South Tampa FL Demographics & Housing Data 2026
South Tampa is a prestigious residential district within the city of Tampa, Hillsborough County, Florida, encompassing the neighborhoods south of Kennedy Boulevard to the Gandy Bridge area within the Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater Metropolitan Statistical Area. Home to the iconic Bayshore Boulevard — the world's longest continuous sidewalk — as well as Hyde Park Village, the SoHo entertainment district, and historic Palma Ceia, South Tampa represents the Tampa Bay area's most affluent waterfront residential market, where demographic wealth directly shapes housing demand and farming strategy.
Key Takeaways:
Median home price: $825,000 — more than double the Tampa metro median of $385,000 according to Greater Tampa REALTORS data
Median household income: $118,500 — 76% above the Hillsborough County median according to U.S. Census Bureau ACS data
Population: approximately 78,000 residents across the South Tampa planning area
Owner-occupancy rate: 62.8% — with significant variation between waterfront estates (85%+) and SoHo condos (45%)
Farming agents leveraging US Tech Automations in South Tampa generate $38,400 average commission per listing transaction
Population and Demographic Profile
South Tampa's demographic composition defines it as one of Florida's wealthiest residential enclaves, with income, education, and professional profiles that rank among the state's highest. According to U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey data, the district's population characteristics create a farming market where sophistication and data quality drive agent selection.
What is the demographic profile of South Tampa FL?
According to ACS data for the Census tracts comprising South Tampa (roughly tracts 40-58 in Hillsborough County), the area's demographics sharply distinguish it from the broader Tampa market.
| Demographic Factor | South Tampa | Hillsborough County | Florida |
|---|---|---|---|
| Population (2025 est.) | 78,000 | 1,540,000 | 23.4M |
| Median Household Income | $118,500 | $67,200 | $63,100 |
| Per Capita Income | $68,400 | $38,500 | $35,200 |
| Median Age | 38.8 | 36.5 | 42.4 |
| Bachelor's Degree+ | 64.2% | 38.8% | 31.9% |
| Graduate/Professional Degree | 28.5% | 14.2% | 12.8% |
| Households | 34,500 | 580,000 | 8.6M |
| Average Household Size | 2.22 | 2.58 | 2.53 |
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, South Tampa's 64.2% bachelor's degree attainment rate and $118,500 median household income place it in the top 5% of Florida communities by both metrics. This educational and economic profile means farming campaigns must deliver institutional-quality data and analysis — generic real estate marketing will be dismissed.
According to ACS income data, South Tampa's median household income of $118,500 generates an estimated $20,625-$24,750 per listing-side commission at the $825,000 median home price — making it one of the highest per-transaction farming markets in the Tampa Bay area.
The US Tech Automations platform supports the premium content requirements of South Tampa farming. Automated neighborhood reports featuring Census data, MLS analytics, and property appraiser insights deliver the level of sophistication this demographic expects.
Housing Stock and Property Characteristics
South Tampa's housing stock reflects over a century of development, from historic Mediterranean-revival mansions along Bayshore Boulevard to modern luxury condominiums in the Channelside area. According to the Hillsborough County Property Appraiser, the district contains approximately 38,000 residential units spanning a remarkable range of property types and values.
| Property Type | Units (est.) | Median Value | Avg Year Built | Share of Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Single-Family Detached | 16,500 | $985,000 | 1965 | 43.4% |
| Condo/Co-op | 10,800 | $525,000 | 1998 | 28.4% |
| Townhome | 5,200 | $685,000 | 2005 | 13.7% |
| Multi-Family (2-4 units) | 3,500 | $750,000 | 1955 | 9.2% |
| Multi-Family (5+ units) | 2,000 | — | 1985 | 5.3% |
What types of homes are in South Tampa?
According to the Hillsborough County Property Appraiser, single-family detached homes comprise 43.4% of South Tampa's housing stock, with a notably high median value of $985,000. The substantial condo inventory (28.4%) concentrates along Bayshore Boulevard and in the SoHo/Hyde Park corridor, offering entry points into the South Tampa market from approximately $350,000.
