FloridaPop. 113,177Mid-size cities
Is Miami Gardens a Good Place to Live? Miami Gardens, Florida: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Miami Gardens ranks #988 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #185 of 256 mid-size cities and #54 of 80 in Florida. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low unemployment (3.3%, #24 of 241), and trails on a shrinking population (-1.3%, #240 of 241) and high living costs (114.2, #238 of 256).
Miami Gardens by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Miami Gardens'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 Miami Gardens?
Miami Gardens'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 $1,787/mo against $1,641/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $475,297, 27% above the typical Florida home ($375,470).
| Measure | Miami Gardens | 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 | 101.8 | 100 |
| Typical home value (Zillow)Zillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $439,863 · US $368,697 | $475,297#770 of 1,187 | $375,470 | $439,863 | $368,697 |
| Typical asking rent (Zillow)Zillow Observed Rent Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,871/mo · US $1,948/mo | $2,571/mo#931 of 1,115 | — | $1,871/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $405,750 | $378,500#735 of 1,309 | — | $405,750 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,641/mo | $1,787/mo#956 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% | 33.7%#1293 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.
Miami Gardens 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 Gardens is in the Miami-Fort Lauderdale-Pompano Beach, FL metro.
Florida housing market →Is Miami Gardens safe?
Miami Gardens recorded 359 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 4% below the US rate of 373 and 7% below Florida's 384. That ranks #655 of 1,083 cities with data (1 = safest) and #124 of 235 mid-size cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Miami Gardens Police Department. Property crime runs 1,746 per 100,000 (US 2,083).
| Measure | Miami Gardens | FloridaFL | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 352 · US 373 | 359#655 of 1,083 | 384 | 352 | 373 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,730 · US 2,083 | 1,746#597 of 1,083 | 1,954 | 1,730 | 2,083 |
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 Miami Gardens?
The median household in Miami Gardens earns $63,627, 17% below the US figure of $76,827 and 11% below Florida ($71,516). Unemployment is 3.3% (US 4.2%). 13.6% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 1.3% in the latest year (US +0.8%).
| Measure | Miami Gardens | FloridaFL | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $80,112 · US $76,827 | $63,627#961 of 1,312 | $71,516 | $80,112 | $76,827 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.2% · US 4.2% | 3.3%#186 of 1,058 | 4.3% | 4.2% | 4.2% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 12.6% | 13.6%#772 of 1,312 | — | 12.6% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.3% · US +0.8% | -1.3%#1115 of 1,132 | +2% | +0.3% | +0.8% |
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 Miami Gardens?
The median resident of Miami Gardens is 39.4 years old, against 36.7 in similar-size cities. 18.1% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #1206 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 64.4% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Miami Gardens | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 36.7 | 39.4 | 36.7 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 34% | 18.1%#1206 of 1,312 | 34% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 56.7% | 64.4% | 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 Miami Gardens's schools and health?
Miami Gardens's 16 public schools graduate 90% of students in four years (Florida 87%), with 17.4 students per teacher and $13,138 spent per pupil. 34.3% of adults are obese and 17.3% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 33.3% and 11.5%.
| Measure | Miami Gardens | FloridaFL | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 88% | 90%#358 of 1,063 | 87% | 88% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 17.4 | 17.4#782 of 1,188 | — | 17.4 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $14,993 | $13,138#810 of 1,188 | — | $14,993 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 33.3% | 34.3%#719 of 1,311 | — | 33.3% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.5% | 17.3%#1270 of 1,311 | — | 11.5% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 17.5% | 17.5%#754 of 1,311 | — | 17.5% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.1% | 22.4%#1241 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. 5,046 students are enrolled in Miami Gardens's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Miami Gardens?
