What it's like to live in West Melbourne
West Melbourne is a small city in Florida with household incomes running above the national average, crime rates well below the national average, commutes that run shorter than most cities, and air quality that stays clean most of the year. Those factors carry real weight for anyone weighing where to move next.
The tradeoffs are worth naming plainly. West Melbourne deals with rent well above the national average, above-average rainfall, and fewer dining and entertainment options than a bigger city.
The good
- Higher-than-average incomes
- Low crime rates
- Short commutes
- Clean air
- Highly educated workforce
- Fast-growing population
The not so good
- Rent well above the national average
- Above-average rainfall
- Smaller place — fewer dining and entertainment options
How West Melbourne compares
Median household income
Median rent (per month)
Median home value
What it takes to move to West Melbourne
Based on West Melbourne's median rent, home value and household income
To rent
$3,690
up front: first month plus a typical one-month deposit
- Income to keep rent under 30%: $73,800 a year
- 41% of West Melbourne renters spend 30% or more of their income on rent
To buy
$75,420
a 20% down payment on the median home
- With 10% down: $37,710
- Homes cost 4.1× the typical local household income (US: 4.1×)
Moving costs, closing costs and taxes not included.
The details
Cost of living▲ 31% above US
$1,845/mo median rent
Rent runs on the higher side, at $1,845 a month median. Whether that premium makes sense usually comes down to the local job market and what it pays. Home prices run above average, with a median around $377,100. Buyers should expect to stretch their budget here.
Median home value $377,100 · 41% of renters cost-burdened
Job market▼ 12% below US
3.8% unemployment
Unemployment here is 3.8%, close to the national average of 4.3%.
City-level (BLS)
Safety▼ 50% below US
165 violent crimes per 100k
Pretty safe, all things considered. Violent crime sits below the national average, nothing alarming, just ordinary city-life awareness.
Property crime 932/100k · West Melbourne Police Department · 2025 data
Getting around▼ 12% below US
23 min average commute
Commutes are reasonable, averaging 22.9 minutes. Nothing heroic, and there's still time left over for a life after work. 8 in 10 workers drive to work; 18% work from home.
How workers get to work
Climate
Summers are hot and humid, with highs regularly hitting 89°F, and winters are mild, with lows rarely dropping below 54°F. Rainfall is regular throughout the year.
Average month
30-year averages, 1991–2020
Education & workforce▲ 17% above US
42% bachelor's degree or higher
The population is well-educated, with 42% holding college degrees. That points to a strong professional base and generally a healthy local economy.
Schools
7 public schools inside the boundary
There are 7 public schools inside the boundary and 4 private schools. The student-to-teacher ratio is 16:1, close to the national average of 16:1.
Parks & recreation
The nearest national park or historic site is Canaveral National Seashore (50 miles away).
Bottom line
West Melbourne's strongest points are household incomes running above the national average and crime rates well below the national average; the main tradeoffs are rent well above the national average and above-average rainfall. A year of median rent ($1,845/mo) equals 24% of the median household income here, more than the 21% typical nationwide. It tends to suit anyone prioritizing low crime, remote workers (18% of workers here already work from home), and college-educated professionals. It may be a harder fit for renters on a tight budget.
Other places near West Melbourne
All Florida guides →Moving to Melbourne →
3 mi away · pop. 86,576
Rent $1,525/mo · Income $66,991
Compare with West Melbourne →Moving to Palm Bay →
7 mi away · pop. 130,132
Rent $1,601/mo · Income $72,614
Compare with West Melbourne →Moving to Satellite Beach →
9 mi away · pop. 11,313
Rent $1,909/mo · Income $119,134
Compare with West Melbourne →Moving to Viera West →
13 mi away · pop. 17,984
Rent $2,182/mo · Income $109,170
Compare with West Melbourne →Not sure West Melbourne is the one?
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