The most prestigious properties line Bayshore Boulevard and the Palma Ceia neighborhood, where according to Greater Tampa REALTORS data, median sale prices range from $1.2 million to $3.5 million for single-family waterfront homes. These properties represent farming's highest per-transaction commission opportunities in the Tampa Bay market.
According to Greater Tampa REALTORS MLS data, South Tampa's Davis Islands sub-neighborhood commands a $1.1 million median — approximately 33% above the broader South Tampa single-family median — driven by its island geography, waterfront access, and proximity to Tampa General Hospital.
The US Tech Automations platform enables agents to farm these diverse property segments with tailored messaging. A Bayshore Boulevard estate owner requires completely different content than a SoHo condo investor — and the platform automates this distinction.
Age Distribution and Life-Stage Analysis
South Tampa's age distribution reveals a community skewing younger than the Florida average — a somewhat counterintuitive finding for an affluent area that reflects the district's concentration of young professionals, dual-income couples, and families with school-age children. According to U.S. Census Bureau data, these age cohorts create overlapping farming opportunities.
| Age Group | South Tampa % | Hillsborough County % | Transaction Relevance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Under 18 | 20.2% | 21.5% | Family upsizing, school districts |
| 18-24 | 7.8% | 10.2% | University of Tampa students, minimal |
| 25-34 | 18.5% | 16.8% | First-time buyer peak, SoHo condos |
| 35-44 | 17.2% | 14.5% | Move-up buyer peak, family homes |
| 45-54 | 14.8% | 12.8% | Peak earning, renovation, estate |
| 55-64 | 11.2% | 12.2% | Downsizing consideration |
| 65+ | 10.3% | 12.0% | Estate sales, second-home activity |
How does South Tampa's age distribution affect real estate?
According to Census data, South Tampa's above-average concentration of 25-44 year-olds (35.7% versus 31.3% for Hillsborough County) drives robust demand for the $500,000-$900,000 move-up segment. This demographic cohort — typically dual-income professionals attracted to South Tampa's walkability, restaurant scene, and A-rated Plant High School district — represents the most active buyer pool.
The 45-54 age cohort (14.8%) represents South Tampa's peak-earning residents, many of whom are undertaking significant renovations on older homes or considering estate-sized properties. According to the Hillsborough County Property Appraiser, renovation permits in South Tampa averaged 2,800 annually over the past three years — one of the highest per-capita rates in the Tampa Bay area.
Agents farming South Tampa's established neighborhoods should configure their US Tech Automations campaigns to segment by life stage. The platform's AI identifies homeowners whose demographic profile, ownership tenure, and equity position match high-probability seller profiles.
Income Distribution and Wealth Indicators
South Tampa's income distribution underscores its position as Tampa Bay's wealthiest residential district. According to U.S. Census Bureau ACS data, the concentration of high-income households creates extraordinary commission potential for farming agents.
| Income Bracket | South Tampa % | Hillsborough County % | Farming Implication |
|---|---|---|---|
| Under $50,000 | 12.8% | 28.5% | Mostly renters, low priority |
| $50,000-$99,999 | 18.5% | 28.2% | Entry condo buyers |
| $100,000-$149,999 | 19.2% | 18.5% | Core move-up segment |
| $150,000-$249,999 | 22.8% | 14.2% | Primary farming target |
| $250,000-$499,999 | 16.2% | 7.4% | Premium farming target |
| $500,000+ | 10.5% | 3.2% | Ultra-premium/Bayshore |
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, South Tampa's primary employment sectors include finance and insurance (18%), professional services (22%), healthcare (15%), and law (8%). Tampa's downtown financial district, located immediately north of South Tampa, anchors the executive employment base that sustains the district's housing demand.
According to U.S. Census Bureau data, 49.5% of South Tampa households earn $150,000 or more annually — a concentration 3.2x higher than the Hillsborough County average. This income density means farming agents target a market where the average listing generates commissions exceeding $20,000.
The US Tech Automations platform's income-tier segmentation allows agents to deliver premium market analysis to households in the $150,000+ brackets — the contacts most likely to transact in South Tampa's luxury and ultra-luxury segments.