The average commute in Miami Gardens is 32.1 minutes (Florida 24.6); 2.9% of workers take transit and 8.9% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Miami Gardens scores 13.2 of 20 (above average walkable), #298 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 84°F and winters 69.7°F, with 62 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Miami Gardens | FloridaFL | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 24.6 min | 32.1 min#1203 of 1,312 | 24.6 min | 24.6 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 6% | 11.2%#1120 of 1,312 | 8.5% | 6% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 70.7% | 75.2% | 74.1% | 70.7% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.1% | 2.9% | 1.3% | 1.1% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.6% | 0.5% | 1.4% | 1.6% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.3% | 0.1% | 0.5% | 0.3% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 13.3% | 8.9% | 11.9% | 13.3% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 11.6 | 13.2#298 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 | 76.9 | 59.4 | 2.7 |
| Feb | 78.9 | 61.5 | 2.8 |
| Mar | 81.3 | 64.1 | 2.7 |
| Apr | 84.5 | 68.3 | 3.2 |
| May | 87.3 | 72.7 | 5.2 |
| Jun | 90 | 75.9 | 8.7 |
| Jul | 91.7 | 77.1 | 6.8 |
| Aug | 91.8 | 77.5 | 8.5 |
| Sep | 89.8 | 76.5 | 8 |
| Oct | 86.8 | 73.4 | 7.7 |
| Nov | 82.2 | 67.1 | 3.6 |
| Dec | 78.6 | 62.9 | 2.2 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Hollywood N Perry Airport.
| Measure | Miami Gardens | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 62.1°F | 77.3°F | 62.1°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 76.9°F | 84°F | 76.9°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 47.7°F | 69.7°F | 47.7°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 36.8 in | 62 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 Hollywood N Perry Airport.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Miami Gardens?
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 Gardens | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 46 | 47#731 of 1,138 | 46 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4 | 1#309 of 1,138 | 4 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.16% | 0.19%#875 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 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 Gardens compare with similar-size cities?
Miami Gardens is one of 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track and ranks #185 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 113,177.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Miami Gardens, FLPop. 113,177 | #988 | 50.3 | $63,627 | $1,787/mo | 359 | 32.1 min |
| Provo, UTPop. 114,766 | #625 | 56.3 | $64,171 | $1,193/mo | 177 | 18.4 min |
| Las Cruces, NMPop. 114,197 | #1047 | 49.0 | $55,422 | $974/mo | 496 | 18.9 min |
| Springfield, ILPop. 113,330 | #940 | 51.1 | $66,064 | $975/mo | 895 | 17.4 min |
| Beaumont, TXPop. 113,279 | #1291 | 38.0 | $56,997 | $1,121/mo | 948 | 20.3 min |
| Lansing, MIPop. 113,023 | #1201 | 45.0 | $54,382 | $993/mo | 1,337 | 18.9 min |
| Gresham, ORPop. 112,378 | #882 | 52.0 | $77,795 | $1,586/mo | 362 | 26 min |
| Murrieta, CAPop. 112,064 | #642 | 55.9 | $114,081 | $2,388/mo | 186 | 37.4 min |
| Everett, WAPop. 111,845 | #618 | 56.4 | $83,512 | $1,740/mo | 252 | 26.9 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 Gardens compare with the rest of Florida?
Miami Gardens ranks #54 of the 80 Florida cities we track, with a score of 50.3 against Florida's statewide 52.8. Its households earn 11% below the Florida median. Violent crime is 7% below the statewide rate. Homes are 27% 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 |
| 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 |
| Ocala, FLPop. 66,584 | #52 | 50.7 | $56,376 | $1,359/mo | 393 |
| Cape Coral, FLPop. 215,536 | #53 | 50.6 | $78,104 | $1,858/mo | part year |
| Miami Gardens, FLPop. 113,177 | #54 | 50.3 | $63,627 | $1,787/mo | 359 |
| Hollywood, FLPop. 155,082 | #55 | 50.1 | $67,203 | $1,653/mo | part year |
| Tallahassee, FLPop. 201,875 | #56 | 49.9 | $57,409 | $1,293/mo | 629 |
| The Hammocks, FLPop. 58,838 | #57 | 49.7 | $85,628 | $2,187/mo | no data |
| Deltona, FLPop. 97,334 | #58 | 49.6 | $76,924 | $1,711/mo | part year |
The top 10 of the 80 and the cities ranked either side of Miami Gardens among the Florida cities we track, by overall score. Florida statewide: median income $71,516, violent crime 384 per 100,000.
