Clearwater
cityClearwater, Florida, is a vibrant city and the county seat of Pinellas County, situated west of Tampa and north of St. Petersburg. Known for its beautiful beaches and sunny weather, it's a popular destination for families, retirees, and young professionals alike. As of 2020, Clearwater had a population of 117,292, making it the smallest of the three principal cities in the Tampa Bay area. Clearwater's economy is diverse, with key industries including healthcare, retail, and professional, scientific, and technical services. The city is also experiencing growth in finance, insurance, software, cybersecurity, emerging technologies, marine and life sciences, and advanced manufacturing. Tourism plays a vital role, with Clearwater Beach consistently ranked among the best beaches in the world. Clearwater's appeal lies in its blend of coastal charm and urban amenities. The city boasts a rich history, dating back to the Tocobaga people and the establishment of Fort Harrison in 1835. Today, Clearwater offers a high quality of life with its beautiful beaches, cultural attractions, and family-friendly environment.
Clearwater, Florida
- Classification
- City
- FIPS Code
- 12-12875
- Country
- United States
- County
- Pinellas County
- Region
- West-Central Florida, Gulf Coast
- Elevation
- 66 ft
- Total Area
- 39.2 sq mi
- Land Area
- 25.6 sq mi
- Water Area
- 13.7 sq mi
- Latitude
- 27.972572
- Longitude
- -82.796745
- Climate
- Humid subtropical climate with hot, humid summers and mild, dry winters
- Notable Features
- Clearwater Harbor · Gulf of Mexico · Clearwater Beach · Intracoastal Waterway
- Neighboring Areas
- Tampa · St. Petersburg · Clearwater Beach · Belleair
- Population (2020)
- 117,292
- Est. Population (2026)
- 116,545
- Median Age
- 46.6
- Median Income
- $66,381
- Poverty Rate
- 14.77%
- Family Households
- 56%
- Owner-Occupied
- 58.6%
- Racial & Ethnic Composition
- White (68.36%), Hispanic or Latino (17.08%), Black or African American (10.65%), Two or more races (11.25%)
- Government Type
- Council-Manager
- Governing Body
- City Council
- Body Size
- 5 members
- School District
- Pinellas County Schools
- Municipal Services
- Police · Fire · Public Works · Parks & Recreation · Library
- Unemployment Rate
- 2.6%
- Economic Profile
- Diverse business climate · Tourism · Growing commercial sector
- Employment Sectors
- Health Care & Social Assistance · Retail Trade · Professional, Scientific, & Technical Services · Finance and Insurance · Software · Cybersecurity · Emerging Technologies · Marine and Life Sciences · Advanced Manufacturing
- Graduation Rate
- 88%
- School Districts
- Pinellas County Schools
- Colleges & Universities
- St. Petersburg College · Ultimate Medical Academy · Keiser University · Nova Southeastern University
- Transportation
- US 19 · State Road 60 · Clearwater Memorial Causeway · Public Transportation
- Utilities
- Municipal Water · Municipal Electric Utility · Broadband/Fiber
- Major Facilities
- Morton Plant Hospital · Clearwater Executive Airport · BayCare Ballpark
- Outdoor Access
- Yes
- Major Recreation Areas
- Clearwater Beach · Pier 60 · Coachman Park · Honeymoon Island State Park · Caladesi Island State Park
- Parks & Trails
- Allen's Creek Park · Bayshore Trail · Ream Wilson Trail · Courtney Campbell Trail · Moccasin Lake Nature Park
- Founded
- 1835
- Incorporated
- 1915
- Named After
- Freshwater springs
- Historical Significance
- From its origins as a military outpost and agricultural port, Clearwater developed into a major tourist destination and the county seat of Pinellas County, playing a significant role in the region's economic and cultural development.
- Key Events
- Construction of Fort Harrison (1835) · Arrival of the Orange Belt Railroad (1888) · Incorporation as a city (1915) · Designation as county seat for Pinellas County (1912/1915) · Growth as a tourist destination in the early 20th century