countyscore
30.4
County Score
Water Quality 70.4Income & Jobs 63.5Property Tax 50.8

County Report Card

About Miami-Dade County, Florida

Miami-Dade trails national livability standards

Miami-Dade's composite score of 30.4 ranks below the national median of 50.0 by nearly 20 points, placing it in the bottom quartile nationally. This significant gap reflects critical deficits in safety, housing affordability, and crime that compound despite urban density benefits.

One of Florida's weakest overall profiles

Miami-Dade scores 30.4 against Florida's 45.1 average, making it one of the state's lowest-performing counties on composite livability. The 14.7-point deficit underscores challenges unique to the region's rapid urbanization and population density.

Water quality and schools provide stability

Miami-Dade's water score of 70.4 is among Florida's best, and its school score of 46.4 reflects substantial investment in public education across the county's dense urban footprint. These represent anchors of community livability amid broader constraints.

Safety and housing costs dominate concerns

Miami-Dade's safety score of just 14.0 is critically low, signaling serious crime and public safety challenges, while its cost score of 4.5 reflects median home values of $425,400. Renters face $1,731/month median rents, pricing out working families entirely.

Suited for urban professionals with high risk tolerance

Miami-Dade works best for young professionals and established earners ($68k+ median) who prioritize urban culture and job access over family safety and affordability. This is a high-stakes, high-reward county requiring careful neighborhood selection and substantial income.

2040608010050.84.51443.446.463.50.470.410.3Tax50.8Cost4.5Safety14Health43.4Schools46.4Income63.5Risk0.4Water70.4Weather10.330.4/100
This county
National avg
2 above average4 below average

Miami-Dade County DNA

Foverall

How Miami-Dade County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Miami-Dade County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Income (63.5/100) but notably weak in Disaster Risk (0.4/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
50.8
Cost
4.5-43.5
Safety
14-41
Health
43.4
Schools
46.4
Income
63.5+12.5
Risk
0.4-46.6
Water
70.4+12.400000000000006
Weather
10.3-45.7
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Compare mortgage rates in Miami-Dade County

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

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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$425,400

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$1,731/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$425,400/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$69,240/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum6.2x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $68,694/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

17.6

per 100K

Data from Federal Reserve (FRED), U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, and CMS NPPES.

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
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Counties with similar scores

Adams County
Colorado
Median income: $91,387
30.4
Cuyahoga County
Ohio
Median income: $62,823
30.4
Marion County
Oregon
Median income: $74,624
30.4
Collin County
Texas
Median income: $117,588
30.4
Liberty County
Texas
Median income: $64,773
30.4
Terry County
Texas
Median income: $45,905
30.4
Yakima County
Washington
Median income: $68,015
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Duval County
Florida
Median income: $68,447
30.3

Nearby counties

Broward County
Florida
41.8
Monroe County
Florida
46.2
Palm Beach County
Florida
37.5
Collier County
Florida
45.8
Hendry County
Florida
34.9
Martin County
Florida
41.6
Glades County
Florida
54.1
Lee County
Florida
36.4

Deep Dives

Miami-Dade County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 11 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Miami-Dade County

via TaxByCounty

Miami-Dade taxes exceed national benchmark

Miami-Dade County's effective tax rate of 0.827% ranks among the highest in the nation, meaning homeowners here pay more than typical Americans on a percentage basis. The county's median property tax of $3,516 is 31% above the national median of $2,690, reflecting both steep tax rates and elevated home values.

Miami-Dade leads Florida in tax rates

Miami-Dade County's effective rate of 0.827% is the highest among Florida's 67 counties, substantially above the state average of 0.731%. The county's median tax of $3,516 dwarfs the state median of $1,885, putting Miami-Dade in a clear class of its own for property tax burden.

Miami-Dade charges the most in South Florida

Miami-Dade's 0.827% rate exceeds neighboring Martin County (0.807%) and Nassau County (0.729%), establishing it as South Florida's heaviest-taxed county. Combined with the highest median home values in the region at $425,400, Miami-Dade residents face the steepest annual tax bills among their peers.

What Miami-Dade homeowners actually pay

A homeowner with Miami-Dade's median home value of $425,400 pays approximately $3,516 in annual property taxes at the county's 0.827% effective rate. With a mortgage, that bill rises to about $3,816 when including escrow and associated costs.

