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Is Delray Beach a Good Place to Live? Delray Beach, Florida: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Delray Beach ranks #475 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #226 of 524 smaller cities and #10 of 80 in Florida. Against similar-size cities it has no measure in the top quarter and trails on high living costs (114.2, #487 of 524) and high rents ($1,961/mo, #399 of 524).
Delray Beach by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Delray Beach'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 Delray Beach?
Delray Beach'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 $1,961/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $343,049, 9% below the typical Florida home ($375,470).
| Measure | Delray Beach | FloridaFL | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 102.4 · US 100 | 114.2#1248 of 1,308 | 103 | 102.4 | 100 |
| Typical home value (Zillow)Zillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $431,438 · US $368,697 | $343,049#505 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 | $2,841/mo#1001 of 1,115 | — | $1,884/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $401,950 | $420,300#833 of 1,309 | — | $401,950 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,633/mo | $1,961/mo#1077 of 1,309 | — | $1,633/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.5x | 5.1x#864 of 1,309 | — | 4.5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 22.2% | 28.7%#1216 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.
Delray 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. Delray Beach is in the Miami-Fort Lauderdale-Pompano Beach, FL metro.
Florida housing market →Is Delray Beach safe?
Delray Beach recorded 292 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 22% below the US rate of 373 and 24% below Florida's 384. That ranks #548 of 1,083 cities with data (1 = safest) and #242 of 442 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Delray Beach Police Department. Property crime runs 1,785 per 100,000 (US 2,083).
| Measure | Delray Beach | FloridaFL | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 264 · US 373 | 292#548 of 1,083 | 384 | 264 | 373 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,553 · US 2,083 | 1,785#614 of 1,083 | 1,954 | 1,553 | 2,083 |
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. City rates come from each police agency's report to the FBI and are not strictly comparable across agencies.
What do people earn in Delray Beach?
The median household in Delray Beach earns $82,041, 7% above the US figure of $76,827 and 15% above Florida ($71,516). Unemployment is 3.7% (US 4.2%). 13% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0% in the latest year (US +0.8%).
| Measure | Delray Beach | FloridaFL | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $83,646 · US $76,827 | $82,041#578 of 1,312 | $71,516 | $83,646 | $76,827 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.2% · US 4.2% | 3.7%#342 of 1,058 | 4.3% | 4.2% | 4.2% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.8% | 13%#734 of 1,312 | — | 10.8% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.2% · US +0.8% | 0%#663 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 Delray Beach?
The median resident of Delray Beach is 51.3 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 43.7% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #374 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 63.2% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Delray Beach | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 37.7 | 51.3 | 37.7 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 35.1% | 43.7%#374 of 1,312 | 35.1% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 61.7% | 63.2% | 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 Delray Beach's schools and health?
Delray Beach's 8 public schools graduate 90% of students in four years (Florida 87%), with 14.9 students per teacher and $14,024 spent per pupil. 27% of adults are obese and 13.5% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 31.9% and 11%.
| Measure | Delray Beach | FloridaFL | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 89% | 90%#358 of 1,063 | 87% | 89% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 16.4 | 14.9#445 of 1,188 | — | 16.4 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $15,354 | $14,024#697 of 1,188 | — | $15,354 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 31.9% | 27%#225 of 1,311 | — | 31.9% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11% | 13.5%#1026 of 1,311 | — | 11% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 16.7% | 15.1%#276 of 1,311 | — | 16.7% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.1% | 12.5%#920 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. 6,324 students are enrolled in Delray Beach's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Delray Beach?
The average commute in Delray Beach is 23 minutes (Florida 24.6); 3.1% of workers take transit and 18.6% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Delray Beach scores 13 of 20 (above average walkable), #325 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 81.6°F and winters 67°F, with 63.6 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Delray Beach | FloridaFL | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 25.1 min | 23 min#599 of 1,312 | 24.6 min | 25.1 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 6.5% | 5.4%#634 of 1,312 | 8.5% | 6.5% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 70.8% | 67.9% | 74.1% | 70.8% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.1% | 3.1% | 1.3% | 1.1% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.4% | 1.5% | 1.4% | 1.4% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.2% | 0.4% | 0.5% | 0.2% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 13.7% | 18.6% | 11.9% | 13.7% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 11.1 | 13#325 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 | 74.7 | 55.5 | 3.3 |
| Feb | 76.9 | 57.7 | 2.8 |
| Mar | 79.3 | 60.8 | 3 |
| Apr | 82.5 | 64.2 | 3.1 |
| May | 85.5 | 68.1 | 5 |
| Jun | 88.4 | 72.5 | 9.7 |
| Jul | 89.8 | 74.1 | 6.7 |
| Aug | 90.1 | 74.4 | 8.3 |
| Sep | 88.6 | 73.7 | 8.6 |
| Oct | 85.5 | 70.3 | 6.4 |
| Nov | 80.2 | 63.9 | 3.7 |
| Dec | 77.4 | 59.7 | 3.1 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Loxahatchee Nwr.
| Measure | Delray Beach | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 58.1°F | 74.8°F | 58.1°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 74.2°F | 81.6°F | 74.2°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 40.8°F | 67°F | 40.8°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 38.3 in | 63.6 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 Loxahatchee Nwr.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Delray Beach?
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 | Delray Beach | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 44 | 39#281 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% | 0.18%#868 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 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 Delray Beach compare with similar-size cities?
