Living in Sanibel, Florida
Cost of living, income, home prices, rent and demographics of Sanibel · Census data 2020–2024
Sanibel has 6,418 residents with a median age of 67.3. The median household income is $108,644 (46% higher than the Florida median), the median home value is $957,300, the median rent is $811/month.
Sanibel at a glance
- Population
- 6,418
- Median age
- 67.3State: 42.6
- Median household income
- $108,644State: $74,568
- Median home value
- $957,300State: $359,000
- Median rent
- $811/moState: $1,669
- Homeowners
- 89.9%
- Bachelor's degree or higher
- 61%
- Average commute
- 21 min
Is Sanibel a good place to live?
Pros: Median household income 46% higher than the Florida median; an average commute of 21 minutes; a poverty rate of 11.6%.
Cons: Home values 167% higher than the state median; unemployment of 5.7%.
The weather is best in November to February.
Cost of living in Sanibel
Housing is the biggest part of the cost of living. In Sanibel the median home value is $957,300, 188% higher than the U.S. median. Renters pay a median of $811 per month, which is 22.8% of household income. Homeowners with a mortgage pay $4,001 a month in housing costs.
Sanibel median household income
The median household income in Sanibel is $108,644 and the income per person is $112,881. 11.6% of residents live below the poverty line (Florida: 12.6%).
Housing in Sanibel: homes for sale and rent
- Housing units
- 8,564
- Owner-occupied
- 89.9%
- Renter-occupied
- 10.1%
- Vacant
- 63%Includes seasonal homes
- Median year built
- 1983
- Average household size
- 2.02
63% of homes are vacant most of the year, a sign that Sanibel has many vacation and second homes.
Sanibel demographics
- Population
- 6,418
- Median age
- 67.3
- Under 18
- 5.3%
- 65 and older
- 54.9%
- Households
- 3,170
- Foreign-born
- 5.9%
- Veterans
- 6.1%Adults 18+
Hispanic or Latino can be of any race. Population history of Sanibel ›
Education in Sanibel
61% of adults 25 and older in Sanibel have a bachelor's degree or higher (Florida: 34.1%), and 28.7% have a graduate or professional degree.
Jobs and commute in Sanibel
- Unemployment rate
- 5.7%State: 4.8%
- Average commute
- 21 minState: 28 min
- Work from home
- 31.1%
- Drive alone
- 50.4%
- Public transit
- 0.3%
- Walk to work
- 7.4%
- Homes with broadband
- 93.2%
Sanibel vs nearby towns
| Town | Population | Median income | Home value | Rent |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sanibel | 6,418 | $108,644 | $957,300 | $811 |
| St. James City | 3,412 | $69,403 | $319,700 | $2,829 |
| Punta Rassa | 1,335 | $91,000 | $589,800 | $2,771 |
| Iona | 13,631 | $66,827 | $322,800 | $1,913 |
| Harlem Heights | 1,122 | $57,014 | $196,300 | $1,478 |
| Fort Myers Beach | 5,513 | $91,291 | $642,400 | $1,836 |
| Pine Island Center | 1,834 | $68,173 | $308,900 | $1,206 |
| Matlacha Isles-Matlacha Shores | 127 | $73,897 | $683,800 | — |
| Cypress Lake | 13,032 | $62,590 | $258,900 | $1,756 |
More for people moving to Sanibel
Sanibel ZIP code ›Weather and climate ›Living in Sanibel: FAQ
What is the median household income in Sanibel, FL?
The median household income in Sanibel is $108,644, 46% higher than the Florida median of $74,568 (U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-year estimates 2020–2024).
What is the average home price in Sanibel?
The median home value in Sanibel is $957,300, compared with $359,000 in Florida.
How much is rent in Sanibel?
The median gross rent in Sanibel is $811 per month, about 22.8% of household income.
Is Sanibel, FL a good place to live?
Pluses: median household income 46% higher than the Florida median; an average commute of 21 minutes; a poverty rate of 11.6%. Minuses: home values 167% higher than the state median; unemployment of 5.7%.
What is the median age in Sanibel?
The median age in Sanibel is 67.3 years (Florida: 42.6).
How long is the commute in Sanibel?
The average commute to work in Sanibel is 21 minutes; 31.1% of workers work from home.
What is the unemployment rate in Sanibel?
The unemployment rate in Sanibel is 5.7% (U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-year estimates 2020–2024).
How educated is Sanibel?
61% of adults in Sanibel have a bachelor's degree or higher.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-year estimates 2020–2024 (margins of error apply, especially in small towns). Figures are in 2024 dollars.
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