Cost of Living in Starke, FL

Population 5,821 · Florida · Data vintage 2023

66
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

At $46,291, median household incomes in Starke land roughly 38% below the US median, a gap that tends to persist across local labor-market indicators. Around 39% of residents live below the federal poverty line, a rate that tends to correlate with the income and housing figures above.

Starke sits roughly 25 miles northeast of Gainesville — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Median home values run roughly 15% lower than Gainesville's $235,000.

Cost Overview

Housing 66
Rent 66

Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.

About the Cost of Living in Starke

The median home value in Starke is $200,200 — 34% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $867/month, 34% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $46,291/year is 38% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 5.5%, above the national average of 4.8%. Florida charges no state income tax, a meaningful advantage for take-home pay. Overall, Starke has a cost of living index of 66 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 34% less expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$200,200
34% below avg
Zillow Home Value
$224,471
Zillow ZHVI
Median Rent
$867/mo
34% below avg
Price-to-Rent Ratio
19.2x
Favors buying
Property Tax Rate
0.9%
Effective rate

HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom

Studio
$1,085
1 BR
$1,181
2 BR
$1,427
3 BR
$1,797
4 BR
$2,099
Owner-occupied 58.3%
Renter-occupied 41.8%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$867
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $1,481/mo

Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.

🛒 Food & Groceries

National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.

🥚
Eggs (dozen)
$0.548
🍞
White Bread (lb)
$1.912
🥩
Ground Beef (lb)
$5.61

🚗 Transportation

Avg Commute
30.7 min
14% above avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
5.8%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
79.3%
Carpooled
7.5%
Bicycle
1.5%
Work from home
5.8%

Utilities

Electricity
$0.176/kWh
0% below avg

📋 Taxes

State Income Tax (flat) None
Total Sales Tax 7.0%
State rate 6.0%
Avg local rate 1.1%
Property Tax 0.9%

💼 Income & Employment

Median Household Income
$46,291
38% below avg
Per Capita Income
$20,143
Unemployment Rate
5.5%
14% above avg
Poverty Rate
39.4%
Labor Force Participation
54.6%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 14.3%
Graduate degree 5.6%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 33.8
Male median age 32
Female median age 35.9

🏫 Schools

NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data

92%
4-Year Graduation Rate
15.5:1
Student-teacher ratio
12
Public schools
3,072
Total enrollment

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Starke, FL?

Starke has a cost index of 66 (100 = national average). It is 34% below the national average.

What is average rent in Starke, FL?

The median gross rent in Starke is $867 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Starke?

The median home value in Starke is $200,200 according to Zillow and Census data.

What is the median income in Starke?

The median household income in Starke is $46,291 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Starke, FL?

The combined state and local sales tax rate in Starke is 7.0%. Florida has no state income tax.

Is Starke, FL affordable?

Yes, Starke is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 66 — about 34% below the US national average of 100.

Starke at a Glance

Population
5,821
Median Income
$46,291
Home Value
$200,200
Median Rent
$867/mo
Unemployment
5.5%
Sales Tax
7.0%
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