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Is Daytona Beach a Good Place to Live? Daytona Beach, Florida: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Daytona Beach ranks #1114 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #462 of 524 smaller cities and #69 of 80 in Florida. Against similar-size cities it stands out for fast population growth (+2.8%, #29 of 468), and trails on low household income ($52,058, #498 of 524) and high poverty (20.4%, #464 of 524).
Daytona Beach by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Daytona Beach's rank among the tracked cities and the US figure (or the similar-size median where there is no national figure).
No crime figure is shown for Daytona Beach: its police agency reported only part of the year. See Is Daytona Beach safe?
What is the cost of living in Daytona Beach?
Daytona Beach's cost of living index is 99.4, 1% below the US level of 100 and #629 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,328/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $252,622, 33% below the typical Florida home ($375,470).
| Measure | Daytona Beach | FloridaFL | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 102.4 · US 100 | 99.4#629 of 1,308 | 103 | 102.4 | 100 |
| Typical home value (Zillow)Zillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $431,438 · US $368,697 | $252,622#257 of 1,187 | $375,470 | $431,438 | $368,697 |
| Typical asking rent (Zillow)Zillow Observed Rent Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,884/mo · US $1,948/mo | $1,533/mo#363 of 1,115 | — | $1,884/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $401,950 | $287,700#495 of 1,309 | — | $401,950 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,633/mo | $1,328/mo#570 of 1,309 | — | $1,633/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.5x | 5.5x#933 of 1,309 | — | 4.5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 22.2% | 30.6%#1262 of 1,309 | — | 22.2% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 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.
Daytona Beach 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. Daytona Beach is in the Deltona-Daytona Beach-Ormond Beach, FL metro.
Florida housing market →Is Daytona Beach safe?
Daytona Beach Police Department reported 0 of 12 months of the latest year to the FBI, so there is no full-year crime rate for Daytona Beach and we don't rank it on safety. Florida as a whole records 384 violent crimes per 100,000 residents against 373 nationally.
What do people earn in Daytona Beach?
The median household in Daytona Beach earns $52,058, 32% below the US figure of $76,827 and 27% below Florida ($71,516). Unemployment is 5.4% (US 4.2%). 20.4% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 2.8% in the latest year (US +0.8%).
| Measure | Daytona Beach | FloridaFL | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $83,646 · US $76,827 | $52,058#1203 of 1,312 | $71,516 | $83,646 | $76,827 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.2% · US 4.2% | 5.4%#915 of 1,058 | 4.3% | 4.2% | 4.2% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.8% | 20.4%#1125 of 1,312 | — | 10.8% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.2% · US +0.8% | +2.8%#56 of 1,132 | +2% | +0.2% | +0.8% |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). Florida is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure.
Who lives in Daytona Beach?
The median resident of Daytona Beach is 40.3 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 27.8% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #880 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 47.5% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Daytona Beach | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 37.7 | 40.3 | 37.7 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 35.1% | 27.8%#880 of 1,312 | 35.1% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 61.7% | 47.5% | 61.7% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure.
How are Daytona Beach's schools and health?
Daytona Beach's 10 public schools graduate 88% of students in four years (Florida 87%), with 18.2 students per teacher and $10,727 spent per pupil. 35.8% of adults are obese and 14.5% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 31.9% and 11%.
| Measure | Daytona Beach | FloridaFL | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 89% | 88%#518 of 1,063 | 87% | 89% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 16.4 | 18.2#853 of 1,188 | — | 16.4 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $15,354 | $10,727#1091 of 1,188 | — | $15,354 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 31.9% | 35.8%#840 of 1,311 | — | 31.9% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11% | 14.5%#1126 of 1,311 | — | 11% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 16.7% | 19.5%#1113 of 1,311 | — | 16.7% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.1% | 14.9%#1072 of 1,311 | — | 10.1% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). Florida is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. 8,677 students are enrolled in Daytona Beach's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Daytona Beach?
