South Bay, FL
Population 4,828 · Florida
About South Bay, FL
South Bay is a small town located in Florida with a population of 4,828 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $51,827 per year, which is 31% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 38.1 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in South Bay features a median home value of $125,000, which is 49% below the national median of $244,900. This makes South Bay one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $1,067, 8% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 877 total housing units, 60% are owner-occupied (476 units) and 40% are renter-occupied (315 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in South Bay shows an unemployment rate of 8.1%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 32.2%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in South Bay have an average one-way commute time of 36.4 minutes, suggesting many residents commute to jobs in a nearby metro area.
Education & Demographics
8.5% of South Bay 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 12.2% White, 2.3% Hispanic or Latino, 2.9% Black or African American, and 3.4% Asian residents, with 17.8% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in South Bay, FL
Compared to national averages, South Bay has a median household income of $51,827 (31% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $125,000, which is 49% below the national median. Monthly rent at $1,067 is 8% below the US average of $1,163. Within Florida, South Bay's income is 32% below the state average of $75,893, and home values are 65% below the state median of $353,675.
Why Live in South Bay, FL?
South Bay offers affordable housing with a median home value of $125,000, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $1,067/month.
Potential considerations include median household income ($51,827) that falls below the national average. However, South Bay’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
South Bay has a population of 4,828 with a median age of 38.1 years. Compare South Bay with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Florida.
Similar Cities Near South Bay
Cities in Florida with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| South Brooksville | 4,835 | $58,849 | $124,000 | Compare |
| June Park | 4,852 | $80,575 | $351,400 | Compare |
| St. Augustine South | 4,864 | $74,873 | $319,200 | Compare |
| Timber Pines | 4,790 | $56,298 | $252,800 | Compare |
| Brookridge | 4,788 | $55,101 | $140,000 | Compare |
| Combee Settlement | 4,756 | $41,366 | $177,400 | Compare |
| Warm Mineral Springs | 4,756 | $51,419 | $181,900 | Compare |
| Fellsmere | 4,902 | $47,335 | $123,400 | 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 South Bay With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about South Bay
What is the population of South Bay, FL?
The population of South Bay, FL is 4,828 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small town in Florida.
What is the median household income in South Bay?
The median household income in South Bay, FL is $51,827 per year, which is 31% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in South Bay?
The median home value in South Bay, FL is $125,000, which is 49% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in South Bay?
The median monthly rent in South Bay, FL is $1,067, which is 8% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in South Bay?
The unemployment rate in South Bay, FL is 8.1%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is South Bay, FL a good place to live?
South Bay offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 4,828 and a median age of 38.1, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is South Bay, FL?
8.5% of residents in South Bay 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 South Bay?
Key cost-of-living indicators for South Bay, FL: median home value is $125,000 (49% below national), median rent is $1,067/month, and median household income is $51,827. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.4x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in South Bay?
The poverty rate in South Bay, FL is 32.2%, 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 South Bay, FL?
South Bay's population is 12.2% White, 2.3% Hispanic or Latino, 2.9% Black or African American, 3.4% Asian, and 64.6% two or more races. 17.8% of residents are foreign-born.