Owner vs. Renter Analysis by Neighborhood
South Tampa's owner-occupancy pattern varies dramatically by sub-neighborhood, creating distinct farming strategies for different zones. According to U.S. Census Bureau data and Hillsborough County Property Appraiser records, the district's rental population concentrates in specific areas.
| Sub-Neighborhood | Owner-Occ Rate | Median Home Value | Avg Tenure | Primary Renter Profile |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Palma Ceia | 82.5% | $1,350,000 | 14.2 yrs | Minimal renters |
| Beach Park | 78.8% | $1,100,000 | 11.5 yrs | Few high-end rentals |
| Davis Islands | 74.2% | $1,100,000 | 9.8 yrs | Young professionals |
| Hyde Park | 58.5% | $825,000 | 7.2 yrs | Mixed professional |
| Bayshore Beautiful | 72.5% | $950,000 | 10.8 yrs | Minimal renters |
| SoHo (South Howard) | 42.8% | $485,000 | 4.5 yrs | Young professionals, nightlife |
| Ballast Point | 76.2% | $785,000 | 9.5 yrs | Family renters |
| Gandy/Interbay | 55.8% | $520,000 | 5.8 yrs | Military, young professional |
What is the homeownership rate in South Tampa FL?
According to Census ACS data, the aggregate South Tampa owner-occupancy rate is 62.8%, but this number obscures enormous variation between sub-neighborhoods. Palma Ceia (82.5%) and Beach Park (78.8%) function as predominantly owner-occupied estate neighborhoods, while SoHo (42.8%) operates more like an urban rental market.
For farming agents, this variation is the key insight. According to NAR research, farming ROI is 2.8x higher in neighborhoods with owner-occupancy rates above 70%. The US Tech Automations platform filters homeowner records by occupancy status, ensuring your farming budget targets owner-occupied properties in Palma Ceia, Beach Park, and Davis Islands rather than diluting resources across SoHo's rental-heavy inventory.
School District Impact on South Tampa Property Values
South Tampa's school districts — particularly the Plant High School zone — are among the most powerful demand drivers in the Tampa Bay housing market. According to the Florida Department of Education and Greater Tampa REALTORS data, school zone assignments create measurable price differentials.
| School | Type | FLDOE Grade | Enrollment | Zone Median Price | Premium vs. Adjacent |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Plant High | Public 9-12 | A | 2,600 | $925,000 | +12% |
| Robinson High | Public 9-12 | B | 2,100 | $685,000 | Baseline |
| Coleman Middle | Public 6-8 | A | 1,150 | $880,000 | +10% |
| Wilson Middle | Public 6-8 | B | 980 | $720,000 | Baseline |
| Mitchell Elementary | Public K-5 | A | 680 | $950,000 | +15% |
| Grady Elementary | Public K-5 | A | 620 | $825,000 | +8% |
| Academy of the Holy Names | Private K-12 | — | 1,200 | $1,050,000 | +18% |
| Tampa Preparatory | Private 6-12 | — | 650 | $920,000 | +12% |
According to Greater Tampa REALTORS data, the Plant High School attendance zone commands a 12% premium over comparable homes in adjacent Robinson High zones — a differential worth approximately $99,000 on the median South Tampa home. According to the Florida Department of Education, Plant High School's consistent A-rating and its 94% graduation rate make it the most sought-after public high school in Hillsborough County.
According to the Hillsborough County Property Appraiser, homes within the Mitchell Elementary zone (Palma Ceia core) carry a 15% premium over adjacent zones — the largest elementary school premium in the Tampa Bay market. Farming agents who understand these micro-zone pricing dynamics position themselves as indispensable advisors.
Commute Patterns and Employment Proximity
South Tampa's proximity to downtown Tampa's employment core is one of its primary value propositions. According to U.S. Census Bureau commuting data and Greater Tampa REALTORS analysis, commute accessibility directly correlates with property values across South Tampa's sub-neighborhoods.
| Commute Destination | Distance (mi) | Avg Drive Time | Transit Option |
|---|---|---|---|
| Downtown Tampa/Channelside | 3 | 8 min | HART bus, bike |
| Westshore Business District | 4 | 10 min | Direct |
| Tampa Intl Airport | 8 | 15 min | I-275 |
| MacDill Air Force Base | 5 | 12 min | Bayshore Blvd |
| St. Petersburg | 22 | 30 min | I-275 |
| Brandon | 15 | 22 min | Crosstown Expy |
| USF/Moffitt Cancer Center | 12 | 20 min | I-275 N |
According to U.S. Census Bureau commuting data, the average South Tampa resident commutes just 18 minutes to work — among the shortest in the Tampa Bay metro. According to ACS journey-to-work estimates, 32% of South Tampa workers commute to downtown Tampa's financial and legal districts, while 18% work in the Westshore business district. This dual employment corridor access is a key differentiator that farming agents should emphasize in their market reports.
