FloridaPop. 62,146Smaller cities
Is Wellington a Good Place to Live? Wellington, Florida: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Wellington ranks #339 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #164 of 524 smaller cities and #6 of 80 in Florida. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low violent crime (90 per 100,000, #43 of 442) and high household income ($115,632, #100 of 524), and trails on high rents ($2,562/mo, #492 of 524) and high living costs (114.2, #487 of 524).
Wellington by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Wellington'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 Wellington?
Wellington'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 $2,562/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $658,628, 75% above the typical Florida home ($375,470).
| Measure | Wellington | 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 | $658,628#983 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 | $3,540/mo#1086 of 1,115 | — | $1,884/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $401,950 | $599,400#1076 of 1,309 | — | $401,950 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,633/mo | $2,562/mo#1257 of 1,309 | — | $1,633/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.5x | 5.2x#881 of 1,309 | — | 4.5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 22.2% | 26.6%#1130 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.
Wellington 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. Wellington is in the Miami-Fort Lauderdale-Pompano Beach, FL metro.
Florida housing market →Is Wellington safe?
Wellington recorded 90 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 76% below the US rate of 373 and 77% below Florida's 384. That ranks #103 of 1,083 cities with data (1 = safest) and #43 of 442 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Wellington Police Department. Property crime runs 743 per 100,000 (US 2,083).
| Measure | Wellington | FloridaFL | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 264 · US 373 | 90#103 of 1,083 | 384 | 264 | 373 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,553 · US 2,083 | 743#106 of 1,083 | 1,954 | 1,553 | 2,083 |
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. City rates come from each police agency's report to the FBI and are not strictly comparable across agencies.
What do people earn in Wellington?
The median household in Wellington earns $115,632, 51% above the US figure of $76,827 and 62% above Florida ($71,516). Unemployment is 3.8% (US 4.2%). 7.8% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 0.3% in the latest year (US +0.8%).
| Measure | Wellington | FloridaFL | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $83,646 · US $76,827 | $115,632#186 of 1,312 | $71,516 | $83,646 | $76,827 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.2% · US 4.2% | 3.8%#390 of 1,058 | 4.3% | 4.2% | 4.2% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.8% | 7.8%#305 of 1,312 | — | 10.8% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.2% · US +0.8% | -0.3%#853 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 Wellington?
The median resident of Wellington is 42.3 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 49.7% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #275 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 75.8% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Wellington | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 37.7 | 42.3 | 37.7 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 35.1% | 49.7%#275 of 1,312 | 35.1% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 61.7% | 75.8% | 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 Wellington's schools and health?
Wellington's 13 public schools graduate 90% of students in four years (Florida 87%), with 18.4 students per teacher and $14,024 spent per pupil. 24.9% of adults are obese and 10.8% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 31.9% and 11%.
| Measure | Wellington | 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 | 18.4#865 of 1,188 | — | 16.4 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $15,354 | $14,024#697 of 1,188 | — | $15,354 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 31.9% | 24.9%#137 of 1,311 | — | 31.9% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11% | 10.8%#578 of 1,311 | — | 11% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 16.7% | 14.3%#175 of 1,311 | — | 16.7% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.1% | 11.4%#816 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. 15,236 students are enrolled in Wellington's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Wellington?
The average commute in Wellington is 32.1 minutes (Florida 24.6); 0.1% of workers take transit and 20.2% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Wellington scores 8.4 of 20 (below average walkable), #956 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 82.7°F and winters 67.9°F, with 61.7 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Wellington | FloridaFL | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 25.1 min | 32.1 min#1203 of 1,312 | 24.6 min | 25.1 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 6.5% | 12.6%#1164 of 1,312 | 8.5% | 6.5% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 70.8% | 68.8% | 74.1% | 70.8% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.1% | 0.1% | 1.3% | 1.1% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.4% | 0.4% | 1.4% | 1.4% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.2% | 0.1% | 0.5% | 0.2% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 13.7% | 20.2% | 11.9% | 13.7% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 11.1 | 8.4#956 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 | 74.7 | 57.9 | 3.5 |
| Feb | 76.7 | 60.1 | 2.6 |
| Mar | 79.2 | 63 | 3.3 |
| Apr | 82.2 | 67.5 | 3.7 |
| May | 85.7 | 71.7 | 4.9 |
| Jun | 88.3 | 75 | 8.5 |
| Jul | 90 | 76.1 | 5.6 |
| Aug | 89.9 | 76.5 | 8.7 |
| Sep | 88 | 75.8 | 8 |
| Oct | 84.7 | 72.6 | 5.9 |
| Nov | 80 | 66.1 | 3.6 |
| Dec | 76.5 | 61.5 | 3.5 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at W Palm Beach International Airport.
| Measure | Wellington | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 58.1°F | 75.8°F | 58.1°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 74.2°F | 82.7°F | 74.2°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 40.8°F | 67.9°F | 40.8°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 38.3 in | 61.7 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 W Palm Beach International Airport.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Wellington?
Palm Beach County's air had a median air quality index of 39, and 76% of measured days were rated good; 0 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Palm Beach County's biggest natural hazard losses in hurricane, coastal flooding, and wildfire, with expected yearly losses of 0.18% of building value, higher than 68% of US counties.
| Measure | Wellington | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 44 | 39#281 of 1,138 | 44 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 3 | 0#1 of 1,138 | 3 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.15% | 0.18%#868 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 Palm Beach County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Palm Beach County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Hurricane | 0.095% | 90% of counties |
| Coastal flooding | 0.0025% | 64% of counties |
| Wildfire | 0.0011% | 59% of counties |
| Tornado | 0.0027% | 26% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.062% | 25% 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 Wellington compare with similar-size cities?
