Median Income
$60,347
20% lower than US avg
Home Value
$280,600
0% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
196/100K
49% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
33.0%
2% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$1,342
15% higher than US avg
Obesity Rate
34.3%
7% higher than US avg
Unemployment
3.0%
17% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
7.5%
40% lower than US avg
How Port St. Joe Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population3,499
Median Age52.9 yrs
Density373/mi²
Male / Female49% / 51%
Largest GroupWhite 84%
Veterans9.1%
Economy
B+
Median Income$60,347
Per Capita$35,865
Unemployment3.0%
Poverty7.5%
County GDP$652M
Commute18 min
Housing
A
Home Value$280,600
Rent$1,342
Ownership79.7%
Zillow$498,144
Housing Units1,939
Rent Burden47.4%
Crime
F
Violent196/100K
Property1,118/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault168/100K
Burglary307/100K
Health
Obesity34.3%
Uninsured11.0%
Smoking12.9%
Depression20.1%
Heart Disease5.3%
Climate
Avg Temp69°F (21°C)
AQI41 (Good)
Rain53.1 in/yr
Sunny Days314/yr
Elevation8 ft (2 m)
Education
B+
Bachelor's+33.0%
High School+92.5%
Graduate+12.4%
School Score5.67
Community
2024 VoteR 77% / D 23%
Commute18 min
Broadband88.8%
EV Stations1
Libraries2
Is Port St. Joe a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Port St. Joe receives an overall livability score of 3.1 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, abundant sunshine, a low poverty rate. Port St. Joe offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Port St. Joe is $60,347, 20% below the national average of $75,149. Unemployment stands at 3.0%, indicating a healthy job market. Only 7.5% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 18 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Port St. Joe is $280,600, roughly aligned with the national median of $281,900. Renters pay a median of $1,342 per month. A price-to-income ratio of 4.6x indicates a reasonably affordable housing market.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Port St. Joe is below the national average at 196 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,118 per 100,000, 43% below the national average.
Education
33.0% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 92.5% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.7/10.
Climate & Weather
Port St. Joe enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 69°F. Winters average 54°F in January while summers reach 82°F in July. With 314 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 53.1 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41.
Port St. Joe has a population of 3,499 with a density of 373 people per square mile, spread across 12.1 square miles. The median age is 52.9 years, 36% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 50.6% female and 49.4% male. The city is predominantly White (83.5%), with 10.8% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 97% of residents. 9.1% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 15.7% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 91.7% have health insurance coverage.
Population
52.9yrs
Median Age
36% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Port St. Joe vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
97.0%
24% above US avg
Spanish
3.0%
78% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Port St. Joe vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Port St. Joe is $60,347, which is 20% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $35,865. The average weekly wage is $983, 31% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 3.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 7.5% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 536 business establishments, including 50 restaurants. The cost of living index is 103.4, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 18 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 10.4% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Port St. Joe vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $60,347 |
| 20% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $35,865 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $983 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $84,605 |
| Gini Index | 0.452 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 3.0% |
| 17% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 7.5% |
| 40% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 536 |
| County GDP | $652M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 50 |
| Healthcare | 30 |
| Retail | 60 |
| Manufacturing | 5 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $6,821 |
| 95% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 103.40 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.43% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 18.4 min |
| Drive Alone | 68.5% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 10.4% |
The median home value in Port St. Joe is $280,600, 0% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $498,144, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $1,342 (15% 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. 79.7% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 1,939 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1981. The average annual property tax is $6,821 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 47.4% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing, indicating a significant affordability challenge for renters. The home price-to-income ratio is 4.6x.