How is Miami Gardens's score calculated?
Miami Gardens scores 50.3 out of 100, #988 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 Miami Gardens. Similar-size median 52.9.
51.9 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Miami Gardens's police agency. Similar-size median 70.6.
71.4 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Miami Gardens. Similar-size median 53.8.
41.3 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Miami Gardens's public schools. Similar-size median 52.1.
55.0 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Miami Gardens's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 59.1.
51.9 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Miami Gardens. Similar-size median 51.2.
42.8 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Miami Gardens. Similar-size median 42.1.
30.6 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Miami Gardens. Similar-size median 50.1.
36.0 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Miami Gardens's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 56.1.
64.2 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 45.9.
39.1 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Miami Gardens'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 Miami Gardens 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 Gardens
Is Miami Gardens, FL a good place to live?
Miami Gardens ranks #988 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #185 of 256 mid-size cities and #54 of 80 in Florida. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low unemployment (3.3%, #24 of 241), and trails on a shrinking population (-1.3%, #240 of 241) and high living costs (114.2, #238 of 256).
What is the cost of living in Miami Gardens?
Miami Gardens'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 $1,787/mo against $1,641/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $475,297, 27% above the typical Florida home ($375,470).
What is the crime rate in Miami Gardens?
Miami Gardens recorded 359 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 4% below the US rate of 373 and 7% below Florida's 384. That ranks #655 of 1,083 cities with data (1 = safest) and #124 of 235 mid-size cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Miami Gardens Police Department. Property crime runs 1,746 per 100,000 (US 2,083).
What is the median household income in Miami Gardens?
The median household in Miami Gardens earns $63,627, 17% below the US figure of $76,827 and 11% below Florida ($71,516). Unemployment is 3.3% (US 4.2%). 13.6% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 1.3% in the latest year (US +0.8%).
How much is rent in Miami Gardens?
Median rent in Miami Gardens is $1,787/mo (Census), #956 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Zillow's typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $2,571/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 33.7% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Miami Gardens?
Zillow's typical home value in Miami Gardens is $475,297, up 0.4% in a year, against $375,470 for Florida and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $378,500.
How are the public schools in Miami Gardens?
Miami Gardens's 16 public schools graduate 90% of students in four years (Florida 87%), with 17.4 students per teacher and $13,138 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Miami Gardens?
The average commute is 32.1 minutes, #1203 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 24.6 minutes across Florida. 11.2% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Miami Gardens?
Miami Gardens averages 77.3°F over the year, 84°F in summer and 69.7°F in winter, with 62 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Miami Gardens walkable?
Miami Gardens scores 13.2 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (above average walkable), #298 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 Gardens 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 Gardens?
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 Gardens?
Miami Gardens has 113,177 residents. The median resident of Miami Gardens is 39.4 years old, against 36.7 in similar-size cities. 18.1% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #1206 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 64.4% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Miami Gardens compare with the rest of Florida?
Miami Gardens ranks #54 of the 80 Florida cities we track, with a score of 50.3 against Florida's statewide 52.8. Its households earn 11% below the Florida median. Violent crime is 7% below the statewide rate. Homes are 27% above the typical Florida home.
What cities are similar in size to Miami Gardens?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Miami Gardens's population of 113,177 are Provo, UT (#625 overall), Las Cruces, NM (#1047 overall), Springfield, IL (#940 overall), Beaumont, TX (#1291 overall), and Lansing, MI (#1201 overall). Miami Gardens is #988.