The story of this market
The typical home in ZIP 34996 sells for about $400,000, or $228 per square foot.
Prices are down 1.6% from a year ago, which gives buyers more room to negotiate. Homes take about 58 days to sell. HUD's fair market rent for a two-bedroom is $1,222 a month.
ZIP 34996 — Stuart
The Port St. Lucie housing market is currently balanced, with a median sale price of $400,000 reflecting a slight year-over-year decline. Inventory levels and days on market suggest a stable environment where buyers have room to negotiate, driven by a steady supply of homes and moderate demand.
This area is well-suited for family buyers and retirees seeking a balanced lifestyle with access to coastal amenities and relatively affordable housing compared to South Florida metros.
Median prices moved down 1.6% year over year.
Homes spend a median of 58 days on market with 4.0 months of supply — a fast-moving market.
18% of listings have cut prices · homes sell at 96.3% of asking — demand is running ahead of supply.
no recorded foreclosure-ledger notices (0.0 per 10,000 residents) · unemployment 3.6% · poverty 7.7% — a stable, low-distress profile.
Researched annual trajectory for this ZIP, from published historical series
Solid: researched ten-year history · dotted: 1 / 3 / 5-year projection extended from the historical 8.9%/yr trend — a deterministic estimate, not a published forecast or guarantee.
versus the prior ACS vintage
in-migration and out-migration balanced
ZCTA 34996, St. Lucie County FL
The area faces significant wind and flood exposure typical of the Florida Atlantic coast, necessitating robust property insurance coverage.
The region maintains steady economic momentum driven by residential expansion and service-sector growth, with ongoing infrastructure projects supporting the growing population.
Composed from the ARED governance burden registry — tier-native tax structure (state + county + city + special districts), never averaged. State (Florida) — Statewide Uniform Property Tax Lien Priority & Tax Deed Sale Enforcement: Unpaid real ad valorem and non-ad valorem taxes become a first-priority sovereign lien on January 1 of the tax year, superior to all mortgages and private liens. If unpaid by April 1 following the tax year, tax certificates are sold via competitive bidding under § 197.432. State (Florida) — Community Development District (CDD) Special Assessment & Financing Lien Mandate: Binds the parcel to non-ad valorem assessments levied directly by the CDD board to fund infrastructure bonds (capital assessments) and operations/maintenance (O&M assessments). State (Florida) — Florida Constitutional Homestead Exemption & Save Our Homes (SOH) Assessment Cap: Reduces taxable value by up to $50,000: base $25,000 exemption applies to all taxing authorities (including school districts); second $25,000 exemption applies to assessed value between $50,000 and $75,000 for non-school millage. State (Florida) — Florida Ad Valorem Real Property Assessment & Tax Mechanics: Parcels are assessed annually at 100% just value (market value) as of January 1 by county property appraisers. Tax formula: Tax Bill = (Taxable Value / 1,000) * Total Levied Millage Rate. Assessed Value = Just Value - Assessment Limitations.
Residents primarily rely on personal vehicles for commuting, with access to major corridors like I-95 and the Florida Turnpike facilitating travel to regional employment hubs.
The area features numerous parks, golf courses, and waterfront access along the St. Lucie River, providing diverse outdoor recreational opportunities.
The rental market shows moderate depth with a mix of single-family and condominium offerings; vacancy pressure remains stable as the area attracts both long-term residents and seasonal tenants.
The local economy is anchored by healthcare, retail, and professional services, with a growing focus on residential development and tourism.
Transportation is heavily centered on highway connectivity via I-95 and the Florida Turnpike, with limited public transit options.
Ongoing residential development continues to expand the housing stock, with focus on master-planned communities.
The St. Lucie County Property Appraiser manages assessments, ensuring properties are valued at market rates for tax purposes.
Parcels may be subject to special assessments for utility services, flood control, and local school district funding.
Property insurance premiums are elevated due to regional hurricane and windstorm risks, impacting overall housing affordability.
Data retrieved from census.gov ZCTA profiles.
- Sailfish Splash Waterpark4.43.3 mi
- Urban Air Trampoline and Adventure Park4.49.9 mi
- Children's Museum of the Treasure Coast4.52.3 mi
- Sky Zone Trampoline Park4.515.7 mi
- Elev8 Fun4.55.6 mi
- Clover Park4.615.6 mi
- Conchy Joe's Seafood4.34.5 mi
- Hutchinson Shores Resort & Spa4.64 mi
- Jupiter Beach Resort & Spa4.519.6 mi
- Busch Wildlife Sanctuary4.817.5 mi
- Jensen Beach4.74.2 mi
- Port St. Lucie Botanical Gardens4.79 mi
- Regal Treasure Coast Mall4.35.7 mi
- Sailfish Splash Waterpark4.43.3 mi
- Urban Air Trampoline and Adventure Park4.49.9 mi
- Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse & Museum4.718.4 mi
- Elliott Museum4.72 mi
- Children's Museum of the Treasure Coast4.52.3 mi
- Manatee Center4.419.4 mi
- House of Refuge Museum4.72.1 mi
- Jensen Beach4.74.2 mi
- Port St. Lucie Botanical Gardens4.79 mi
- Whispering Pines Park4.611.1 mi
- Halpatiokee Regional Park4.77.2 mi
- Florida Oceanographic Coastal Center4.72 mi
- U-Tiki Beach at Jupiter Inlet Marina4.518.5 mi
- Pirate’s Cove Resort and Marina4.33 mi
- Fort Pierce City Marina4.519.2 mi
- Causeway Cove4.619.5 mi
- River Park Marina4.612.1 mi
- Hammock Creek Golf Club4.56.3 mi
- The Saints at Port St. Lucie Golf Course4.18 mi
- Champions Club at Summerfield4.44.6 mi
- Sailfish Sands Golf Course3.91 mi
- Martin Downs Golf Club and Resort3.76.7 mi
- Treasure Coast Square4.35.7 mi
- Publix Super Market at Darwin Square4.511.5 mi
- Kohl's4.35.5 mi
- T.J. Maxx4.32.5 mi
- Publix Super Market at Rivergate Plaza4.59.1 mi
Theme parks, venues, golf, airports, museums, water and shopping across the area from Google Maps, ranked by popularity within the radius shown.
Provides extensive boating, fishing, and scenic recreational opportunities.
A notable residential and recreational area featuring golf and waterfront access.
Key-figure check: no independent anchor retained yet — first-researched cycles establish the anchor baseline this pass.