Home Value
$458,300
63% higher than US avg
Violent Crime
143/100K
62% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
22.8%
32% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$1,217
5% higher than US avg
Obesity Rate
30.0%
7% lower than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
14.4%
16% higher than US avg
How Matlacha Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population845
Median Age65.2 yrs
Density4,225/mi²
Male / Female43% / 58%
Largest GroupWhite 97%
Veterans9.7%
Economy
Per Capita$99,586
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty14.4%
County GDP$9,770M
Commute22 min
Housing
Home Value$458,300
Rent$1,217
Ownership83.4%
Zillow$374,853
Housing Units719
Rent Burden51.0%
Crime
F
Violent143/100K
Property1,939/100K
Health
Obesity30.0%
Uninsured11.2%
Smoking13.8%
Depression20.9%
Heart Disease5.9%
Climate
Avg Temp75°F (24°C)
AQI41 (Good)
Rain57.4 in/yr
Sunny Days330/yr
Elevation4 ft (1 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+22.8%
High School+100.0%
Graduate+7.6%
School Score5.82
Community
2024 VoteR 67% / D 33%
Commute22 min
Broadband61.7%
EV Stations20
Libraries4
Is Matlacha a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Matlacha receives an overall livability score of 1.9 out of 5.0, earning a grade of D. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include high housing costs. Matlacha faces significant challenges across several quality-of-life categories.
Economy & Jobs
The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.0%. 14.4% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 22 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Matlacha is $458,300, making it a premium housing market at 63% above the U.S. median of $281,900. Renters pay a median of $1,217 per month.
Safety & Crime
Matlacha is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 143 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,939 per 100,000, near the national average.
Education
22.8% 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 5.8/10.
Climate & Weather
Matlacha has a warm climate with an average annual temperature of 75°F. Winters average 65°F in January while summers reach 83°F in July. With 330 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 57.4 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41.
Matlacha has a population of 845 with a density of 4,225 people per square mile, spread across 0.7 square miles. The median age is 65.2 years, 68% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 57.5% female and 42.5% male. The city is predominantly White (96.8%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 98.7% of residents. 9.7% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 27.6% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 92.5% have health insurance coverage.
Population
65.2yrs
Median Age
68% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
98.7%
26% above US avg
Spanish
1.3%
90% below US avg
Per capita income is $99,586 (above the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,040, 27% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 14.4% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 5,918 business establishments, including 317 restaurants. The cost of living index is 103.4, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 22 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 10.5% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| |
| Per Capita Income | $99,586 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,040 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $84,200 |
| Gini Index | 0.451 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 14.4% |
| 16% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 5,918 |
| County GDP | $9,770M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 317 |
| Healthcare | 537 |
| Retail | 617 |
| Manufacturing | 76 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $7,581 |
| 117% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 103.40 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 1.65% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 21.5 min |
| Drive Alone | 75.3% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 10.5% |
The median home value in Matlacha is $458,300, 63% above the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $374,853, lower than the Census estimate. Homes sell for 93.7% of their list price, suggesting buyers have room to negotiate. Monthly rent averages $1,217 (5% 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. 83.4% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 719 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1976. The average annual property tax is $7,581 (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.
Home Values
| Census Median | $458,300 |
| 63% above US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $374,853 |
| Median List Price | $489,000 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median List Price | $489,000 |
| $/Sq Ft | $473 |
| Homes Sold | 2 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 93.7% |
| Price Drops | 39.3% |
| Inventory | 28 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $1,217 |
| 5% 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 | 83.4% |
| Owner-Occupied | 83.4% |
| Renter-Occupied | 16.6% |
| Housing Units | 719 |
| Median Year Built | 1976 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $7,581 |
| 117% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 1.65% |
In Matlacha, 30.0% of adults are obese, below the national rate of 32.1%. 9.6% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.9% of residents. 30.4% have high blood pressure. 13.8% are current smokers. 18.8% report binge drinking. 21.8% are physically inactive. 20.9% report depression. 18.1% experience frequent mental distress. 11.2% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,610. The dentist ratio is 1:1,876. 83.4% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.0 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Matlacha vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 30.0% |
| 7% below US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.6% |
| Heart Disease | 5.9% |
| High Blood Pressure | 30.4% |
| Asthma | 9.7% |
| COPD | 6.6% |
| Cancer | 8.2% |
| Stroke | 2.9% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 13.8% |
| 1% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 18.8% |
| Physical Inactivity | 21.8% |
| Depression | 20.9% |
| Mental Distress | 18.1% |
| Physical Distress | 12.7% |
| Short Sleep | 33.9% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 92.5% |
| Uninsured | 11.2% |
| 30% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,610 |
| Dentists | 1:1,876 |
| Mental Health | 1:796 |
| Checkup Rate | 75.5% |
| Dental Visits | 61.9% |
| Premature Death | 9,589/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.0/10 |
| Exercise Access | 83.4% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 537 |
Matlacha has a violent crime rate of 143 per 100,000 residents, 62% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 1,939 per 100,000, 1% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 33 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Matlacha receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Matlacha vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 143.4/100K |
| 62% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,938.8/100K |
| 1% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 33 |
| Traffic Accidents | 13 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Matlacha has a warm climate with an average annual temperature of 75°F (24°C). Winters average 65°F in January while summers reach 83°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 57.4 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 4 feet, near sea level.
