FloridaPop. 201,875Mid-size cities
Is Tallahassee a Good Place to Live? Tallahassee, Florida: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Tallahassee ranks #1007 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #189 of 256 mid-size cities and #56 of 80 in Florida. Against similar-size cities it stands out for high graduation rates (94.2%, #11 of 205) and short commutes (19.1 min, #34 of 256), and trails on high poverty (23.6%, #236 of 256) and low household income ($57,409, #218 of 256).
Tallahassee by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Tallahassee'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 Tallahassee?
Tallahassee's cost of living index is 93.9, 6% below the US level of 100 and #414 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,293/mo against $1,641/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $294,444, 22% below the typical Florida home ($375,470).
| Measure | Tallahassee | FloridaFL | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 101.8 · US 100 | 93.9#414 of 1,308 | 103.4 | 101.8 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $439,863 · US $368,697 | $294,444#361 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 | $1,470/mo#311 of 1,115 | — | $1,871/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $405,750 | $294,400#515 of 1,309 | — | $405,750 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,641/mo | $1,293/mo#520 of 1,309 | — | $1,641/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 5x | 5.1x#864 of 1,309 | — | 5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 23.9% | 27%#1146 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.
Tallahassee 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. Tallahassee is in the Tallahassee, FL metro.
Florida housing market →Is Tallahassee safe?
Tallahassee recorded 629 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 92% above the US rate of 328 and 2.3 times Florida's 275. That ranks #926 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #189 of 235 mid-size cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Tallahassee Police Department. Property crime runs 2,381 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Tallahassee | FloridaFL | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 352 · US 328 | 629#926 of 1,085 | 275 | 352 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,730 · US 1,548 | 2,381#829 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 Tallahassee?
The median household in Tallahassee earns $57,409, 31% below the US figure of $83,163 and 26% below Florida ($77,735). Unemployment is 4.3% (US 4.3%). 23.6% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.4% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Tallahassee | FloridaFL | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $80,112 · US $83,163 | $57,409#1097 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% | 23.6%#1209 of 1,312 | — | 12.6% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.3% · US +0.5% | +0.4%#435 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 Tallahassee?
The median resident of Tallahassee is 28.2 years old, against 36.7 in similar-size cities. 51.3% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #243 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 40.6% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Tallahassee | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 36.7 | 28.2 | 36.7 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 34% | 51.3%#243 of 1,312 | 34% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 56.7% | 40.6% | 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 Tallahassee's schools and health?
Tallahassee's 36 public schools graduate 94.2% of students in four years (Florida 87.3%), with 17.2 students per teacher and $10,979 spent per pupil. 34.1% of adults are obese and 9.6% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 33.3% and 11.5%.
| Measure | Tallahassee | FloridaFL | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 88% | 94.2%#115 of 1,063 | 87.3% | 88% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 17.4 | 17.2#763 of 1,188 | — | 17.4 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $14,993 | $10,979#1065 of 1,188 | — | $14,993 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 33.3% | 34.1%#709 of 1,311 | — | 33.3% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.5% | 9.6%#319 of 1,311 | — | 11.5% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 17.5% | 20.3%#1200 of 1,311 | — | 17.5% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.1% | 13.2%#973 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. 26,572 students are enrolled in Tallahassee's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Tallahassee?
The average commute in Tallahassee is 19.1 minutes (Florida 28.9); 2.2% of workers take transit and 13.4% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Tallahassee scores 12 of 20 (above average walkable), #476 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 82.1°F and winters 53°F, with 59.8 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Tallahassee | FloridaFL | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 24.6 min | 19.1 min#272 of 1,312 | 28.9 min | 24.6 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 6% | 2.4%#89 of 1,312 | 9.6% | 6% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 70.7% | 70.3% | 69% | 70.7% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.1% | 2.2% | 1.3% | 1.1% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.6% | 3.5% | 1.4% | 1.6% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.3% | 0.7% | 0.5% | 0.3% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 13.3% | 13.4% | 15.5% | 13.3% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 11.6 | 12#476 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 | 63.7 | 38.3 | 4.5 |
| Feb | 67.8 | 40.9 | 4.5 |
| Mar | 74.2 | 45.8 | 5.1 |
| Apr | 80.7 | 52.5 | 3.8 |
| May | 88.2 | 61.5 | 3.3 |
| Jun | 92.1 | 70.3 | 8.1 |
| Jul | 93.2 | 72.6 | 7.1 |
| Aug | 92.3 | 72.1 | 7.7 |
| Sep | 90.4 | 68.7 | 5.3 |
| Oct | 83 | 57.4 | 3.2 |
| Nov | 72.8 | 46.3 | 3 |
| Dec | 66.1 | 40.9 | 4.3 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Tallahassee Airport.
| Measure | Tallahassee | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 62.1°F | 68°F | 62.1°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 76.9°F | 82.1°F | 76.9°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 47.7°F | 53°F | 47.7°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 36.8 in | 59.8 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 Tallahassee Airport.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Tallahassee?
Leon County's air had a median air quality index of 48, 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 Leon County's biggest natural hazard losses in hurricane, wildfire, and inland flooding, with expected yearly losses of 0.2% of building value, higher than 73% of US counties.
| Measure | Tallahassee | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 46 | 48#788 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% | 0.2%#946 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 Leon County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Leon County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Hurricane | 0.078% | 89% of counties |
| Wildfire | 0.0025% | 70% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.088% | 58% of counties |
| Tornado | 0.0087% | 49% 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 Tallahassee compare with similar-size cities?
