Clearwater, FL

Clearwater FL scores 66/100 on safety (about average). Crime is about 19% below the national average. Pick the neighborhood carefully. Some ZIPs are fine, others are not.

Detail: overall crime index 81 (100 = avg); violent crime index 77; property crime index 85. Indexes near 100 track a typical U.S. load. Higher means more crime pressure on that category.

School quality varies by neighborhood in Clearwater. Check GreatSchools.org or your local district for current ratings before you choose a ZIP.

Typical rent in Clearwater is about $1,658/month (on the high side). At $1,658/month for a typical unit, you need about $59,688+ in household income to rent comfortably without stretching (3× rent × 12). Typical home value: $361,300.

Median household income is $66,381, property taxes run about 1.45%, and homes typically sell in around 28 days. Local median income ($66,381) clears the $59,688 comfort line for that rent.

Walk Score 68 (Somewhat Walkable); transit score 42 (Some Transit).

Average temperature is about 79°F (highs near 83°F, lows near 74°F).

Most of the year is outdoor-friendly; peak summer still needs AC for comfort. Cooling costs matter more than heating for most of the year. If you visit, go in late summer so you feel the heat, not just a mild weekend.

Hazard indexes (100 ≈ typical U.S.): weather hazard index 180. Ask insurers for a quote on the ZIP you want. Deductibles can move your monthly cost as much as a $50–$100 rent difference.

Who tends to thrive in Clearwater: (1) Households earning $59,688+ who can clear the 3× rent rule at $1,658/month (2) Movers with a locked job offer in Clearwater who already priced rent and commute (3) Buyers comparing mid-size metros who will tour multiple ZIPs before signing (4) People who will visit on a weekday and a weekend before committing (not just a long weekend)

Who should look elsewhere: (1) People with young kids who want to let them roam freely (crime pressure is real here; safety 66/100) (2) Anyone stretching past 40% of take-home on housing at $1,658/month (3) Households expecting top marks on rent and safety at once (Clearwater does not clear every bar)

Income sniff test: clear about $59,688 household income for $1,658/month rent. Under that, pick a cheaper ZIP or a different city.

Clearwater holds up well on the core metrics we publish. Safety at 66/100 makes it a reasonable choice for households who can manage $1,658/month rent. Verify school ratings for your target ZIP separately.