Median Income
$98,689
31% higher than US avg
Home Value
$337,700
20% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
28.2%
16% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$1,858
60% higher than US avg
Obesity Rate
30.3%
6% lower than US avg
Unemployment
3.1%
14% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
10.3%
17% lower than US avg
How Lake Sarasota Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population3,802
Median Age36.1 yrs
Density5,675/mi²
Male / Female48% / 53%
Largest GroupWhite 91%
Veterans7.0%
Economy
A+
Median Income$98,689
Per Capita$41,044
Unemployment3.1%
Poverty10.3%
County GDP$35,891M
Commute27 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$337,700
Rent$1,858
Ownership70.3%
Zillow$661,648
Housing Units1,340
Rent Burden25.2%
Health
Obesity30.3%
Uninsured16.0%
Smoking12.5%
Depression21.0%
Heart Disease5.0%
Climate
Avg Temp74°F (23°C)
Rain49.0 in/yr
Elevation43 ft (13 m)
Education
B
Bachelor's+28.2%
High School+91.1%
Graduate+7.6%
School Score6.40
Community
2024 VoteR 59% / D 41%
Commute27 min
Broadband96.5%
EV Stations2
Libraries10
Is Lake Sarasota a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Lake Sarasota receives an overall livability score of 4.2 out of 5.0, earning a grade of A. Key strengths include above-average household incomes, low unemployment, strong internet connectivity. Areas to be aware of include a high uninsured rate. Lake Sarasota stands out as an excellent place to live, with strong marks across most quality-of-life indicators.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Lake Sarasota is $98,689, which is significantly higher than the national average / 31% above $75,149. This places Lake Sarasota among higher-income communities. Unemployment stands at 3.1%, indicating a healthy job market. 10.3% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 27 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Lake Sarasota is $337,700, 20% above the national median. Renters pay a median of $1,858 per month, significantly above the national average of $1,163. A price-to-income ratio of 3.4x indicates a reasonably affordable housing market.
Education
28.2% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 91.1% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.4/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Lake Sarasota has a warm climate with an average annual temperature of 74°F. Winters average 62°F in January while summers reach 83°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 49.0 inches.
Lake Sarasota has a population of 3,802 with a density of 5,675 people per square mile, spread across 1.4 square miles. The median age is 36.1 years, 7% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 52.5% female and 47.5% male. The city is predominantly White (90.5%), with 6.7% Hispanic, 1.2% Black, 1.1% Asian. English is the primary language spoken at home by 91.2% of residents, while 8.4% speak Spanish. 7.0% of the population are veterans. 7.4% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 84.0% have health insurance coverage.
Population
3,802
Total Population
2023 Census
36.1yrs
Median Age
7% below US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Lake Sarasota vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
91.2%
16% above US avg
Spanish
8.4%
37% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Lake Sarasota vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Lake Sarasota is $98,689, which is 31% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $41,044. The average weekly wage is $1,253, 13% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 3.1% (below the 3.6% US average). 10.3% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 21,213 business establishments, including 1,068 restaurants. The cost of living index is 103.4, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 27 minutes. 6.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Lake Sarasota vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $98,689 |
| 31% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $41,044 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,253 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $137,381 |
| Gini Index | 0.501 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 3.1% |
| 14% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 10.3% |
| 17% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 21,213 |
| County GDP | $35,891M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 1,068 |
| Healthcare | 1,819 |
| Retail | 1,764 |
| Manufacturing | 370 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $11,105 |
| 217% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 103.40 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 3.29% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 27.3 min |
| Drive Alone | 76.7% |
| Public Transit | 0.5% |
| Work from Home | 6.0% |
The median home value in Lake Sarasota is $337,700, 20% above the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $661,648, higher than the Census estimate. According to Redfin, the median sale price is $395,000 with homes selling in an average of 59 days. Homes sell for 94.4% of their list price, suggesting buyers have room to negotiate. Monthly rent averages $1,858 (60% 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. 70.3% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 1,340 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1985. The average annual property tax is $11,105 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 25.2% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.4x.
