Florida housing crisis hits close to home in St. Lucie County

I was getting ready to do my monthly jobs report update when I came across this University of Florida study about homelessness and housing costs. Figured it was worth connecting the dots between what's happening with jobs here and the bigger housing picture.

Back in June when St. Lucie County's unemployment hit 4.7% for the first time since 2021, people started reaching out saying the numbers don't match what they're seeing on the ground. Sure, people are hiring, but a lot of the jobs available aren't the kind you can build a career on.

Now this new UF study shows why having a job might not be enough anymore.

The housing math doesn't work: Florida rents jumped 39% between 2019 and 2023, while St. Lucie County has between 10,001 and 25,000 low-income households spending more than 40% of their income just on rent.

By the numbers:

• 4.7%: St. Lucie County unemployment rate in July (holding steady from June)

• 39%: Florida rent increase from 2019-2023

• $1,719: Current median rent statewide (up from $1,238)

• 28%: Increase in family homelessness across Florida since 2022

Here's the thing: The study found 79% of renting households have at least one employed adult. So people are working, but rent is eating up nearly half their paycheck.

"Florida's strong population growth has collided with limited housing supply, pushing rents beyond what many families can afford," said Anne Ray from UF's Shimberg Center for Housing Studies.

Florida added 1 million new residents between 2019 and 2023 but only 240,000 new multifamily units. The math just doesn't add up.

What this means locally: Even with our unemployment rate staying relatively stable, thousands of working families in St. Lucie County are one rent increase away from serious trouble. Having a job isn't the safety net it used to be when housing costs keep climbing faster than wages.