FloridaPop. 100,234Mid-size cities
Is Boca Raton a Good Place to Live? Boca Raton, Florida: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Boca Raton ranks #346 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #45 of 256 mid-size cities and #7 of 80 in Florida. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low violent crime (113 per 100,000, #15 of 235) and high household income ($106,273, #48 of 256), and trails on high rents ($2,508/mo, #243 of 256) and high living costs (114.2, #238 of 256).
Boca Raton by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Boca Raton's rank among the tracked cities and the US figure (or the similar-size median where there is no national figure).
What is the cost of living in Boca Raton?
Boca Raton's cost of living index is 114.2, 14% above the US level of 100 and #1248 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $2,508/mo against $1,641/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $576,824, 54% above the typical Florida home ($375,470).
| Measure | Boca Raton | FloridaFL | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 101.8 · US 100 | 114.2#1248 of 1,308 | 103 | 101.8 | 100 |
| Typical home value (Zillow)Zillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $439,863 · US $368,697 | $576,824#918 of 1,187 | $375,470 | $439,863 | $368,697 |
| Typical asking rent (Zillow)Zillow Observed Rent Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,871/mo · US $1,948/mo | $2,949/mo#1026 of 1,115 | — | $1,871/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $405,750 | $722,700#1163 of 1,309 | — | $405,750 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,641/mo | $2,508/mo#1245 of 1,309 | — | $1,641/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 5x | 6.8x#1130 of 1,309 | — | 5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 23.9% | 28.3%#1201 of 1,309 | — | 23.9% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). Florida is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. Zillow figures track homes and rentals on the market now; Census figures are survey medians of all homes and leases, so the two differ.
Boca Raton housing market · August
Typical home value is a monthly index of homes in the middle third of the market; the Census figures above are survey medians and will differ. Source in the data sources list below. Boca Raton is in the Miami-Fort Lauderdale-Pompano Beach, FL metro.
Florida housing market →Is Boca Raton safe?
Boca Raton recorded 113 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 70% below the US rate of 373 and 70% below Florida's 384. That ranks #154 of 1,083 cities with data (1 = safest) and #15 of 235 mid-size cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Boca Raton Police Department. Property crime runs 1,285 per 100,000 (US 2,083).
| Measure | Boca Raton | FloridaFL | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 352 · US 373 | 113#154 of 1,083 | 384 | 352 | 373 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,730 · US 2,083 | 1,285#346 of 1,083 | 1,954 | 1,730 | 2,083 |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). Florida is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. City rates come from each police agency's report to the FBI and are not strictly comparable across agencies.
What do people earn in Boca Raton?
The median household in Boca Raton earns $106,273, 38% above the US figure of $76,827 and 49% above Florida ($71,516). Unemployment is 4.2% (US 4.2%). 10% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 0.3% in the latest year (US +0.8%).
| Measure | Boca Raton | FloridaFL | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $80,112 · US $76,827 | $106,273#274 of 1,312 | $71,516 | $80,112 | $76,827 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.2% · US 4.2% | 4.2%#576 of 1,058 | 4.3% | 4.2% | 4.2% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 12.6% | 10%#494 of 1,312 | — | 12.6% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.3% · US +0.8% | -0.3%#853 of 1,132 | +2% | +0.3% | +0.8% |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). Florida is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure.
Who lives in Boca Raton?
The median resident of Boca Raton is 46 years old, against 36.7 in similar-size cities. 61.8% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #111 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 65.7% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Boca Raton | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 36.7 | 46 | 36.7 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 34% | 61.8%#111 of 1,312 | 34% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 56.7% | 65.7% | 56.7% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure.
How are Boca Raton's schools and health?
Boca Raton's 14 public schools graduate 90.1% of students in four years (Florida 87%), with 18.4 students per teacher and $14,024 spent per pupil. 23.2% of adults are obese and 10.4% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 33.3% and 11.5%.
| Measure | Boca Raton | FloridaFL | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 88% | 90.1%#355 of 1,063 | 87% | 88% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 17.4 | 18.4#865 of 1,188 | — | 17.4 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $14,993 | $14,024#697 of 1,188 | — | $14,993 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 33.3% | 23.2%#71 of 1,311 | — | 33.3% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.5% | 10.4%#479 of 1,311 | — | 11.5% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 17.5% | 14.3%#175 of 1,311 | — | 17.5% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.1% | 9.7%#622 of 1,311 | — | 11.1% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). Florida is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. 16,236 students are enrolled in Boca Raton's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Boca Raton?
