At a glance
| Location | Barrier island about eight miles long between Roberts Bay and the Gulf, off Sarasota's southwest coast |
|---|---|
| ZIP code | 34242 |
| Government | Mostly unincorporated Sarasota County; a small portion is inside the City of Sarasota |
| Population | 5,454 at the 2020 census |
| Housing units | 7,792 at the 2020 census, 63.9% vacant on census day, reflecting seasonal and rental use |
| Districts | Siesta Beach, Crescent Beach, Turtle Beach and Siesta Key Village |
The island and its four areas
Siesta Key is an eight-mile barrier island off Sarasota's southwest coast, between Roberts Bay and the Gulf of Mexico. It is usually described in four parts: Siesta Beach, Crescent Beach, Turtle Beach and Siesta Key Village. Two bridges connect it to the mainland, one at the north end and one further south.
Siesta Beach is known for its fine white sand, which is about 99% quartz. The 2020 census counted 5,454 residents in the Siesta Key census area.
Homes on Siesta Key
You will find Gulf-front condo towers, low-rise complexes, canal homes and bayfront single-family houses. The 2020 census counted 7,792 housing units, of which 63.9% were vacant on census day, largely because so many are seasonal homes or rentals. That affects your neighbors, parking and noise, as well as resale demand.
Siesta Key is outside the City of Sarasota data set that Zillow tracks by neighborhood, so we do not show a single typical value here. Ask a local agent for recent sales by building or street, and compare Gulf-front, canal and interior homes separately. For a sense of the wider market, see our Sarasota housing market page.
County or city: check the tax district
Most of Siesta Key is unincorporated, so most parcels pay the countywide rate, which was 11.4737 mills on the 2025 roll, without the city's extra 3.4078 mills. A small part of the key is inside the city. Parcels in the Siesta Key Village improvement district pay an extra 2.4647 mills, and there is a separate Siesta Key lighting district. Check the parcel's last tax bill. Our Sarasota County property tax guide explains how.
Flood, storm and condo checks
Hurricane Milton made landfall near Siesta Key on October 9, 2024, as a Category 3 storm, with surge of 5 to 10 feet recorded along the coast from Naples to Siesta Key. Ask every seller whether the property took water, what was repaired and whether it was permitted, and get flood quotes early.
For condos, ask for the milestone inspection reports and structural integrity reserve study required for buildings of three or more habitable stories. Our Sarasota condo guide and waterfront homes guide list the documents.
If you plan to rent it out
Rental rules come from several places: county zoning, state licensing and your condo or HOA documents. Many associations set minimum lease lengths. Confirm what is allowed for the specific property before you build rental income into your numbers, and do not rely on a listing's rental claims alone.
Common questions
Is Siesta Key in the City of Sarasota?+
Mostly not. Siesta Key is an unincorporated census-designated place in Sarasota County, though a small portion lies within the City of Sarasota. The difference affects your property tax: city parcels paid an extra 3.4078 mills on the 2025 roll. Check the tax district on the parcel's tax bill.
What ZIP code is Siesta Key?+
Siesta Key uses ZIP code 34242. It is not part of the City of Sarasota ZIP data that Zillow tracks by neighborhood, so ask a local agent for recent island sales rather than relying on a mainland ZIP average. Compare Gulf-front, canal and interior homes separately, because prices differ widely.
Was Siesta Key damaged by Hurricane Milton?+
Milton made landfall near Siesta Key on October 9, 2024, as a Category 3 hurricane, with storm surge of 5 to 10 feet recorded along the coast from Naples to Siesta Key. Effects varied by property. Ask each seller about water entry, repairs and permits, and get flood insurance quotes before you commit.
What kinds of homes are for sale on Siesta Key?+
You will find Gulf-front condo towers, low-rise condo complexes, canal homes and bayfront single-family houses. The 2020 census counted 7,792 housing units on the key, and 63.9% were vacant on census day, reflecting heavy seasonal and rental use. Check condo reserves, rental rules and flood history for any property you consider.