FloridaPop. 82,807Smaller cities
Is Homestead a Good Place to Live? Homestead, Florida: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Homestead ranks #918 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #382 of 524 smaller cities and #44 of 80 in Florida. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low unemployment (2.8%, #14 of 476) and fast population growth (+1.6%, #61 of 468), and trails on long commutes (35.8 min, #504 of 524) and high living costs (114.2, #487 of 524).
Homestead by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Homestead'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 Homestead?
Homestead'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 $1,674/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $434,225, 16% above the typical Florida home ($375,470).
| Measure | Homestead | 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 | $434,225#699 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 | $2,469/mo#907 of 1,115 | — | $1,884/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $401,950 | $380,000#739 of 1,309 | — | $401,950 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,633/mo | $1,674/mo#852 of 1,309 | — | $1,633/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.5x | 5.8x#1003 of 1,309 | — | 4.5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 22.2% | 30.7%#1265 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.
Homestead 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. Homestead is in the Miami-Fort Lauderdale-Pompano Beach, FL metro.
Florida housing market →Is Homestead safe?
Homestead recorded 442 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 18% above the US rate of 373 and 15% above Florida's 384. That ranks #771 of 1,083 cities with data (1 = safest) and #342 of 442 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Homestead Police Department. Property crime runs 1,518 per 100,000 (US 2,083).
| Measure | Homestead | FloridaFL | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 264 · US 373 | 442#771 of 1,083 | 384 | 264 | 373 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,553 · US 2,083 | 1,518#487 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 Homestead?
The median household in Homestead earns $65,423, 15% below the US figure of $76,827 and 9% below Florida ($71,516). Unemployment is 2.8% (US 4.2%). 18.4% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 1.6% in the latest year (US +0.8%).
| Measure | Homestead | FloridaFL | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $83,646 · US $76,827 | $65,423#917 of 1,312 | $71,516 | $83,646 | $76,827 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.2% · US 4.2% | 2.8%#54 of 1,058 | 4.3% | 4.2% | 4.2% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.8% | 18.4%#1054 of 1,312 | — | 10.8% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.2% · US +0.8% | +1.6%#138 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 Homestead?
The median resident of Homestead is 32.5 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 24.9% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #975 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 48.3% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Homestead | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 37.7 | 32.5 | 37.7 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 35.1% | 24.9%#975 of 1,312 | 35.1% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 61.7% | 48.3% | 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 Homestead's schools and health?
Homestead's 23 public schools graduate 90% of students in four years (Florida 87%), with 21.3 students per teacher and $13,138 spent per pupil. 31.3% of adults are obese and 13.9% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 31.9% and 11%.
| Measure | Homestead | 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 | 21.3#989 of 1,188 | — | 16.4 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $15,354 | $13,138#810 of 1,188 | — | $15,354 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 31.9% | 31.3%#484 of 1,311 | — | 31.9% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11% | 13.9%#1067 of 1,311 | — | 11% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 16.7% | 17.2%#675 of 1,311 | — | 16.7% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.1% | 30.3%#1300 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. 17,311 students are enrolled in Homestead's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Homestead?
The average commute in Homestead is 35.8 minutes (Florida 24.6); 2.1% of workers take transit and 6.8% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Homestead scores 12.1 of 20 (above average walkable), #464 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 82.6°F and winters 67.8°F, with 59.9 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Homestead | FloridaFL | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 25.1 min | 35.8 min#1276 of 1,312 | 24.6 min | 25.1 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 6.5% | 20%#1282 of 1,312 | 8.5% | 6.5% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 70.8% | 74.9% | 74.1% | 70.8% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.1% | 2.1% | 1.3% | 1.1% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.4% | 0.6% | 1.4% | 1.4% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.2% | 0.5% | 0.5% | 0.2% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 13.7% | 6.8% | 11.9% | 13.7% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 11.1 | 12.1#464 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 | 77.5 | 55.3 | 1.7 |
| Feb | 79.5 | 56.6 | 2 |
| Mar | 81.8 | 59 | 2.1 |
| Apr | 85.5 | 63.2 | 2.9 |
| May | 88.4 | 68.1 | 5.8 |
| Jun | 90.8 | 72.7 | 9.3 |
| Jul | 92 | 73.8 | 7.1 |
| Aug | 92.1 | 74.3 | 10.2 |
| Sep | 91 | 73.9 | 8.6 |
| Oct | 87.5 | 70.4 | 5.9 |
| Nov | 82.5 | 63.4 | 2.3 |
| Dec | 79.2 | 58.7 | 2 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Homestead Gen Aviation Airport.
| Measure | Homestead | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 58.1°F | 75.7°F | 58.1°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 74.2°F | 82.6°F | 74.2°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 40.8°F | 67.8°F | 40.8°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 38.3 in | 59.9 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 Homestead Gen Aviation Airport.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Homestead?
Miami-Dade County's air had a median air quality index of 47, and 56% of measured days were rated good; 1 day was unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Miami-Dade County's biggest natural hazard losses in hurricane, coastal flooding, and wildfire, with expected yearly losses of 0.19% of building value, higher than 68% of US counties.
| Measure | Homestead | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 44 | 47#731 of 1,138 | 44 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 3 | 1#309 of 1,138 | 3 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.15% | 0.19%#875 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 Miami-Dade County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Miami-Dade County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Hurricane | 0.081% | 89% of counties |
| Coastal flooding | 0.0051% | 73% of counties |
| Wildfire | 0.0013% | 61% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.075% | 42% of counties |
| Tornado | 0.0021% | 23% 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 Homestead compare with similar-size cities?
