Fort Lauderdale

Fort Lauderdale, Florida Overview

Fort Lauderdale faces challenges across several categories, earning a C grade (48.7/100) and ranking #16 of 20 cities in Florida. Even so, the city scores 61/100 in Affordability — a relative bright spot compared to its Safety score of 27/100.

Income & Employment in Fort Lauderdale

The median household income in Fort Lauderdale is $80,539, 13% above the statewide median of $71,516. The local unemployment rate of 3.3% is lower than the state’s 4.3%. Population grew 1.5% recently.

Safety in Fort Lauderdale

With a violent crime rate of 719.1 per 100,000, Fort Lauderdale exceeds the Florida average of 384. Safety is a factor prospective residents should weigh carefully. The property crime rate is 4722.8 per 100,000.

Cost of Living in Fort Lauderdale

Fort Lauderdale has a cost of living index of 111.8 (where 100 equals the national average), slightly above the national benchmark. The median home value is $455,600. Median monthly rent is $1,776. The price-to-income ratio of 5.7x suggests home buyers face a stretched market.

Health & Wellness in Fort Lauderdale

The adult obesity rate in Fort Lauderdale is 30.3% (CDC PLACES). The diabetes prevalence rate is 12.8%. Residents report an average of 16.2 poor mental health days per month, above the typical range. Florida ranks #36 nationally for overall health.

Education & Schools in Fort Lauderdale

Fort Lauderdale has a high school graduation rate of 89.8%. The student-teacher ratio is 19.1:1. Per-pupil spending is $12,084. The city has 28 public schools serving 21,811 students. School data is sourced from the NCES Common Core of Data and EDFacts.

Climate in Fort Lauderdale

The annual average temperature in Fort Lauderdale is 76.1°F. Summers average 81°F. Winters average 70.5°F. Precipitation is abundant at 81 inches per year.

Frequently Asked Questions