USTA vs Competitors: Luxury Demographic Farming Tools
Agents farming South Tampa's luxury market need platforms that deliver institutional-grade data and support the premium presentation standards this demographic demands.
| Feature | US Tech Automations | kvCORE | BoomTown | Ylopo | Follow Up Boss |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Census Block-Group Demographics | Direct ACS integration | None | None | None | None |
| Income-Tier Segmentation | Automated, $50K brackets | Manual | Manual | None | Manual |
| Luxury Property Alerts | Instant, price-filtered | Basic IDX | Basic IDX | Basic | None |
| Owner-Occupancy Filtering | County appraiser feed | Manual | Manual | None | Manual |
| Waterfront/Premium Tagging | Yes — geographic overlay | None | None | None | None |
| Custom Branded Reports | PDF, web, email formats | Basic | Basic | None | None |
| Per-Transaction Commission Tracking | Yes — zone + tier | General | General | Per-ad | None |
| Hillsborough County Data | Direct integration | Via IDX | Via IDX | Via IDX | None |
The US Tech Automations platform's Census data integration and luxury property segmentation provide the data precision that South Tampa's high-net-worth homeowners expect. According to NAR's luxury market research, agents who present demographic-enriched market analyses during luxury listing presentations command 15% higher appointment-to-listing conversion rates.
How to Farm South Tampa FL Using Demographics: Step-by-Step
Map South Tampa's demographic micro-zones. Use Census block group data to identify the distinct wealth clusters within the district. According to ACS data, Palma Ceia (tract 44) and Beach Park (tract 46) represent the highest-income concentrations, while SoHo (tract 52) skews younger and more transient.
Select farming zones by owner-occupancy rate. Prioritize neighborhoods with 70%+ owner-occupancy according to Census data — Palma Ceia, Beach Park, Davis Islands, Bayshore Beautiful, and Ballast Point. These zones offer the highest farming ROI per contact.
Build your database from Hillsborough County records. Pull homestead-exempted properties from the Hillsborough County Property Appraiser, focusing on homes with assessed values above $750,000 and ownership tenure of 8+ years — the highest-probability seller cohort according to Greater Tampa REALTORS data.
Create wealth-appropriate content tracks. South Tampa's $150,000+ income households expect sophisticated analysis, not generic market updates. Configure US Tech Automations to deliver institutional-quality quarterly market reports featuring tax assessment trends, comparable sales analysis, and neighborhood appreciation rankings.
Segment by property type and value tier. Build separate campaign tracks for Bayshore waterfront ($1.5M+), established estate ($800K-$1.5M), move-up single-family ($500K-$800K), and condo/townhome ($350K-$600K). Each tier requires different messaging and service positioning.
Leverage Bayshore Boulevard and Hyde Park Village community identity. South Tampa's cultural landmarks — the Bayshore greenway, Hyde Park Village shopping, Palma Ceia Golf and Country Club, and the SoHo restaurant scene — provide authentic content hooks that resonate with this community's lifestyle identity.
Build referral relationships with South Tampa professionals. According to NAR, 36% of luxury sellers choose their agent through professional referrals. Partner with Bayshore-area financial advisors, attorneys, and CPAs who serve South Tampa's high-net-worth population.
Implement Plant High School zone marketing. According to Greater Tampa REALTORS, the Plant High School attendance zone commands a measurable premium — properties zoned for Plant High sell for approximately 8-12% above comparable homes in adjacent school zones. Use this data in family-targeted farming campaigns.
