FloridaPop. 82,031Smaller cities
Is Miami Beach a Good Place to Live? Miami Beach, Florida: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Miami Beach ranks #638 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #282 of 524 smaller cities and #24 of 80 in Florida. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low unemployment (2.3%, #5 of 476), and trails on a shrinking population (-1.2%, #457 of 468) and high living costs (114.2, #487 of 524).
Miami Beach by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Miami Beach's rank among the tracked cities and the US figure (or the similar-size median where there is no national figure).
No crime figure is shown for Miami Beach: its police agency reported only part of the year. See Is Miami Beach safe?
What is the cost of living in Miami Beach?
Miami 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 $1,826/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $522,429, 39% above the typical Florida home ($375,470).
| Measure | Miami 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 | $522,429#856 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 | $2,799/mo#993 of 1,115 | — | $1,884/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $401,950 | $556,700#1032 of 1,309 | — | $401,950 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,633/mo | $1,826/mo#983 of 1,309 | — | $1,633/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.5x | 7.6x#1193 of 1,309 | — | 4.5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 22.2% | 30.1%#1253 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.
Miami 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. Miami Beach is in the Miami-Fort Lauderdale-Pompano Beach, FL metro.
Florida housing market →Is Miami Beach safe?
Miami Beach Police Department reported 0 of 12 months of the latest year to the FBI, so there is no full-year crime rate for Miami Beach and we don't rank it on safety. Florida as a whole records 384 violent crimes per 100,000 residents against 373 nationally.
What do people earn in Miami Beach?
The median household in Miami Beach earns $72,856, 5% below the US figure of $76,827 and 2% above Florida ($71,516). Unemployment is 2.3% (US 4.2%). 14.4% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 1.2% in the latest year (US +0.8%).
| Measure | Miami Beach | FloridaFL | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $83,646 · US $76,827 | $72,856#760 of 1,312 | $71,516 | $83,646 | $76,827 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.2% · US 4.2% | 2.3%#15 of 1,058 | 4.3% | 4.2% | 4.2% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.8% | 14.4%#822 of 1,312 | — | 10.8% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.2% · US +0.8% | -1.2%#1103 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 Miami Beach?
The median resident of Miami Beach is 42.9 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 52.9% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #214 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 40.9% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Miami Beach | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 37.7 | 42.9 | 37.7 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 35.1% | 52.9%#214 of 1,312 | 35.1% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 61.7% | 40.9% | 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 Miami Beach's schools and health?
Miami Beach's 6 public schools graduate 90% of students in four years (Florida 87%), with 20.3 students per teacher and $13,138 spent per pupil. 26.7% of adults are obese and 12.7% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 31.9% and 11%.
| Measure | Miami 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 | 20.3#953 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% | 26.7%#210 of 1,311 | — | 31.9% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11% | 12.7%#898 of 1,311 | — | 11% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 16.7% | 13.6%#94 of 1,311 | — | 16.7% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.1% | 18.2%#1175 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. 5,751 students are enrolled in Miami Beach's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Miami Beach?
The average commute in Miami Beach is 26.7 minutes (Florida 24.6); 6.3% of workers take transit and 23.9% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Miami Beach scores 15.1 of 20 (above average walkable), #29 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 82.4°F and winters 68.9°F, with 57.2 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Miami Beach | FloridaFL | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 25.1 min | 26.7 min#908 of 1,312 | 24.6 min | 25.1 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 6.5% | 8.8%#980 of 1,312 | 8.5% | 6.5% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 70.8% | 46.5% | 74.1% | 70.8% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.1% | 6.3% | 1.3% | 1.1% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.4% | 8% | 1.4% | 1.4% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.2% | 4.3% | 0.5% | 0.2% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 13.7% | 23.9% | 11.9% | 13.7% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 11.1 | 15.1#29 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 | 73.6 | 61.2 | 2.3 |
| Feb | 74.8 | 63.3 | 2.3 |
| Mar | 76.5 | 65.2 | 2.5 |
| Apr | 79.6 | 69.8 | 3.4 |
| May | 82.7 | 73.6 | 4.9 |
| Jun | 86 | 76.5 | 7.8 |
| Jul | 87.8 | 78 | 6 |
| Aug | 88.1 | 78.1 | 7.5 |
| Sep | 87 | 77.2 | 8.5 |
| Oct | 83.7 | 74.4 | 6.5 |
| Nov | 78.9 | 68.6 | 3.3 |
| Dec | 76.1 | 64.6 | 2.3 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Miami Beach.
| Measure | Miami Beach | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 58.1°F | 76.1°F | 58.1°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 74.2°F | 82.4°F | 74.2°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 40.8°F | 68.9°F | 40.8°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 38.3 in | 57.2 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 Miami Beach.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Miami Beach?
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 | Miami Beach | 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 Miami Beach compare with similar-size cities?
Miami Beach is one of 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track and ranks #282 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 82,031.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Miami Beach, FLPop. 82,031 | #638 | 56.0 | $72,856 | $1,826/mo | part year | 26.7 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 |
| 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 |
| Johns Creek, GAPop. 81,988 | #85 | 68.8 | $160,093 | $2,257/mo | part year | 30.1 min |
| Rancho Cordova, CAPop. 81,849 | #517 | 57.8 | $89,585 | $1,787/mo | 507 | 26.7 min |
| Silver Spring, MDPop. 81,462 | #250 | 63.2 | $99,860 | $1,913/mo | no data | 34 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 Miami Beach compare with the rest of Florida?
