Updated November 3, 2026 · Local data: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 2020–2024 5-year estimates
Clearwater at a glance
Local notes: Clearwater
The county seat stretches from Clearwater Beach on its barrier island, through downtown, to the newer Countryside area in the north. Beach condos, 1970s–80s single-family subdivisions and 55+ communities all trade here.
Hurricane Helene's 2024 storm surge flooded many homes on Pinellas barrier islands. Under the National Flood Insurance Program's substantial-damage rule (the "50% rule"), a heavily damaged or heavily renovated older home may have to be elevated or brought up to current flood code. That affects price, insurability and renovation plans, so ask for permits, damage determinations and an elevation certificate.
Condos are a big part of the Clearwater market. Florida's post-Surfside condo safety laws require milestone structural inspections and fully funded structural reserves for many buildings. Review the association's reserve study, milestone reports and any special assessments before you buy or list.
Housing stock in Clearwater
Clearwater has about 61,123 housing units. 45% are single-family homes and 36% are in buildings with 10 or more units, and 5% are mobile or manufactured homes. 56% of homes were built before 1980 and 16% were built in 2000 or later. The median resident is 46.6 years old. About 10% of housing units are seasonal or occasional-use homes, so part-time residents are a meaningful slice of the market.
Real-world check: homeowners here who have a mortgage pay a median $1,908/month in total owner costs, including mortgage, property tax, insurance, utilities and any HOA or condo fees.
What a typical Clearwater home costs per month
| Down payment | Cash down | Loan | Principal + interest* |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5% down | $12,646 | $348,654 | $2,204 |
| 10% down | $36,130 | $325,170 | $2,055 |
| 20% down | $72,260 | $289,040 | $1,827 |
*Illustration only, at a 6.5% 30-year fixed example rate. Rates change daily and depend on your credit and loan type. Taxes, insurance, HOA and mortgage insurance are extra and often significant in Florida. This is not a loan offer.
Rent vs. buy in Clearwater
The median gross rent in Clearwater is $1,658/month. Principal and interest alone on a 10%-down median home is about $2,055. Once you add Florida property insurance and taxes, buying usually costs noticeably more per month here than renting, so buyers are betting on equity and stability. See our rent-vs-buy comparison across Pinellas.
Insurance check before you offer
The median Clearwater home was built in 1978, before Florida's 2002 building code. Get an insurance quote during your inspection period, because roof age and a 4-point inspection can decide whether a home is insurable at a sensible price. Compare insurance in Clearwater.
Clearwater vs. similar communities
| Community | Median value | Median rent |
|---|---|---|
| Clearwater | $361,300 | $1,658 |
| Gulfport | $366,200 | $1,555 |
| St. Petersburg | $371,100 | $1,663 |
| South Pasadena | $350,200 | $1,792 |
| Seminole | $348,500 | $1,708 |
| Oldsmar | $380,300 | $1,427 |
Getting matched in Clearwater
Fill in the short form. We pass your request to one buyer's agent covering Clearwater, not a shared list. Expect a call or text, usually within the business day. If the fit isn't right, ask us for someone else.
Frequently asked questions
How much do I need to buy a home in Clearwater?
On a $361,300 median home, 3.5% down is about $12,646 and 20% down is about $72,260, plus closing costs. Buyers pay Florida's mortgage doc stamps (about $1,138 on a 90% loan) and the intangible tax (about $650).
Does it cost me anything to use TheBayPros?
No. Matching is free for home buyers and sellers.
How does the 50% rule affect homes in Clearwater?
If a home's damage or planned improvements reach 50% of the structure's market value, NFIP rules generally require it to meet current flood elevation standards. That can mean elevating or rebuilding. Ask the local building department for any substantial-damage determination on the property.