Wellington is one of 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track and ranks #164 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 62,146.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wellington, FLPop. 62,146 | #339 | 61.1 | $115,632 | $2,562/mo | 90 | 32.1 min |
| Richland, WAPop. 62,753 | #393 | 60.2 | $95,813 | $1,468/mo | 257 | 20.4 min |
| Council Bluffs, IAPop. 62,586 | #876 | 52.1 | $64,578 | $1,030/mo | 525 | 17.9 min |
| Marietta, GAPop. 62,263 | #351 | 60.9 | $72,725 | $1,586/mo | 291 | 27.5 min |
| Pontiac, MIPop. 62,104 | #1290 | 38.1 | $44,329 | $1,063/mo | 820 | 21.2 min |
| La Habra, CAPop. 61,970 | #668 | 55.6 | $100,106 | $2,129/mo | 261 | 30.5 min |
| Parker, COPop. 61,783 | #245 | 63.3 | $133,369 | $2,096/mo | 192 | 26.1 min |
| Chapel Hill, NCPop. 61,607 | #176 | 65.1 | $85,989 | $1,613/mo | 86 | 19.5 min |
| Springfield, ORPop. 61,499 | #964 | 50.7 | $68,761 | $1,258/mo | 285 | 19.4 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 Wellington compare with the rest of Florida?
Wellington ranks #6 of the 80 Florida cities we track, with a score of 61.1 against Florida's statewide 52.8. Its households earn 62% above the Florida median. Violent crime is 77% below the statewide rate. Homes are 75% 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 |
The top 10 of the 80 and the cities ranked either side of Wellington among the Florida cities we track, by overall score. Florida statewide: median income $71,516, violent crime 384 per 100,000.
How is Wellington's score calculated?
Wellington scores 61.1 out of 100, #339 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 Wellington. Similar-size median 55.5.
71.5 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Wellington's police agency. Similar-size median 77.6.
95.7 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Wellington. Similar-size median 58.9.
73.3 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Wellington's public schools. Similar-size median 55.2.
54.6 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Wellington's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 59.3.
33.1 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Wellington. Similar-size median 56.1.
76.2 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Wellington. Similar-size median 42.4.
38.9 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Wellington. Similar-size median 50.0.
44.7 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Wellington's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 53.2.
38.9 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 50.8.
47.2 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Wellington'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 Wellington 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 Wellington
Is Wellington, FL a good place to live?
Wellington ranks #339 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #164 of 524 smaller cities and #6 of 80 in Florida. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low violent crime (90 per 100,000, #43 of 442) and high household income ($115,632, #100 of 524), and trails on high rents ($2,562/mo, #492 of 524) and high living costs (114.2, #487 of 524).
What is the cost of living in Wellington?
Wellington'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 $2,562/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $658,628, 75% above the typical Florida home ($375,470).
What is the crime rate in Wellington?
Wellington recorded 90 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 76% below the US rate of 373 and 77% below Florida's 384. That ranks #103 of 1,083 cities with data (1 = safest) and #43 of 442 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Wellington Police Department. Property crime runs 743 per 100,000 (US 2,083).
What is the median household income in Wellington?
The median household in Wellington earns $115,632, 51% above the US figure of $76,827 and 62% above Florida ($71,516). Unemployment is 3.8% (US 4.2%). 7.8% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 0.3% in the latest year (US +0.8%).
How much is rent in Wellington?
Median rent in Wellington is $2,562/mo (Census), #1257 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Zillow's typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $3,540/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 26.6% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Wellington?
Zillow's typical home value in Wellington is $658,628, up 1.7% in a year, against $375,470 for Florida and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $599,400.
How are the public schools in Wellington?
Wellington's 13 public schools graduate 90% of students in four years (Florida 87%), with 18.4 students per teacher and $14,024 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Wellington?
The average commute is 32.1 minutes, #1203 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 24.6 minutes across Florida. 12.6% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Wellington?
Wellington averages 75.8°F over the year, 82.7°F in summer and 67.9°F in winter, with 61.7 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Wellington walkable?
Wellington scores 8.4 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (below average walkable), #956 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 Wellington at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Palm Beach County's biggest natural hazard losses in hurricane, coastal flooding, and wildfire, with expected yearly losses of 0.18% of building value, higher than 68% of US counties.
How is the air quality in Wellington?
Palm Beach County's air had a median air quality index of 39, and 76% of measured days were rated good; 0 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles.
Who lives in Wellington?
Wellington has 62,146 residents. The median resident of Wellington is 42.3 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 49.7% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #275 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 75.8% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Wellington compare with the rest of Florida?
Wellington ranks #6 of the 80 Florida cities we track, with a score of 61.1 against Florida's statewide 52.8. Its households earn 62% above the Florida median. Violent crime is 77% below the statewide rate. Homes are 75% above the typical Florida home.
What cities are similar in size to Wellington?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Wellington's population of 62,146 are Richland, WA (#393 overall), Council Bluffs, IA (#876 overall), Marietta, GA (#351 overall), Pontiac, MI (#1290 overall), and La Habra, CA (#668 overall). Wellington is #339.