What to know when moving to Melbourne, FL
TL;DR: Melbourne at a Glance
- The Vibe:
- A community with 30.8% of residents holding a bachelor's degree and nearly half renting at 48.7%.
- The Major Draw:
- Median household income is $50,646, which can support a comfortable lifestyle.
- The Reality Check:
- Poverty rate is 20.8%, indicating financial challenges for some residents.
- Commute:
- Only 0.7% of commuters use public transit, so a car is essential.
- Top Tip:
- Budget for $1,349 in monthly rent to find a decent place.
The 'Vibe' Check: Who Thrives Here?
Melbourne presents a mixed demographic with a population of 28,565, where about 30.8% have a bachelor's degree. The median gross rent is $1,349, making it essential for newcomers to factor housing costs into their budget. The city has a notable renter population at 48.7%, suggesting a significant demand for rental properties. With an unemployment rate of 4.8% in Brevard County, job opportunities are reasonable, but the 20.8% poverty rate indicates some residents face economic hardships.
Probably not your spot if you are looking for a robust public transit system, as only 0.7% of the population commutes via public transport.
Your Money: Housing & Cost Snapshot
- Median gross rent is $1,349, while the median home value is $244,500, making homeownership a considerable investment.
- The community has a 20.8% poverty rate, indicating financial diversity.
- The employment figures for Brevard County show 290,781 employed individuals, with a labor force of 305,547.
- 48.7% of residents are renters, reflecting a balanced housing market.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Data Profiles; BLS Local Area Unemployment Statistics.
Schools & Higher Ed
Melbourne has access to six postsecondary institutions, providing various educational opportunities in the area.
- Eastern Florida State College
- Florida Institute of Technology
- Florida Institute of Technology-Online
- Jersey College - Melbourne
- Keiser University-Melbourne
- The Salon Professional Academy-Melbourne
Source: ArcGIS Postsecondary School Locations, NCES College Scorecard.
Weather & Getting Outside
Brevard County experiences about 58.5 inches of annual precipitation across 141 rainy days, so be prepared for wet weather. With no snow days, the climate is warm and conducive to outdoor activities year-round.
- Wickham Park - 4.7 stars from 5,825 reviews
- Canova Beach Park - 4.6 stars from 4,097 reviews
- Pelican Beach Park - 4.6 stars from 2,725 reviews
- James H. Nance Park - 4.6 stars from 2,556 reviews
- Ballard Park - 4.7 stars from 1,606 reviews
Sources: NOAA Climate Data Online, Google Places API.
Jobs & the Local Economy
Brevard County's unemployment rate is 4.8% as of December 2025, with 290,781 people employed in the area.
- Unemployment rate: 4.8% in December 2025
- Employed: 290,781 individuals
- Labor force: 305,547 individuals
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Local Area Unemployment Statistics.