Is St. Augustine Shores Safe, Pros and cons of living in St. Augustine Shores

St. Augustine Shores, Florida, offers a unique blend of coastal charm and suburban convenience, making it an appealing location for a variety of residents. This community, situated in St. Johns County, provides a tranquil environment while remaining accessible to the amenities and attractions of the historic city of St. Augustine. Its proximity to the Atlantic coast and numerous waterways enhances its desirability for those who appreciate outdoor activities and a relaxed pace of life.

The area boasts a strong sense of community and a picturesque setting, characterized by well-maintained neighborhoods and lush landscapes. As with any significant relocation decision, understanding the multifaceted aspects of living in St. Augustine Shores is crucial. This includes insights into safety, the cost of living, the job market, climate, education, and the overall demographic makeup of the area.

Is it Safe to Live in St. Augustine Shores?

St. Augustine Shores is considered a very safe place to live, with crime rates significantly below national averages. The overall crime rate is approximately 8.496 per 1,000 residents in a typical year (according to CrimeGrade.org). This places the community in the 98th percentile for safety, meaning it is safer than 98% of cities in the United States.

Violent crime is particularly low, with a rate of 1.236 per 1,000 residents. Residents generally perceive the eastern parts of the city as the safest. The chance of being a victim of crime varies by neighborhood, with the east offering the lowest risk, while the northwest neighborhoods present a slightly higher, though still very low, chance of victimization.

Housing Market and Cost of Living

Housing Costs

The housing market in St. Augustine Shores presents a balanced scenario, with a median listing price of $335,000 (according to Realtor.com®). However, recent data from Redfin indicates that the median sale price of a home was $275,000 as of March 2026, reflecting an 8.3% decrease year-over-year. This suggests a potentially favorable market for buyers looking to negotiate.

For renters, the median rent is approximately $2,000 per month, with some sources indicating an average rent price of $1,995 last month (according to Redfin and Point2Homes). Rental prices can vary, with two-bedroom homes typically renting in the $1,900s and three-bedroom properties around the $2,200 range (as reported by Rentometer). The rent-to-income ratio for renters is around 47.8%, indicating a significant portion of earnings going towards housing expenses.

Cost of Living

The overall cost of living in St. Augustine Shores is 13% higher than the national average (as per AreaVibes). Housing expenses are a significant contributor, being 34.5% higher than the national norm. This includes both homeownership and rental costs, as well as associated rates and insurance.

Utilities in St. Augustine Shores are also slightly higher, with a utilities index 10% above the national average. While Florida has no state income tax, higher property taxes and insurance costs, particularly for homeowners near the coast, can impact the overall affordability. The median household income in St. Augustine Shores was $73,688 in 2024 (U.S. Census Bureau), which is higher than the national median, helping to offset some of the increased living expenses.

Job Market and Economy

Major Employers and Employment Sectors

The job market in St. Augustine Shores is supported by a workforce of approximately 4,205 residents. The primary employment sectors for residents include Retail Trade (755 people), Administrative & Support & Waste Management Services (503 people), and Accommodation & Food Services (435 people) (as detailed by Data USA). A significant portion of the working population, 76.9%, is employed in professional or administrative positions.

While specific major employers within St. Augustine Shores are not explicitly detailed in the provided data, the broader St. Augustine area benefits from sectors such as tourism, healthcare, government, and education. The historic nature of St. Augustine also drives a significant portion of its economy through tourism and related hospitality services.

Unemployment and Salaries

The unemployment rate in St. Augustine Shores stands at 3.6% (according to Point2Homes), which is considered a healthy rate and suggests strong job prospects. The median household income in 2024 was $73,688 (U.S. Census Bureau), with a median individual income also reported. Households led by residents aged 45 to 64 report the highest median income at $82,946, while those led by individuals over 65, often retired, have a median income of $56,644.

The average per capita income in St. Augustine Shores is $50,450 (as per World Population Review). The majority of residents, 95%, live above the poverty line, indicating a generally stable economic environment for the community.