The average commute in Boca Raton is 21.2 minutes (Florida 24.6); 0.6% of workers take transit and 23.5% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Boca Raton scores 11 of 20 (above average walkable), #585 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 83.6°F and winters 69.9°F, with 55.6 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Boca Raton | FloridaFL | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 24.6 min | 21.2 min#441 of 1,312 | 24.6 min | 24.6 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 6% | 4.3%#446 of 1,312 | 8.5% | 6% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 70.7% | 63.9% | 74.1% | 70.7% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.1% | 0.6% | 1.3% | 1.1% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.6% | 2.7% | 1.4% | 1.6% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.3% | 1.5% | 0.5% | 0.3% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 13.3% | 23.5% | 11.9% | 13.3% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 11.6 | 11#585 of 1,312 | — | 11.6 | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). Florida is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. The walkability index is the EPA's, averaged over the city's neighborhoods by population.
| Month | Average high (°F) | Average low (°F) | Precipitation (inches) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 76.3 | 60.4 | 1.9 |
| Feb | 78.1 | 62.4 | 2 |
| Mar | 80.2 | 64.9 | 2.9 |
| Apr | 83.6 | 69.5 | 3.4 |
| May | 86.3 | 73.2 | 5.5 |
| Jun | 88.9 | 76.3 | 8.1 |
| Jul | 90.5 | 77.5 | 5.3 |
| Aug | 90.7 | 77.7 | 6.3 |
| Sep | 89 | 76.8 | 7.6 |
| Oct | 86.2 | 73.7 | 6.7 |
| Nov | 81.3 | 67.8 | 3.7 |
| Dec | 78.3 | 63.7 | 2.5 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Pompano Beach Airpark.
| Measure | Boca Raton | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 62.1°F | 77.2°F | 62.1°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 76.9°F | 83.6°F | 76.9°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 47.7°F | 69.9°F | 47.7°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 36.8 in | 55.6 in | 36.8 in | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Pompano Beach Airpark.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Boca Raton?
Palm Beach County's air had a median air quality index of 39, and 76% of measured days were rated good; 0 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Palm Beach County's biggest natural hazard losses in hurricane, coastal flooding, and wildfire, with expected yearly losses of 0.18% of building value, higher than 68% of US counties.
| Measure | Boca Raton | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 46 | 39#281 of 1,138 | 46 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4 | 0#1 of 1,138 | 4 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.16% | 0.18%#868 of 1,312 | 0.16% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. County figures for Palm Beach County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Palm Beach County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Hurricane | 0.095% | 90% of counties |
| Coastal flooding | 0.0025% | 64% of counties |
| Wildfire | 0.0011% | 59% of counties |
| Tornado | 0.0027% | 26% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.062% | 25% of counties |
FEMA National Risk Index: expected yearly building losses from each hazard as a share of the county's building value, compared with every US county exposed to that hazard. Loss rates, unlike FEMA's risk ratings, do not rise just because a county has more property.
How does Boca Raton compare with similar-size cities?
Boca Raton is one of 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track and ranks #45 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 100,234.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Boca Raton, FLPop. 100,234 | #346 | 61.0 | $106,273 | $2,508/mo | 113 | 21.2 min |
| New Bedford, MAPop. 100,998 | #849 | 52.5 | $56,981 | $1,137/mo | 345 | 24.7 min |
| Davenport, IAPop. 100,913 | #1020 | 49.7 | $66,200 | $978/mo | 652 | 19.4 min |
| Albany, NYPop. 100,492 | #700 | 54.9 | $61,986 | $1,216/mo | 832 | 20 min |
| Yuma, AZPop. 100,139 | #1169 | 46.1 | $65,482 | $1,114/mo | 353 | 18.4 min |
| Norwalk, CAPop. 99,789 | #808 | 53.2 | $100,085 | $2,090/mo | 327 | 29.5 min |
| San Angelo, TXPop. 99,674 | #701 | 54.9 | $65,864 | $1,153/mo | 287 | 19.2 min |
| Federal Way, WAPop. 99,493 | #770 | 53.8 | $86,909 | $1,797/mo | 353 | 32.1 min |
| Longmont, COPop. 99,406 | #354 | 60.8 | $90,671 | $1,816/mo | 350 | 24.5 min |
Rank is overall rank of 1,312. Income is median household income; rent is Census median rent; violent crime is per 100,000 residents as reported to the FBI ("no data" and "incomplete" are explained on each city's page).
How does Boca Raton compare with the rest of Florida?
Boca Raton ranks #7 of the 80 Florida cities we track, with a score of 61 against Florida's statewide 52.8. Its households earn 49% above the Florida median. Violent crime is 70% below the statewide rate. Homes are 54% above the typical Florida home.
| City | Rank in FL | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Palm Beach Gardens, FLPop. 60,959 | #1 | 64.8 | $106,947 | $2,417/mo | 72 |
| Horizon West, FLPop. 67,416 | #2 | 64.0 | $127,335 | $2,464/mo | no data |
| Jupiter, FLPop. 61,883 | #3 | 62.6 | $110,240 | $2,381/mo | 126 |
| Doral, FLPop. 79,216 | #4 | 61.5 | $94,164 | $2,669/mo | 79 |
| North Port, FLPop. 84,605 | #5 | 61.2 | $84,049 | $1,894/mo | 102 |
| Wellington, FLPop. 62,146 | #6 | 61.1 | $115,632 | $2,562/mo | 90 |
| Boca Raton, FLPop. 100,234 | #7 | 61.0 | $106,273 | $2,508/mo | 113 |
| Apopka, FLPop. 58,232 | #8 | 59.4 | $96,884 | $1,969/mo | 408 |
| St. Cloud, FLPop. 65,130 | #9 | 58.8 | $83,174 | $1,683/mo | 141 |
| Delray Beach, FLPop. 67,979 | #10 | 58.5 | $82,041 | $1,961/mo | 292 |
| Miramar, FLPop. 138,600 | #11 | 58.3 | $89,125 | $2,117/mo | 121 |
The top 10 of the 80 and the cities ranked either side of Boca Raton among the Florida cities we track, by overall score. Florida statewide: median income $71,516, violent crime 384 per 100,000.
