FloridaPop. 86,576Smaller cities
Is Melbourne a Good Place to Live? Melbourne, Florida: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Melbourne ranks #864 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #364 of 524 smaller cities and #41 of 80 in Florida. Against similar-size cities it has no measure in the top quarter and trails on high violent crime (452 per 100,000, #348 of 442) and a shrinking population (-0.3%, #353 of 468).
Melbourne by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Melbourne'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 Melbourne?
Melbourne's cost of living index is 100, in line with the US level of 100 and #644 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,525/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $356,996, 5% below the typical Florida home ($375,470).
| Measure | Melbourne | FloridaFL | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 102.4 · US 100 | 100#644 of 1,308 | 103 | 102.4 | 100 |
| Typical home value (Zillow)Zillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $431,438 · US $368,697 | $356,996#531 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 | $1,823/mo#590 of 1,115 | — | $1,884/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $401,950 | $306,400#546 of 1,309 | — | $401,950 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,633/mo | $1,525/mo#737 of 1,309 | — | $1,633/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.5x | 4.6x#755 of 1,309 | — | 4.5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 22.2% | 27.3%#1156 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.
Melbourne 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. Melbourne is in the Palm Bay-Melbourne-Titusville, FL metro.
Florida housing market →Is Melbourne safe?
Melbourne recorded 452 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 21% above the US rate of 373 and 18% above Florida's 384. That ranks #783 of 1,083 cities with data (1 = safest) and #348 of 442 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Melbourne Police Department. Property crime runs 1,830 per 100,000 (US 2,083).
| Measure | Melbourne | FloridaFL | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 264 · US 373 | 452#783 of 1,083 | 384 | 264 | 373 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,553 · US 2,083 | 1,830#637 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 Melbourne?
The median household in Melbourne earns $66,991, 13% below the US figure of $76,827 and 6% below Florida ($71,516). Unemployment is 4.1% (US 4.2%). 15.8% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 0.3% in the latest year (US +0.8%).
| Measure | Melbourne | FloridaFL | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $83,646 · US $76,827 | $66,991#878 of 1,312 | $71,516 | $83,646 | $76,827 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.2% · US 4.2% | 4.1%#522 of 1,058 | 4.3% | 4.2% | 4.2% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.8% | 15.8%#910 of 1,312 | — | 10.8% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.2% · US +0.8% | -0.3%#853 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 Melbourne?
The median resident of Melbourne is 42.5 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 34.7% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #621 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 59.7% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Melbourne | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 37.7 | 42.5 | 37.7 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 35.1% | 34.7%#621 of 1,312 | 35.1% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 61.7% | 59.7% | 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 Melbourne's schools and health?
Melbourne's 14 public schools graduate 90% of students in four years (Florida 87%), with 16.9 students per teacher and $11,100 spent per pupil. 34.5% of adults are obese and 13.3% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 31.9% and 11%.
| Measure | Melbourne | 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 | 16.9#722 of 1,188 | — | 16.4 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $15,354 | $11,100#1054 of 1,188 | — | $15,354 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 31.9% | 34.5%#734 of 1,311 | — | 31.9% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11% | 13.3%#997 of 1,311 | — | 11% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 16.7% | 17.1%#657 of 1,311 | — | 16.7% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.1% | 12.4%#907 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. 11,269 students are enrolled in Melbourne's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Melbourne?
The average commute in Melbourne is 22.8 minutes (Florida 24.6); 1.1% of workers take transit and 14.1% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Melbourne scores 12.2 of 20 (above average walkable), #453 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 81.4°F and winters 63.5°F, with 50.8 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Melbourne | FloridaFL | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 25.1 min | 22.8 min#572 of 1,312 | 24.6 min | 25.1 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 6.5% | 6%#714 of 1,312 | 8.5% | 6.5% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 70.8% | 72% | 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% | 3% | 1.4% | 1.4% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.2% | 0.5% | 0.5% | 0.2% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 13.7% | 14.1% | 11.9% | 13.7% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 11.1 | 12.2#453 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 | 71.8 | 51.7 | 2.6 |
| Feb | 74 | 54 | 2 |
| Mar | 77.1 | 57.7 | 2.7 |
| Apr | 80.9 | 62.8 | 2.3 |
| May | 84.9 | 68.6 | 3.5 |
| Jun | 88.1 | 73.1 | 7.1 |
| Jul | 89.7 | 73.7 | 6.5 |
| Aug | 89.3 | 74.7 | 6.7 |
| Sep | 87.6 | 73.7 | 7.6 |
| Oct | 83.5 | 69 | 4.9 |
| Nov | 77.3 | 60.8 | 2.6 |
| Dec | 73.9 | 55.6 | 2.4 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Melbourne International Airport.
| Measure | Melbourne | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 58.1°F | 73.1°F | 58.1°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 74.2°F | 81.4°F | 74.2°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 40.8°F | 63.5°F | 40.8°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 38.3 in | 50.8 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 Melbourne International Airport.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Melbourne?
Brevard County's air had a median air quality index of 38, and 91% 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 Brevard County's biggest natural hazard losses in hurricane, wildfire, and coastal flooding, with expected yearly losses of 0.33% of building value, higher than 90% of US counties.
| Measure | Melbourne | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 44 | 38#228 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% | 0.33%#1133 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 Brevard County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Brevard County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Hurricane | 0.22% | 94% of counties |
| Wildfire | 0.0059% | 80% of counties |
| Coastal flooding | 0.002% | 61% of counties |
| Tornado | 0.0055% | 39% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.061% | 24% 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 Melbourne compare with similar-size cities?