The average commute in Daytona Beach is 21.4 minutes (Florida 24.6); 1.1% of workers take transit and 10.9% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Daytona Beach scores 13.3 of 20 (above average walkable), #280 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 81.3°F and winters 60.7°F, with 51.3 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Daytona Beach | FloridaFL | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 25.1 min | 21.4 min#459 of 1,312 | 24.6 min | 25.1 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 6.5% | 5.8%#687 of 1,312 | 8.5% | 6.5% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 70.8% | 72.4% | 74.1% | 70.8% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.1% | 1.1% | 1.3% | 1.1% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.4% | 2% | 1.4% | 1.4% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.2% | 1.1% | 0.5% | 0.2% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 13.7% | 10.9% | 11.9% | 13.7% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 11.1 | 13.3#280 of 1,312 | — | 11.1 | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 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 | 69 | 48.5 | 2.7 |
| Feb | 71.7 | 51.1 | 2.3 |
| Mar | 75.5 | 54.8 | 3.6 |
| Apr | 80.2 | 60.1 | 2.2 |
| May | 85 | 66.2 | 3.7 |
| Jun | 88.6 | 71.8 | 6.9 |
| Jul | 90.2 | 73.5 | 6 |
| Aug | 89.8 | 74.1 | 6.6 |
| Sep | 87.3 | 72.9 | 7.2 |
| Oct | 82.2 | 66.7 | 4.9 |
| Nov | 76.1 | 57.9 | 2.8 |
| Dec | 71.5 | 52.1 | 2.3 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Daytona Beach International Airport.
| Measure | Daytona Beach | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 58.1°F | 71.5°F | 58.1°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 74.2°F | 81.3°F | 74.2°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 40.8°F | 60.7°F | 40.8°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 38.3 in | 51.3 in | 38.3 in | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Daytona Beach International Airport.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Daytona Beach?
Volusia County's air had a median air quality index of 41, and 81% of measured days were rated good; 0 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from ozone. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Volusia County's biggest natural hazard losses in hurricane, wildfire, and coastal flooding, with expected yearly losses of 0.2% of building value, higher than 72% of US counties.
| Measure | Daytona Beach | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 44 | 41#404 of 1,138 | 44 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 3 | 0#1 of 1,138 | 3 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.15% | 0.2%#928 of 1,312 | 0.15% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. County figures for Volusia County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Volusia County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Hurricane | 0.087% | 90% of counties |
| Wildfire | 0.0044% | 76% of counties |
| Coastal flooding | 0.0032% | 67% of counties |
| Tornado | 0.0078% | 47% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.072% | 38% 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 Daytona Beach compare with similar-size cities?
Daytona Beach is one of 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track and ranks #462 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 78,992.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Daytona Beach, FLPop. 78,992 | #1114 | 47.6 | $52,058 | $1,328/mo | part year | 21.4 min |
| Parma, OHPop. 79,870 | #355 | 60.8 | $69,295 | $1,087/mo | 150 | 24.2 min |
| Pasco, WAPop. 79,575 | #631 | 56.2 | $85,586 | $1,227/mo | 338 | 22.5 min |
| Lynchburg, VAPop. 79,497 | #455 | 58.8 | $57,947 | $1,073/mo | 361 | 16.8 min |
| Plymouth, MNPop. 79,220 | #36 | 71.5 | $136,534 | $1,766/mo | 65 | 21.7 min |
| Castle Rock, COPop. 79,123 | #139 | 66.8 | $145,197 | $2,000/mo | 30 | 28.6 min |
| Tustin, CAPop. 78,981 | #548 | 57.3 | $112,503 | $2,449/mo | 216 | 22.8 min |
| Bloomington, ILPop. 78,907 | #289 | 62.2 | $77,384 | $1,050/mo | 318 | 16.8 min |
| Flower Mound, TXPop. 78,389 | #126 | 67.4 | $161,235 | $2,231/mo | 42 | 26 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 Daytona Beach compare with the rest of Florida?
Daytona Beach ranks #69 of the 80 Florida cities we track, with a score of 47.6 against Florida's statewide 52.8. Its households earn 27% below the Florida median. Homes are 33% below 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 |
| Kissimmee, FLPop. 81,479 | … #65 | 48.5 | $53,758 | $1,647/mo | 449 |
| Tamiami, FLPop. 49,752 | #66 | 48.3 | $78,353 | $1,939/mo | no data |
| Deerfield Beach, FLPop. 88,093 | #67 | 48.0 | $59,730 | $1,774/mo | part year |
| Tamarac, FLPop. 73,019 | #68 | 47.9 | $61,718 | $1,895/mo | part year |
| Daytona Beach, FLPop. 78,992 | #69 | 47.6 | $52,058 | $1,328/mo | part year |
| Kendale Lakes, FLPop. 52,622 | #70 | 47.1 | $71,621 | $1,968/mo | no data |
| Country Club, FLPop. 51,296 | #71 | 46.8 | $75,212 | $1,899/mo | no data |
| North Miami, FLPop. 60,344 | #72 | 46.5 | $57,188 | $1,702/mo | part year |
| Four Corners, FLPop. 65,048 | #73 | 46.2 | $72,879 | $1,847/mo | no data |
The top 10 of the 80 and the cities ranked either side of Daytona Beach among the Florida cities we track, by overall score. Florida statewide: median income $71,516, violent crime 384 per 100,000.
