RANK #989 / 996 · POP 189,900 · FL
PROJECTED GROWTH: -5.2%
Punta Gorda, the county seat, stands out as a historic town overlooking Charlotte Harbor, featuring brick streets and restored late 19th and early 20th-century buildings. Charlotte County, located on Florida's southwestern coast, is approximately 100 miles south of Tampa and 30 miles north of Fort Myers. The community offers a relaxed, coastal atmosphere with extensive natural amenities, including 219 miles of shoreline, over 70 parks, and numerous waterways. Residents and visitors can enjoy kayaking in Charlotte Harbor, cycling on trails like the Cape Haze Pioneer Trail, or exploring environmental parks such as Cedar Point Environmental Park, which features mangrove forests and salt marshes.
Life in Charlotte County is characterized by its outdoor focus and a blend of demographics, including retirees and families. The public school system, Charlotte County Public Schools, serves areas like Port Charlotte, Punta Gorda, and Englewood, with top-ranked schools including Florida Southwestern Collegiate High School. While public transportation is available as a shared-ride, curb-to-curb service, many residents rely on personal vehicles for commuting. The local economy is experiencing growth, with recent developments in industrial and logistics sectors, particularly around the Punta Gorda Airport. Healthcare, retail, construction, and hospitality also contribute to the economic landscape.
Above national median (4.7x)
Prices declining
Housing is fairly valued at 6.7x relative to local economic output. Climate and geography support a structural premium. The typical U.S. county is 4–6x.
Source: Redfin · Census BPS — Browse sales on Redfin →
| PROJECT | AMOUNT | STATUS |
|---|---|---|
|
Amazon Logistics/Distribution Center
Amazon
|
$100M | Under Construction |
|
Green Pasture Solar Farm
Florida Power & Light Co.
|
$74M | Operating |
|
FPL Babcock Ranch Solar Energy Center
Florida Power & Light Co.
|
$74M | Operating |
|
Boca Grande Peninsula Resort & Marina
Unknown
|
$50M | Under Construction |
|
Livano Charlotte Harbor (Apartment Complex)
Unknown
|
$50M | Under Construction |
Source: public records, news, corporate announcements. Amounts are estimates where noted.
Bars show percentile rank among all 996 counties.
Charlotte County has a Boom Town Index score of 1/100, ranking #989 among 996 U.S. counties. With job growth at +4.4% and a median household income of $62,164, it faces some economic headwinds compared to faster-growing counties.
The median home value in Charlotte County is $265,800 with median rent at $1,206/month. The income-to-home-value ratio is 0.2339, which is less affordable than the national average.
Population growth: +2.7% year-over-year. Job growth: +4.4%. Home values changed -12.1% in the past 12 months.
Yes — 3.58% of Charlotte County's population moved from another state, which is above the national average and indicates strong in-migration.