countyscore
41.8
County Score
Safety 77.2Income & Jobs 76.6Water Quality 70.6

County Report Card

About Broward County, Florida

Broward slightly below the national median

Broward County's composite score of 41.8 falls just below the national median of 50.0, placing it in the bottom 40% of U.S. counties. This South Florida giant has world-class safety (77.2) and strong incomes ($74,534 median) but is crippled by severe housing unaffordability and near-zero environmental resilience. The profile epitomizes prosperous coastal living with major affordability friction.

Below Florida's average despite urban advantages

Broward scores 41.8 against Florida's 45.1 average, underperforming despite being the state's second-largest county by population. Urban amenities, high incomes, and exceptional safety can't overcome median home values of $380,400 and rents of $1,804/month—among Florida's highest. The county's scale hasn't translated into balanced livability.

Safety and urban amenities dominate

Broward's safety score of 77.2 is among Florida's best, offering excellent police services and security across a major metropolitan area. Income score of 76.6 and median household income of $74,534 reflect a prosperous, educated population with strong job markets. Urban infrastructure supports cultural, educational, and economic opportunities unmatched in rural counties.

Housing costs and coastal vulnerability are extreme

The cost score of 4.9 is among the worst in Florida: median home values of $380,400 and rents of $1,804/month are accessible only to high-income households. Environmental risk score of 0.5 signals exceptional vulnerability to sea-level rise, flooding, and hurricanes—critical concerns for a coastal county. Tax burden also registers high at 0.949%.

For affluent urbanites accepting premium coastal living

Broward suits high-earning professionals and established families willing to pay top dollar for urban amenities, excellent safety, and diverse employment. Middle-income households seeking affordable neighborhoods or those concerned about climate vulnerability should avoid; this county demands premium purchasing power. The livability profile rewards wealth and requires acceptance of coastal environmental risks.

Score breakdown

Tax41.8Cost4.9Safety77.2Health50.4Schools34.8Income76.6Risk0.5Water70.6Weather12.6
🏛41.8
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠4.9
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼76.6
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡77.2
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤50.4
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓34.8
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡0.5
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧70.6
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤12.6
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱10.1
Lawn Care
Lawn difficulty score based on climate, soil, and grass suitability
LawnByCounty →
🛒
Farmers Markets
Local market density, SNAP/EBT acceptance, and product variety
MarketsByCounty →
Sponsored

Compare mortgage rates in Broward County

Whether buying or refinancing in Broward County, compare rates from top lenders to find the best deal.

See Today's Rates

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncome & Jobsincomebycounty.comSafetycrimebycounty.comHealthhealthbycounty.comSchoolsschoolsbycounty.comDisaster Riskriskbycounty.comWater Qualitywaterbycounty.comWeather & Climateweatherbycounty.comSoil Qualitysoilbycounty.comLawn Carelawnbycounty.comFarmers Marketsmarketsbycounty.comView on Mapcountyscore.com/map
Compare Broward County with Amador County →Share on X

Counties with similar scores

Amador County
California
Median income: $81,526
41.8
Colusa County
California
Median income: $75,149
41.8
Glenn County
California
Median income: $70,487
41.8
Seminole County
Florida
Median income: $83,030
41.8
Warren County
Kentucky
Median income: $64,801
41.8
Clay County
Minnesota
Median income: $77,664
41.8
Georgetown County
South Carolina
Median income: $66,734
41.8
Haywood County
Tennessee
Median income: $43,513
41.8

Nearby counties

Palm Beach County
Florida
37.5
Miami-Dade County
Florida
30.4
Hendry County
Florida
34.9
Martin County
Florida
41.6
Collier County
Florida
45.8
Glades County
Florida
54.1
St. Lucie County
Florida
36.6
Okeechobee County
Florida
31.6

Deep Dives

Broward County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Broward County

via TaxByCounty

Broward's taxes rank among highest

Broward's effective tax rate of 0.949% exceeds the national median of 0.73%, placing it near the 65th percentile nationally. The median property tax of $3,610 runs $920 above the national median, reflecting both higher home values ($380,400) and steeper tax rates.

Broward tops Florida's tax rankings

Broward's 0.949% effective rate ranks second-highest among Florida counties, surpassed only by Alachua at 0.983%. The median property tax of $3,610 is the highest in this eight-county sample and exceeds the state average of $1,885 by $1,725 annually.