Delray Beach is one of 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track and ranks #226 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 67,979.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Delray Beach, FLPop. 67,979 | #475 | 58.5 | $82,041 | $1,961/mo | 292 | 23 min |
| Grand Junction, COPop. 68,142 | #730 | 54.5 | $70,080 | $1,142/mo | 536 | 15.8 min |
| Gary, INPop. 68,113 | #1312 | 31.1 | $38,731 | $1,012/mo | 1,393 | 25.9 min |
| South Hill, WAPop. 68,025 | #801 | 53.3 | $113,130 | $2,088/mo | no data | 33.9 min |
| Eagan, MNPop. 68,000 | #162 | 65.7 | $108,690 | $1,679/mo | 130 | 21.2 min |
| Madera, CAPop. 67,831 | #1230 | 43.6 | $63,933 | $1,353/mo | 432 | 25.7 min |
| Idaho Falls, IDPop. 67,725 | #448 | 59.0 | $73,110 | $1,075/mo | 301 | 18.9 min |
| Haverhill, MAPop. 67,698 | #444 | 59.1 | $88,326 | $1,668/mo | 330 | 27.4 min |
| Rockville, MDPop. 67,671 | #39 | 71.4 | $128,649 | $2,274/mo | 108 | 30.7 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 Delray Beach compare with the rest of Florida?
Delray Beach ranks #10 of the 80 Florida cities we track, with a score of 58.5 against Florida's statewide 52.8. Its households earn 15% above the Florida median. Violent crime is 24% below the statewide rate. Homes are 9% 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 |
| Miramar, FLPop. 138,600 | #11 | 58.3 | $89,125 | $2,117/mo | 121 |
| Port St. Lucie, FLPop. 232,491 | #12 | 58.2 | $80,648 | $1,937/mo | 128 |
| Plantation, FLPop. 96,293 | #13 | 58.2 | $92,541 | $2,240/mo | 166 |
| Weston, FLPop. 68,837 | #14 | 58.2 | $139,825 | $2,851/mo | part year |
The top 10 of the 80 and the cities ranked either side of Delray Beach among the Florida cities we track, by overall score. Florida statewide: median income $71,516, violent crime 384 per 100,000.
How is Delray Beach's score calculated?
Delray Beach scores 58.5 out of 100, #475 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 Delray Beach. Similar-size median 55.5.
57.5 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Delray Beach's police agency. Similar-size median 77.6.
75.4 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Delray Beach. Similar-size median 58.9.
63.5 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Delray Beach's public schools. Similar-size median 55.2.
61.6 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Delray Beach's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 59.3.
48.0 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Delray Beach. Similar-size median 56.1.
51.9 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Delray Beach. Similar-size median 42.4.
42.2 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Delray Beach. Similar-size median 50.0.
58.1 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Delray Beach's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 53.2.
63.2 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 50.8.
47.2 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Delray 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 Delray 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 Delray Beach
Is Delray Beach, FL a good place to live?
Delray Beach ranks #475 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #226 of 524 smaller cities and #10 of 80 in Florida. Against similar-size cities it has no measure in the top quarter and trails on high living costs (114.2, #487 of 524) and high rents ($1,961/mo, #399 of 524).
What is the cost of living in Delray Beach?
Delray Beach'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 $1,961/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $343,049, 9% below the typical Florida home ($375,470).
What is the crime rate in Delray Beach?
Delray Beach recorded 292 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 22% below the US rate of 373 and 24% below Florida's 384. That ranks #548 of 1,083 cities with data (1 = safest) and #242 of 442 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Delray Beach Police Department. Property crime runs 1,785 per 100,000 (US 2,083).
What is the median household income in Delray Beach?
The median household in Delray Beach earns $82,041, 7% above the US figure of $76,827 and 15% above Florida ($71,516). Unemployment is 3.7% (US 4.2%). 13% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0% in the latest year (US +0.8%).
How much is rent in Delray Beach?
Median rent in Delray Beach is $1,961/mo (Census), #1077 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Zillow's typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $2,841/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 28.7% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Delray Beach?
Zillow's typical home value in Delray Beach is $343,049, up 0.2% in a year, against $375,470 for Florida and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $420,300.
How are the public schools in Delray Beach?
Delray Beach's 8 public schools graduate 90% of students in four years (Florida 87%), with 14.9 students per teacher and $14,024 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Delray Beach?
The average commute is 23 minutes, #599 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 24.6 minutes across Florida. 5.4% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Delray Beach?
Delray Beach averages 74.8°F over the year, 81.6°F in summer and 67°F in winter, with 63.6 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Delray Beach walkable?
Delray Beach scores 13 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (above average walkable), #325 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 Delray Beach 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 Delray Beach?
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 Delray Beach?
Delray Beach has 67,979 residents. The median resident of Delray Beach is 51.3 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 43.7% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #374 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 63.2% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Delray Beach compare with the rest of Florida?
Delray Beach ranks #10 of the 80 Florida cities we track, with a score of 58.5 against Florida's statewide 52.8. Its households earn 15% above the Florida median. Violent crime is 24% below the statewide rate. Homes are 9% below the typical Florida home.
What cities are similar in size to Delray Beach?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Delray Beach's population of 67,979 are Grand Junction, CO (#730 overall), Gary, IN (#1312 overall), South Hill, WA (#801 overall), Eagan, MN (#162 overall), and Madera, CA (#1230 overall). Delray Beach is #475.