Temperature
65°F Jan (18°C)
83°F Jul (28°C)
| Annual Average | 75.4°F |
| 40% above US avg |
| January Average | 65°F (18°C) |
| July Average | 83°F (28°C) |
| Sunny Days | 330 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 4 ft (1 m) |
| Area | 0.7 sq mi (1.8 km²) |
| Population Density | 4,225/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 26.6364°N, 82.0766°W |
| Timezone | America/New_York |
| County | Charlotte County County |
| Nearest Airport | Southwest Florida International (RSW) 20 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
57.4"
51% above US avg
Wettest Month (Aug)
8.94"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 41.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively High |
| Risk Score | 95.2 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 77.0 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 12.2 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Very High |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Moderate |
| Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hail |
Very Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| 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
25 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 |
96 km |
| 2024 |
Helene |
Category 4 |
281 km |
| 2024 |
Debby |
Category 1 |
247 km |
| 2023 |
Idalia |
Category 4 |
262 km |
| 2022 |
Ian |
Category 5 |
14 km |
| 2022 |
Nicole |
Category 1 |
206 km |
| 2021 |
Elsa |
Category 1 |
112 km |
| 2020 |
Eta |
Category 1 |
204 km |
| 2017 |
Irma |
Category 4 |
42 km |
| 2016 |
Matthew |
Category 4 |
263 km |
| 2005 |
Rita |
Category 4 |
289 km |
| 2005 |
Katrina |
Category 3 |
158 km |
| 2005 |
Wilma |
Category 3 |
90 km |
| 2005 |
Dennis |
Category 3 |
266 km |
| 2004 |
Charley |
Category 4 |
13 km |
| 2004 |
Jeanne |
Category 3 |
127 km |
| 2004 |
Frances |
Category 2 |
138 km |
| 2000 |
Gordon |
Category 1 |
218 km |
| 1999 |
Irene |
Category 1 |
159 km |
| 1998 |
Georges |
Category 2 |
229 km |
Source: NOAA IBTrACS (Cat 1+, 1980–2026)
Tornado History
440 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF3. Total: 9 fatalities, 156 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Mar 17, 1985 |
EF3 |
64 km |
2 |
| Oct 9, 2024 |
EF2 |
25 km |
0 |
| Jan 16, 2022 |
EF2 |
19 km |
0 |
| Jan 17, 2016 |
EF2 |
83 km |
0 |
| Jan 9, 2016 |
EF2 |
8 km |
0 |
| Jun 21, 2006 |
EF2 |
38 km |
0 |
| Apr 4, 1993 |
EF2 |
37 km |
0 |
| Jul 23, 1989 |
EF2 |
23 km |
0 |
| Nov 4, 1988 |
EF2 |
23 km |
0 |
| Aug 9, 1986 |
EF2 |
11 km |
0 |
| Dec 12, 1983 |
EF2 |
68 km |
0 |
| Jun 17, 1982 |
EF2 |
58 km |
1 |
| Jun 18, 1972 |
EF2 |
23 km |
0 |
| Jun 18, 1972 |
EF2 |
10 km |
0 |
| Jun 18, 1972 |
EF2 |
44 km |
0 |
| Feb 1, 1972 |
EF2 |
88 km |
0 |
| Dec 3, 1971 |
EF2 |
44 km |
0 |
| Dec 3, 1971 |
EF2 |
67 km |
0 |
| Dec 3, 1971 |
EF2 |
62 km |
0 |
| Jun 18, 1971 |
EF2 |
95 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: 116TH AVE SE (11) (29,269 ac, 2018).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2018 |
116TH AVE SE (11) |
29,269 |
85 km |
| 2009 |
DEEP FIRE |
20,073 |
94 km |
| 2013 |
HUCKABEE |
19,723 |
97 km |
| 2007 |
BALSA |
16,278 |
75 km |
| 1986 |
UNNAMED |
16,145 |
42 km |
| 1989 |
WALK IN |
15,816 |
97 km |
| 1991 |
UNNAMED |
14,572 |
29 km |
| 2000 |
49DOF68TH |
14,362 |
80 km |
| 1999 |
UNNAMED |
12,935 |
35 km |
| 1999 |
UNNAMED |
12,527 |
29 km |
| 1988 |
UNNAMED |
11,531 |
98 km |
| 1989 |
UNNAMED |
10,302 |
84 km |
| 2004 |
UNNAMED |
9,397 |
29 km |
| 2006 |
UNNAMED |
9,045 |
32 km |
| 1999 |
UNNAMED |
8,800 |
36 km |
| 1989 |
UNNAMED |
8,636 |
90 km |
| 2004 |
UNNAMED |
8,516 |
38 km |
| 1993 |
UNNAMED |
8,494 |
35 km |
| 2008 |
UNNAMED |
8,268 |
46 km |
| 1989 |
UNNAMED |
7,601 |
84 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
65°F (18°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| February |
64°F (18°C) |
2.2 in |
