Florida
Category Breakdown
Scores by Category
Florida vs National Average
12-Month Composite Trend
Top Cities in Florida
| # | City | Grade | Score | Population | Income | Crime | Cost Index |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sarasota | A+ | 52.4 | 57,738 | $65,114 | 335 | 108 |
| 2 | Fort Lauderdale | A | 51.1 | 182,760 | $60,560 | 496 | 92 |
| 3 | Miami | B+ | 50.9 | 442,241 | $81,995 | 441 | 102 |
| 4 | Naples | B | 50.6 | 19,537 | $62,959 | 422 | 93 |
| 5 | Orlando | B | 50.5 | 307,573 | $81,349 | 275 | 117 |
| 6 | Jacksonville | C+ | 50.4 | 949,611 | $64,458 | 328 | 115 |
| 7 | Gainesville | C | 49.9 | 141,085 | $67,982 | 465 | 107 |
| 8 | Tampa | C | 48.5 | 387,050 | $63,741 | 335 | 94 |
| 9 | Tallahassee | D | 46.0 | 196,169 | $84,017 | 469 | 111 |
| 10 | St. Petersburg | F | 45.5 | 258,308 | $66,088 | 299 | 96 |
More South States
Florida Rankings Overview
Florida earns an overall grade of C+ with a composite score of 48.6 out of 100, ranking #28 among all 50 US states. The state's strongest category is Growth (73/100) while its biggest challenge is Health (29/100).
Economy & Employment in Florida
With an unemployment rate of 4.3% (compared to the national average of 3.8%), Florida performs below average on economic indicators. The median household income is $71,516, which ranks below the national median of $74,753.
Safety & Crime in Florida
Florida's violent crime rate of 384 per 100,000 residents places it in the bottom half of states for public safety.
Health & Education in Florida
Florida ranks #36 for health outcomes according to the 2025 America's Health Rankings report, and #22 for K-12 education quality based on NAEP scores and graduation rates.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Florida's overall ranking?
Florida ranks #28 out of 50 states with a composite score of 48.6/100 and a grade of C+.
Is Florida a good place to live?
Florida scores 48.6/100 overall, placing it in the middle tier of US states. It has notable strengths in certain categories while facing challenges in others, making it a reasonable choice depending on individual priorities and preferences.
What is the crime rate in Florida?
The violent crime rate in Florida is 384 per 100,000 residents (2024 FBI data), compared to the national average of 350 per 100,000.
How does Florida's economy compare?
Florida's median household income is $71,516 with an unemployment rate of 4.3%. The unemployment rate is above the national average of 3.8%, and the median income is below the national median of $74,753.
What are the best cities in Florida?
Based on our composite scoring, the top-ranked cities in Florida are Sarasota, Fort Lauderdale, and Miami.