FloridaPop. 185,604Mid-size cities
Is Fort Lauderdale a Good Place to Live? Fort Lauderdale, Florida: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Fort Lauderdale ranks #931 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #172 of 256 mid-size cities and #47 of 80 in Florida. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low unemployment (3.7%, #53 of 241), and trails on high living costs (114.2, #238 of 256) and high violent crime (673 per 100,000, #199 of 235).
Fort Lauderdale by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Fort Lauderdale'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 Fort Lauderdale?
Fort Lauderdale'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 $1,854/mo against $1,641/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $511,473, 36% above the typical Florida home ($375,470).
| Measure | Fort Lauderdale | 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 | 103.4 | 101.8 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $439,863 · US $368,697 | $511,473#835 of 1,187 | $375,470 | $439,863 | $368,697 |
| Typical asking rentZillow Observed Rent Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,871/mo · US $1,948/mo | $2,736/mo#972 of 1,115 | — | $1,871/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $405,750 | $486,700#963 of 1,309 | — | $405,750 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,641/mo | $1,854/mo#1005 of 1,309 | — | $1,641/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 5x | 5.9x#1024 of 1,309 | — | 5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 23.9% | 26.8%#1140 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.
Fort Lauderdale 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. Fort Lauderdale is in the Miami-Fort Lauderdale-Pompano Beach, FL metro.
Florida housing market →Is Fort Lauderdale safe?
Fort Lauderdale recorded 673 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 2.1 times the US rate of 328 and 2.4 times Florida's 275. That ranks #953 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #199 of 235 mid-size cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Fort Lauderdale Police Department. Property crime runs 3,288 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Fort Lauderdale | FloridaFL | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 352 · US 328 | 673#953 of 1,085 | 275 | 352 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,730 · US 1,548 | 3,288#988 of 1,085 | 1,402 | 1,730 | 1,548 |
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 Fort Lauderdale?
The median household in Fort Lauderdale earns $83,130, in line with the US figure of $83,163 and 7% above Florida ($77,735). Unemployment is 3.7% (US 4.3%). 15% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Fort Lauderdale | FloridaFL | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $80,112 · US $83,163 | $83,130#563 of 1,312 | $77,735 | $80,112 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.2% · US 4.3% | 3.7%#342 of 1,058 | 3.9% | 4.2% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 12.6% | 15%#864 of 1,312 | — | 12.6% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.3% · US +0.5% | 0%#663 of 1,132 | +0.9% | +0.3% | +0.5% |
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 Fort Lauderdale?
The median resident of Fort Lauderdale is 42.8 years old, against 36.7 in similar-size cities. 40.8% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #447 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 54.1% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Fort Lauderdale | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 36.7 | 42.8 | 36.7 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 34% | 40.8%#447 of 1,312 | 34% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 56.7% | 54.1% | 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 Fort Lauderdale's schools and health?
Fort Lauderdale's 26 public schools graduate 89.4% of students in four years (Florida 87.3%), with 19.4 students per teacher and $12,072 spent per pupil. 30.3% of adults are obese and 12.8% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 33.3% and 11.5%.
| Measure | Fort Lauderdale | FloridaFL | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 88% | 89.4%#444 of 1,063 | 87.3% | 88% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 17.4 | 19.4#916 of 1,188 | — | 17.4 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $14,993 | $12,072#956 of 1,188 | — | $14,993 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 33.3% | 30.3%#410 of 1,311 | — | 33.3% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.5% | 12.8%#918 of 1,311 | — | 11.5% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 17.5% | 16.2%#457 of 1,311 | — | 17.5% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.1% | 14.7%#1057 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. 18,965 students are enrolled in Fort Lauderdale's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Fort Lauderdale?
