Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Palm Bay, FL
Thinking of moving to Palm Bay, FL? With a population of around 123,000, Palm Bay offers affordable living—median home prices average $294,000 and rents are about $1,420. Enjoy a warm, sunny climate with 68% sunny days and mild winters. Commute times are reasonable at under 28 minutes, and crime rates are moderate for the region. The city boasts good owner-occupied housing, access to local healthcare, and a selection of public and private schools, making it a great option for families and retirees alike.
Demographics - Palm Bay, FL
Demographics - Palm Bay, FL
Palm Bay is home to approximately 123,000 residents with a median age of 41, reflecting a balanced and diverse community. The city’s population features a mix of ethnic backgrounds, with over 16% speaking a language other than English at home, and a nearly even gender ratio. Its suburban density fosters a welcoming environment for families, professionals, and retirees alike.
Population:
122,942
Density:
1,900 per sq mi
Median Age:
41.1
Gender Ratio:
97 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
16.5%

Ethnic Composition
White:
62.4%
Black:
20.1%
Asian:
2.6%
Others:
14.9%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Palm Bay, FL?
Palm Bay offers an affordable cost of living, with a median home value around $294,000 and typical rents near $1,420. Residents benefit from Florida's absence of state income tax and a cost of living index slightly below the national average, making it an attractive choice for budget-conscious movers. Utility and transportation costs are close to U.S. norms, while housing remains especially accessible compared to many parts of the state.
Median House Value:
$294,000
Gross Rent:
$1,420
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$140
Auto Insurance:
$2,010
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,570
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$470
State Taxes:
Low:
0%
|
High:
0%
Cost Of Living Index:
95.3
Grocery:
97.0
Housing:
85.1
Utilities:
104.5
Transportation:
100.6
Health Care:
98.8
Miscellaneous:
95.0
Crime
Is Palm Bay, FL a safe place to live?
Palm Bay experiences moderate crime rates, with about 337 violent crimes and 1,715 property crimes per 100,000 residents. The chance of experiencing a violent crime is roughly 1 in 297, which is consistent with many mid-sized Florida cities. Overall, the city's safety profile is typical for the region, providing a reasonable sense of security for families and individuals.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
337
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,715
Crime Index:
2,052
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 297
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 58
Weather
What is the weather like in Palm Bay, FL year-round?
Palm Bay boasts a warm, subtropical climate with mild winters averaging lows around 50°F and hot, humid summers reaching highs near 91°F. The area enjoys about 68% sunny days annually and receives over 53 inches of rainfall, contributing to lush landscapes. Residents can expect comfortable outdoor living year-round with pleasant spring and fall seasons.

Winter
Min:
50°F
Max:
73°F

Spring
Min:
65°F
Max:
86°F

Summer
Min:
72°F
Max:
91°F

Fall
Min:
65°F
Max:
85°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
53.6 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
68%
Neighbors
Palm Bay’s neighborhoods feature a median household income of $62,300 and a family income of $76,000, with a poverty rate of about 14%. Most residents commute just under 28 minutes, with very limited reliance on public transportation. The community is well-educated, with over 90% of adults holding at least a high school diploma, supporting a stable and engaged local population.
Median Income:
$36,200
Household Income:
$62,300
Family Income:
$76,000
Per Capita Income:
$28,900
Income Male:
$41,000
Income Female:
$34,500
Poverty Rate:
13.7%
Non English Speakers:
16.5%
Rent:
$1,420
Unemployment Rate:
4.1%
Public Transport Usage:
0.5%
Commute Time:
27.9 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
90.8%
Bachelors or More:
21.2%
Education
How are the schools in Palm Bay, FL?
Palm Bay offers a range of educational opportunities, including public schools like Palm Bay Magnet High and Southwest Middle School, as well as private and parochial options. The city is also home to Eastern Florida State College and is close to the Florida Institute of Technology, providing higher education options locally. These resources make Palm Bay a family-friendly city with strong support for lifelong learning.

Public Schools
Name:
Palm Bay Magnet High School
Street:
101 Pirate Ln
Phone:
321-952-5900
Students:
1,590
Student Teacher Ratio:
18.5
Name:
Southwest Middle School
Street:
451 Eldron Blvd SW
Phone:
321-952-5800
Students:
1,050
Student Teacher Ratio:
17.3

Private Schools
Name:
St. Joseph Catholic School
Street:
5320 Babcock St NE
Phone:
321-723-8866
Students:
290

Colleges
Name:
Eastern Florida State College - Palm Bay Campus
City:
Palm Bay
State:
FL
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
3,200
Name:
Florida Institute of Technology
City:
Melbourne
State:
FL
Distance:
8 miles
Students:
6,400
Healthcare
Residents have access to quality healthcare, including Palm Bay Hospital and other major medical centers nearby, with emergency services available. With about 2.1 physicians per 1,000 residents and over 86% health insurance coverage, the city ensures essential medical support for its population. The local healthcare index indicates services are reliable and accessible for families and seniors.

Major Hospitals
Name:
Palm Bay Hospital
Address:
1425 Malabar Rd NE, Palm Bay, FL 32907
Phone:
(321) 434-8000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Health First Holmes Regional Medical Center
Address:
1350 Hickory St, Melbourne, FL 32901
Phone:
(321) 434-7000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.1
Health Insurance Coverage:
86.2%
Health Care Index:
71.3
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Palm Bay, FL?
Palm Bay’s housing market remains accessible, with a median home price of $294,000 and a high owner-occupancy rate of nearly 75%. Rental options are available, with average two-bedroom rents at $1,420 and a low foreclosure rate of 0.7%. Steady home appreciation and ongoing new construction contribute to a healthy real estate environment for both buyers and renters.
Median Home Price:
$294,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,420
Owner Occupied Rate:
74.6%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
6.6%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
2.7%
New Construction Rate:
2.5%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.7%
DMV Information
Palm Bay residents are served by the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, which provides driver licensing, vehicle registration, and related services statewide. The main office is located in Tallahassee, but local branches and online services make access convenient. Information and resources are available on the department’s website for all motor vehicle needs.
State:
Florida
Department:
Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles
Address:
2900 Apalachee Pkwy, Tallahassee, FL 32399
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.