Broward drastically outpaces neighbors

Broward's 0.949% rate dwarfs neighboring Bay (0.597%) and Bradford (0.567%), with only Alachua approaching such high rates. This difference reflects Broward's role as a major metropolitan region supporting extensive county services.

Your annual tax bill in Broward

On a median home value of $380,400, Broward homeowners pay approximately $3,610 in annual property taxes. With mortgage-related charges, the total reaches roughly $4,168 per year—the highest among this eight-county comparison.

High taxes make appeals worthwhile

Many Broward homeowners, especially those in transitional neighborhoods, are overassessed and eligible for significant refunds. Filing a free informal appeal with the Property Appraiser could result in thousands of dollars in annual savings.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Broward County

via CostByCounty

Broward County's housing crisis hits hard

Broward residents spend 29.0% of income on rent—far above the national comfort threshold of 28% and among America's most burdened markets. At $1,804 monthly against a $74,534 median income, South Florida's affordability crisis is unmistakable.

Florida's most expensive housing market

Broward's 29.0% rent-to-income ratio and $1,804 median rent are the state's worst, exceeding Florida's 22.5% average by 6.5 percentage points. No other Florida county approaches this combination of high rents and housing strain.

Dramatically pricier than all peer counties

Broward's $1,804 rent shatters every comparable: Charlotte ($1,289), Brevard ($1,456), and even premium coastal peers fall well short. The gap reflects South Florida's unique demand and limited supply dynamics.

Owners face steeper burden than most renters

Broward homeowners spend 25.7% of income on mortgage costs—higher than renters in most other Florida counties—against a $380,400 median home value. Both rental and ownership paths demand 25%+ of household income, a severe affordability squeeze.

Reconsider unless income is exceptional

Broward County's 29% housing burden ranks among America's worst; only high-earning professionals should seriously consider relocating here. Prospective residents prioritizing affordability should explore Brevard, Alachua, or rural North Florida alternatives—the savings are dramatic.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Broward County

via IncomeByCounty

Broward nearly matches national income

Broward County's median household income of $74,534 sits just $221 below the national median of $74,755, reflecting a prosperous urban economy. As Florida's second-largest metro area, Broward's diverse employment base supports middle-class and professional households at rates matching the nation.

Above Florida's income median

Broward's $74,534 income exceeds Florida's state average of $65,468 by $9,066, placing it in the top tier of Florida counties. The county's major role as the economic engine of South Florida—home to Fort Lauderdale and the Port of Miami—drives strong, consistent wages.

Tied with Brevard as income leaders

Broward ($74,534) and Brevard ($75,817) are Florida's income co-leaders, with Brevard slightly ahead. Broward's diversified economy—spanning tourism, trade, healthcare, and finance—provides more stable employment than Brevard's reliance on aerospace, making both counties resilient economic anchors.

Housing costs strain higher earners

Despite strong incomes, Broward's rent-to-income ratio of 29.0% is the highest among peers, reflecting astronomical home values of $380,400. Median-income households here dedicate nearly 30% of earnings to housing, limiting savings potential compared to other high-income counties.

Invest beyond South Florida real estate

Broward's inflated housing market means traditional homeownership consumes disproportionate income; consider diversified investments in stocks, bonds, and out-of-state properties. High earners should work with financial advisors to build wealth through systematic investing, tax-advantaged retirement accounts, and business ownership rather than relying solely on local real estate appreciation.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Broward County

via CrimeByCounty

Broward County Outperforms National Benchmarks

Broward County maintains an impressive safety score of 99.1. Its total crime rate of 547.4 per 100,000 is exceptionally low compared to the national average of 2,385.5.

A Safety Leader in South Florida

Broward exceeds the state safety average of 98.4, ranking as one of the safer large counties in Florida. Its crime rate of 547.4 is nearly half the statewide average of 1027.9.

Broward Stands Strong Against Peers

Despite its high population density, Broward is significantly safer than Brevard County, which has a crime rate of 1241.2. The county manages safety effectively across its 41 reporting agencies.

Low Violent Crime in Urban Areas

Violent crime in Broward is remarkably low at 65.2 per 100,000, far below the national average of 369.8. Property crime also remains low at 482.2, showing high security for local residents.

Smart Security for Broward Households

Even with low crime rates, urban residents benefit from high-quality security systems. Using interconnected alarms and professional monitoring services can provide an extra layer of protection for your property.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Broward County

via HealthByCounty

Broward lives longest in Florida

At 79.3 years, Broward County residents live over 3 years longer than the U.S. average of 76.1 years—among the highest life expectancies in the country. Yet paradoxically, 19.5% report poor or fair health, suggesting that Broward's longevity masks significant population diversity in health experiences across neighborhoods and demographics.

