FloridaPop. 122,290Mid-size cities
Is West Palm Beach a Good Place to Live? West Palm Beach, Florida: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
West Palm Beach ranks #732 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #120 of 256 mid-size cities and #31 of 80 in Florida. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low unemployment (3.7%, #53 of 241), and trails on high living costs (114.2, #238 of 256).
West Palm Beach by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with West Palm Beach'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 West Palm Beach?
West Palm Beach'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 $1,772/mo against $1,641/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $404,294, 8% above the typical Florida home ($375,470).
| Measure | West Palm Beach | 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 | 103.4 | 101.8 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $439,863 · US $368,697 | $404,294#639 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 | $2,377/mo#870 of 1,115 | — | $1,871/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $405,750 | $414,200#820 of 1,309 | — | $405,750 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,641/mo | $1,772/mo#941 of 1,309 | — | $1,641/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 5x | 5.6x#961 of 1,309 | — | 5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 23.9% | 29%#1228 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.
West Palm Beach 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. West Palm Beach is in the Miami-Fort Lauderdale-Pompano Beach, FL metro.
Florida housing market →Is West Palm Beach safe?
West Palm Beach recorded 493 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 50% above the US rate of 328 and 79% above Florida's 275. That ranks #834 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #164 of 235 mid-size cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by West Palm Beach Police Department. Property crime runs 1,497 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | West Palm Beach | FloridaFL | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 352 · US 328 | 493#834 of 1,085 | 275 | 352 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,730 · US 1,548 | 1,497#477 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 West Palm Beach?
The median household in West Palm Beach earns $73,446, 12% below the US figure of $83,163 and 6% below Florida ($77,735). Unemployment is 3.7% (US 4.3%). 14.1% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 0.1% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | West Palm Beach | FloridaFL | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $80,112 · US $83,163 | $73,446#743 of 1,312 | $77,735 | $80,112 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.2% · US 4.3% | 3.7%#342 of 1,058 | 3.9% | 4.2% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 12.6% | 14.1%#804 of 1,312 | — | 12.6% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.3% · US +0.5% | -0.1%#723 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 West Palm Beach?
The median resident of West Palm Beach is 41.1 years old, against 36.7 in similar-size cities. 39.2% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #482 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 50.5% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | West Palm Beach | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 36.7 | 41.1 | 36.7 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 34% | 39.2%#482 of 1,312 | 34% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 56.7% | 50.5% | 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 West Palm Beach's schools and health?
West Palm Beach's 25 public schools graduate 90% of students in four years (Florida 87.3%), with 17.2 students per teacher and $14,024 spent per pupil. 29.1% of adults are obese and 13.7% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 33.3% and 11.5%.
| Measure | West Palm Beach | 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 | 17.2#763 of 1,188 | — | 17.4 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $14,993 | $14,024#697 of 1,188 | — | $14,993 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 33.3% | 29.1%#340 of 1,311 | — | 33.3% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.5% | 13.7%#1052 of 1,311 | — | 11.5% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 17.5% | 16.4%#496 of 1,311 | — | 17.5% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.1% | 16.9%#1143 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. 21,285 students are enrolled in West Palm Beach's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in West Palm Beach?
The average commute in West Palm Beach is 23.4 minutes (Florida 28.9); 2.4% of workers take transit and 13.3% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index West Palm Beach scores 12.7 of 20 (above average walkable), #374 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 | West Palm Beach | FloridaFL | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 24.6 min | 23.4 min#634 of 1,312 | 28.9 min | 24.6 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 6% | 5.5%#652 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% | 2.4% | 1.3% | 1.1% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.6% | 1.8% | 1.4% | 1.6% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.3% | 0.6% | 0.5% | 0.3% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 13.3% | 13.3% | 15.5% | 13.3% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 11.6 | 12.7#374 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 | 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 | West Palm Beach | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 62.1°F | 75.8°F | 62.1°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 76.9°F | 82.7°F | 76.9°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 47.7°F | 67.9°F | 47.7°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 36.8 in | 61.7 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 W Palm Beach International Airport.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in West Palm Beach?
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 | West Palm Beach | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 46 | 39#281 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% | 0.18%#868 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 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 West Palm Beach compare with similar-size cities?
West Palm Beach is one of 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track and ranks #120 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 122,290.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| West Palm Beach, FLPop. 122,290 | #732 | 54.4 | $73,446 | $1,772/mo | 493 | 23.4 min |
| Arvada, COPop. 122,634 | #296 | 62.1 | $117,348 | $1,888/mo | 307 | 26.1 min |
| Rochester, MNPop. 122,330 | #283 | 62.4 | $89,389 | $1,399/mo | 186 | 17.4 min |
| Ann Arbor, MIPop. 122,036 | #194 | 64.7 | $82,212 | $1,649/mo | 297 | 20 min |
| Independence, MOPop. 121,740 | #953 | 50.8 | $60,339 | $1,109/mo | 560 | 23.9 min |
| Lafayette, LAPop. 121,715 | #1195 | 45.2 | $61,915 | $1,100/mo | 1,131 | 20 min |
| Hartford, CTPop. 121,127 | #1090 | 48.0 | $46,411 | $1,269/mo | 459 | 23.1 min |
| The Woodlands, TXPop. 121,002 | #233 | 63.6 | $140,701 | $1,822/mo | no data | 27 min |
| Wilmington, NCPop. 120,805 | #656 | 55.7 | $66,738 | $1,395/mo | 406 | 18.5 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 West Palm Beach compare with the rest of Florida?
