St. Lucie County is ideally located on the east coast of Florida and is served by the St. Lucie County International Airport and within an hour of the Palm Beach International Airport. In addition to the strong local and growing labor base, St. Lucie County offers an area where existing or newly hired employees will be excited to live, providing a significant benefit in attracting, recruiting and retaining the best scientific minds in the necessary fields.

The area along the east coast of Florida encompassing Indian River, Martin and St. Lucie Counties is known as Florida's Research Coast for economic development purposes and as the Treasure Coast for tourism purposes. Displayed below are the demographics regarding population, labor force, unemployment, average wage, etc. for the Research Coast and St. Lucie County.

  St. Lucie County Only Research Coast*
Square Miles (1990) 573 1,633
Population (1990) 150,170 341,278
Population (2005) 240,039 488,925
Population Projection (2010) 322,000 548,968
Labor Force (Jan. 2006) 107,856 247,399
Unemployment Rate (Jan. 2006) 3.5% 3.0%
Average Wage Rate (Jan. 2006) $32,344 $32,552
Median Age (2005) 43 46
Education: % High School Age 25+ (2005) 73% 76%
Education: % Some College Age 25+ (2005) 41% 47%
Education: %Bachelor’s Degree Age 25+ (2005) 16% 15%
Education: % Graduate Degree Age 25+ (2005) 6% 8%

* Research Coast is defined as Indian River, Martin, and St. Lucie Counties.
** Sources: Florida Research and Economic Database, The Workforce Development Board of the Treasure Coast, U.S. Department of Labor, and Fishkind & Associates, Inc.

The dramatic population increases along the Research Coast within the past several years correlate directly to an increase in St. Lucie County's workforce. St. Lucie County's population has increased 25% in the last 5 years; increasing from a population of 192,695 in 2000 to an estimated 240,039 people in 2005. Proportionately, the workforce has increased approximately 27% within the last 5 years. These increases in turn, are changing the face of St. Lucie County's workforce and increasing the number of workers with new and advanced skills. A higher than average percentage of the total regional population has a high school diploma, or equivalent, plus post-secondary education and training when compared to the state and the nation. Regional public schools and colleges are working to increase the number of bachelor and advanced degrees among the workforce.

The School Board of St. Lucie County has initiated educational programs focusing on science, technology, and applied research. Institutions such as Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institution, Indian River Community College, Florida Atlantic University and University of Florida are dedicated toward teaching and training students in specialized areas of exploration and research. There are a number of certificate training programs available in biotechnology, nuclear medicine, and medical lab technology. Degrees in Agribusiness Management, Environment Management, Agricultural Education, Entomology, Environmental Horticulture, Environmental Science, Biology, Chemistry, and many others are offered by our local educational and research institutions. St. Lucie County is building the research foundation, beginning with education.