Florida's longevity leader

Broward's 79.3-year life expectancy towers over the Florida state average of 75.8 years by 3.5 years, making it one of the state's healthiest counties. The contrast between this outstanding longevity and the 19.5% poor/fair health rate reflects a county where many live very long but some face significant health challenges.

South Florida's health advantage

Broward's 79.3-year life expectancy exceeds all North Florida neighbors by 5+ years, reflecting its denser population, greater economic resources, and older demographic profile. With 76 primary care providers per 100,000 and 260 mental health providers per 100,000, Broward has reasonable specialist availability, though high demand strains appointment access.

Coverage gaps amid plenty

At 14.6% uninsured, Broward slightly exceeds the state average despite its wealth, revealing pockets of vulnerability even in affluent South Florida. The 76 primary care providers per 100,000 serve a large population, creating competition for appointments and potentially leaving lower-income residents in queues.

Secure your access today

In Broward's fast-paced healthcare market, being uninsured puts you at a disadvantage even with plentiful providers. Apply at healthcare.gov or call Florida's marketplace to find coverage that fits your budget—insurance ensures you don't get lost in the wait and gets you to the front of the line.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Broward County

via SchoolsByCounty

One of the Nation's Largest School Systems

Broward County operates an immense educational network of 334 public schools serving over 256,000 students. The infrastructure includes 196 elementary, 49 middle, and 68 high schools, along with 21 specialized centers. This scale makes it one of the most comprehensive and complex school systems in the United States.

High Standards for a Massive Population

Despite its size, Broward maintains an 89.6% graduation rate, beating the national average of 87.0%. Per-pupil spending stands at $6,330, which is above the Florida state average of $6,118. A school score of 51.9 indicates that the county is performing above the state median while managing a diverse student body.

A Powerhouse District with Extensive Charters

The Broward District manages 254,732 students, making it the primary educational engine for the region. Charter schools are exceptionally popular here, with 95 schools making up 28.4% of the total landscape. This provides families with an unparalleled number of choices, from traditional neighborhood schools to specialized charter programs.

Large-Scale Suburban Academic Life

The vast majority of schools (252) are located in suburban areas, creating a classic South Florida educational feel. Schools are large, with an average enrollment of 776 students, and Cypress Bay High School leads the way with a massive 4,716 students. Attending school here means being part of a large, diverse, and vibrant community.

Infinite Options for Every Learner

With over 300 schools, Broward County offers a niche for every type of student. Families often flock to areas like Weston or Parkland to access some of the county's largest and most famous high schools. When buying a home here, the sheer volume of high-performing charter and public options makes school quality a primary neighborhood driver.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Broward County

via RiskByCounty

Broward faces the nation's highest risk

Broward County's composite risk score of 99.46 ranks in the "Relatively High" category and represents nearly the maximum possible exposure to natural disasters. This South Florida coastal giant faces extreme, multifaceted hazards that few U.S. counties match.

Florida's riskiest county by composite score

Broward's 99.46 score is the highest in Florida, far exceeding the state average of 75.74 and representing an unparalleled concentration of disaster risk. The county's dense population amplifies the stakes of this extreme exposure.

Most vulnerable in South Florida

Broward County (99.46) ranks only marginally higher than neighboring Brevard (98.41), and both dwarf the risk of inland counties like Calhoun (44.94). Broward's exposure to Atlantic hurricanes and coastal flooding is the most acute in the region.

Hurricanes dominate all other hazards

Hurricane risk scores 99.83—the highest in the nation—making tropical storms Broward's defining threat, while flood risk (99.43) represents a secondary but equally critical concern. Wildfire and tornado risks (97.01 and 96.28) complete a hazard quadruple.

Comprehensive, redundant insurance is essential

Broward County residents must obtain homeowners insurance with maximum hurricane coverage and mandatory separate flood insurance; this is not discretionary. Invest in structural hardening (impact-resistant windows, reinforced roofs), maintain comprehensive evacuation plans, and keep emergency supplies year-round.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Broward County

via WeatherByCounty

Among the Nation's Warmest Areas

Broward County is one of the warmest locations in the nation, with an average annual temperature of 76.7°F. This tropical climate stays far above the national median throughout every month of the year.

Hotter Than the Florida Average

Ranking well above the state average of 71.1°F, Broward is one of the hottest counties in Florida. Its winter average of 69.2°F is nearly as warm as the annual average for northern parts of the state.