The average commute in Fort Lauderdale is 26.1 minutes (Florida 28.9); 2.4% of workers take transit and 19% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Fort Lauderdale scores 13.9 of 20 (above average walkable), #174 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 83.4°F and winters 69.9°F, with 61 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Fort Lauderdale | FloridaFL | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 24.6 min | 26.1 min#868 of 1,312 | 28.9 min | 24.6 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 6% | 7.9%#913 of 1,312 | 9.6% | 6% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 70.7% | 64.4% | 69% | 70.7% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.1% | 2.4% | 1.3% | 1.1% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.6% | 2.4% | 1.4% | 1.6% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.3% | 0.5% | 0.5% | 0.3% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 13.3% | 19% | 15.5% | 13.3% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 11.6 | 13.9#174 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 | 75.6 | 60.9 | 2.9 |
| Feb | 77.4 | 63.3 | 2.4 |
| Mar | 79.7 | 65.6 | 2.4 |
| Apr | 82.9 | 69.9 | 3 |
| May | 85.8 | 73.5 | 5.6 |
| Jun | 88.4 | 76.6 | 9.6 |
| Jul | 90 | 77.6 | 5.4 |
| Aug | 90 | 77.9 | 7.9 |
| Sep | 88.3 | 77.1 | 8 |
| Oct | 85.4 | 74.4 | 7.4 |
| Nov | 80.8 | 68.3 | 3.7 |
| Dec | 77.7 | 64.7 | 2.8 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Ft Lauderdale International Airport.
| Measure | Fort Lauderdale | 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 | 83.4°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 | 61 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 Ft Lauderdale International Airport.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Fort Lauderdale?
Broward County's air had a median air quality index of 43, and 73% 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 Broward County's biggest natural hazard losses in hurricane, coastal flooding, and wildfire, with expected yearly losses of 0.21% of building value, higher than 76% of US counties.
| Measure | Fort Lauderdale | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 46 | 43#494 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% | 0.21%#967 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 Broward County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Broward County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Hurricane | 0.086% | 90% of counties |
| Coastal flooding | 0.004% | 70% of counties |
| Wildfire | 0.002% | 67% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.095% | 65% 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 Fort Lauderdale compare with similar-size cities?
Fort Lauderdale is one of 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track and ranks #172 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 185,604.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fort Lauderdale, FLPop. 185,604 | #931 | 51.2 | $83,130 | $1,854/mo | 673 | 26.1 min |
| Glendale, CAPop. 190,748 | #900 | 51.7 | $88,393 | $2,182/mo | 234 | 27.1 min |
| Akron, OHPop. 189,247 | #1246 | 42.6 | $48,076 | $955/mo | 871 | 22.2 min |
| Brownsville, TXPop. 189,177 | #1243 | 42.7 | $52,130 | $923/mo | 405 | 21.4 min |
| Tempe, AZPop. 188,065 | #538 | 57.4 | $79,663 | $1,743/mo | 418 | 20.9 min |
| Paradise, NVPop. 185,913 | #1205 | 44.7 | $59,190 | $1,372/mo | no data | 23.2 min |
| Chattanooga, TNPop. 185,783 | #949 | 50.9 | $64,523 | $1,256/mo | 680 | 18.5 min |
| Newport News, VAPop. 184,216 | #880 | 52.0 | $69,634 | $1,339/mo | 794 | 23.1 min |
| Shreveport, LAPop. 180,982 | #1273 | 40.2 | $48,699 | $987/mo | 1,163 | 18.8 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 Fort Lauderdale compare with the rest of Florida?
Fort Lauderdale ranks #47 of the 80 Florida cities we track, with a score of 51.2 against Florida's statewide 59.9. Its households earn 7% above the Florida median. Violent crime is 2.4 times the statewide rate. Homes are 36% 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 |
| Fort Myers, FLPop. 95,051 | … #43 | 51.5 | $63,732 | $1,580/mo | 444 |
| Homestead, FLPop. 82,807 | #44 | 51.4 | $65,423 | $1,674/mo | 442 |
| Port Orange, FLPop. 64,767 | #45 | 51.4 | $74,426 | $1,634/mo | part year |
| Bradenton, FLPop. 57,014 | #46 | 51.4 | $60,822 | $1,618/mo | 400 |
| Fort Lauderdale, FLPop. 185,604 | #47 | 51.2 | $83,130 | $1,854/mo | 673 |
| Winter Haven, FLPop. 55,200 | #48 | 51.2 | $59,648 | $1,246/mo | 269 |
| Sunrise, FLPop. 97,918 | #49 | 51.0 | $77,652 | $2,140/mo | part year |
| Jacksonville, FLPop. 977,670 | #50 | 50.9 | $69,872 | $1,465/mo | 519 |
| Coconut Creek, FLPop. 58,330 | #51 | 50.9 | $75,014 | $2,102/mo | part year |
The top 10 of the 80 and the cities ranked either side of Fort Lauderdale among the Florida cities we track, by overall score. Florida statewide: median income $77,735, violent crime 275.2 per 100,000.
