Is Fort Myers Safe, Pros and cons of living in Fort Myers

Fort Myers, Florida, offers a blend of coastal living and urban amenities, attracting a diverse population to its sunny shores. This vibrant city on the Caloosahatchee River is known for its beautiful beaches, thriving arts scene, and a welcoming atmosphere for both families and retirees. As you consider a move to this popular Southwest Florida destination, understanding the local landscape—from safety and cost of living to job opportunities and climate—is essential for making an informed decision.

This guide delves into the multifaceted aspects of life in Fort Myers, providing current data and insights to paint a comprehensive picture. We will explore the city’s safety, economic conditions, housing market, educational institutions, and climate, offering a detailed overview for anyone contemplating a future in this dynamic region.

Is it Safe to Live in Fort Myers?

Fort Myers experiences a crime rate that is higher than the national average, with a total crime rate of 2,396.5 per 100,000 people (according to the FBI). This places the city’s overall crime rate slightly above the national rate of 2,324.2 per 100,000 people. When compared to other cities in Florida, Fort Myers ranks #169 out of 292 in terms of safety (according to the FBI).

Violent crime rates in Fort Myers are also above the national average. The violent crime rate stands at 516.7 per 100,000 people, which is a notable increase compared to the national rate of 369.8 per 100,000 people (according to the FBI). This means residents have a higher chance of being a victim of violent crime in Fort Myers than in many other parts of the country.

However, NeighborhoodScout’s analysis of FBI crime data suggests that while Fort Myers has a crime rate higher than many communities nationwide, it is lower than the average for comparably sized cities across America. Property crime rates in Fort Myers are 1,879.8 per 100,000 people, which is slightly lower than the national property crime rate of 1,954.4 per 100,000 people (according to the FBI).

What is the Cost of Living in Fort Myers?

The overall cost of living in Fort Myers is approximately 1% lower than the national average (according to Payscale). This affordability is partly due to housing expenses, which are about 12% lower than the national average (according to Payscale). The median home price in Fort Myers was $362,000 as of March 2026 (according to Redfin).

Rental costs in Fort Myers are also generally lower than the national average. The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment is around $1,531 per month, and for a two-bedroom apartment, it is approximately $1,782 per month (according to Apartments.com). This makes Fort Myers a more accessible option for renters compared to many other cities in the U.S.

While housing is more affordable, other expenses are slightly higher. Utility prices are about 1% higher than the national average, and transportation costs, including gas prices and bus fares, are about 3% higher (according to Payscale). Grocery prices in Fort Myers are also approximately 4% higher than the national average (according to Payscale).

What is the Job Market Like in Fort Myers?

The unemployment rate in Fort Myers was 5.70% as of the most recent data, which is higher than the previous month’s rate of 5.00% but lower than the long-term average of 6.22% (according to YCharts). The Cape Coral-Fort Myers metropolitan area’s unemployment rate was reported at 5.4% in February 2026 (according to FRED).

The average annual salary in Fort Myers is approximately $49,294, which equates to about $23.70 per hour (according to ZipRecruiter). Salaries can vary significantly by occupation and experience, with top-paying jobs including Anesthesiologist, Gastroenterologist, and Veterinary Dermatologist (according to ZipRecruiter). For city employees, the average hourly wage is around $34, translating to an annual salary of approximately $69,929 (according to Salary.com).

Major employers in the Fort Myers area include Lee Health, Lee County School District, and Lee County Local Government (according to Southwest Florida Relocation Guide). Other significant employers contributing to the local economy are Arthrex, a global medical device company, and Chico’s FAS, a retail company (according to Southwest Florida Relocation Guide). NeoGenomics Laboratories and Millennium Physician Group are also key players in the region’s employment landscape (according to Lensa).

What is the Climate in Fort Myers?

Fort Myers experiences a tropical savanna climate, characterized by long, hot, and humid summers, and short, mild winters. The temperature typically ranges between 55°F and 91°F throughout the year, rarely dropping below 42°F or exceeding 94°F (according to World Weather Online).

The hot season lasts from May to October, with average daily high temperatures exceeding 87°F. August is the hottest month, with average highs of 91°F and lows of 75°F. The cooler season spans from December to February, with average daily high temperatures below 77°F. January is typically the coldest month, with average lows of 55°F and highs of 74°F.

Rainfall is most common during the summer months, contributing to the humid conditions. The average high temperature in Fort Myers is 80.9°F, with an average maximum temperature of 82.6°F (according to NOAA). The area experiences significant rainfall, particularly during the summer wet season.

What are the Demographics of Fort Myers?

Fort Myers has a projected population of 102,245 for 2026, reflecting a growth rate of 3.8% annually (according to US Census Bureau data). The city is the 32nd most populated city in Florida, with a current population of 95,051 (according to the US Census Bureau). The median age of residents is 41.3 years (according to the US Census Bureau).

The racial and ethnic composition of Fort Myers is diverse. The largest demographic groups are White (45.2%), followed by Hispanic (24.8%), and Black (21.9%) (according to the US Census Bureau). This diversity contributes to the city’s vibrant cultural fabric.

The median household income in Fort Myers was $63,732 in 2024 (according to the US Census Bureau). However, 11.7% of families in Fort Myers live below the poverty line (according to the US Census Bureau).

What are the Schools Like in Fort Myers?

Fort Myers is served by the Lee County Public School District, which has an overall Niche grade of B (according to Niche). This district serves over 100,000 students across various grade levels with a student-teacher ratio of 27 to 1. State test scores indicate that 49% of students are proficient in math and 47% are proficient in reading.

Fort Myers High School is a highly-rated public school within the district, earning an overall Niche grade of A. It is recognized for its diversity and college preparatory programs, ranking among the best in Florida for these categories (according to Niche). The student-teacher ratio at Fort Myers High School is 25 to 1, and 40% of its students are proficient in math, while 60% are proficient in reading (according to Niche).

Other notable schools in the area include North Fort Myers High School and Cypress Lake High School, both of which are also part of the Lee County Public School District and receive positive ratings (according to Niche). The district as a whole is ranked #34 for best school districts in Florida (according to Niche).

Pros and Cons of Living in Fort Myers

Fort Myers offers a desirable lifestyle with its warm climate and proximity to beaches, making it an attractive place to live. The cost of living, particularly housing, is more affordable than the national average, which is a significant draw for many individuals and families (according to Payscale). The city also boasts a diverse population and a growing job market, with major employers in healthcare and retail sectors.

However, potential residents should be aware of the higher-than-average crime rates in Fort Myers compared to national figures (according to the FBI). While property crime rates are slightly lower than the national average, violent crime rates are notably higher. Additionally, while overall cost of living is favorable, certain expenses like utilities and transportation are slightly above the national average (according to Payscale).

The city’s climate, while appealing for its warmth, includes hot and humid summers that may not suit everyone’s preferences. The job market, while growing, still presents an unemployment rate that is higher than the long-term average for the region (according to YCharts). Careful consideration of these factors will help in determining if Fort Myers aligns with your personal priorities and lifestyle expectations.