Melbourne, FL
Population 85,718 · Florida
About Melbourne, FL
Melbourne is a mid-sized city located in Florida with a population of 85,718 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $64,504 per year, which is 14% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 42.3 years is notably older the US median age of 38.9 years, suggesting a more established community with a higher proportion of long-term residents.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Melbourne features a median home value of $272,900, which is 11% above the national median of $244,900. This positions Melbourne in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $1,411, 21% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 40,709 total housing units, 60% are owner-occupied (21,667 units) and 40% are renter-occupied (14,287 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Melbourne shows an unemployment rate of 4.4%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 14.9%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Melbourne have an average one-way commute time of 22.4 minutes.
Education & Demographics
33.3% of Melbourne residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This is in line with national trends in educational attainment. The community's demographic composition includes 2.5% White, 1.3% Hispanic or Latino, 4.4% Black or African American, and 4.1% Asian residents, with 10.7% of the population being foreign-born.
How Melbourne Ranks in Florida
Cost of Living in Melbourne, FL
Compared to national averages, Melbourne has a median household income of $64,504 (14% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $272,900, which is 11% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,411 is 21% above the US average of $1,163. Within Florida, Melbourne's income is 15% below the state average of $75,893, and home values are 23% below the state median of $353,675.
Why Live in Melbourne, FL?
Melbourne offers short commute times averaging just 22.4 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($64,504) that falls below the national average. However, as a mid-sized city, Melbourne provides access to a wide range of amenities and services.
Melbourne has a population of 85,718 with a median age of 42.3 years. Compare Melbourne with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Florida.
Similar Cities Near Melbourne
Cities in Florida with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Town 'n' Country | 86,544 | $68,350 | $295,800 | Compare |
| Deerfield Beach | 86,742 | $56,976 | $274,400 | Compare |
| Largo | 82,506 | $60,465 | $208,500 | Compare |
| Pine Hills | 82,264 | $55,692 | $233,700 | Compare |
| The Villages | 82,108 | $76,523 | $375,100 | Compare |
| Miami Beach | 81,319 | $67,014 | $542,000 | Compare |
| Homestead | 80,725 | $61,975 | $346,500 | Compare |
| Boynton Beach | 80,601 | $71,378 | $312,700 | 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 Melbourne With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Melbourne
What is the population of Melbourne, FL?
The population of Melbourne, FL is 85,718 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 Melbourne?
The median household income in Melbourne, FL is $64,504 per year, which is 14% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Melbourne?
The median home value in Melbourne, FL is $272,900, which is 11% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Melbourne?
The median monthly rent in Melbourne, FL is $1,411, which is 21% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Melbourne?
The unemployment rate in Melbourne, FL is 4.4%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Melbourne, FL a good place to live?
Melbourne offers a moderate cost of living, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 85,718 and a median age of 42.3, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Melbourne, FL?
33.3% of residents in Melbourne 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 Melbourne?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Melbourne, FL: median home value is $272,900 (11% above national), median rent is $1,411/month, and median household income is $64,504. The home-value-to-income ratio is 4.2x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Melbourne?
The poverty rate in Melbourne, FL is 14.9%, 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 Melbourne, FL?
Melbourne's population is 2.5% White, 1.3% Hispanic or Latino, 4.4% Black or African American, 4.1% Asian, and 9.6% two or more races. 10.7% of residents are foreign-born.