How is Boca Raton's score calculated?
Boca Raton scores 61 out of 100, #346 of 1,312 (grade B+, which follows rank). It is scored on the 10 of 11 categories with local data; outdoor access is left out rather than filled with Florida's statewide figure, and the other weights are scaled up to fill the gap. Each score is compared with the median of similar-size cities, which are scored the same way.
- EconomyCity data · 16% of score
Median household income and unemployment in Boca Raton. Similar-size median 52.9.
65.1 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Boca Raton's police agency. Similar-size median 70.6.
90.3 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Boca Raton. Similar-size median 53.8.
76.3 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Boca Raton's public schools. Similar-size median 52.1.
54.7 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Boca Raton's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 59.1.
28.5 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Boca Raton. Similar-size median 51.2.
68.0 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Boca Raton. Similar-size median 42.1.
37.5 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Boca Raton. Similar-size median 50.1.
65.1 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Boca Raton's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 56.1.
52.6 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 45.9.
47.2 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Boca Raton's category score out of 100. Tick: median of the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track. Shares of score are the category weights rescaled over the categories Boca Raton has data for. City scores use city formulas and are not on the same scale as state scores. Grades follow rank among the 1,312 cities. Methodology
Frequently asked questions about living in Boca Raton
Is Boca Raton, FL a good place to live?
Boca Raton ranks #346 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #45 of 256 mid-size cities and #7 of 80 in Florida. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low violent crime (113 per 100,000, #15 of 235) and high household income ($106,273, #48 of 256), and trails on high rents ($2,508/mo, #243 of 256) and high living costs (114.2, #238 of 256).
What is the cost of living in Boca Raton?
Boca Raton's cost of living index is 114.2, 14% above the US level of 100 and #1248 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $2,508/mo against $1,641/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $576,824, 54% above the typical Florida home ($375,470).
What is the crime rate in Boca Raton?
Boca Raton recorded 113 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 70% below the US rate of 373 and 70% below Florida's 384. That ranks #154 of 1,083 cities with data (1 = safest) and #15 of 235 mid-size cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Boca Raton Police Department. Property crime runs 1,285 per 100,000 (US 2,083).
What is the median household income in Boca Raton?
The median household in Boca Raton earns $106,273, 38% above the US figure of $76,827 and 49% above Florida ($71,516). Unemployment is 4.2% (US 4.2%). 10% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 0.3% in the latest year (US +0.8%).
How much is rent in Boca Raton?
Median rent in Boca Raton is $2,508/mo (Census), #1245 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Zillow's typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $2,949/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 28.3% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Boca Raton?
Zillow's typical home value in Boca Raton is $576,824, up 3.7% in a year, against $375,470 for Florida and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $722,700.
How are the public schools in Boca Raton?
Boca Raton's 14 public schools graduate 90.1% of students in four years (Florida 87%), with 18.4 students per teacher and $14,024 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Boca Raton?
The average commute is 21.2 minutes, #441 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 24.6 minutes across Florida. 4.3% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Boca Raton?
Boca Raton averages 77.2°F over the year, 83.6°F in summer and 69.9°F in winter, with 55.6 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Boca Raton walkable?
Boca Raton scores 11 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (above average walkable), #585 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). The index weighs street intersection density, distance to transit and the mix of homes and jobs in each neighborhood.
What natural disasters is Boca Raton at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Palm Beach County's biggest natural hazard losses in hurricane, coastal flooding, and wildfire, with expected yearly losses of 0.18% of building value, higher than 68% of US counties.
How is the air quality in Boca Raton?
Palm Beach County's air had a median air quality index of 39, and 76% of measured days were rated good; 0 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles.
Who lives in Boca Raton?
Boca Raton has 100,234 residents. The median resident of Boca Raton is 46 years old, against 36.7 in similar-size cities. 61.8% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #111 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 65.7% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Boca Raton compare with the rest of Florida?
Boca Raton ranks #7 of the 80 Florida cities we track, with a score of 61 against Florida's statewide 52.8. Its households earn 49% above the Florida median. Violent crime is 70% below the statewide rate. Homes are 54% above the typical Florida home.
What cities are similar in size to Boca Raton?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Boca Raton's population of 100,234 are New Bedford, MA (#849 overall), Davenport, IA (#1020 overall), Albany, NY (#700 overall), Yuma, AZ (#1169 overall), and Norwalk, CA (#808 overall). Boca Raton is #346.