Melbourne, FL Census Data
The 36th largest city in Florida by population · 80 cities ranked
Melbourne is the 36th largest city in Florida by population and ranks 53rd of 80 for median household income. With 85,718 residents, its poverty rate of 14.9% ranks among the higher rates in Florida. This snapshot draws from the 2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates.
Updated: 2026-04-13 · Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 2023
Population
85,718
49.4% male · 50.6% female
Median Age
42.3
3.6 above the national average (38.7 yrs)
Median Household Income
$64,504
$14,034 below the national average ($78,538)
Bachelor's Degree or Higher
33.3%
1.7% below the national average (35.0%)
HS diploma or higher: 92.9%
Poverty Rate
14.9%
2.5% above the national average (12.4%)
Uninsured: 10.5%
Broadband Access
95.1%
5.4% above the national average (89.7%)
Median Home Value
$272,900
Median rent: $1,411 · 60% owner-occupied
Unemployment Rate
4.4%
Labor force participation: 55.4%
Per Capita Income
$38,357
Individual average income (not household)
Veteran Population
12.9%
Disability rate: 16.6%
How Melbourne Compares to Other Florida Cities
Rankings among all 80 Florida cities tracked in the 2023 ACS.
| Ranking | Position | Tier |
|---|---|---|
| Largest by Population | 36th of 80 | Top half |
| Highest Median Income | 53rd of 80 | Bottom half |
| Lowest Poverty Rate | 59th of 80 | Bottom half |
| Highest Bachelor's Attainment | 39th of 80 | Top half |
| Highest Home Value | 62nd of 80 | Bottom 25% |
Demographics
Race & Ethnicity
Age Distribution
Commute to Work
Melbourne, FL Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of Melbourne, FL?
The population of Melbourne, FL is 85,718 according to the 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates. The median age is 42.3 years.
What is the median household income in Melbourne?
The median household income in Melbourne, FL is $64,504, below the national average of $78,538. Per capita income is $38,357.
What is the poverty rate in Melbourne?
The poverty rate in Melbourne, FL is 14.9%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. About 10.5% of residents lack health insurance.
What percentage of Melbourne residents have a college degree?
33.3% of adults (25+) in Melbourne hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 92.9% have at least a high school diploma. The national average for bachelor's degree holders is 35.0%.
What is the median home value in Melbourne?
The median home value in Melbourne, FL is $272,900. Median rent is $1,411 per month, with 60% of housing units owner-occupied.
What is the racial makeup of Melbourne?
Melbourne's population is 75.2% White, 9.8% Black, 11.8% Hispanic or Latino, and 3.2% Asian (source: 2023 ACS).
How does Melbourne rank among Florida cities?
Melbourne is the 36th largest city in Florida by population, the 53rd highest for median household income, the 59th lowest for poverty rate, the 39th highest for bachelor's degree attainment among 80 ranked Florida cities.
What is the unemployment rate in Melbourne?
The unemployment rate in Melbourne, FL is 4.4%, with a labor force participation rate of 55.4%. Per capita income is $38,357.
Cities Similar to Melbourne
Other Florida cities with comparable population and income levels.