Miami Beach ranks #24 of the 80 Florida cities we track, with a score of 56 against Florida's statewide 52.8. Its households earn 2% above the Florida median. Homes are 39% 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 |
| Sarasota, FLPop. 56,970 | … #20 | 56.9 | $72,105 | $1,684/mo | 380 |
| Wesley Chapel, FLPop. 76,011 | #21 | 56.3 | $107,504 | $2,100/mo | no data |
| Clearwater, FLPop. 117,247 | #22 | 56.2 | $66,381 | $1,658/mo | 254 |
| St. Petersburg, FLPop. 262,732 | #23 | 56.1 | $75,192 | $1,663/mo | 492 |
| Miami Beach, FLPop. 82,031 | #24 | 56.0 | $72,856 | $1,826/mo | part year |
| Tampa, FLPop. 401,618 | #25 | 55.8 | $75,475 | $1,701/mo | 334 |
| Largo, FLPop. 82,617 | #26 | 55.5 | $62,096 | $1,618/mo | 254 |
| Miami, FLPop. 459,745 | #27 | 55.3 | $62,462 | $1,758/mo | 358 |
| The Villages, FLPop. 83,498 | #28 | 55.3 | $77,622 | $1,397/mo | no data |
The top 10 of the 80 and the cities ranked either side of Miami Beach among the Florida cities we track, by overall score. Florida statewide: median income $71,516, violent crime 384 per 100,000.
How is Miami Beach's score calculated?
Miami Beach scores 56 out of 100, #638 of 1,312 (grade B, which follows rank). It is scored on the 9 of 11 categories with local data; safety and outdoor access are 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 · 18% of score
Median household income and unemployment in Miami Beach. Similar-size median 55.5.
61.8 - HealthCity data · 15% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Miami Beach. Similar-size median 58.9.
68.5 - EducationCity data · 15% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Miami Beach's public schools. Similar-size median 55.2.
49.2 - AffordabilityCity data · 12% of score
Miami Beach's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 59.3.
43.8 - Household financesCity data · 10% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Miami Beach. Similar-size median 56.1.
45.3 - GrowthCity data · 9% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Miami Beach. Similar-size median 42.4.
35.2 - TransportationCity data · 9% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Miami Beach. Similar-size median 50.0.
75.3 - WalkabilityCity data · 9% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Miami Beach's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 53.2.
74.2 - EnvironmentCounty data · 5% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 50.8.
39.1 - SafetyNot scored
Miami Beach's police agency has no full year of FBI reports to score.
— - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Miami 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 Miami 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 Miami Beach
Is Miami Beach, FL a good place to live?
Miami Beach ranks #638 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #282 of 524 smaller cities and #24 of 80 in Florida. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low unemployment (2.3%, #5 of 476), and trails on a shrinking population (-1.2%, #457 of 468) and high living costs (114.2, #487 of 524).
What is the cost of living in Miami Beach?
Miami 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 $1,826/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $522,429, 39% above the typical Florida home ($375,470).
Is Miami Beach safe?
Miami Beach Police Department reported 0 of 12 months of the latest year to the FBI, so there is no full-year crime rate for Miami Beach and we don't rank it on safety. Florida as a whole records 384 violent crimes per 100,000 residents against 373 nationally.
What is the median household income in Miami Beach?
The median household in Miami Beach earns $72,856, 5% below the US figure of $76,827 and 2% above Florida ($71,516). Unemployment is 2.3% (US 4.2%). 14.4% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 1.2% in the latest year (US +0.8%).
How much is rent in Miami Beach?
Median rent in Miami Beach is $1,826/mo (Census), #983 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Zillow's typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $2,799/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 30.1% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Miami Beach?
Zillow's typical home value in Miami Beach is $522,429, up 1% in a year, against $375,470 for Florida and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $556,700.
How are the public schools in Miami Beach?
Miami Beach's 6 public schools graduate 90% of students in four years (Florida 87%), with 20.3 students per teacher and $13,138 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Miami Beach?
The average commute is 26.7 minutes, #908 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 24.6 minutes across Florida. 8.8% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Miami Beach?
Miami Beach averages 76.1°F over the year, 82.4°F in summer and 68.9°F in winter, with 57.2 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Miami Beach walkable?
Miami Beach scores 15.1 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (above average walkable), #29 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 Miami Beach 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 Miami Beach?
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 Miami Beach?
Miami Beach has 82,031 residents. The median resident of Miami Beach is 42.9 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 52.9% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #214 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 40.9% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Miami Beach compare with the rest of Florida?
Miami Beach ranks #24 of the 80 Florida cities we track, with a score of 56 against Florida's statewide 52.8. Its households earn 2% above the Florida median. Homes are 39% above the typical Florida home.
What cities are similar in size to Miami Beach?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Miami Beach's population of 82,031 are Longview, TX (#941 overall), Gastonia, NC (#1128 overall), Cicero, IL (#500 overall), New Rochelle, NY (#124 overall), and South Jordan, UT (#127 overall). Miami Beach is #638.