FloridaPop. 130,132Mid-size cities
Is Palm Bay a Good Place to Live? Palm Bay, Florida: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Palm Bay ranks #581 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #86 of 256 mid-size cities and #19 of 80 in Florida. Against similar-size cities it stands out for fast population growth (+4.8%, #4 of 241), with no measure in the bottom quarter.
Palm Bay by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Palm Bay'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 Palm Bay?
Palm Bay'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 $1,601/mo against $1,641/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $303,910, 19% below the typical Florida home ($375,470).
| Measure | Palm Bay | FloridaFL | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 101.8 · US 100 | 100#644 of 1,308 | 103.4 | 101.8 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $439,863 · US $368,697 | $303,910#384 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 | $1,867/mo#623 of 1,115 | — | $1,871/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $405,750 | $283,200#485 of 1,309 | — | $405,750 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,641/mo | $1,601/mo#788 of 1,309 | — | $1,641/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 5x | 3.9x#548 of 1,309 | — | 5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 23.9% | 26.5%#1123 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.
Palm Bay 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. Palm Bay is in the Palm Bay-Melbourne-Titusville, FL metro.
Florida housing market →Is Palm Bay safe?
Palm Bay recorded 275 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 16% below the US rate of 328 and in line with Florida's 275. That ranks #515 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #89 of 235 mid-size cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Palm Bay Police Department. Property crime runs 836 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Palm Bay | FloridaFL | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 352 · US 328 | 275#515 of 1,085 | 275 | 352 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,730 · US 1,548 | 836#150 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 Palm Bay?
The median household in Palm Bay earns $72,614, 13% below the US figure of $83,163 and 7% below Florida ($77,735). Unemployment is 4.3% (US 4.3%). 11.7% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 4.8% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Palm Bay | FloridaFL | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $80,112 · US $83,163 | $72,614#765 of 1,312 | $77,735 | $80,112 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.2% · US 4.3% | 4.3%#615 of 1,058 | 3.9% | 4.2% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 12.6% | 11.7%#631 of 1,312 | — | 12.6% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.3% · US +0.5% | +4.8%#21 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 Palm Bay?
The median resident of Palm Bay is 41 years old, against 36.7 in similar-size cities. 24% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #1020 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 79.7% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Palm Bay | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 36.7 | 41 | 36.7 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 34% | 24%#1020 of 1,312 | 34% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 56.7% | 79.7% | 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 Palm Bay's schools and health?
Palm Bay's 20 public schools graduate 90% of students in four years (Florida 87.3%), with 17.6 students per teacher and $11,100 spent per pupil. 36.5% of adults are obese and 14% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 33.3% and 11.5%.
| Measure | Palm Bay | FloridaFL | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 88% | 90%#358 of 1,063 | 87.3% | 88% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 17.4 | 17.6#798 of 1,188 | — | 17.4 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $14,993 | $11,100#1054 of 1,188 | — | $14,993 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 33.3% | 36.5%#912 of 1,311 | — | 33.3% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.5% | 14%#1077 of 1,311 | — | 11.5% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 17.5% | 17.6%#775 of 1,311 | — | 17.5% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.1% | 14.2%#1033 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. 17,351 students are enrolled in Palm Bay's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Palm Bay?
The average commute in Palm Bay is 27.8 minutes (Florida 28.9); 0.5% of workers take transit and 11% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Palm Bay scores 9.8 of 20 (below average walkable), #713 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 81.5°F and winters 62.7°F, with 55.6 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Palm Bay | FloridaFL | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 24.6 min | 27.8 min#984 of 1,312 | 28.9 min | 24.6 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 6% | 7.1%#843 of 1,312 | 9.6% | 6% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 70.7% | 74.5% | 69% | 70.7% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.1% | 0.5% | 1.3% | 1.1% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.6% | 0.7% | 1.4% | 1.6% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.3% | 0.7% | 0.5% | 0.3% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 13.3% | 11% | 15.5% | 13.3% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 11.6 | 9.8#713 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 | 72.9 | 49 | 2.6 |
| Feb | 75.4 | 51.5 | 2.4 |
| Mar | 78.5 | 54.5 | 3 |
| Apr | 82.8 | 60 | 2.8 |
| May | 86.6 | 65.4 | 4.4 |
| Jun | 89.9 | 70.7 | 7.6 |
| Jul | 91.3 | 72.6 | 6.6 |
| Aug | 91.8 | 72.8 | 7.1 |
| Sep | 89.2 | 71.5 | 8 |
| Oct | 84.9 | 66.5 | 5.6 |
| Nov | 79 | 58.5 | 3 |
| Dec | 74.6 | 52.3 | 2.5 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Palm Bay.
| Measure | Palm Bay | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 62.1°F | 72.6°F | 62.1°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 76.9°F | 81.5°F | 76.9°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 47.7°F | 62.7°F | 47.7°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 36.8 in | 55.6 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 Palm Bay.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Palm Bay?
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 | Palm Bay | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 46 | 38#228 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% | 0.33%#1133 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 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 Palm Bay compare with similar-size cities?
