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.
Florida-specific loan costs on a $361,300 purchase
| Item | Rule | On a $325,170 loan |
|---|---|---|
| Mortgage doc stamps | $0.35 per $100 of the note | $1,138 |
| Intangible tax | 0.2% of the loan | $650 |
| Lender's title policy | Promulgated rate (simultaneous issue lowers it) | Ask your title agent |
Income check: the median Clearwater household earns $66,381. A $2,055 principal-and-interest payment (example 6.5% rate) is about 37% of that income before taxes and insurance.
Clearwater vs. similar communities
| Community | Median value | Median household income |
|---|---|---|
| Clearwater | $361,300 | $66,381 |
| Gulfport | $366,200 | $71,203 |
| St. Petersburg | $371,100 | $75,192 |
| South Pasadena | $350,200 | $53,075 |
| Seminole | $348,500 | $75,774 |
| Oldsmar | $380,300 | $88,333 |
Getting matched in Clearwater
Fill in the short form. We pass your request to one licensed loan officer 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
What closing taxes are unique to Florida mortgages?
Florida charges documentary stamp tax on the note ($0.35 per $100) and a nonrecurring intangible tax of 0.2% of the loan amount.
Do you choose my lender for me?
No. We introduce you to a licensed loan officer, and you're free to shop and compare any lender.