A Hot and Rainy Region

Broward is significantly warmer than Brevard County to the north and receives more rain, totaling 61.9 inches annually. This makes it both hotter and wetter than the statewide average of 54.8 inches.

A Year Without Real Winter

July averages 83.6°F and the county sees 78 days of extreme heat over 90°F. Winters are virtually non-existent by national standards, with a January average of 67.8°F and no snow.

Constant Cooling and Rain Management

Constant air conditioning is a necessity here, as even winter temperatures average nearly 70°F. Homeowners must also manage 61.9 inches of annual rain with high-capacity gutters and proper site drainage.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Broward County

via SoilByCounty

Unique coastal soil profiles

Specific pH and taxonomic data for Broward County are limited in current systematic surveys due to extensive urbanization. Generally, South Florida soils are influenced by limestone and recent organic deposits.

Complex urban soil mixtures

Detailed sand, silt, and clay percentages are not currently recorded for Broward County. Local soils often range from sandy coastal ridges to muck soils further inland near the Everglades.

Inland vs. coastal fertility

Organic matter and water capacity data are currently unavailable for this area in this dataset. Gardeners often rely on local soil testing to determine if they need to supplement with nutrients or organic amendments.

Managing a high water table

While specific drainage classes are missing, Broward is known for a very high water table and low elevation. Effective drainage is a critical component for both residential landscaping and regional infrastructure.

Tropical paradise in 11a

In the rare Hardiness Zone 11a, you can grow almost any tropical fruit imaginable. From avocados to tropical palms, the year-round warmth makes this one of the most exciting places to plant a garden.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Broward County

via LawnByCounty

Broward's Extreme Tropical Lawn Challenge

Broward County presents one of the toughest lawn care environments in the nation with a difficulty score of 10.1. This is nearly half the state's average score, making it one of the most demanding regions for homeowners. In Hardiness Zone 11a, you are dealing with a truly tropical climate where traditional lawn rules rarely apply.

Intense Growing Power and High Rainfall

With a massive 9,765 growing degree days, grass in Broward literally never stops growing. The county receives 61.9 inches of rain annually, which can lead to rapid nutrient leaching and soil saturation. You can expect to mow year-round as the temperature averages 76.7°F, keeping the turf in a state of constant activity.

Navigating Sparse Soil Data and Urban Fill

Specific soil data for Broward is limited due to heavy urbanization and the use of imported fill dirt in residential areas. Generally, South Florida soils are sandy or rocky with high alkalinity in some areas and acidity in others depending on the limestone bedrock. A professional soil test is the only way to determine what your specific lawn needs before you begin.

A Year of Constant Drought Pressure

Broward has faced a staggering 47 weeks of drought in the past year, with 86% of the county currently in severe drought or worse. This extreme dryness, combined with high heat, makes supplemental irrigation mandatory for survival. Use rain barrels to capture some of that 61-inch annual rainfall to use during the frequent dry spells.

Selecting Grass for Zone 11a

Seashore Paspalum and high-end St. Augustine varieties are the standard for Broward's heat and humidity. Since the county virtually never experience a frost, you can seed or sod at almost any time of the year. Prioritize varieties that are specifically bred for salt tolerance if you live within a few miles of the coast.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Broward County's county score?
Broward County, Florida has a composite county score of 41.8 out of 100 on CountyScore. This score is calculated from a weighted average of available data dimensions including property tax, cost of living, income, safety, health, and schools.
How does Broward County rank among counties in Florida?
Broward County ranks #43 among all counties in Florida on CountyScore's composite ranking. Rankings are based on available data dimensions and updated as new data is added.
What are property taxes like in Broward County, Florida?
The median annual property tax in Broward County is $3,610, with an effective tax rate of 0.95%. This earns Broward County a tax score of 41.8/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Broward County?
The median household income in Broward County, Florida is $74,534 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Broward County earns an income score of 76.6/100 on CountyScore.
Is Broward County, Florida a good place to live?
Broward County scores 41.8/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #43 in Florida. The best way to evaluate Broward County is to compare individual dimension scores — property tax, cost of living, income, safety, health, and schools — based on your personal priorities. Use CountyScore to compare Broward County with other counties side by side.

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality🌤Weather & Climate🪨Soil Quality🌱Lawn Care🛒Farmers Markets

Data from U.S. Census Bureau ACS, FBI UCR, CDC, FEMA NRI, NCES, EPA SDWIS, NOAA — informational only.