Brownsville, FL
Population 16,391 · Florida
About Brownsville, FL
Brownsville is a mid-sized city located in Florida with a population of 16,391 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $38,460 per year, which is 49% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 40.7 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Brownsville features a median home value of $285,100, which is 16% above the national median of $244,900. This positions Brownsville in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $1,157, 1% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 7,233 total housing units, 35% are owner-occupied (2,248 units) and 65% are renter-occupied (4,195 units). The higher proportion of renters may reflect a transient population, younger demographics, or high housing costs relative to income.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Brownsville shows an unemployment rate of 8.9%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 25.8%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Brownsville have an average one-way commute time of 31.3 minutes.
Education & Demographics
13.5% of Brownsville residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The lower educational attainment rate may reflect the area's industry mix, with more employment in trades, manufacturing, or agricultural sectors. The community's demographic composition includes 2.2% White, 0.5% Hispanic or Latino, 0.4% Black or African American, and 30.3% Asian residents, with 38.3% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Brownsville, FL
Compared to national averages, Brownsville has a median household income of $38,460 (49% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $285,100, which is 16% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,157 is 1% below the US average of $1,163. Within Florida, Brownsville's income is 49% below the state average of $75,893, and home values are 19% below the state median of $353,675.
Why Live in Brownsville, FL?
Brownsville offers rent that’s lower than the national average at $1,157/month.
Potential considerations include median household income ($38,460) that falls below the national average. However, Brownsville’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Brownsville has a population of 16,391 with a median age of 40.7 years. Compare Brownsville with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Florida.
Similar Cities Near Brownsville
Cities in Florida with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lake Wales | 16,365 | $55,799 | $225,900 | Compare |
| Three Lakes | 16,426 | $91,364 | $434,800 | Compare |
| Lady Lake | 16,337 | $47,260 | $217,900 | Compare |
| Palmetto Estates | 16,587 | $82,199 | $412,200 | Compare |
| Myrtle Grove | 16,637 | $63,011 | $182,600 | Compare |
| Azalea Park | 16,110 | $64,585 | $255,000 | Compare |
| Opa-locka | 16,097 | $31,680 | $281,000 | Compare |
| Lake Mary | 16,724 | $116,944 | $462,200 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Florida
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Brownsville With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Brownsville
What is the population of Brownsville, FL?
The population of Brownsville, FL is 16,391 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a mid-sized city in Florida.
What is the median household income in Brownsville?
The median household income in Brownsville, FL is $38,460 per year, which is 49% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Brownsville?
The median home value in Brownsville, FL is $285,100, which is 16% above the national median of $244,900. A significant portion of residents rent their homes.
What is the average rent in Brownsville?
The median monthly rent in Brownsville, FL is $1,157, which is 1% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Brownsville?
The unemployment rate in Brownsville, FL is 8.9%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Brownsville, FL a good place to live?
Brownsville offers a moderate cost of living, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 16,391 and a median age of 40.7, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Brownsville, FL?
13.5% of residents in Brownsville aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The educational profile reflects the area's industry mix and employment landscape.
What is the cost of living in Brownsville?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Brownsville, FL: median home value is $285,100 (16% above national), median rent is $1,157/month, and median household income is $38,460. The home-value-to-income ratio is 7.4x, which suggests housing may be stretched relative to local earnings.
What is the poverty rate in Brownsville?
The poverty rate in Brownsville, FL is 25.8%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. Residents and prospective movers should be aware of the economic challenges facing parts of this community.
How diverse is Brownsville, FL?
Brownsville's population is 2.2% White, 0.5% Hispanic or Latino, 0.4% Black or African American, 30.3% Asian, and 46.5% two or more races. 38.3% of residents are foreign-born.