Clearwater is a city located in Pinellas County, Florida. It is situated on the west coast of Florida, on the Gulf of Mexico. With a population of approximately 120,000 people, it is the county seat of Pinellas County and the 10th largest city in Florida.

Clearwater is known for its beautiful beaches, such as Clearwater Beach, which has been named one of the best beaches in the United States. It is a popular tourist destination, attracting millions of visitors each year who come to enjoy the warm weather, sandy beaches, and various outdoor activities such as boating, fishing, and water sports.

Apart from its beaches, Clearwater is also home to several attractions such as the Clearwater Marine Aquarium, which is famous for its resident dolphin, Winter, and the nearby Caladesi Island State Park, a popular spot for hiking, kayaking, and wildlife viewing.

Clearwater has a vibrant downtown area, with numerous shops, restaurants, and entertainment options. The city is also home to several museums and cultural attractions, such as the Dunedin Fine Art Center, the Ruth Eckerd Hall performing arts center, and the Scientology Information Center.

Overall, Clearwater is a beautiful and dynamic city with plenty to see and do, making it a popular destination for both tourists and residents alike.

Population:

• Population (2023): 122,246
• Median age (2022): 46
• Residents under 18 (2023): 18.8%
• Residents over 65 (2023): 21.7%
• Population by sex (2023): Female 50%, Male 50%
• Homeowners and renters (2022): Homeowners 58.8%, Renters 41.2%
• Married population (2023): 53%
• Population change (2010-2020): Appx. 5% Increase
• Poverty rate compared to the US national average (2022): 14% vs National average of 11.5%

Demographics (2022):

• White Non Hispanic – 65.6%
• Black Non Hispanic – 10.8%
• White Hispanic – 7%
• Multiracial Hispanic – 5%
• Other Hispanic – 3.8%
• Multiracial Non Hispanic – 3.26%
• Asian – 3.06%

*Prices shown are based only on activity for the dates specified

Income:

• Median household income (2022): $58,290
• Avg. per capita income (2022): $33,154

Tax:

• County property tax rate: 0.94% of a property’s assessed fair market value (2023)
• Combined state and county sales tax rate: 7.5% (2023)

Cost of Living:

• Average cost of living compared to the US national average (2023): Slightly Higher
• Cost of housing compared to the Florida average (2023): Slightly Higher
• Cost of food compared to the US national average (2023): Appx. same
• Cost of healthcare compared to the US national average (2023): 8% Lower
• Cost of utilities compared to the US national average (2023): Appx. same
• Cost of transportation compared to the US national average (2023): Appx. same

Political affiliation based on the 2024 election results (Pinellas County ): 

Republican – 51.89%

Democratic – 46.68%

Other – 1.43%

Largest 3 employers: Tech Data Corporation, Publix Super Markets, and BayCare Health System

School ratings: 6.7/10 (GreatSchools)

Coastal: Yes

Average low and high temperature: Low 20°C, High 27 °C

Fun facts: Clearwater is the spiritual headquarters of the Church of Scientology and hosts the annual Clearwater Jazz Festival.

Location and Amenities:

 

Highways:

• Clearwater is directly served by U.S. Route 19 (US 19), which runs through the city.
• Interstate 275 (I-275) is the closest interstate highway, located to the east of Clearwater.

International Airports:

• Tampa International Airport (TPA) is the closest international airport to Clearwater. It is approximately 20 miles east of Clearwater and can be reached in around 30-40 minutes by car, depending on traffic conditions.

Universities and Colleges:

• University of South Florida (USF) is about 21 miles east of Clearwater. The driving time from Clearwater to USF is typically around 30-40 minutes.
• St. Petersburg College, Clearwater Campus, is located within Clearwater itself.

Hospitals:

• Morton Plant Hospital is situated in Clearwater.
• Mease Countryside Hospital is also located in Clearwater.

Shopping Malls:

• Westfield Countryside Mall is a major shopping mall in Clearwater, providing a range of shopping and dining options.

Major Cities:

• Tampa is approximately 25 miles from Clearwater
• St. Petersburg is approximately 20 miles away

Amenities/attractions:

• Clearwater Beach, Clearwater Marine Aquarium, Pier 60, Spectrum Field, Ruth Eckerd Hall, Capitol Theatre, Downtown Clearwater, and the Countryside Mall.

Short Term Rental Regulations:

** All short term rental operations in Florida must obtain a business license from the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation ( DBPR ) and a Florida Department of Revenue Certificate of Sales and Use. ** Short term rental regulations can be subject to change and should always be confirmed with city / towns or county departments.

Restrictions: 

• Zoning restrictions may apply
• Much of Clearwater does not allow short term rentals unless the property is in an unincorporated area or is in a condo/hotel that permits the use.

For further details contact – myclearwater.com or pinellas.gov