Palm Bay is one of 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track and ranks #86 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 130,132.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Palm Bay, FLPop. 130,132 | #581 | 56.9 | $72,614 | $1,601/mo | 275 | 27.8 min |
| Sterling Heights, MIPop. 133,573 | #580 | 56.9 | $79,909 | $1,292/mo | 220 | 24.7 min |
| Fargo, NDPop. 131,627 | #302 | 62.0 | $66,998 | $946/mo | 378 | 15.5 min |
| Lewisville, TXPop. 131,080 | #346 | 61.0 | $89,233 | $1,670/mo | 218 | 24.6 min |
| Santa Clara, CAPop. 130,256 | #105 | 68.1 | $178,958 | $3,016/mo | 172 | 22.6 min |
| Meridian, IDPop. 130,138 | #193 | 64.7 | $100,795 | $1,805/mo | 137 | 22.4 min |
| Norman, OKPop. 129,672 | #683 | 55.3 | $67,704 | $1,090/mo | 243 | 22.6 min |
| Columbia, MOPop. 128,548 | #516 | 57.8 | $66,498 | $1,097/mo | 359 | 16.4 min |
| Athens, GAPop. 127,345 | #746 | 54.2 | $52,974 | $1,219/mo | 352 | 20.6 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 Palm Bay compare with the rest of Florida?
Palm Bay ranks #19 of the 80 Florida cities we track, with a score of 56.9 against Florida's statewide 59.9. Its households earn 7% below the Florida median. Violent crime is in line with the statewide rate. Homes are 19% 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 |
| Coral Springs, FLPop. 136,103 | … #15 | 57.9 | $93,602 | $2,084/mo | 119 |
| Pembroke Pines, FLPop. 173,194 | #16 | 57.6 | $85,104 | $2,046/mo | 42 |
| Alafaya, FLPop. 92,449 | #17 | 57.0 | $100,950 | $1,999/mo | no data |
| Boynton Beach, FLPop. 81,435 | #18 | 57.0 | $70,074 | $2,041/mo | 176 |
| Palm Bay, FLPop. 130,132 | #19 | 56.9 | $72,614 | $1,601/mo | 275 |
| 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 |
The top 10 of the 80 and the cities ranked either side of Palm Bay among the Florida cities we track, by overall score. Florida statewide: median income $77,735, violent crime 275.2 per 100,000.
How is Palm Bay's score calculated?
Palm Bay scores 56.9 out of 100, #581 of 1,312 (grade B, 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 Palm Bay. Similar-size median 52.9.
49.9 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Palm Bay's police agency. Similar-size median 70.6.
83.4 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Palm Bay. Similar-size median 53.8.
44.8 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Palm Bay's public schools. Similar-size median 52.1.
51.0 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Palm Bay's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 59.1.
66.4 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Palm Bay. Similar-size median 51.2.
50.2 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Palm Bay. Similar-size median 42.1.
88.1 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Palm Bay. Similar-size median 50.1.
42.3 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Palm Bay's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 56.1.
46.3 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 45.9.
36.8 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Palm Bay'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 Palm Bay 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 Palm Bay
Is Palm Bay, FL a good place to live?
Palm Bay ranks #581 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #86 of 256 mid-size cities and #19 of 80 in Florida. Against similar-size cities it stands out for fast population growth (+4.8%, #4 of 241), with no measure in the bottom quarter.
What is the cost of living in Palm Bay?
Palm Bay'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 $1,601/mo against $1,641/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $303,910, 19% below the typical Florida home ($375,470).
What is the crime rate in Palm Bay?
Palm Bay recorded 275 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 16% below the US rate of 328 and in line with Florida's 275. That ranks #515 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #89 of 235 mid-size cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Palm Bay Police Department. Property crime runs 836 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Palm Bay?
The median household in Palm Bay earns $72,614, 13% below the US figure of $83,163 and 7% below Florida ($77,735). Unemployment is 4.3% (US 4.3%). 11.7% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 4.8% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Palm Bay?
Median rent in Palm Bay is $1,601/mo (Census), #788 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $1,867/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 26.5% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Palm Bay?
The typical home value in Palm Bay is $303,910, down 1.7% in a year, against $375,470 for Florida and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $283,200.
How are the public schools in Palm Bay?
Palm Bay's 20 public schools graduate 90% of students in four years (Florida 87.3%), with 17.6 students per teacher and $11,100 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Palm Bay?
The average commute is 27.8 minutes, #984 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 28.9 minutes across Florida. 7.1% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Palm Bay?
Palm Bay averages 72.6°F over the year, 81.5°F in summer and 62.7°F in winter, with 55.6 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Palm Bay walkable?
Palm Bay scores 9.8 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (below average walkable), #713 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 Palm Bay 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 Palm Bay?
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 Palm Bay?
Palm Bay has 130,132 residents. The median resident of Palm Bay is 41 years old, against 36.7 in similar-size cities. 24% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #1020 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 79.7% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Palm Bay compare with the rest of Florida?
Palm Bay ranks #19 of the 80 Florida cities we track, with a score of 56.9 against Florida's statewide 59.9. Its households earn 7% below the Florida median. Violent crime is in line with the statewide rate. Homes are 19% below the typical Florida home.
What cities are similar in size to Palm Bay?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Palm Bay's population of 130,132 are Sterling Heights, MI (#580 overall), Fargo, ND (#302 overall), Lewisville, TX (#346 overall), Santa Clara, CA (#105 overall), and Meridian, ID (#193 overall). Palm Bay is #581.