Last Updated: October 9, 2025
Pinellas County sits on Florida's Gulf Coast and offers a rare blend of vibrant city life, laid‑back beach towns and suburban neighborhoods. If you're considering a move here, understanding the local geography, costs and lifestyle will help you make the right decision.
Key Takeaway: Pinellas County offers 361 days of sunshine annually, diverse job opportunities, and a median home price of $350,000 in St. Petersburg - making it an attractive destination for relocating families and professionals.
Here's what you need to know in 2025.
Geography and Population
Although Pinellas is Florida's second‑smallest county by land mass, it packs a lot of variety. The peninsula measures 38 miles long and 15 miles wide for a total of 280 square miles with 588 miles of coastline.
Major Cities:
- Clearwater - County seat with beautiful beaches
- St. Petersburg - Largest city (population 258,201 in 2021)
- 24 municipalities throughout the county
Population Statistics:
- Total residents: 959,107 (seventh most populous county in Florida)
- Median age: About 43
- Geographic diversity: Urban centers, beach communities, and suburban neighborhoods
Natural Assets:
- 20,000+ acres of parks and preserves
- 35 miles of beaches and nearly 588 miles of coastline
- 4,500 miles of paved roads and 400+ bridges
Cost of Living and Housing
Home Prices and Rents
Pinellas County remains more affordable than larger Florida metro areas:
Median Home Prices:
- St. Petersburg: Around $350,000
- Beach towns (Indian Rocks Beach): Average $600,000
- Overall county range: $300,000-800,000 depending on location
Rental Costs:
- Clearwater one‑bedroom: About $1,200
- Dunedin one‑bedroom: Around $1,000
- Overall rental range: $1,200 to $2,500 per month
Day‑to‑Day Expenses
Non‑mortgage housing costs add up quickly. A 2025 survey found that the typical American homeowner spends $24,529 per year on non‑mortgage expenses:
Annual Cost Breakdown:
- Utilities: $7,319 per year
- Maintenance and repairs: $6,087 per year
- Renovations: $5,762 per year
- Property taxes: $3,057 per year
- Homeowners insurance: $2,304 per year
Florida-Specific Considerations:
- Rising insurance premiums in coastal areas
- Flood‑mitigation fees can add $1,000–$2,000 per year
- Hurricane season preparation costs
Employment and Education
Economy and Jobs
Pinellas County's economy is diverse and robust:
Key Industries:
- Financial services
- Life sciences
- Tourism and hospitality
- Manufacturing
- Defense and aviation
- Information technology
Employment Statistics:
- 38,400+ businesses in the county
- 492,537+ employees
- Median household income: $56,737
Major Employers:
- BayCare Health System
- Tourism and hospitality businesses
- Technology firms
- Manufacturing companies
Entrepreneur Support:
- Coworking spaces available
- Business‑friendly services
- Startup incubators and accelerators
Schools and Education
Pinellas County School District:
- Serves 100,000+ students
- Public elementary, middle and high schools
- Charter and private school options
Higher Education:
- St. Petersburg College
- University of South Florida St. Petersburg campus
- Several technical schools and community colleges
Transportation and Commute
Road Infrastructure:
- 4,500 miles of paved roads
- 400+ bridges
- Major highways like Interstate 275
Key Bridges:
- Gandy and Sunshine Skyway bridges - Connect to Tampa and Manatee counties
- Howard Frankland Bridge - Main connection to Tampa
- Commute time: 30 minutes to an hour depending on traffic
Public Transportation:
- Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority (PSTA)
- 4,379 bus stops and 210 buses
- Buses and trolleys throughout the county
- Ride‑share services and bike‑sharing programs available
Climate and Lifestyle
Weather and Climate
Subtropical Climate:
- Summers: 90s with high humidity
- Winters: Mild 50°F to 70°F
- Sunshine: St. Petersburg boasts 361 days of sunshine per year
Hurricane Season:
- June through November
- Flood insurance and storm readiness essential
- Evacuation routes and emergency planning required
Recreation and Lifestyle
Outdoor Activities:
- 20 million annual visitors to county parks and preserves
- Boating and fishing opportunities
- Pinellas Trail for biking and walking
- Arts districts and cultural attractions
Award‑Winning Beaches:
- Clearwater Beach
- St. Pete Beach
- Fort De Soto Park
- Caladesi Island
Cultural Attractions:
- Museums and art galleries
- Performing arts venues
- Festivals and events year-round
- Historic districts and landmarks
Tips for New Residents
Essential Preparation
1. Work with a Local Realtor
- Navigate neighborhoods and zoning rules
- Understand property values and market trends
- Access to off-market properties
- Local expertise on schools and amenities
2. Budget for Higher Insurance Costs
- Florida homeowners pay $5,000–$7,000 per year in insurance premiums
- Special assessments for flood mitigation: $1,000–$2,000 per year
- Shop around for best rates
3. Check Property Lines
- Before buying or renovating, confirm boundaries
- Essential for any construction projects
- Avoid costly disputes with neighbors
4. Prepare for Storms
- Invest in hurricane shutters
- Keep emergency kit ready
- Review evacuation routes
- Some areas require additional flood insurance
5. Explore Neighborhoods
- From historic Kenwood to beach communities
- Each area has unique vibe and price point
- Consider renting for a few months to find the right fit
Moving Checklist
Before Moving:
- Research neighborhoods and schools
- Budget for higher insurance costs
- Plan for hurricane season
- Connect with local real estate professional
After Moving:
- Update driver's license and vehicle registration
- Register to vote
- Find local healthcare providers
- Join community groups and activities
Related Resources
Essential Guides:
- ADU Guide - If you plan to add a guest house, understand regulations
- Property Line Guide - Essential before any renovations or improvements
- Hidden Costs of Selling - If you're selling your current home
- Short-Term Rental Guide - Investment opportunities in the area
- Reasons Homeowners Are Selling - Understand local market trends
Ready to Make the Move?
Pinellas County offers sunny weather, diverse job opportunities and plenty of recreation. When you're ready to move, our experienced team can help you navigate the relocation process smoothly.
What We Provide:
- Neighborhood analysis - Find the perfect area for your lifestyle and budget
- Market insights - Understand current conditions and pricing trends
- Local expertise - Navigate regulations, schools, and amenities
- Relocation support - From initial search to closing and beyond
- Ongoing assistance - Help with property management and local connections
Make Your Move Stress-Free! 👉 Contact our team for a personalized relocation consultation and discover how we can help you find the perfect neighborhood, understand local regulations and make your transition to Pinellas County smooth and successful.
Our team has helped hundreds of families relocate to Pinellas County successfully. Let us help you make the most of your move to paradise.
Related Pinellas County Real Estate Resources
- Pinellas County Short-Term Rental Inspections: Complete 2025 Guide – Comprehensive inspection requirements and compliance guide
- Moving to Pinellas County: Complete 2025 Guide – Neighborhood overviews and relocation insights
- St. Petersburg ADU Guide – Boost property value with accessory dwelling units
- Short-Term Rental Specialist Realtor Services – Professional STR management and consulting
This guide is updated regularly to reflect current market conditions. For the most current information, contact Troy Nowak directly.