Homestead is one of 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track and ranks #382 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 82,807.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Homestead, FLPop. 82,807 | #918 | 51.4 | $65,423 | $1,674/mo | 442 | 35.8 min |
| Warner Robins, GAPop. 82,990 | #764 | 53.9 | $66,970 | $1,212/mo | 513 | 22.2 min |
| Waldorf, MDPop. 82,943 | #598 | 56.7 | $116,089 | $1,995/mo | no data | 41.1 min |
| Longview, TXPop. 82,923 | #941 | 51.1 | $63,340 | $1,101/mo | 346 | 20.7 min |
| Gastonia, NCPop. 82,884 | #1128 | 47.3 | $64,059 | $1,204/mo | 889 | 26.8 min |
| Buena Park, CAPop. 82,871 | #643 | 55.9 | $110,550 | $2,206/mo | 281 | 28.8 min |
| Cicero, ILPop. 82,797 | #500 | 58.0 | $70,842 | $1,154/mo | 222 | 29.3 min |
| New Rochelle, NYPop. 82,769 | #124 | 67.5 | $109,167 | $1,917/mo | 154 | 32.5 min |
| South Jordan, UTPop. 82,686 | #127 | 67.3 | $134,047 | $1,991/mo | 113 | 24.1 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 Homestead compare with the rest of Florida?
Homestead ranks #44 of the 80 Florida cities we track, with a score of 51.4 against Florida's statewide 52.8. Its households earn 9% below the Florida median. Violent crime is 15% above the statewide rate. Homes are 16% 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 |
| Lakeland, FLPop. 119,961 | … #40 | 52.5 | $64,185 | $1,395/mo | 370 |
| Melbourne, FLPop. 86,576 | #41 | 52.2 | $66,991 | $1,525/mo | 452 |
| Davie, FLPop. 108,346 | #42 | 51.6 | $87,250 | $2,066/mo | part year |
| 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 |
The top 10 of the 80 and the cities ranked either side of Homestead among the Florida cities we track, by overall score. Florida statewide: median income $71,516, violent crime 384 per 100,000.
How is Homestead's score calculated?
Homestead scores 51.4 out of 100, #918 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 Homestead. Similar-size median 55.5.
55.6 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Homestead's police agency. Similar-size median 77.6.
67.9 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Homestead. Similar-size median 58.9.
52.7 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Homestead's public schools. Similar-size median 55.2.
47.2 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Homestead's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 59.3.
53.2 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Homestead. Similar-size median 56.1.
34.7 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Homestead. Similar-size median 42.4.
61.4 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Homestead. Similar-size median 50.0.
26.1 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Homestead's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 53.2.
58.4 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 50.8.
39.1 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Homestead'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 Homestead 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 Homestead
Is Homestead, FL a good place to live?
Homestead ranks #918 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #382 of 524 smaller cities and #44 of 80 in Florida. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low unemployment (2.8%, #14 of 476) and fast population growth (+1.6%, #61 of 468), and trails on long commutes (35.8 min, #504 of 524) and high living costs (114.2, #487 of 524).
What is the cost of living in Homestead?
Homestead'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 $1,674/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $434,225, 16% above the typical Florida home ($375,470).
What is the crime rate in Homestead?
Homestead recorded 442 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 18% above the US rate of 373 and 15% above Florida's 384. That ranks #771 of 1,083 cities with data (1 = safest) and #342 of 442 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Homestead Police Department. Property crime runs 1,518 per 100,000 (US 2,083).
What is the median household income in Homestead?
The median household in Homestead earns $65,423, 15% below the US figure of $76,827 and 9% below Florida ($71,516). Unemployment is 2.8% (US 4.2%). 18.4% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 1.6% in the latest year (US +0.8%).
How much is rent in Homestead?
Median rent in Homestead is $1,674/mo (Census), #852 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Zillow's typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $2,469/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 30.7% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Homestead?
Zillow's typical home value in Homestead is $434,225, down 3.5% in a year, against $375,470 for Florida and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $380,000.
How are the public schools in Homestead?
Homestead's 23 public schools graduate 90% of students in four years (Florida 87%), with 21.3 students per teacher and $13,138 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Homestead?
The average commute is 35.8 minutes, #1276 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 24.6 minutes across Florida. 20% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Homestead?
Homestead averages 75.7°F over the year, 82.6°F in summer and 67.8°F in winter, with 59.9 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Homestead walkable?
Homestead scores 12.1 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (above average walkable), #464 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 Homestead at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Miami-Dade County's biggest natural hazard losses in hurricane, coastal flooding, and wildfire, with expected yearly losses of 0.19% of building value, higher than 68% of US counties.
How is the air quality in Homestead?
Miami-Dade County's air had a median air quality index of 47, and 56% of measured days were rated good; 1 day was unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles.
Who lives in Homestead?
Homestead has 82,807 residents. The median resident of Homestead is 32.5 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 24.9% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #975 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 48.3% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Homestead compare with the rest of Florida?
Homestead ranks #44 of the 80 Florida cities we track, with a score of 51.4 against Florida's statewide 52.8. Its households earn 9% below the Florida median. Violent crime is 15% above the statewide rate. Homes are 16% above the typical Florida home.
What cities are similar in size to Homestead?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Homestead's population of 82,807 are Warner Robins, GA (#764 overall), Waldorf, MD (#598 overall), Longview, TX (#941 overall), Gastonia, NC (#1128 overall), and Buena Park, CA (#643 overall). Homestead is #918.