Palm Bay, FL

Palm Bay FL scores 71/100 on safety (about average). Crime is about 30% below the national average. Pick the neighborhood carefully. Some ZIPs are fine, others are not.

Detail: overall crime index 70 (100 = avg); violent crime index 85; property crime index 54. Indexes near 100 track a typical U.S. load. Higher means more crime pressure on that category.

School quality varies by neighborhood in Palm Bay. Check GreatSchools.org or your local district for current ratings before you choose a ZIP.

Typical rent in Palm Bay is about $1,601/month (on the high side). At $1,601/month for a typical unit, you need about $57,636+ in household income to rent comfortably without stretching (3× rent × 12). Typical home value: $283,200.

Median household income is $72,614, property taxes run about 1.45%, and homes typically sell in around 28 days. Local median income ($72,614) clears the $57,636 comfort line for that rent.

Walk Score 68 (Somewhat Walkable); transit score 42 (Some Transit).

Average temperature is about 79°F (highs near 84°F, lows near 74°F).

Most of the year is outdoor-friendly; peak summer still needs AC for comfort. Cooling costs matter more than heating for most of the year. If you visit, go in late summer so you feel the heat, not just a mild weekend.

Who tends to thrive in Palm Bay: (1) People relocating for a job who can pick a safer ZIP (citywide safety is 71/100) (2) Households earning $57,636+ who can clear the 3× rent rule at $1,601/month (3) Movers with a locked job offer in Palm Bay who already priced rent and commute (4) Buyers comparing mid-size metros who will tour multiple ZIPs before signing

Who should look elsewhere: (1) Anyone stretching past 40% of take-home on housing at $1,601/month (2) Households expecting top marks on rent and safety at once (Palm Bay does not clear every bar) (3) People who will not research ZIP-level crime maps before leasing

Income sniff test: clear about $57,636 household income for $1,601/month rent. Under that, pick a cheaper ZIP or a different city.

Palm Bay holds up well on the core metrics we publish. Safety at 71/100 makes it a reasonable choice for households who can manage $1,601/month rent. Verify school ratings for your target ZIP separately.