Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Riviera Beach, FL
Thinking of moving to Riviera Beach, FL? With a population of around 37,600, this coastal city offers warm weather year-round, median home prices near $265,000, and average rents around $1,690. While the cost of living is slightly above the national average, you'll enjoy abundant sunshine (74% of days) and quick commutes averaging just over 25 minutes. The city features diverse schools and proximity to major hospitals, though crime rates are higher than average—so researching neighborhoods is recommended for newcomers.
Demographics - Riviera Beach, FL
Demographics - Riviera Beach, FL
Riviera Beach is home to about 37,600 residents with a moderate population density and a median age of just over 39 years. The city has a predominantly Black community, with nearly 68% of residents identifying as Black and around 20% as White, reflecting its diverse cultural fabric. Approximately 18% of locals speak a language other than English at home, contributing to the city's multicultural atmosphere.
Population:
37,604
Density:
3,700 per sq mi
Median Age:
39.2
Gender Ratio:
96 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
18.2%

Ethnic Composition
White:
20.5%
Black:
67.7%
Asian:
0.9%
Others:
10.9%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Riviera Beach, FL?
The cost of living in Riviera Beach is slightly above the national average, with a cost of living index of 104.3. Median home values are around $265,000, and typical rent for a two-bedroom apartment is $1,690, offering relatively affordable housing compared to many Florida coastal cities. Residents benefit from Florida’s absence of state income tax, which helps offset some of the higher costs in areas like transportation and utilities.
Median House Value:
$265,000
Gross Rent:
$1,690
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$145
Auto Insurance:
$2,030
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,730
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$540
State Taxes:
Low:
0.0%
|
High:
0.0%
Cost Of Living Index:
104.3
Grocery:
104.0
Housing:
93.5
Utilities:
102.0
Transportation:
109.8
Health Care:
99.2
Miscellaneous:
101.6
Crime
Is Riviera Beach, FL a safe place to live?
Riviera Beach experiences higher-than-average crime rates, with a violent crime rate of about 1,077 incidents per 100,000 people and a 1 in 93 chance of being a victim. Property crime is also notable, with a 1 in 27 chance, so new residents are encouraged to research neighborhoods carefully. Despite these challenges, many residents find strong community ties and local support networks.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
1,077
Property Crimes Per 100k:
3,761
Crime Index:
4,838
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 93
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 27
Weather
What is the weather like in Riviera Beach, FL year-round?
Riviera Beach boasts a tropical climate with warm winters averaging 75°F and hot summers reaching up to 90°F. The area enjoys 74% sunny days annually and receives about 63 inches of rainfall, making it ideal for those who appreciate sunshine and outdoor living. Mild temperatures year-round are perfect for enjoying the city’s coastal lifestyle.

Winter
Min:
57°F
Max:
75°F

Spring
Min:
64°F
Max:
83°F

Summer
Min:
75°F
Max:
90°F

Fall
Min:
67°F
Max:
85°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
62.7 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
74%
Neighbors
Typical households in Riviera Beach have a median income of about $54,000, with a poverty rate of 22.5%. The community is diverse, with roughly 18% speaking a language other than English at home, and most residents have high school diplomas, though only about 14% hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Commute times average just over 25 minutes, reflecting the city’s manageable traffic and accessibility.
Median Income:
$34,200
Household Income:
$53,900
Family Income:
$56,200
Per Capita Income:
$22,300
Income Male:
$29,800
Income Female:
$27,900
Poverty Rate:
22.5%
Non English Speakers:
18.2%
Rent:
$1,690
Unemployment Rate:
6.4%
Public Transport Usage:
2.1%
Commute Time:
25.2 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
82.1%
Bachelors or More:
13.7%
Education
How are the schools in Riviera Beach, FL?
Riviera Beach offers a range of educational options, including public schools like Suncoast Community High School and Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune Elementary, as well as private schools and nearby colleges such as Palm Beach State College. Local schools feature diverse student bodies and competitive student-to-teacher ratios, supporting a well-rounded educational environment. Higher education opportunities are accessible within a short drive, making lifelong learning convenient for residents.

Public Schools
Name:
Suncoast Community High School
Street:
1717 Avenue S
Phone:
561-882-3400
Students:
1,600
Student Teacher Ratio:
20.1
Name:
Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune Elementary School
Street:
1501 Avenue U
Phone:
561-882-7600
Students:
500
Student Teacher Ratio:
14.3

Private Schools
Name:
Inlet Grove Community High School
Street:
600 W 28th St
Phone:
561-881-4600
Students:
700

Colleges
Name:
Palm Beach State College
City:
Lake Worth
State:
FL
Distance:
11 miles
Students:
36,000
Name:
Florida Atlantic University
City:
Boca Raton
State:
FL
Distance:
35 miles
Students:
30,000
Healthcare
Residents benefit from access to major medical centers like St. Mary’s Medical Center and Good Samaritan Medical Center, both located nearby in West Palm Beach and providing emergency services. The city has about 2.5 physicians per 1,000 residents, and over 82% of locals have health insurance coverage. Healthcare services are readily available, ensuring quality care for families and individuals.

Major Hospitals
Name:
St. Mary's Medical Center
Address:
901 45th St, West Palm Beach, FL 33407
Phone:
(561) 844-6300
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Good Samaritan Medical Center
Address:
1309 N Flagler Dr, West Palm Beach, FL 33401
Phone:
(561) 655-5511
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.5
Health Insurance Coverage:
82.5%
Health Care Index:
68.3
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Riviera Beach, FL?
Riviera Beach offers a balanced housing market, with median home prices around $265,000 and an owner-occupied rate of 46.5%. Average rent for a two-bedroom apartment is $1,690, and home values have appreciated about 7% over the past year. The city features a stable rental market and modest new construction activity.
Median Home Price:
$265,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,690
Owner Occupied Rate:
46.5%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
7.2%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
7.1%
New Construction Rate:
1.3%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.8%
DMV Information
Residents take care of vehicle registration and licensing through the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, located at 301 N Olive Ave in nearby West Palm Beach. The DMV provides essential services for drivers and vehicle owners, and more information can be found on their official website. Access to DMV services is convenient for Riviera Beach locals.
State:
Florida
Department:
Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles
Address:
301 N Olive Ave, West Palm Beach, FL 33401
Phone:
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.