FloridaPop. 401,618Big cities
Is Tampa a Good Place to Live? Tampa, Florida: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Tampa ranks #649 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #20 of 53 big cities and #25 of 80 in Florida. Against similar-size cities it stands out for high graduation rates (90%, #10 of 47) and low violent crime (334 per 100,000, #13 of 50), with no measure in the bottom quarter.
Tampa by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Tampa'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 Tampa?
Tampa's cost of living index is 100.9, 1% above the US level of 100 and #710 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,701/mo against $1,528/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $377,566, 1% above the typical Florida home ($375,470).
| Measure | Tampa | FloridaFL | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 100.9 · US 100 | 100.9#710 of 1,308 | 103.4 | 100.9 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $402,439 · US $368,697 | $377,566#576 of 1,187 | $375,470 | $402,439 | $368,697 |
| Typical asking rentZillow Observed Rent Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,742/mo · US $1,948/mo | $1,957/mo#687 of 1,115 | — | $1,742/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $378,400 | $420,400#835 of 1,309 | — | $378,400 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,528/mo | $1,701/mo#874 of 1,309 | — | $1,528/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.7x | 5.6x#961 of 1,309 | — | 4.7x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 23.1% | 27%#1146 of 1,309 | — | 23.1% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 53 cities of 250,000 to 500,000 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.
Tampa 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. Tampa is in the Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL metro.
Florida housing market →Is Tampa safe?
Tampa recorded 334 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 2% above the US rate of 328 and 21% above Florida's 275. That ranks #609 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #13 of 50 big cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Tampa Police Department. Property crime runs 990 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Tampa | FloridaFL | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 492 · US 328 | 334#609 of 1,085 | 275 | 492 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 2,282 · US 1,548 | 990#213 of 1,085 | 1,402 | 2,282 | 1,548 |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 53 cities of 250,000 to 500,000 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 Tampa?
The median household in Tampa earns $75,475, 9% below the US figure of $83,163 and 3% below Florida ($77,735). Unemployment is 4% (US 4.3%). 15.5% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.1% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Tampa | FloridaFL | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $78,050 · US $83,163 | $75,475#693 of 1,312 | $77,735 | $78,050 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.1% · US 4.3% | 4%#474 of 1,058 | 3.9% | 4.1% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 14.8% | 15.5%#887 of 1,312 | — | 14.8% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.2% · US +0.5% | +0.1%#597 of 1,132 | +0.9% | +0.2% | +0.5% |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 53 cities of 250,000 to 500,000 we track (median). Florida is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure.
Who lives in Tampa?
The median resident of Tampa is 35.9 years old, against 35.3 in similar-size cities. 45.7% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #338 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 50.3% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Tampa | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 35.3 | 35.9 | 35.3 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 39.5% | 45.7%#338 of 1,312 | 39.5% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 52.9% | 50.3% | 52.9% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 53 cities of 250,000 to 500,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure.
How are Tampa's schools and health?
Tampa's 91 public schools graduate 90% of students in four years (Florida 87.3%), with 17.9 students per teacher and $10,589 spent per pupil. 31.9% of adults are obese and 12.5% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 33.8% and 11.8%.
| Measure | Tampa | FloridaFL | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 84.7% | 90%#358 of 1,063 | 87.3% | 84.7% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 15.9 | 17.9#828 of 1,188 | — | 15.9 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $14,888 | $10,589#1108 of 1,188 | — | $14,888 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 33.8% | 31.9%#535 of 1,311 | — | 33.8% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.8% | 12.5%#867 of 1,311 | — | 11.8% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 17.4% | 17.4%#730 of 1,311 | — | 17.4% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.5% | 15.9%#1116 of 1,311 | — | 11.5% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 53 cities of 250,000 to 500,000 we track (median). Florida is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. 59,873 students are enrolled in Tampa's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Tampa?