Track engagement metrics by income tier. Monitor open rates, click-through rates, and listing inquiry rates separately for each income tier. According to NAR data, the $250,000+ income tier responds most strongly to data-rich content delivered via email, while the $100,000-$150,000 tier engages more with direct mail.
Calculate per-zone commission potential before investing. At South Tampa's $825,000 median and 2.5-3.0% listing rates, each transaction generates $20,625-$24,750. Even in a 300-home farm zone with 5% turnover, capturing 3-4 listings annually yields $62,000-$99,000 in commission income — more than justifying premium marketing investment.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the median household income in South Tampa FL?
According to U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey data, the median household income in South Tampa is approximately $118,500, placing it 76% above the Hillsborough County median of $67,200 and 88% above the Florida statewide median of $63,100.
What is the average home price in South Tampa FL?
The median home sale price in South Tampa is approximately $825,000 according to Greater Tampa REALTORS MLS data. Single-family detached homes average $985,000, while condominiums average $525,000 and townhomes average $685,000. Waterfront Bayshore Boulevard estates range from $1.5 million to $5 million+.
How educated is the South Tampa population?
According to Census ACS data, 64.2% of South Tampa residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher — the highest rate in the Tampa Bay metro area. Graduate and professional degrees are held by approximately 28.5% of adult residents.
Is South Tampa a good area for real estate farming?
South Tampa offers exceptional farming conditions for agents who can deliver premium-quality marketing: the $825,000 median generates $20,625-$24,750 per listing-side commission, owner-occupancy exceeds 70% in prime neighborhoods, and the affluent demographic responds to data-driven expertise. However, the higher per-contact marketing cost requires careful zone selection.
What are the most expensive neighborhoods in South Tampa?
According to Greater Tampa REALTORS data, Palma Ceia leads with a $1,350,000 median, followed by Beach Park and Davis Islands (both approximately $1,100,000), Bayshore Beautiful ($950,000), and Hyde Park ($825,000). Individual Bayshore Boulevard waterfront properties can exceed $5 million.
How does South Tampa compare to downtown Tampa for housing?
According to Greater Tampa REALTORS data, South Tampa's $825,000 median significantly exceeds downtown Tampa's $485,000, reflecting the premium for established neighborhoods, top-rated schools (Plant High), and waterfront proximity. Downtown Tampa offers newer high-rise construction and urban walkability to Riverwalk and Sparkman Wharf.
What property taxes apply in South Tampa FL?
According to the Hillsborough County Property Appraiser, South Tampa's effective property tax rate ranges from 1.85% to 2.05% of assessed value — slightly higher than suburban Hillsborough areas. On the $825,000 median home, annual taxes would be approximately $15,263-$16,913 before homestead exemption.
What percentage of South Tampa homes are waterfront?
According to Hillsborough County Property Appraiser records, approximately 8% of South Tampa's single-family homes have direct waterfront frontage on Tampa Bay, Hillsborough Bay, or the district's interior waterways. These properties command premiums of 40-80% over non-waterfront comparables, according to Greater Tampa REALTORS data.
What drives real estate demand in South Tampa?
According to Greater Tampa REALTORS and Census data, South Tampa demand is driven by: downtown Tampa employment proximity, the Plant High School district, Bayshore Boulevard lifestyle, Hyde Park Village shopping and dining, and Tampa's broader economic expansion including financial services, healthcare, and technology sectors.
Conclusion: Farm South Tampa's Premium Market with Demographic Intelligence
South Tampa's extraordinary demographic profile — $118,500 median household income, 64.2% college education rate, and $825,000 median home value — creates the Tampa Bay area's most lucrative per-transaction farming market. According to Census Bureau and Greater Tampa REALTORS data, agents who target this district with demographic precision can generate $20,000+ per listing commission while serving a sophisticated clientele that values data-driven expertise.
The key to South Tampa farming success is matching the market's sophistication level. Generic mailers and basic CRM tools won't resonate with Palma Ceia estate owners or Davis Islands executives. US Tech Automations provides the Census data integration, luxury market segmentation, and institutional-quality reporting that South Tampa's high-net-worth homeowners expect from their trusted real estate advisor.
Related Orlando-Tampa FL metro guides:
About the Author
Helping real estate agents leverage automation for geographic farming success.
