City Report · FL

Stuart

Pop. 18,520·133rd most expensive in Florida·Rental market data updated monthly for Stuart, FL
Median rent (all units)
$2,177/mo
Year-over-Year
+0.6%
Month-over-Month
-2.3%
vs US Median
+$215
Falling (Monthly)
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Most AffordableMost Expensive
Stuart · $2,177
More expensive than 68% of US cities · National median $1,962/mo
Rent Reality Score
74/100
Good value
OverheatedFairGreat value

Rents are 12% below what Stuart's 10-year trend predicts — a better deal than its own history suggests.

Actual rent
$2,177/mo
Expected by trend
$2,471/mo
The Rent Reality Score compares today's median rent to where Stuart's own long-run trajectory projects it should be. See the full rankings →
Medians by bedroom

Rent by unit size

Studio
$1,310
1 BR
$1,365
2 BR
$1,625
3 BR
$2,260
4 BR+
$2,460
Fair Market Rent (HUD)
$1,625/mo

These are HUD Fair Market Rents, the payment standard for a Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8). They often differ from the $2,177 market median above, and that is expected: FMR is the 40th percentile of standard-quality units and counts gross rent, so it includes essential utilities such as electricity, water, gas, sewer, and trash. The market median is asking rent, which usually excludes utilities. HUD sets FMR once a year; market rent here updates monthly.

Source: HUD Small Area Fair Market Rents. Read the methodology →

Rent trends

12-month history

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Last updated: August 17, 2026

Annual cost
$26,124/yr
At $2,177/mo median
Rent Market Meter
Renter's Market
Renter's MarketBalancedLandlord's Market
Rents are softening (up only 0.6% YoY), so renters have negotiating leverage.
Based on rent-price momentum (+0.6% YoY, -2.3% MoM), not inventory.
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Demographics

Who lives here

Stuart, FL is majority owner-occupied, has a large retiree population, has a median income below the national average, 35.1% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher.

Population
18,520
Median income
$60,225
Median age
48.6
Renters
41.1%
Age distribution
17.4%
17.1%
22.5%
13.9%
29.1%
Under 1817.4%
18–3417.1%
35–5422.5%
55–6413.9%
65+29.1%
Gender
44.8%
55.2%
Male44.8%
Female55.2%
Race & ethnicity
67.5%
21.3%
White67.5%
Black12%
Hispanic21.3%
Asian1.1%
Education (25+)
24.7%
33.2%
35.1%
No HS diploma7%
HS diploma24.7%
Some college33.2%
Bachelor's+35.1%
Housing tenure
58.9%
41.1%
Owner58.9%
Renter41.1%

Source: U.S. Census Bureau · ACS 2024 5-Year Estimates

2021 vs 2026

How Stuart, FL has changed in 5 years

Rent
$1,543 → $2,177
up 41.1%
Income
$55,157 → $60,225
up 9.2%
Population
17,269 → 18,520
up 7.2%
Renter share
43.1% → 41.1%
-2.0 pts
Bachelor's+
30.4% → 35.1%
+4.7 pts
Median age
51.4 → 48.6
-2.8 yrs

Across the past five years, the going rent in Stuart, FL has shifted from $1,543 to $2,177, up 41.1% since 2021. Census figures show median household income at $60,225 today, compared with $55,157 five years earlier. Because rent grew faster than wages over the same span, the affordability picture has tightened relative to 2021. Census counts show Stuart, FL adding about 1,251 residents over the five-year window, up 7.2% on net. The renter share has eased from 43.1% to 41.1%, with owner-occupied housing accounting for the remainder. Bachelor's-degree-or-higher attainment moved from 30.4% to 35.1% across the same window. The combined trend lines point to a market that has changed measurably from where it stood in early 2021.

Community

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View Stuart rent history (2015–2026) →
Salary vs rent

Can you afford rent in Stuart on your salary?

At $2,177/mo, how Stuart rent compares to typical pay (30% rule).

By apartment size

Stuart rent by bedroom count

Median rent for each apartment size in Stuart. Click any size for full breakdown.

Local insights

Tips for renters in Stuart

About renting in Stuart, FL

Last updated: August 17, 2026

The median rent in Stuart is $2,177/mo as of August 2026. A studio apartment averages $1,310/mo while a 2-bedroom runs $1,625/mo. One-bedroom apartments average $1,365/mo and 3-bedroom units go for $2,260/mo.

At 43% of local median household income ($60,225/yr), Stuart ranks as moderate compared to the national benchmark of 30%. Rents have increased 0.6% over the past year.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Is Stuart an affordable city for renters?

Stuart is considered stretched for renters. At $2,177/mo, rent takes approximately 43% of the local median household income ($60,225/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%. Stuart significantly exceeds that threshold, making it challenging for many renters.

How much income do you need to rent in Stuart?

To keep rent at or below 30% of gross income, you would need to earn at least $87,000/year (~$42/hour full-time) to afford the median rent of $2,177/mo in Stuart. The local median household income is $60,225/yr, meaning the typical Stuart household falls short of that threshold.

Is rent going up or down in Stuart?

Rent in Stuart has increased 0.6% over the past year as of August 2026, putting upward pressure on renter budgets.

Which Stuart neighborhoods have the lowest rent?

The most affordable ZIP codes in Stuart are 34997 ($2,087/mo), and 34994 ($2,191/mo). Citywide, the median rent in Stuart is $2,177/mo.

How does Stuart rent compare to other cities in Florida?

Stuart is middle-of-the-pack for Florida for rent, ranking #133 out of 291 tracked cities at $2,177/mo.

What percentage of Stuart residents rent vs. own?

According to Census data, approximately 41.1% of Stuart households are renters, while 58.9% are owner-occupied. Stuart leans toward homeownership, which can mean a smaller rental inventory.

How does Stuart rent compare to the national average?

Stuart's median rent of $2,177/mo is $215 (11%) above the US national median of $1,962/mo. Within Florida, it ranks #133 out of 291 tracked cities.
Income Affordability
43%
STRETCHED

At $2,177/mo, rent takes ~43% of Stuart's median household income ($60,225/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%.

Stuart 43%Benchmark 30%
State income taxNone
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Lowest-rent ZIP codes in Stuart
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Neighborhoods

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