The average commute in Tampa is 24.8 minutes (Florida 28.9); 1.3% of workers take transit and 22% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Tampa scores 12.9 of 20 (above average walkable), #342 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 83.6°F and winters 63.9°F, with 49.5 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Tampa | FloridaFL | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 23 min | 24.8 min#766 of 1,312 | 28.9 min | 23 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4.6% | 5.9%#697 of 1,312 | 9.6% | 4.6% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 67.4% | 63.4% | 69% | 67.4% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.4% | 1.3% | 1.3% | 1.4% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.9% | 2.2% | 1.4% | 1.9% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.4% | 0.9% | 0.5% | 0.4% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 14.3% | 22% | 15.5% | 14.3% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 12.6 | 12.9#342 of 1,312 | — | 12.6 | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 53 cities of 250,000 to 500,000 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 | 71.3 | 52.8 | 2.7 |
| Feb | 74 | 55.5 | 2.6 |
| Mar | 77.8 | 59.3 | 2.5 |
| Apr | 83 | 64.8 | 2.6 |
| May | 88.3 | 70.6 | 2.6 |
| Jun | 90.5 | 75.4 | 7.4 |
| Jul | 91 | 76.6 | 7.8 |
| Aug | 91.2 | 76.8 | 9 |
| Sep | 90.2 | 75.3 | 6.1 |
| Oct | 85.6 | 69.2 | 2.3 |
| Nov | 78.9 | 60.7 | 1.4 |
| Dec | 73.9 | 55.9 | 2.6 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Tampa International Airport.
| Measure | Tampa | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 61.2°F | 74.5°F | 61.2°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 76.8°F | 83.6°F | 76.8°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 43.8°F | 63.9°F | 43.8°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 33.3 in | 49.5 in | 33.3 in | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 53 cities of 250,000 to 500,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Tampa International Airport.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Tampa?
Hillsborough County's air had a median air quality index of 49, and 53% of measured days were rated good; 2 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Hillsborough County's biggest natural hazard losses in hurricane, coastal flooding, and wildfire, with expected yearly losses of 0.17% of building value, higher than 60% of US counties.
| Measure | Tampa | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 48 | 49#814 of 1,138 | 48 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4 | 2#481 of 1,138 | 4 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.14% | 0.17%#797 of 1,312 | 0.14% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 53 cities of 250,000 to 500,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. County figures for Hillsborough County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Hillsborough County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Hurricane | 0.07% | 89% of counties |
| Coastal flooding | 0.0029% | 66% of counties |
| Wildfire | 0.0016% | 64% of counties |
| Hail | 0.0022% | 51% of counties |
| Tornado | 0.009% | 51% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.064% | 27% 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 Tampa compare with similar-size cities?
Tampa is one of 53 cities of 250,000 to 500,000 we track and ranks #20 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 401,618.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tampa, FLPop. 401,618 | #649 | 55.8 | $75,475 | $1,701/mo | 334 | 24.8 min |
| Minneapolis, MNPop. 427,246 | #759 | 54.0 | $80,846 | $1,371/mo | 1,004 | 22 min |
| Tulsa, OKPop. 413,794 | #1127 | 47.3 | $59,838 | $1,052/mo | 833 | 18.9 min |
| Bakersfield, CAPop. 411,986 | #1124 | 47.4 | $80,540 | $1,472/mo | 496 | 23.6 min |
| Wichita, KSPop. 397,945 | #1135 | 47.1 | $64,620 | $975/mo | 1,209 | 18.4 min |
| Arlington, TXPop. 397,742 | #930 | 51.2 | $75,171 | $1,470/mo | 406 | 26.6 min |
| Aurora, COPop. 394,432 | #911 | 51.5 | $88,368 | $1,835/mo | 763 | 28.6 min |
| New Orleans, LAPop. 371,853 | #1089 | 48.0 | $56,631 | $1,251/mo | part year | 22.6 min |
| Cleveland, OHPop. 366,097 | #1271 | 40.5 | $40,801 | $945/mo | 1,365 | 22.5 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 Tampa compare with the rest of Florida?