How is Fort Lauderdale's score calculated?
Fort Lauderdale scores 51.2 out of 100, #931 of 1,312 (grade C, 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 Fort Lauderdale. Similar-size median 52.9.
58.0 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Fort Lauderdale's police agency. Similar-size median 70.6.
40.4 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Fort Lauderdale. Similar-size median 53.8.
58.3 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Fort Lauderdale's public schools. Similar-size median 52.1.
48.5 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Fort Lauderdale's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 59.1.
46.4 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Fort Lauderdale. Similar-size median 51.2.
48.7 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Fort Lauderdale. Similar-size median 42.1.
42.2 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Fort Lauderdale. Similar-size median 50.1.
56.2 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Fort Lauderdale's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 56.1.
67.9 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 45.9.
38.9 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Fort Lauderdale'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 Fort Lauderdale 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 Fort Lauderdale
Is Fort Lauderdale, FL a good place to live?
Fort Lauderdale ranks #931 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #172 of 256 mid-size cities and #47 of 80 in Florida. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low unemployment (3.7%, #53 of 241), and trails on high living costs (114.2, #238 of 256) and high violent crime (673 per 100,000, #199 of 235).
What is the cost of living in Fort Lauderdale?
Fort Lauderdale'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 $1,854/mo against $1,641/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $511,473, 36% above the typical Florida home ($375,470).
What is the crime rate in Fort Lauderdale?
Fort Lauderdale recorded 673 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 2.1 times the US rate of 328 and 2.4 times Florida's 275. That ranks #953 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #199 of 235 mid-size cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Fort Lauderdale Police Department. Property crime runs 3,288 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Fort Lauderdale?
The median household in Fort Lauderdale earns $83,130, in line with the US figure of $83,163 and 7% above Florida ($77,735). Unemployment is 3.7% (US 4.3%). 15% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Fort Lauderdale?
Median rent in Fort Lauderdale is $1,854/mo (Census), #1005 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $2,736/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 26.8% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Fort Lauderdale?
The typical home value in Fort Lauderdale is $511,473, down 1.3% in a year, against $375,470 for Florida and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $486,700.
How are the public schools in Fort Lauderdale?
Fort Lauderdale's 26 public schools graduate 89.4% of students in four years (Florida 87.3%), with 19.4 students per teacher and $12,072 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Fort Lauderdale?
The average commute is 26.1 minutes, #868 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 28.9 minutes across Florida. 7.9% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Fort Lauderdale?
Fort Lauderdale averages 77.2°F over the year, 83.4°F in summer and 69.9°F in winter, with 61 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Fort Lauderdale walkable?
Fort Lauderdale scores 13.9 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (above average walkable), #174 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 Fort Lauderdale at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Broward County's biggest natural hazard losses in hurricane, coastal flooding, and wildfire, with expected yearly losses of 0.21% of building value, higher than 76% of US counties.
How is the air quality in Fort Lauderdale?
Broward County's air had a median air quality index of 43, and 73% of measured days were rated good; 0 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles.
Who lives in Fort Lauderdale?
Fort Lauderdale has 185,604 residents. The median resident of Fort Lauderdale is 42.8 years old, against 36.7 in similar-size cities. 40.8% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #447 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 54.1% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Fort Lauderdale compare with the rest of Florida?
Fort Lauderdale ranks #47 of the 80 Florida cities we track, with a score of 51.2 against Florida's statewide 59.9. Its households earn 7% above the Florida median. Violent crime is 2.4 times the statewide rate. Homes are 36% above the typical Florida home.
What cities are similar in size to Fort Lauderdale?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Fort Lauderdale's population of 185,604 are Glendale, CA (#900 overall), Akron, OH (#1246 overall), Brownsville, TX (#1243 overall), Tempe, AZ (#538 overall), and Paradise, NV (#1205 overall). Fort Lauderdale is #931.