Education, Employment and Housing
Brevard County, FL, boasts over 80 public schools, including 16 high schools. The high school graduation rate is 90%, above the national average. Approximately 31% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Brevard schools score 7/10 on GreatSchools.org and offer notable STEM and dual enrollment programs. Adult education is available through Brevard Adult and Community Education. School safety measures include resource officers in every school.
As of 2023, Brevard County, FL, had an unemployment rate of approximately 3.2%. Major employment sectors include healthcare (15%), retail (12%), and aerospace/defense (11%), with NASA and SpaceX among top employers. About 25% of the workforce holds management or professional roles. The average commute time is 24 minutes, with 83% driving alone to work and 14% working outside their city of residence. High-tech industries continue to grow, reflecting Brevard’s strong ties to the space and technology sectors.
Brevard County, FL, boasts a homeownership rate of about 71%, with median home values around $320,000 and median monthly rents approximately $1,650 as of 2024. Property values have risen roughly 6% year-over-year. Housing types range from waterfront condos and single-family homes to townhouses, with popular neighborhoods including Viera, Melbourne, Merritt Island, and Cocoa Beach. Annual property taxes average 1-1.2% of assessed value. The area attracts retirees and families, offering good schools and proximity to the Space Coast. Rental inventory is tight, fueling moderate competition among renters.
County Crime & Safety
Brevard County, FL, reported a crime rate of 2,480 incidents per 100,000 residents in 2023, slightly below the Florida state average. Violent crime included 6.9 murders, 32.7 rapes, and 299.3 aggravated assaults per 100,000 people, while property crimes totaled 1,865.7 per 100,000. The Brevard County Sheriff's Office utilizes digital crime mapping and encourages community reporting, contributing to a 6% decrease in overall crime since 2021. Residents are encouraged to use online platforms for anonymous tips to help maintain safety and transparency in crime tracking.
Demographics
As of 2023, Brevard County, FL has a population of approximately 625,000. The median age is around 48 years, reflecting a significant retiree presence. The population is 49% male and 51% female. Racially, about 79% identify as White, 10% as Black or African American, 10% as Hispanic or Latino, 3% as Asian, and 1% as other races or multiracial, highlighting moderate diversity.
Elections
Brevard County, FL, has over 429,000 registered voters as of 2024, with approximately 153,000 Republicans, 130,000 Democrats, and 146,000 No Party Affiliation/others. Elections include primaries, general, municipal, and special elections, with recent turnout reaching 70% in general elections. The Brevard County Supervisor of Elections administers 119 polling locations. Recent issues include school board races and tax referenda. 2022 results showed strong Republican wins. Voter registration is available online, by mail, or in person. Polling hours are typically 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., and the county provides early voting at 10 locations.
Popular names
- Michael Smith
- James Smith
- Robert Smith
- John Smith
- James Johnson
- David Smith
- Robert Johnson
- Michael Johnson
- Michael Williams
- James Williams
- David Jones
- David Johnson
- Jose Rodriguez
- Robert Jones
- Robert Williams
- Charles Smith
- Richard Smith
- William Johnson
- James Jones
- Mary Smith
- Michael Miller
- Robert Brown
- John Williams
- Michael Jones
- David Miller
- John Johnson
- James Davis
- Jennifer Smith
- Brian Smith
- Michael Brown
- James Brown
- Christopher Smith
- John Davis
- David Brown
- David Williams
- Michael Thompson
- Patricia Smith
- Robert Miller
- James Jackson
- James Lee
- John Walker
- James Anderson
- Michael Wilson
- Sandra Smith
- Amanda Smith
- Barbara Smith
- John Anderson
- Robert Anderson
- Donald Smith
- James Thomas
- James Moore
- James Wright
- Linda Smith
- Thomas Williams
- James Thompson
- James Wilson
- Jeffrey Smith
- Mark Smith
- Michael Moore
- John Miller
Other Counties in Florida
- Alachua
- Baker
- Bay
- Bradford
- Broward
- Calhoun
- Charlotte
- Citrus
- Clay
- Collier
- Columbia
- De Soto
- Dixie
- Duval
- Escambia
- Flagler
- Franklin
- Gadsden
- Gilchrist
- Glades
- Gulf
- Hamilton
- Hardee
- Hendry
- Hernando
- Highlands
- Hillsborough
- Holmes
- Indian River
- Jackson
- Jefferson
- Lafayette
- Lake
- Lee
- Leon
- Levy
- Liberty
- Madison
- Manatee
- Marion
- Martin
- Miami Dade
- Monroe
- Nassau
- Okaloosa
- Okeechobee
- Orange
- Osceola
- Palm Beach
- Pasco