Tampa ranks #25 of the 80 Florida cities we track, with a score of 55.8 against Florida's statewide 59.9. Its households earn 3% below the Florida median. Violent crime is 21% above the statewide rate. Homes are 1% 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 |
| 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 |
| Sanford, FLPop. 63,730 | #29 | 55.0 | $66,891 | $1,609/mo | 530 |
The top 10 of the 80 and the cities ranked either side of Tampa among the Florida cities we track, by overall score. Florida statewide: median income $77,735, violent crime 275.2 per 100,000.
How is Tampa's score calculated?
Tampa scores 55.8 out of 100, #649 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 Tampa. Similar-size median 53.8.
52.9 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Tampa's police agency. Similar-size median 60.5.
78.5 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Tampa. Similar-size median 54.8.
54.3 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Tampa's public schools. Similar-size median 52.2.
49.5 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Tampa's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 62.2.
58.9 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Tampa. Similar-size median 47.2.
44.4 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Tampa. Similar-size median 42.4.
42.2 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Tampa. Similar-size median 53.7.
60.5 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Tampa's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 61.1.
62.6 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 48.1.
41.0 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Tampa's category score out of 100. Tick: median of the 53 cities of 250,000 to 500,000 we track. Shares of score are the category weights rescaled over the categories Tampa 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 Tampa
Is Tampa, FL a good place to live?
Tampa ranks #649 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #20 of 53 big cities and #25 of 80 in Florida. Against similar-size cities it stands out for high graduation rates (90%, #10 of 47) and low violent crime (334 per 100,000, #13 of 50), with no measure in the bottom quarter.
What is the cost of living in Tampa?
Tampa's cost of living index is 100.9, 1% above the US level of 100 and #710 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,701/mo against $1,528/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $377,566, 1% above the typical Florida home ($375,470).
What is the crime rate in Tampa?
Tampa recorded 334 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 2% above the US rate of 328 and 21% above Florida's 275. That ranks #609 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #13 of 50 big cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Tampa Police Department. Property crime runs 990 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Tampa?
The median household in Tampa earns $75,475, 9% below the US figure of $83,163 and 3% below Florida ($77,735). Unemployment is 4% (US 4.3%). 15.5% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.1% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Tampa?
Median rent in Tampa is $1,701/mo (Census), #874 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $1,957/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 27% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Tampa?
The typical home value in Tampa is $377,566, down 0.3% in a year, against $375,470 for Florida and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $420,400.
How are the public schools in Tampa?
Tampa's 91 public schools graduate 90% of students in four years (Florida 87.3%), with 17.9 students per teacher and $10,589 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Tampa?
The average commute is 24.8 minutes, #766 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 28.9 minutes across Florida. 5.9% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Tampa?
Tampa averages 74.5°F over the year, 83.6°F in summer and 63.9°F in winter, with 49.5 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Tampa walkable?
Tampa scores 12.9 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (above average walkable), #342 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 Tampa at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Hillsborough County's biggest natural hazard losses in hurricane, coastal flooding, and wildfire, with expected yearly losses of 0.17% of building value, higher than 60% of US counties.
How is the air quality in Tampa?
Hillsborough County's air had a median air quality index of 49, and 53% of measured days were rated good; 2 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles.
Who lives in Tampa?
Tampa has 401,618 residents. The median resident of Tampa is 35.9 years old, against 35.3 in similar-size cities. 45.7% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #338 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 50.3% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Tampa compare with the rest of Florida?
Tampa ranks #25 of the 80 Florida cities we track, with a score of 55.8 against Florida's statewide 59.9. Its households earn 3% below the Florida median. Violent crime is 21% above the statewide rate. Homes are 1% above the typical Florida home.
What cities are similar in size to Tampa?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Tampa's population of 401,618 are Minneapolis, MN (#759 overall), Tulsa, OK (#1127 overall), Bakersfield, CA (#1124 overall), Wichita, KS (#1135 overall), and Arlington, TX (#930 overall). Tampa is #649.