How is Daytona Beach's score calculated?
Daytona Beach scores 47.6 out of 100, #1114 of 1,312 (grade D, which follows rank). It is scored on the 9 of 11 categories with local data; safety and outdoor access are 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 · 18% of score
Median household income and unemployment in Daytona Beach. Similar-size median 55.5.
34.5 - HealthCity data · 15% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Daytona Beach. Similar-size median 58.9.
40.9 - EducationCity data · 15% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Daytona Beach's public schools. Similar-size median 55.2.
47.1 - AffordabilityCity data · 12% of score
Daytona Beach's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 59.3.
69.9 - Household financesCity data · 10% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Daytona Beach. Similar-size median 56.1.
25.2 - GrowthCity data · 9% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Daytona Beach. Similar-size median 42.4.
64.2 - TransportationCity data · 9% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Daytona Beach. Similar-size median 50.0.
50.1 - WalkabilityCity data · 9% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Daytona Beach's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 53.2.
64.7 - EnvironmentCounty data · 5% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 50.8.
43.1 - SafetyNot scored
Daytona Beach's police agency has no full year of FBI reports to score.
— - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Daytona Beach's category score out of 100. Tick: median of the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track. Shares of score are the category weights rescaled over the categories Daytona Beach 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 Daytona Beach
Is Daytona Beach, FL a good place to live?
Daytona Beach ranks #1114 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #462 of 524 smaller cities and #69 of 80 in Florida. Against similar-size cities it stands out for fast population growth (+2.8%, #29 of 468), and trails on low household income ($52,058, #498 of 524) and high poverty (20.4%, #464 of 524).
What is the cost of living in Daytona Beach?
Daytona Beach's cost of living index is 99.4, 1% below the US level of 100 and #629 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,328/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $252,622, 33% below the typical Florida home ($375,470).
Is Daytona Beach safe?
Daytona Beach Police Department reported 0 of 12 months of the latest year to the FBI, so there is no full-year crime rate for Daytona Beach and we don't rank it on safety. Florida as a whole records 384 violent crimes per 100,000 residents against 373 nationally.
What is the median household income in Daytona Beach?
The median household in Daytona Beach earns $52,058, 32% below the US figure of $76,827 and 27% below Florida ($71,516). Unemployment is 5.4% (US 4.2%). 20.4% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 2.8% in the latest year (US +0.8%).
How much is rent in Daytona Beach?
Median rent in Daytona Beach is $1,328/mo (Census), #570 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Zillow's typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $1,533/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 30.6% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Daytona Beach?
Zillow's typical home value in Daytona Beach is $252,622, down 2.3% in a year, against $375,470 for Florida and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $287,700.
How are the public schools in Daytona Beach?
Daytona Beach's 10 public schools graduate 88% of students in four years (Florida 87%), with 18.2 students per teacher and $10,727 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Daytona Beach?
The average commute is 21.4 minutes, #459 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 24.6 minutes across Florida. 5.8% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Daytona Beach?
Daytona Beach averages 71.5°F over the year, 81.3°F in summer and 60.7°F in winter, with 51.3 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Daytona Beach walkable?
Daytona Beach scores 13.3 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (above average walkable), #280 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 Daytona Beach at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Volusia County's biggest natural hazard losses in hurricane, wildfire, and coastal flooding, with expected yearly losses of 0.2% of building value, higher than 72% of US counties.
How is the air quality in Daytona Beach?
Volusia County's air had a median air quality index of 41, and 81% of measured days were rated good; 0 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from ozone.
Who lives in Daytona Beach?
Daytona Beach has 78,992 residents. The median resident of Daytona Beach is 40.3 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 27.8% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #880 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 47.5% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Daytona Beach compare with the rest of Florida?
Daytona Beach ranks #69 of the 80 Florida cities we track, with a score of 47.6 against Florida's statewide 52.8. Its households earn 27% below the Florida median. Homes are 33% below the typical Florida home.
What cities are similar in size to Daytona Beach?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Daytona Beach's population of 78,992 are Parma, OH (#355 overall), Pasco, WA (#631 overall), Lynchburg, VA (#455 overall), Plymouth, MN (#36 overall), and Castle Rock, CO (#139 overall). Daytona Beach is #1114.