Stuart
RANK #532 / 996 NAT · #3 / 41 FL · POP 159,399
1YR FORECAST: -1.5%
5YR OUTLOOK: +23%
Stuart, Florida, often called the "Sailfish Capital of the World," anchors Martin County, a region known for its commitment to preserving an "Old Florida" feel. The county, situated on Florida's Treasure Coast, maintains a four-story height restriction on buildings, contributing to its uncrowded beaches and open spaces. It lies north of Palm Beach County, offering a quieter alternative to more densely developed areas. Outdoor recreation is a major draw, with over 100,000 acres of parks and conservation land, including Jonathan Dickinson State Park, the largest in Southeast Florida. Residents and visitors can enjoy 22 miles of beaches, kayaking on the Loxahatchee River, and exploring the biodiverse Indian River Lagoon. Commuting within the county is facilitated by the MARTY bus system, with connections to neighboring counties.
Life in Martin County often revolves around its natural surroundings and a relaxed pace. Many residents own their homes, and the community is considered family-friendly with highly-rated public schools. The economy is driven by industries such as healthcare, retail trade, and construction. Martin County is also developing as an industrial hub on the Treasure Coast, with growth in aerospace, marine, and advanced manufacturing sectors. Efforts are underway to build a skilled workforce for these emerging industries through initiatives like the REACH Center at Witham Field and expanded technical programs at Indian River State College and the Martin County School District.
Above national median (4.7x)
Well below national median
Prices declining
Below national median (13x)
Housing is fairly valued at 6.0x relative to local economic output. Climate and geography support a structural premium. The typical U.S. county is 4–6x.
Estimated local headcount ranges. Larger employers shown as floor + "+"; smaller employers show exact counts where reported.
Source: Redfin · Census BPS — Browse sales on Redfin →
Source: CDC/NCHS vital statistics via County Health Rankings (2020–2022 avg). Rates per 100,000 population. Grade based on homicide rate relative to national average (~6.3). Learn more →
Source: EPA Air Quality System (2021–2023). Grade based on 3-year average median AQI. Learn about AQI →
Bars show percentile rank among all 996 counties.
Martin County scores 46/100 on the Boom Town Index, landing in the middle of the pack among 996 U.S. counties (#532). Median household income is $77,894 and job growth is running at +1.1%. The data points to a county with mixed signals — some positive indicators alongside areas that lag faster-growing peers.
Martin County leans toward the expensive side. A median home value of $359,200 against an income-to-home-value ratio of 0.22 means housing eats a bigger share of local earnings than the national norm. Renters face $1,374/month on average.
Martin County is growing on multiple fronts. Population is up +0.7% year-over-year while employers added jobs at a +1.1% clip. Home values shifted -5.0% in the past year.
There's a moderate stream of newcomers. About 3.58% of residents moved from another state, which is above average and suggests Martin County has appeal as a relocation destination — though it's not among the highest-inflow counties nationally.