Tallahassee is one of 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track and ranks #189 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 201,875.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tallahassee, FLPop. 201,875 | #1007 | 49.9 | $57,409 | $1,293/mo | 629 | 19.1 min |
| Little Rock, ARPop. 203,436 | #1190 | 45.3 | $63,003 | $1,106/mo | 1,485 | 18.5 min |
| Mobile, ALPop. 203,416 | #1131 | 47.2 | $53,558 | $1,068/mo | 588 | 22.8 min |
| Grand Prairie, TXPop. 201,883 | #760 | 54.0 | $81,619 | $1,629/mo | 202 | 28 min |
| Augusta, GAPop. 201,528 | #1173 | 45.9 | $55,485 | $1,142/mo | 547 | 21.1 min |
| Sioux Falls, SDPop. 201,469 | #309 | 61.9 | $75,970 | $1,035/mo | 364 | 17 min |
| Oxnard, CAPop. 200,928 | #912 | 51.5 | $96,212 | $2,032/mo | 557 | 25.3 min |
| Overland Park, KSPop. 200,306 | #116 | 67.9 | $104,834 | $1,515/mo | 161 | 19.7 min |
| Sunrise Manor, NVPop. 200,218 | #1275 | 40.0 | $58,421 | $1,397/mo | no data | 28.3 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 Tallahassee compare with the rest of Florida?
Tallahassee ranks #56 of the 80 Florida cities we track, with a score of 49.9 against Florida's statewide 59.9. Its households earn 26% below the Florida median. Violent crime is 2.3 times the statewide rate. Homes are 22% 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 |
| 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 |
| Pompano Beach, FLPop. 114,147 | #59 | 49.5 | $67,195 | $1,724/mo | part year |
| Brandon, FLPop. 119,767 | #60 | 49.4 | $79,685 | $1,784/mo | no data |
The top 10 of the 80 and the cities ranked either side of Tallahassee among the Florida cities we track, by overall score. Florida statewide: median income $77,735, violent crime 275.2 per 100,000.
How is Tallahassee's score calculated?
Tallahassee scores 49.9 out of 100, #1007 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 Tallahassee. Similar-size median 52.9.
43.3 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Tallahassee's police agency. Similar-size median 70.6.
49.7 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Tallahassee. Similar-size median 53.8.
51.4 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Tallahassee's public schools. Similar-size median 52.1.
55.9 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Tallahassee's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 59.1.
73.2 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Tallahassee. Similar-size median 51.2.
21.6 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Tallahassee. Similar-size median 42.1.
44.1 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Tallahassee. Similar-size median 50.1.
57.0 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Tallahassee's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 56.1.
57.9 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 45.9.
35.3 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Tallahassee'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 Tallahassee 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 Tallahassee
Is Tallahassee, FL a good place to live?
Tallahassee ranks #1007 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #189 of 256 mid-size cities and #56 of 80 in Florida. Against similar-size cities it stands out for high graduation rates (94.2%, #11 of 205) and short commutes (19.1 min, #34 of 256), and trails on high poverty (23.6%, #236 of 256) and low household income ($57,409, #218 of 256).
What is the cost of living in Tallahassee?
Tallahassee's cost of living index is 93.9, 6% below the US level of 100 and #414 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,293/mo against $1,641/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $294,444, 22% below the typical Florida home ($375,470).
What is the crime rate in Tallahassee?
Tallahassee recorded 629 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 92% above the US rate of 328 and 2.3 times Florida's 275. That ranks #926 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #189 of 235 mid-size cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Tallahassee Police Department. Property crime runs 2,381 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Tallahassee?
The median household in Tallahassee earns $57,409, 31% below the US figure of $83,163 and 26% below Florida ($77,735). Unemployment is 4.3% (US 4.3%). 23.6% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.4% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Tallahassee?
Median rent in Tallahassee is $1,293/mo (Census), #520 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $1,470/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 27% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Tallahassee?
The typical home value in Tallahassee is $294,444, up 1.4% in a year, against $375,470 for Florida and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $294,400.
How are the public schools in Tallahassee?
Tallahassee's 36 public schools graduate 94.2% of students in four years (Florida 87.3%), with 17.2 students per teacher and $10,979 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Tallahassee?
The average commute is 19.1 minutes, #272 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 28.9 minutes across Florida. 2.4% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Tallahassee?
Tallahassee averages 68°F over the year, 82.1°F in summer and 53°F in winter, with 59.8 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Tallahassee walkable?
Tallahassee scores 12 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (above average walkable), #476 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 Tallahassee at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Leon County's biggest natural hazard losses in hurricane, wildfire, and inland flooding, with expected yearly losses of 0.2% of building value, higher than 73% of US counties.
How is the air quality in Tallahassee?
Leon County's air had a median air quality index of 48, and 56% of measured days were rated good; 1 day was unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles.
Who lives in Tallahassee?
Tallahassee has 201,875 residents. The median resident of Tallahassee is 28.2 years old, against 36.7 in similar-size cities. 51.3% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #243 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 40.6% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Tallahassee compare with the rest of Florida?
Tallahassee ranks #56 of the 80 Florida cities we track, with a score of 49.9 against Florida's statewide 59.9. Its households earn 26% below the Florida median. Violent crime is 2.3 times the statewide rate. Homes are 22% below the typical Florida home.
What cities are similar in size to Tallahassee?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Tallahassee's population of 201,875 are Little Rock, AR (#1190 overall), Mobile, AL (#1131 overall), Grand Prairie, TX (#760 overall), Augusta, GA (#1173 overall), and Sioux Falls, SD (#309 overall). Tallahassee is #1007.