Stuart is frequently cited as one of the best small towns to visit in the U.S., in large part because of its proximity to the St. Lucie River, Indian River Lagoon, and the Atlantic Ocean.[5][6]
History
In the 18th century, several Spanish galleons were shipwrecked in the Martin County area of Florida's Treasure Coast. The multiple wrecks were reportedly the result of a hurricane, and the ships were carrying unknown quantities of gold and silver. Some of this treasure has since been recovered, and its presence resulted in the region's name.
The historic Dudley-Bessey House on SW Atlanta Avenue is now a yacht brokerage office
In 1832, pirate Pedro Gilbert, who often used a sandbar off the coast as a lure to unsuspecting prey, chased and caught the Mexican, a U.S. merchant ship. Although he attempted to burn the ship and kill the crew, they survived to report the incident, ultimately resulting in the capture and execution of Gilbert and his crew. The bar from which he lured his intended booty is named "Gilbert's Bar" on nautical charts.[7][8]: 1
From 1893 to 1895, the area was called Potsdam. This name was chosen by Otto Stypmann, a local landowner originally
from Potsdam, Germany. Stypmann, with his brother Ernest, owned the land that would become downtown Stuart. Henry Flagler's Florida East Coast Railway connected the area to Daytona Beach in 1892 and Miami in 1896.
Potsdam was renamed Stuart in 1895, in honor of Homer Hine (Jack) Stuart Jr., a local landowner who owned 160 acres around the railway station.[8]: 7 Rue, Luckhardt, Krueger, Crary, and Armellinis were some of the prominent settler families.[9][10]
When Stuart was incorporated as a town in 1914, it was located in Palm Beach County. In 1925, Stuart was chartered as a city and named the county seat of the newly created Martin County.[11]
The City of Stuart formally adopted the slogan Sailfish Capital of the World in 1957, following pressure from the Stuart Chamber of Commerce,[12] owing to the many sailfish found in the ocean off Martin County. The slogan is still used by the City. Some have also assigned Guatemala the namesake.[13][14][15]
From 1871 to 2005, 19 hurricanes passed through Stuart, including Isbell (1964), Frances (2004), Jeanne (2004), and Wilma (2005).[16]
Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 8.5 square miles (22 km2), of which 6.3 square miles (16 km2) is land and 2.2 square miles (5.7 km2) is water.
Climate
According to the Köppen climate classification, Stuart has a tropical rainforest climate (Af), with hot, humid summers and warm, drier winters. Stuart has a noticeably seasonal precipitation pattern, with summer being the wettest season and winter being the driest.
Summers feature hot temperatures and frequent thunderstorms. Average highs during summer range from 88 °F (31 °C) to 91 °F (33 °C). On average, there are 81 days of 90+ °F highs annually, with an average annual mean maximum of 96.4 °F (35.8 °C). Late summer brings an increased threat of tropical storms and hurricanes, though landfalls are rare. Several major hurricanes have impacted Stuart since 1900, with Hurricane David in 1979 and hurricanes Frances and Jeanne causing moderate damage to the area in 2004.
Winter brings much cooler and drier air. Average highs during winter range from 74 °F (23 °C) to 78 °F (26 °C), though occasional strong cold fronts bring brief rainfall followed by cooler temperatures, with highs in the 50s °F for a few days each winter. Most winters are frost-free, with an annual mean minimum temperature of 37.6 °F (3.1 °C).
Climate data for Stuart, Florida, 1991–2020 normals, extremes 1936–present
As of the 2020 United States census, there were 17,425 people, 7,286 households, and 3,776 families residing in the city.[22]
As of the 2010 United States census, there were 15,593 people, 7,182 households, and 3,470 families residing in the city.[23]
In 2010, the median income for a household in the city was $35,954, and the median income for a family was $47,736. Males had a median income of $29,151 versus $23,125 for females. The per capita income for the city was $25,020.[2]
As of 2010, the cost of living in Stuart is 88, on a relative scale where the U.S. average is represented by 100.[24]
Cost of Living
Stuart
U.S.
Overall
88
100
Food
105
100
Utilities
97
100
Housing
55
100
2000 census
As of the census[2] of 2000, there are 14,633 people, 7,220 households, and 3,422 families residing in the city. The population density was 2,320.5 per square mile (896.0/km2). There were 8,777 housing units at an average density of 1,391.9 per square mile (537.4/km2). The racial makeup of the city is 83.30% White, 12.33% African American, 0.26% Native American, 0.66% Asian, 0.03% Pacific Islander, 1.97% from other races, and 1.46% from two or more races. 6.29% of the population are Hispanic or Latino of any race.
In 2000, there are 7,220 households out of which 15.0% have children under the age of 18 living with them, 34.7% are married couples living together, 9.7% have a female householder with no husband present, and 52.6% are non-families. 46.1% of all households are made up of individuals and 26.1% have someone living alone who is 65 years of age or older. The average household size is 1.88 and the average family size is 2.60.
In 2000, in the city the population is spread out with 14.5% under the age of 18, 6.9% from 18 to 24, 24.5% from 25 to 44, 21.2% from 45 to 64, and 32.9% who are 65 years of age or older. The median age is 48 years. For every 100 females there are 87.8 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there are 84.4 males.
In 2000, the median income for a household in the city is $30,574, and the median income for a family is $40,701. Males have a median income of $29,151 versus $23,125 for females. The per capita income for the city is $21,139. About 7.8% of families and 11.2% of the population were below the poverty line, including 17.5% of those under age 18 and 9.1% of those age 65 or over.
Economy
Stuart hosts one of the two Florida Department of Health offices in Martin County, the other being in Indiantown.[25]
Various businesses cater to tourists, such as fishing charters, boating charters, sailing, cruises, SCUBA and snorkeling, and nature tours.[citation needed]
Top employers
According to the city's 2011 Comprehensive Annual Financial Report,[26] the top employers in the Stuart area are:
Notable historic properties in downtown in range from the early 1880s to 1940s, representing a mix of Beaux-Arts, colonial revival, spanish mediterranean, Art Deco, frame vernacular, masonry vernacular architecture styles.[27][28]
In 2023, Brightline, an inter-city rail route that currently runs between Miami and Orlando, announced that it was looking for sites for a new station on the Treasure Coast.[36] As of January 2024, both Stuart and Fort Pierce are the candidates to receive the Brightline station.[37]