Climate and Environment

Temperatures and Weather Patterns

St. Augustine Shores experiences a humid subtropical climate, characterized by hot, oppressive summers and short, cool winters. Temperatures typically range from 48°F to 90°F throughout the year, rarely dropping below 35°F or exceeding 95°F (according to Weather Spark). The hot season lasts from late May to late September, with August being the hottest month, averaging a high of 89°F and a low of 75°F.

The cooler season spans from early December to early March, with January being the coldest month, featuring average lows of 48°F and highs of 66°F. The area experiences significant rainfall year-round, with August being the wettest month, averaging about 185 mm of precipitation.

Rainfall and Seasonal Conditions

The annual precipitation in St. Augustine Shores averages around 1218 mm (48 inches) (as reported by Saint Augustine Beach climate data, which is geographically proximate). The rainy season typically runs from May to October, with heavy downpours that are often short-lived, typically lasting from 20 minutes to a few hours, often followed by sunshine. The dry season occurs from November to April.

The coastal location provides a pleasant sea breeze throughout the year. The water temperature is warm from June to October, averaging above 79°F, with August having the warmest water at approximately 82°F. Cooler water temperatures are present from December to April, with February averaging around 66°F.

Education and Demographics

School Ratings and Educational Opportunities

Information regarding specific school ratings within St. Augustine Shores is not directly available in the provided search results. However, St. Johns County, where St. Augustine Shores is located, is known for its highly-rated school district. Many residents rely on the broader St. Johns County School District, which consistently ranks among the top in Florida. About 27.1% of the population in St. Augustine Shores has pursued college studies (Point2Homes), indicating a community that values education.

The area’s educational landscape likely benefits from the overall strong performance of schools within St. Johns County, which often includes a mix of public and private institutions serving the community. Further research into specific school district data for St. Augustine Shores would be necessary for detailed school ratings.

Population and Diversity

St. Augustine Shores is home to approximately 9,462 residents, with a projected population of 9,511 in 2026 (according to Point2Homes and World Population Review). The median age is 52.8 years (Point2Homes, World Population Review), which is considerably older than the national median, suggesting a significant population of retirees and older adults. Approximately 33.7% of the population is 65 or older (Point2Homes).

The racial makeup is predominantly White, accounting for about 90.9% of the population (Point2Homes). Other racial groups include African American (1%), Asian (0.8%), and those identifying with two or more races (7%). Hispanic residents make up a small percentage of the population.

Household and Family Structure

St. Augustine Shores has around 4,343 households, with an average of 2 members per household (Point2Homes). Of these, 61.3% are families, while the remaining 38.7% consist of individuals living alone or with non-relatives. The median age of residents being higher suggests a notable proportion of single-person households, particularly among older residents.

The homeownership rate in St. Augustine Shores is 76.3%, which is higher than the national average (as per Data USA). This indicates a community where a substantial majority of residents own their homes, contributing to a stable neighborhood feel.

Pros and Cons of Living in St. Augustine Shores

Advantages of Living in St. Augustine Shores

One of the primary advantages of St. Augustine Shores is its high level of safety, with crime rates significantly lower than the national average (CrimeGrade.org). The community also offers a desirable coastal climate with warm temperatures year-round, although summers can be hot and humid (Weather Spark). Its location provides access to beautiful beaches and a variety of outdoor recreational activities.

The cost of living, while slightly above the national average, is balanced by a median household income that is also higher than the national norm (AreaVibes, U.S. Census Bureau). The strong sense of community and the higher-than-average homeownership rate contribute to a stable and desirable living environment.

Considerations for Potential Residents

A significant consideration is the higher cost of living, particularly in housing, which is 34.5% above the national average (AreaVibes). While the median home price has seen some fluctuations, it remains a substantial investment. Renters may find the rent-to-income ratio challenging, with nearly 48% of their earnings potentially going towards housing costs (Point2Homes).

The median age of residents is also notably higher than the national average, indicating a community that may be more geared towards retirees and older adults. While this can contribute to a peaceful atmosphere, it might mean fewer amenities or activities specifically tailored to younger demographics or families with young children.