast University is 79.8% White, 7.1% Black or African American, 1.2% Hispanic or Latino. 90.6% of residents speak only English at home, while 9.4% speak Spanish. 0.0% of the population are military veterans. 16.9% of residents have a disability. 95.8% have health insurance coverage.