Home Values
| Census Median | $280,600 |
| 0% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $498,144 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $1,342 |
| 15% above US avg |
| Rent Burden | 47.4% |
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 | 79.7% |
| Owner-Occupied | 79.7% |
| Renter-Occupied | 20.3% |
| Housing Units | 1,939 |
| Median Year Built | 1981 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $6,821 |
| 95% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.43% |
In Port St. Joe, 34.3% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 10.2% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.3% of residents. 32.9% have high blood pressure. 12.9% are current smokers. 18.3% report binge drinking. 22.6% are physically inactive. 20.1% report depression. 17.7% experience frequent mental distress. 11.0% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,052. The dentist ratio is 1:2,552. 59.7% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.3 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Port St. Joe vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 34.3% |
| 7% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 10.2% |
| Heart Disease | 5.3% |
| High Blood Pressure | 32.9% |
| Asthma | 10.1% |
| COPD | 5.9% |
| Cancer | 7.5% |
| Stroke | 2.9% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 12.9% |
| 8% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 18.3% |
| Physical Inactivity | 22.6% |
| Depression | 20.1% |
| Mental Distress | 17.7% |
| Physical Distress | 12.5% |
| Short Sleep | 37.6% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 91.7% |
| Uninsured | 11.0% |
| 28% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,052 |
| Dentists | 1:2,552 |
| Mental Health | 1:713 |
| Checkup Rate | 75.8% |
| Dental Visits | 58.1% |
| Premature Death | 10,296/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.3/10 |
| Exercise Access | 59.7% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 30 |
Port St. Joe has a violent crime rate of 196 per 100,000 residents, 49% below the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 167.6 per 100,000, robbery at 27.9, rape at 0.0. The murder rate is 0.0 per 100,000 (below the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 1,118 per 100,000, 43% below the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 782, burglary at 307, vehicle theft at 28 per 100,000 residents. The county recorded 3 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Port St. Joe receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Port St. Joe vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 195.6/100K |
| 49% below US avg |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Rape | 0.0/100K |
| Robbery | 27.9/100K |
| Assault | 167.6/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,117.6/100K |
| 43% below US avg |
| Burglary | 307.4/100K |
| Theft | 782.3/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 27.9/100K |
| Arson | 0.0/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 3 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Port St. Joe enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 69°F (21°C). Winters average 54°F in January while summers reach 82°F in July. The area gets 314 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 53.1 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 8 feet, near sea level.
Temperature
54°F Jan (12°C)
82°F Jul (28°C)
| Annual Average | 69.1°F |
| 28% above US avg |
| January Average | 54°F (12°C) |
| July Average | 82°F (28°C) |
| Sunny Days | 314 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 8 ft (2 m) |
| Area | 12.1 sq mi (31.3 km²) |
| Population Density | 373/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 29.8176°N, 85.3091°W |
| Timezone | America/New_York |
| County | Gulf County County |
| Nearest Airport | Apalachicola Regional-Cleve Randolph Field (AAF)
18 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
53.1"
40% above US avg
Wettest Month (Aug)
8.46"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 41.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 59.5 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 65.7 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 58.5 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Relatively High |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Very Low |
| Strong Wind |
Very Low |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Very Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Moderate |
| Drought |
Very Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
| Coastal Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Hurricane History
16 hurricanes (Cat 1+) within 500 km since 1980.
Strongest: Category 5. Most recent: Helene (2024, Cat 4).
| Year |
Name |
Category |
Closest |
| 2024 |
Helene |
Category 4 |
155 km |
| 2024 |
Debby |
Category 1 |
158 km |
| 2023 |
Idalia |
Category 4 |
142 km |
| 2020 |
Sally |
Category 2 |
221 km |
| 2018 |
Michael |
Category 5 |
27 km |
| 2016 |
Hermine |
Category 1 |
91 km |
| 2005 |
Dennis |
Category 4 |
148 km |
| 2004 |
Ivan |
Category 4 |
251 km |
| 2000 |
Gordon |
Category 1 |
250 km |
| 1998 |
Earl |
Category 2 |
49 km |
| 1997 |
Danny |
Category 1 |
258 km |
| 1995 |
Opal |
Category 4 |
181 km |
| 1995 |
Erin |
Category 2 |
69 km |
| 1995 |
Allison |
Category 1 |
258 km |
| 1985 |
Elena |
Category 3 |
74 km |
| 1985 |
Kate |
Category 3 |
22 km |
Source: NOAA IBTrACS (Cat 1+, 1980–2026)
Tornado History
265 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF3. Total: 17 fatalities, 229 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jan 9, 2024 |
EF3 |
56 km |
0 |
| Mar 31, 2022 |
EF3 |
93 km |
2 |
| Dec 10, 1967 |
EF3 |
