What to know when moving to Daytona Beach, FL
Daytona Beach at a Glance
- The Vibe:
- A ZIP where 67.5% of residents rent and 18.9% hold a bachelor's degree.
- The Major Draw:
- Access to Daytona Beach Main Street Pier, rated 4.5 stars by over 12,000 users.
- The Reality Check:
- With a poverty rate of 27.9%, housing affordability can be a challenge.
- Commute:
- Only 2% use public transit, so plan on a car.
- Top Tip:
- Budget for a median rent of $1,171.
The 'Vibe' Check: Who Thrives Here?
Daytona Beach has a population of about 36,984, making it a moderately sized community. The median household income sits at $39,906, which indicates a lower income level compared to national averages. With 67.5% of the residents renting, newcomers may find a competitive rental market. The education level is modest, with only 18.9% of residents having a bachelor's degree or higher, and the community faces challenges with a poverty rate of 27.9%.
Probably not your spot if you are looking for a high percentage of college-educated residents or a robust public transit system.
Your Money: Housing & Cost Snapshot
- Median rent is $1,171, making it relatively affordable compared to larger cities.
- The median owner-occupied home value is $174,900, which supports a lower cost of living.
- The community has a poverty rate of 27.9%, indicating some economic challenges.
- 67.5% of residents are renters, suggesting a renter-dominated housing market.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Data Profiles.
Schools & Higher Ed
There are 8 postsecondary institutions in the area, providing various educational opportunities.
- Bethune-Cookman University
- Daytona State College
- Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach
- Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Worldwide
- Keiser University-Daytona
- Daytona College
- Installer Institute
- International Academy
Source: NCES Postsecondary School Locations, U.S. Dept. of Education College Scorecard.
Weather & Getting Outside
Daytona Beach experiences about 69.2 inches of precipitation annually, with 124 rainy days each year. This means you'll want to invest in some rain gear. For outdoor activities, you can enjoy several parks and attractions nearby.
- Daytona Beach Main Street Pier - 4.5 stars, 12,476 reviews
- Ponce de Leon Inlet Lighthouse & Museum - 4.8 stars, 11,510 reviews
- Smyrna Dunes Park - 4.7 stars, 4,942 reviews
- Tomoka State Park - 4.6 stars, 2,959 reviews
Sources: NOAA Climate Data Online, Google Places.
Jobs & the Local Economy
The job market in Volusia County shows an unemployment rate of 5.2% as of December 2025. The labor force consists of 266,695 individuals, with 252,728 employed.
- Unemployment rate: 5.2% (December 2025)
- Employed: 252,728
- Labor force: 266,695
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Local Area Unemployment Statistics.