Palm Bay, FL Census Data
The 17th largest city in Florida by population · 80 cities ranked
Palm Bay is the 17th largest city in Florida by population and ranks 47th of 80 for median household income. With 125,273 residents, it has a lower poverty rate than 47 other Florida cities. 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
125,273
48.8% male · 51.2% female
Median Age
41.3
2.6 above the national average (38.7 yrs)
Median Household Income
$67,521
$11,017 below the national average ($78,538)
Bachelor's Degree or Higher
22.6%
12.4% below the national average (35.0%)
HS diploma or higher: 90.8%
Poverty Rate
11.5%
0.9% below the national average (12.4%)
Uninsured: 12.1%
Broadband Access
95.3%
5.6% above the national average (89.7%)
Median Home Value
$248,000
Median rent: $1,487 · 79% owner-occupied
Unemployment Rate
5.9%
Labor force participation: 56.6%
Per Capita Income
$35,762
Individual average income (not household)
Veteran Population
10.6%
Disability rate: 16.3%
How Palm Bay Compares to Other Florida Cities
Rankings among all 80 Florida cities tracked in the 2023 ACS.
| Ranking | Position | Tier |
|---|---|---|
| Largest by Population | 17th of 80 | Top 25% |
| Highest Median Income | 47th of 80 | Bottom half |
| Lowest Poverty Rate | 33rd of 80 | Top half |
| Highest Bachelor's Attainment | 69th of 80 | Bottom 25% |
| Highest Home Value | 73rd of 80 | Bottom 25% |
Demographics
Race & Ethnicity
Age Distribution
Commute to Work
Palm Bay, FL Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of Palm Bay, FL?
The population of Palm Bay, FL is 125,273 according to the 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates. The median age is 41.3 years.
What is the median household income in Palm Bay?
The median household income in Palm Bay, FL is $67,521, below the national average of $78,538. Per capita income is $35,762.
What is the poverty rate in Palm Bay?
The poverty rate in Palm Bay, FL is 11.5%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. About 12.1% of residents lack health insurance.
What percentage of Palm Bay residents have a college degree?
22.6% of adults (25+) in Palm Bay hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 90.8% 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 Palm Bay?
The median home value in Palm Bay, FL is $248,000. Median rent is $1,487 per month, with 79% of housing units owner-occupied.
What is the racial makeup of Palm Bay?
Palm Bay's population is 59.2% White, 19.3% Black, 19.7% Hispanic or Latino, and 2.1% Asian (source: 2023 ACS).
How does Palm Bay rank among Florida cities?
Palm Bay is the 17th largest city in Florida by population, the 47th highest for median household income, the 33rd lowest for poverty rate, the 69th highest for bachelor's degree attainment among 80 ranked Florida cities.
What is the unemployment rate in Palm Bay?
The unemployment rate in Palm Bay, FL is 5.9%, with a labor force participation rate of 56.6%. Per capita income is $35,762.
Cities Similar to Palm Bay
Other Florida cities with comparable population and income levels.