38 km |
1 |
| Jan 9, 2024 |
EF2 |
57 km |
0 |
| Jan 9, 2024 |
EF2 |
45 km |
0 |
| Jan 9, 2024 |
EF2 |
100 km |
0 |
| Apr 27, 2023 |
EF2 |
79 km |
0 |
| Mar 18, 2022 |
EF2 |
55 km |
0 |
| Apr 10, 2021 |
EF2 |
75 km |
0 |
| Nov 17, 2014 |
EF2 |
69 km |
0 |
| Sep 15, 2004 |
EF2 |
80 km |
4 |
| Mar 15, 2001 |
EF2 |
91 km |
0 |
| Mar 15, 2001 |
EF2 |
51 km |
0 |
| Mar 15, 2001 |
EF2 |
90 km |
1 |
| Jan 2, 1999 |
EF2 |
62 km |
0 |
| Jan 15, 1997 |
EF2 |
82 km |
0 |
| Jun 8, 1989 |
EF2 |
39 km |
3 |
| Oct 25, 1981 |
EF2 |
75 km |
0 |
| Jan 12, 1975 |
EF2 |
54 km |
1 |
| Oct 27, 1972 |
EF2 |
27 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: EAST FORK (26,251 ac, 2004).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2004 |
EAST FORK |
26,251 |
82 km |
| 2021 |
BU 360 361 362 363 |
24,747 |
82 km |
| 1998 |
HOLIDAY |
24,666 |
82 km |
| 2013 |
UNNAMED |
24,574 |
82 km |
| 2022 |
BERTHA SWAMP RD |
23,036 |
47 km |
| 2008 |
UNNAMED |
18,704 |
79 km |
| 2006 |
UNNAMED |
11,747 |
97 km |
| 2005 |
UNNAMED |
11,539 |
58 km |
| 2009 |
UNNAMED |
11,445 |
57 km |
| 2021 |
BU 83/84/85 |
10,582 |
55 km |
| 2010 |
UNNAMED |
10,261 |
90 km |
| 2009 |
UNNAMED |
10,132 |
57 km |
| 2008 |
GUM BAY |
9,965 |
65 km |
| 2006 |
UNNAMED |
9,352 |
89 km |
| 2007 |
UNNAMED |
9,252 |
90 km |
| 2018 |
UNNAMED |
8,688 |
55 km |
| 2011 |
UNNAMED |
8,424 |
60 km |
| 2014 |
BURN UNIT 057 |
8,381 |
59 km |
| 1999 |
COW HOUSE |
8,301 |
96 km |
| 2018 |
UNNAMED |
8,237 |
59 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
54°F (12°C) |
4.8 in |
Coldest |
| February |
55°F (13°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| March |
61°F (16°C) |
5.2 in |
|
| April |
67°F (19°C) |
3.2 in |
Driest |
| May |
74°F (23°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| June |
80°F (26°C) |
5.4 in |
|
| July |
82°F (28°C) |
8.1 in |
Warmest |
| August |
81°F (27°C) |
8.5 in |
Wettest |
| September |
79°F (26°C) |
6.9 in |
|
| October |
71°F (21°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| November |
62°F (17°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| December |
56°F (13°C) |
4.0 in |
|
Port St. Joe has a seasonal temperature swing of 28°F / from 54°F in January to 82°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 61.1 inches, with August being the wettest month (8.5") and April the driest (3.2").
Average costs for common services in Port St. Joe. 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
Frequently Asked Questions About Port St. Joe
What is the population of Port St. Joe?
Port St. Joe has a population of 3,499 residents and is located in Florida. The population density is 373 people per square mile, spread across 12.1 square miles. The median age of residents is 52.9 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 50.6% female and 49.4% male.
Is Port St. Joe expensive to live in?
Port St. Joe 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 $60,347, 20% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $280,600 (0% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $1,342 per month, above the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 4.6x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Port St. Joe safe?
Port St. Joe is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 196 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,118 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Port St. Joe receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Port St. Joe?
Port St. Joe enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 69°F (21°C). Winter temperatures average 54°F in January, while summers reach an average of 82°F in July. The area receives 314 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 53.1 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 41.
How is the job market in Port St. Joe?
Port St. Joe has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 3.0%, near the national average of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $983. There are 536 business establishments in the area, including 50 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 18 minutes, and 10.4% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Port St. Joe?
The median home value in Port St. Joe is $280,600. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $498,144. For renters, the median monthly rent is $1,342. Fair market rent is $1,296 for a 1-bedroom and $1,526 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 79.7%. The average annual property tax is $6,821.
How are the schools in Port St. Joe?
Schools in Port St. Joe score 5.7 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 33.0% of adults in Port St. Joe hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 92.5% have completed high school. 12.4% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Port St. Joe?
The obesity rate in Port St. Joe is 34.3% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 12.9% of adults are smokers. 22.6% are physically inactive. 20.1% of residents report depression. 11.0% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 59.7% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,052.
What is transportation like in Port St. Joe?
The average commute in Port St. Joe is 18 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 68.5% of workers drive alone to work, and 10.4% work from home.
What are the demographics of Port St. Joe?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Port St. Joe is 83.5% White, 10.8% Black or African American, 0.9% Hispanic or Latino. 97% of residents speak only English at home. 9.1% of the population are military veterans. 15.7% of residents have a disability. 91.7% have health insurance coverage.
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