Melbourne is one of 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track and ranks #364 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 86,576.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Melbourne, FLPop. 86,576 | #864 | 52.2 | $66,991 | $1,525/mo | 452 | 22.8 min |
| Ogden, UTPop. 87,413 | #785 | 53.5 | $72,575 | $1,216/mo | 445 | 22.5 min |
| Danbury, CTPop. 87,263 | #441 | 59.2 | $83,393 | $1,846/mo | 146 | 29.9 min |
| Franklin, TNPop. 87,133 | #67 | 69.5 | $119,528 | $1,923/mo | 171 | 23.9 min |
| Duluth, MNPop. 87,093 | #467 | 58.6 | $68,807 | $1,087/mo | 231 | 17.3 min |
| Mission, TXPop. 87,038 | #961 | 50.7 | $60,767 | $950/mo | 134 | 20.5 min |
| Medford, ORPop. 86,315 | #1021 | 49.7 | $73,230 | $1,376/mo | 406 | 16.6 min |
| Lake Forest, CAPop. 86,281 | #309 | 61.9 | $135,175 | $2,672/mo | 165 | 25.5 min |
| Sioux City, IAPop. 86,101 | #723 | 54.6 | $68,906 | $976/mo | 495 | 17.5 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 Melbourne compare with the rest of Florida?
Melbourne ranks #41 of the 80 Florida cities we track, with a score of 52.2 against Florida's statewide 52.8. Its households earn 6% below the Florida median. Violent crime is 18% above the statewide rate. Homes are 5% 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 |
| Palm Coast, FLPop. 98,258 | … #37 | 52.8 | $77,350 | $1,782/mo | no data |
| Pensacola, FLPop. 54,036 | #38 | 52.7 | $74,212 | $1,322/mo | part year |
| Palm Harbor, FLPop. 61,512 | #39 | 52.6 | $78,935 | $1,806/mo | no data |
| 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 |
The top 10 of the 80 and the cities ranked either side of Melbourne among the Florida cities we track, by overall score. Florida statewide: median income $71,516, violent crime 384 per 100,000.
How is Melbourne's score calculated?
Melbourne scores 52.2 out of 100, #864 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 Melbourne. Similar-size median 55.5.
48.6 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Melbourne's police agency. Similar-size median 77.6.
64.9 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Melbourne. Similar-size median 58.9.
49.9 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Melbourne's public schools. Similar-size median 55.2.
52.4 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Melbourne's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 59.3.
66.4 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Melbourne. Similar-size median 56.1.
40.2 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Melbourne. Similar-size median 42.4.
37.8 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Melbourne. Similar-size median 50.0.
52.3 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Melbourne's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 53.2.
58.9 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 50.8.
36.8 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Melbourne'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 Melbourne 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 Melbourne
Is Melbourne, FL a good place to live?
Melbourne ranks #864 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #364 of 524 smaller cities and #41 of 80 in Florida. Against similar-size cities it has no measure in the top quarter and trails on high violent crime (452 per 100,000, #348 of 442) and a shrinking population (-0.3%, #353 of 468).
What is the cost of living in Melbourne?
Melbourne's cost of living index is 100, in line with the US level of 100 and #644 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,525/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $356,996, 5% below the typical Florida home ($375,470).
What is the crime rate in Melbourne?
Melbourne recorded 452 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 21% above the US rate of 373 and 18% above Florida's 384. That ranks #783 of 1,083 cities with data (1 = safest) and #348 of 442 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Melbourne Police Department. Property crime runs 1,830 per 100,000 (US 2,083).
What is the median household income in Melbourne?
The median household in Melbourne earns $66,991, 13% below the US figure of $76,827 and 6% below Florida ($71,516). Unemployment is 4.1% (US 4.2%). 15.8% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 0.3% in the latest year (US +0.8%).
How much is rent in Melbourne?
Median rent in Melbourne is $1,525/mo (Census), #737 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Zillow's typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $1,823/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 27.3% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Melbourne?
Zillow's typical home value in Melbourne is $356,996, down 1% in a year, against $375,470 for Florida and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $306,400.
How are the public schools in Melbourne?
Melbourne's 14 public schools graduate 90% of students in four years (Florida 87%), with 16.9 students per teacher and $11,100 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Melbourne?
The average commute is 22.8 minutes, #572 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 24.6 minutes across Florida. 6% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Melbourne?
Melbourne averages 73.1°F over the year, 81.4°F in summer and 63.5°F in winter, with 50.8 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Melbourne walkable?
Melbourne scores 12.2 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (above average walkable), #453 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 Melbourne at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Brevard County's biggest natural hazard losses in hurricane, wildfire, and coastal flooding, with expected yearly losses of 0.33% of building value, higher than 90% of US counties.
How is the air quality in Melbourne?
Brevard County's air had a median air quality index of 38, and 91% of measured days were rated good; 0 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from ozone.
Who lives in Melbourne?
Melbourne has 86,576 residents. The median resident of Melbourne is 42.5 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 34.7% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #621 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 59.7% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Melbourne compare with the rest of Florida?
Melbourne ranks #41 of the 80 Florida cities we track, with a score of 52.2 against Florida's statewide 52.8. Its households earn 6% below the Florida median. Violent crime is 18% above the statewide rate. Homes are 5% below the typical Florida home.
What cities are similar in size to Melbourne?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Melbourne's population of 86,576 are Ogden, UT (#785 overall), Danbury, CT (#441 overall), Franklin, TN (#67 overall), Duluth, MN (#467 overall), and Mission, TX (#961 overall). Melbourne is #864.