West Palm Beach ranks #31 of the 80 Florida cities we track, with a score of 54.4 against Florida's statewide 59.9. Its households earn 6% below the Florida median. Violent crime is 79% above the statewide rate. Homes are 8% 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 |
| 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 |
| Pinellas Park, FLPop. 53,560 | #30 | 54.8 | $63,432 | $1,631/mo | 247 |
| West Palm Beach, FLPop. 122,290 | #31 | 54.4 | $73,446 | $1,772/mo | 493 |
| Bonita Springs, FLPop. 55,904 | #32 | 53.6 | $95,210 | $1,882/mo | no data |
| Orlando, FLPop. 319,758 | #33 | 53.4 | $72,336 | $1,747/mo | part year |
| Hialeah, FLPop. 226,165 | #34 | 53.4 | $55,594 | $1,689/mo | 173 |
| Riverview, FLPop. 113,697 | #35 | 53.3 | $100,438 | $2,002/mo | no data |
The top 10 of the 80 and the cities ranked either side of West Palm Beach among the Florida cities we track, by overall score. Florida statewide: median income $77,735, violent crime 275.2 per 100,000.
How is West Palm Beach's score calculated?
West Palm Beach scores 54.4 out of 100, #732 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 West Palm Beach. Similar-size median 52.9.
53.8 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by West Palm Beach's police agency. Similar-size median 70.6.
64.8 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in West Palm Beach. Similar-size median 53.8.
57.7 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in West Palm Beach's public schools. Similar-size median 52.1.
57.0 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
West Palm Beach's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 59.1.
50.5 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in West Palm Beach. Similar-size median 51.2.
46.2 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in West Palm Beach. Similar-size median 42.1.
41.2 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in West Palm Beach. Similar-size median 50.1.
52.2 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across West Palm Beach's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 56.1.
61.6 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 45.9.
47.2 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: West Palm Beach'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 West Palm Beach 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 West Palm Beach
Is West Palm Beach, FL a good place to live?
West Palm Beach ranks #732 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #120 of 256 mid-size cities and #31 of 80 in Florida. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low unemployment (3.7%, #53 of 241), and trails on high living costs (114.2, #238 of 256).
What is the cost of living in West Palm Beach?
West Palm Beach'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 $1,772/mo against $1,641/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $404,294, 8% above the typical Florida home ($375,470).
What is the crime rate in West Palm Beach?
West Palm Beach recorded 493 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 50% above the US rate of 328 and 79% above Florida's 275. That ranks #834 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #164 of 235 mid-size cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by West Palm Beach Police Department. Property crime runs 1,497 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in West Palm Beach?
The median household in West Palm Beach earns $73,446, 12% below the US figure of $83,163 and 6% below Florida ($77,735). Unemployment is 3.7% (US 4.3%). 14.1% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 0.1% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in West Palm Beach?
Median rent in West Palm Beach is $1,772/mo (Census), #941 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $2,377/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 29% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in West Palm Beach?
The typical home value in West Palm Beach is $404,294, up 1.4% in a year, against $375,470 for Florida and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $414,200.
How are the public schools in West Palm Beach?
West Palm Beach's 25 public schools graduate 90% of students in four years (Florida 87.3%), with 17.2 students per teacher and $14,024 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in West Palm Beach?
The average commute is 23.4 minutes, #634 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 28.9 minutes across Florida. 5.5% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in West Palm Beach?
West Palm Beach 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 West Palm Beach walkable?
West Palm Beach scores 12.7 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (above average walkable), #374 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 West Palm Beach 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 West Palm Beach?
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 West Palm Beach?
West Palm Beach has 122,290 residents. The median resident of West Palm Beach is 41.1 years old, against 36.7 in similar-size cities. 39.2% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #482 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 50.5% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does West Palm Beach compare with the rest of Florida?
West Palm Beach ranks #31 of the 80 Florida cities we track, with a score of 54.4 against Florida's statewide 59.9. Its households earn 6% below the Florida median. Violent crime is 79% above the statewide rate. Homes are 8% above the typical Florida home.
What cities are similar in size to West Palm Beach?
The tracked cities in other states closest to West Palm Beach's population of 122,290 are Arvada, CO (#296 overall), Rochester, MN (#283 overall), Ann Arbor, MI (#194 overall), Independence, MO (#953 overall), and Lafayette, LA (#1195 overall). West Palm Beach is #732.