Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Fort Lauderdale, FL
Thinking of moving to Fort Lauderdale, FL? With a population of 183,109 and a median home price of $525,000, this vibrant coastal city features a sunny, tropical climate with 69% sunny days each year. While the cost of living is above the national average and rents are around $2,150, residents enjoy quick 26-minute commutes, a diverse community, and access to major healthcare and educational institutions. Just be aware of the higher property crime rates and plan for year-round warmth and outdoor living!
Demographics - Fort Lauderdale, FL
Demographics - Fort Lauderdale, FL
Fort Lauderdale, with a population of over 183,000, offers a diverse community where nearly half identify as White and one-third as Black, and over a third of residents speak a language other than English at home. The median age is 42.2, reflecting a balanced mix of working professionals and retirees. Its urban density and vibrant multicultural environment make it an attractive destination for newcomers.
Population:
183,109
Density:
5,300 per sq mi
Median Age:
42.2
Gender Ratio:
97 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
35.5%
Ethnic Composition
White:
49.9%
Black:
32.7%
Asian:
2.1%
Others:
15.3%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Fort Lauderdale, FL?
Living in Fort Lauderdale comes with a higher-than-average cost of living, with the median home value at $525,000 and typical rent around $2,150 per month. While Florida has no state income tax, housing and transportation costs are notably above the national average. These factors make budgeting important for those considering relocation to this coastal city.
Median House Value:
$525,000
Gross Rent:
$2,150
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$140
Auto Insurance:
$2,450
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$2,400
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$850
State Taxes:
Low:
0%
|
High:
0%
Cost Of Living Index:
131.0
Grocery:
112.0
Housing:
154.0
Utilities:
106.0
Transportation:
118.0
Health Care:
105.0
Miscellaneous:
108.0
Crime
Is Fort Lauderdale, FL a safe place to live?
Crime rates in Fort Lauderdale are higher than average, particularly for property crimes, with a 1 in 31 chance of being affected. Violent crime is less common but still notable, at 672 incidents per 100,000 residents. Newcomers should consider neighborhood safety and take standard precautions when settling in.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
672
Property Crimes Per 100k:
3,187
Crime Index:
3,859
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 149
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 31
Weather
What is the weather like in Fort Lauderdale, FL year-round?
Fort Lauderdale enjoys a tropical climate with warm temperatures year-round, ranging from winter lows of 59°F to summer highs of 90°F. The city experiences 69% sunny days and receives about 64 inches of rainfall annually, making it ideal for outdoor activities. Residents should be prepared for occasional heavy rain, especially during summer and hurricane season.
Winter
Min:
59°F
Max:
76°F
Spring
Min:
67°F
Max:
83°F
Summer
Min:
76°F
Max:
90°F
Fall
Min:
70°F
Max:
85°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
64.2 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
69%
Neighbors
Residents of Fort Lauderdale benefit from a diverse, well-educated community, with a median household income of $71,300 and nearly 38% holding a bachelor's degree or higher. Commute times average 26 minutes, and the poverty rate stands at 14.1%. The area offers a blend of urban energy and neighborly connections.
Median Income:
$52,800
Household Income:
$71,300
Family Income:
$86,400
Per Capita Income:
$47,900
Income Male:
$52,000
Income Female:
$42,800
Poverty Rate:
14.1%
Non English Speakers:
35.5%
Rent:
$2,150
Unemployment Rate:
3.7%
Public Transport Usage:
3.0%
Commute Time:
26.2 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
88.3%
Bachelors or More:
37.9%
Education
How are the schools in Fort Lauderdale, FL?
Fort Lauderdale boasts a range of educational options, including public schools like Fort Lauderdale High and Bennett Elementary, as well as private institutions such as Pine Crest School. The city is also home to Broward College and is close to Nova Southeastern University, providing opportunities for lifelong learning. Families and students will find a supportive environment with diverse schooling choices.
Public Schools
Name:
Fort Lauderdale High School
Street:
1600 NE 4th Ave
Phone:
754-322-1100
Students:
2,330
Student Teacher Ratio:
22.0
Name:
Bennett Elementary School
Street:
1755 NE 14th St
Phone:
754-322-7200
Students:
740
Student Teacher Ratio:
15.5
Private Schools
Name:
Pine Crest School
Street:
1501 NE 62nd St
Phone:
954-492-4100
Students:
2,600
Colleges
Name:
Broward College
City:
Fort Lauderdale
State:
FL
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
31,000
Name:
Nova Southeastern University
City:
Davie
State:
FL
Distance:
7 miles
Students:
20,600
Healthcare
Fort Lauderdale provides strong healthcare access, featuring major hospitals like Broward Health Medical Center and Holy Cross Health. With 2.5 physicians per 1,000 residents and nearly 86% of the population insured, quality medical care is readily available. The city's healthcare index suggests reliable services for both routine and emergency needs.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Broward Health Medical Center
Address:
1600 S Andrews Ave, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316
Phone:
(954) 355-4400
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Holy Cross Health
Address:
4725 N Federal Hwy, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33308
Phone:
(954) 771-8000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.5
Health Insurance Coverage:
85.7%
Health Care Index:
70.2
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Fort Lauderdale, FL?
The housing market in Fort Lauderdale is competitive, with a median home price of $525,000 and average rent for a two-bedroom at $2,600. Over half of the city's housing is owner-occupied, and recent home appreciation has reached 7.6%. Prospective buyers and renters will find a dynamic market with ongoing new construction and moderate vacancy rates.
Median Home Price:
$525,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$2,600
Owner Occupied Rate:
53.2%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
7.2%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
7.6%
New Construction Rate:
2.4%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.7%
DMV Information
Vehicle services in Fort Lauderdale are provided by the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, with the nearest branch located in Lauderhill. Residents can access information, licensing, and registration services both in-person and online. Florida's DMV offers comprehensive resources for new arrivals and long-term residents alike.
State:
Florida
Department:
Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles
Address:
7217 W Oakland Park Blvd, Lauderhill, FL 33313
Phone:
1-850-617-2000
Website:
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is based on publicly available sources including AccuWeather, U.S. Census Bureau, local government data, and third-party partners such as Neustar. While we strive to ensure accuracy, all data is provided “as is” and should be independently verified before making any decisions. Movers.com makes no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the information.