Home Values
| Census Median | $337,700 |
| 20% above US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $661,648 |
| Redfin Median Sale | $395,000 |
| Median List Price | $417,499 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median Sale Price | $395,000 |
| Median List Price | $417,499 |
| $/Sq Ft | $263 |
| Homes Sold | 6 |
| Days on Market | 59 days |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 94.4% |
| Price Drops | 42.9% |
| Inventory | 7 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $1,858 |
| 60% above US avg |
| Rent Burden | 25.2% |
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 | 70.3% |
| Owner-Occupied | 70.3% |
| Renter-Occupied | 29.7% |
| Housing Units | 1,340 |
| Median Year Built | 1985 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $11,105 |
| 217% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 3.29% |
In Lake Sarasota, 30.3% of adults are obese, below the national rate of 32.1%. 8.4% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 5.0% of residents. 28.7% have high blood pressure. 12.5% are current smokers. 20.8% report binge drinking. 20.5% are physically inactive, below the national average. 21.0% report depression. 17.5% experience frequent mental distress. 16.0% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,266. The dentist ratio is 1:1,380. 89.0% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.2 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Lake Sarasota vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 30.3% |
| 6% below US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.4% |
| Heart Disease | 5.0% |
| High Blood Pressure | 28.7% |
| Asthma | 9.6% |
| COPD | 5.6% |
| Cancer | 7.7% |
| Stroke | 2.6% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 12.5% |
| 11% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 20.8% |
| Physical Inactivity | 20.5% |
| Depression | 21.0% |
| Mental Distress | 17.5% |
| Physical Distress | 12.3% |
| Short Sleep | 35.4% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 84.0% |
| Uninsured | 16.0% |
| 86% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,266 |
| Dentists | 1:1,380 |
| Mental Health | 1:473 |
| Checkup Rate | 75.1% |
| Dental Visits | 62.5% |
| Premature Death | 8,416/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.2/10 |
| Exercise Access | 89.0% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 1,819 |
Lake Sarasota has a warm climate with an average annual temperature of 74°F (23°C). Winters average 62°F in January while summers reach 83°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 49.0 inches (wetter than the 38-inch national average). The city sits at an elevation of 43 feet, near sea level.
Temperature
62°F Jan (17°C)
83°F Jul (28°C)
| Annual Average | 74.1°F |
| 37% above US avg |
| January Average | 62°F (17°C) |
| July Average | 83°F (28°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 43 ft (13 m) |
| Area | 1.4 sq mi (3.6 km²) |
| Population Density | 5,675/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 27.2947°N, 82.4332°W |
| Timezone | America/New_York |
| County | Sarasota County County |
| Nearest Airport | Sarasota/Bradenton International (SRQ) 10 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
49.0"
29% above US avg
Wettest Month (Aug)
9.11"
Air Quality
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
| Ozone (O₃) | 0.0397 ppm |
| PM2.5 (Fine Particles) | 6.9 μg/m³ |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively High |
| Risk Score | 98.2 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 67.0 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 9.2 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively High |
| Hurricane |
Very High |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Moderate |
| Flood |
Relatively High |
| Hail |
Very Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively High |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Winter Weather |
No Rating |
| Lightning |
Very High |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
| Coastal Flood |
Relatively High |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Hurricane History
24 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 |
20 km |
| 2024 |
Helene |
Category 4 |
226 km |
| 2024 |
Debby |
Category 1 |
183 km |
| 2023 |
Idalia |
Category 4 |
226 km |
| 2022 |
Ian |
Category 5 |
70 km |
| 2022 |
Nicole |
Category 1 |
213 km |
| 2021 |
Elsa |
Category 1 |
108 km |
| 2020 |
Eta |
Category 1 |
221 km |
| 2017 |
Irma |
Category 4 |
57 km |
| 2016 |
Matthew |
Category 4 |
264 km |
| 2016 |
Hermine |
Category 1 |
299 km |
| 2005 |
Dennis |
Category 4 |
286 km |
| 2005 |
Wilma |
Category 3 |
171 km |
| 2005 |
Katrina |
Category 2 |
239 km |
| 2004 |
Charley |
Category 4 |
47 km |
| 2004 |
Jeanne |
Category 3 |
89 km |
| 2004 |
Frances |
Category 2 |
126 km |
| 2000 |
Gordon |
Category 1 |
156 km |
| 1999 |
Irene |
Category 1 |
223 km |
| 1998 |
Georges |
Category 2 |
289 km |
Source: NOAA IBTrACS (Cat 1+, 1980-2026)
Tornado History
768 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 26 fatalities, 1,041 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Apr 4, 1966 |
EF4 |
78 km |
11 |
| Apr 15, 1958 |
EF4 |
46 km |
0 |
| Oct 3, 1992 |
EF3 |
65 km |
3 |
| Mar 17, 1985 |
EF3 |
24 km |
2 |
| Jan 24, 1979 |
EF3 |
28 km |
0 |
| May 4, 1978 |
EF3 |
74 km |
3 |