Coldest |
| March |
69°F (20°C) |
2.9 in |
|
| April |
72°F (22°C) |
1.6 in |
Driest |
| May |
77°F (25°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| June |
81°F (27°C) |
8.5 in |
|
| July |
83°F (28°C) |
8.0 in |
Warmest |
| August |
83°F (28°C) |
8.9 in |
Wettest |
| September |
82°F (28°C) |
7.5 in |
|
| October |
77°F (25°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| November |
71°F (22°C) |
1.8 in |
|
| December |
66°F (19°C) |
1.6 in |
|
Matlacha has a seasonal temperature swing of 19°F / from 64°F in February to 83°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 51.4 inches, with August being the wettest month (8.9") and April the driest (1.6").
Average costs for common services in Matlacha. 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 | $862 |
| Toddler | $779 |
| Preschool | $745 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $996 |
| Toddler | $931 |
| Preschool | $823 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Matlacha
What is the population of Matlacha?
Matlacha has a population of 845 residents and is located in Florida. The population density is 4,225 people per square mile, spread across 0.7 square miles. The median age of residents is 65.2 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 57.5% female and 42.5% male.
Is Matlacha expensive to live in?
Matlacha has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 103.4 (baseline: 100). The median home value is $458,300 (63% above the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $1,217 per month.
Is Matlacha safe?
Matlacha is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 143 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,939 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Matlacha receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Matlacha?
Matlacha has a warm climate with an average annual temperature of 75°F (24°C). Winter temperatures average 65°F in January, while summers reach an average of 83°F in July. The area receives 330 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 57.4 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 41.
How is the job market in Matlacha?
The job market in Matlacha is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,040. There are 5,918 business establishments in the area, including 317 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 22 minutes, and 10.5% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Matlacha?
The median home value in Matlacha is $458,300. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $374,853. For renters, the median monthly rent is $1,217. Fair market rent is $1,296 for a 1-bedroom and $1,526 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 83.4%. The average annual property tax is $7,581.
How are the schools in Matlacha?
Schools in Matlacha score 5.8 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 22.8% of adults in Matlacha hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 100.0% have completed high school. 7.6% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Matlacha?
The obesity rate in Matlacha is 30.0% (below the national rate of 32.1%). 13.8% of adults are smokers. 21.8% are physically inactive. 20.9% of residents report depression. 11.2% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 83.4% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,610.
What is transportation like in Matlacha?
The average commute in Matlacha is 22 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 75.3% of workers drive alone to work, and 10.5% work from home.
What are the demographics of Matlacha?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Matlacha is 96.8% White, 0.7% Hispanic or Latino. 98.7% of residents speak only English at home. 9.7% of the population are military veterans. 27.6% of residents have a disability. 92.5% have health insurance coverage.