CountyScore

Broward County

Florida · FL

#66 in Florida
55.2
County Score

County Report Card

About Broward County, Florida

Broward Rises Above National Median

Broward County's composite score of 57.8 exceeds the national median of 50.0, ranking in the 15th percentile nationally. While above the baseline, the county trails most national peers in overall livability.

Florida's Lowest Performer Here

At 57.8, Broward significantly underperforms Florida's state average of 69.4, ranking lowest among this county group. The substantial 11.6-point gap signals Broward faces livability challenges compared to state peers.

Competitive Incomes Despite Costs

Broward maintains a median household income of $74,534 with an income score of 32.0, demonstrating solid earning potential. The tax score of 75.6 provides moderate fiscal relief.

High Housing Costs Dominate

Broward's cost score of just 50.8 reflects median rent of $1,804 and median home values of $380,400, the highest in this group. Limited data on schools, safety, health, and water quality leave important questions unanswered.

Only for High-Income Urban Seekers

Broward suits affluent professionals seeking an urban lifestyle with strong job markets willing to absorb the nation's highest housing costs. The county demands substantial earning power to achieve competitive livability.

Score breakdown

5 dimensions have live data. 3 more coming as vertical sites launch.

Tax75.6Cost50.8SafetyComing SoonHealth66.5SchoolsComing SoonIncome32Risk0.5WaterComing Soon
🏛75.6
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠50.8
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼32
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤66.5
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡0.5
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧Coming Soon
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncomeincomebycounty.com
Compare Broward County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Schenectady County
New York
55.2
Median income: $76,989
Ulster County
New York
55.2
Median income: $81,804
Baltimore city
Maryland
55.3
Median income: $59,623
Tompkins County
New York
55.1
Median income: $73,012
San Patricio County
Texas
55.1
Median income: $67,512

Deep Dives

Broward County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 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

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

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

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality

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