| Oct 31, 1958 |
EF3 |
33 km |
0 |
| Oct 11, 2023 |
EF2 |
88 km |
0 |
| Dec 16, 2020 |
EF2 |
71 km |
0 |
| Oct 18, 2019 |
EF2 |
85 km |
0 |
| Jan 17, 2016 |
EF2 |
34 km |
2 |
| Jan 17, 2016 |
EF2 |
12 km |
0 |
| Jan 9, 2016 |
EF2 |
90 km |
0 |
| Jun 21, 2006 |
EF2 |
47 km |
0 |
| Dec 7, 1996 |
EF2 |
61 km |
1 |
| Apr 4, 1993 |
EF2 |
49 km |
0 |
| Oct 3, 1992 |
EF2 |
74 km |
1 |
| Jul 12, 1992 |
EF2 |
88 km |
0 |
| Jul 23, 1989 |
EF2 |
94 km |
0 |
| Nov 4, 1988 |
EF2 |
94 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNNAMED (16,145 ac, 1986).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 1986 |
UNNAMED |
16,145 |
81 km |
| 1991 |
UNNAMED |
14,572 |
71 km |
| 1999 |
UNNAMED |
12,935 |
71 km |
| 1999 |
UNNAMED |
12,527 |
70 km |
| 2004 |
UNNAMED |
9,397 |
74 km |
| 2006 |
UNNAMED |
9,045 |
72 km |
| 1999 |
UNNAMED |
8,800 |
71 km |
| 2004 |
UNNAMED |
8,516 |
78 km |
| 1993 |
UNNAMED |
8,494 |
80 km |
| 2008 |
UNNAMED |
8,268 |
83 km |
| 1992 |
UNNAMED |
7,529 |
72 km |
| 1999 |
UNNAMED |
7,415 |
20 km |
| 2007 |
MIDDLE OF NOWHERE |
7,238 |
96 km |
| 1999 |
UNNAMED |
6,951 |
79 km |
| 2004 |
UNNAMED |
6,537 |
81 km |
| 2008 |
UNNAMED |
6,044 |
81 km |
| 2008 |
UNNAMED |
6,036 |
71 km |
| 2006 |
UNNAMED |
5,970 |
70 km |
| 2006 |
UNNAMED |
5,910 |
80 km |
| 2004 |
UNNAMED |
5,802 |
71 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
62°F (17°C) |
2.8 in |
Coldest |
| February |
65°F (18°C) |
1.9 in |
|
| March |
68°F (20°C) |
2.9 in |
|
| April |
73°F (23°C) |
2.5 in |
|
| May |
78°F (25°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| June |
82°F (28°C) |
7.1 in |
|
| July |
83°F (28°C) |
7.4 in |
|
| August |
83°F (29°C) |
9.1 in |
Warmest, Wettest |
| September |
82°F (28°C) |
6.0 in |
|
| October |
77°F (25°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| November |
70°F (21°C) |
1.8 in |
Driest |
| December |
65°F (18°C) |
2.3 in |
|
Lake Sarasota has a seasonal temperature swing of 21°F / from 62°F in January to 83°F in August. Total annual precipitation is 49.1 inches, with August being the wettest month (9.1") and November the driest (1.8").
Average costs for common services in Lake Sarasota. 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 | $909 |
| Toddler | $835 |
| Preschool | $801 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $866 |
| Toddler | $801 |
| Preschool | $779 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Lake Sarasota
What is the population of Lake Sarasota?
Lake Sarasota has a population of 3,802 residents and is located in Florida. The population density is 5,675 people per square mile, spread across 1.4 square miles. The median age of residents is 36.1 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 52.5% female and 47.5% male.
Is Lake Sarasota expensive to live in?
Lake Sarasota 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 $98,689, 31% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $337,700 (20% above the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $1,858 per month, above the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.4x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
What is the weather like in Lake Sarasota?
Lake Sarasota has a warm climate with an average annual temperature of 74°F (23°C). Winter temperatures average 62°F in January, while summers reach an average of 83°F in July. Annual rainfall totals 49.0 inches.
How is the job market in Lake Sarasota?
Lake Sarasota has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 3.1%, near the national average of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,253. There are 21,213 business establishments in the area, including 1,068 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 27 minutes, and 6.0% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Lake Sarasota?
The median home value in Lake Sarasota is $337,700. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $661,648. According to Redfin, the median sale price is $395,000, with homes typically selling within 59 days. For renters, the median monthly rent is $1,858. Fair market rent is $1,296 for a 1-bedroom and $1,526 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 70.3%. The average annual property tax is $11,105.
How are the schools in Lake Sarasota?
Schools in Lake Sarasota score 6.4 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 28.2% of adults in Lake Sarasota hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 91.1% have completed high school. 7.6% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Lake Sarasota?
The obesity rate in Lake Sarasota is 30.3% (below the national rate of 32.1%). 12.5% of adults are smokers. 20.5% are physically inactive. 21.0% of residents report depression. 16.0% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 89.0% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,266.
What is transportation like in Lake Sarasota?
The average commute in Lake Sarasota is 27 minutes. 76.7% of workers drive alone to work, and 6.0% work from home.
What are the demographics of Lake Sarasota?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Lake Sarasota is 90.5% White, 1.2% Black or African American, 6.7% Hispanic or Latino, 1.1% Asian. 91.2% of residents speak only English at home, while 8.4% speak Spanish. 7.0% of the population are military veterans. 7.4% of residents have a disability. 84.0% have health insurance coverage.