Appeal your Miami-Dade assessment today

In a high-tax county like Miami-Dade, overassessments hit harder than elsewhere, making it crucial to verify your property's appraised value against fair market comparables. The county property appraiser's office offers a free appeal process with no cost to challenge an inflated assessment and potentially reclaim significant annual savings.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Miami-Dade County

via CostByCounty

Miami-Dade's rent crisis ranks among nation's worst

Miami-Dade County renters spend 30.2% of their income on housing—a level typically flagged by economists as severely unaffordable and nearly double the cost-burden threshold. With a median household income of just $68,694 against a median rent of $1,731, residents fall nearly $6,000 behind the national income median while paying well above typical rent.

Miami-Dade leads Florida in housing stress

Miami-Dade's 30.2% rent-to-income ratio towers above Florida's state average of 22.5%, making it the state's most housing-stressed major county. The gap of 7.7 percentage points means typical Miami-Dade renters spend roughly $600 more annually on rent than state averages would predict.

Least affordable corner of South Florida

Miami-Dade's median rent of $1,731 exceeds Martin County ($1,499) and nearly matches Monroe County ($1,959), but the difference is income: Miami-Dade households earn $14,000 less than Martin's, intensifying affordability pain. Compared to statewide peers like Orange County, Miami-Dade renters face disproportionate burden despite similar housing costs.

Rent consumes nearly a third of Miami-Dade paychecks

The typical Miami-Dade renter earning $68,694 annually pays $1,731 monthly—a crushing 30.2% of gross income. Mortgage holders fare slightly better at 29.2% of income, but with median home values of $425,400, ownership remains out of reach for many families.

Miami-Dade demands serious income to thrive

If you're considering Miami-Dade, honestly assess whether your income exceeds the county's $68,694 median—otherwise you'll face the state's harshest affordability squeeze. Compare this market against Martin, Okaloosa, or Nassau counties, where the same rent dollars go much further.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Miami-Dade County

via IncomeByCounty

Miami-Dade slightly below national median

Miami-Dade County's median household income of $68,694 falls $6,061 short of the national median of $74,755. Despite this gap, the county's diverse economy supports millions of residents across the nation's second-largest metropolitan area.

Slightly above Florida's average

At $68,694, Miami-Dade's median household income exceeds Florida's state average of $65,468 by $3,226. The county ranks in the middle tier statewide, reflecting its position as a major economic engine with mixed-income neighborhoods.

Outpaced by Broward, within reach of Palm Beach

Miami-Dade's $68,694 trails neighboring Broward County's higher-income suburbs but surpasses more rural inland counties. As the anchor of South Florida's tri-county region, Miami-Dade encompasses both affluent neighborhoods and working-class communities.

Housing costs strain budgets

Miami-Dade's rent-to-income ratio of 30.2% exceeds the recommended 28% threshold, signaling that housing consumes a large share of household earnings. With a median home value of $425,400, homeownership requires substantial income or savings for down payments.

Navigate high costs strategically

Miami-Dade residents should prioritize budgeting and emergency savings given housing pressures, but the county's strong job market enables wealth-building through side income and investments. Explore employer retirement plans and speak with advisors about affordability-conscious strategies.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Miami-Dade County

via CrimeByCounty

Miami-Dade's Safety Profile in National Focus

Miami-Dade County reports a total crime rate of 2457.1 per 100K, which is slightly above the national average of 2,385.5. Despite being a major metro area, it maintains a safety score of 96.1. This score reflects the complex challenges of managing a massive, high-density population.

Urban Challenges in the Florida Context

The county's crime rate of 2457.1 is more than double the Florida average of 1027.9. With 45 separate reporting agencies, the safety infrastructure is vast, but the 96.1 safety score remains below the state average of 98.4. The data reflects the higher activity typical of Florida's most populous county.

Miami-Dade vs Nearby Coastal Counties

Miami-Dade (2457.1) experiences significantly higher crime rates than neighboring Monroe (1615.0) and Martin (1207.0). As a primary economic and tourism hub, the county sees much higher daily traffic than its northern and southern neighbors. This density contributes to the higher frequency of reported incidents.

Property Crime Drives Local Statistics

Property crime accounts for 2079.0 incidents per 100K, which is the primary driver of the local crime rate. The violent crime rate is 378.1, sitting just above the national average of 369.8. Understanding this split helps residents focus their safety efforts on theft and burglary prevention.

Enhanced Security for Urban Living

In a busy urban environment, visible security measures are highly effective deterrents. Residents should consider smart doorbells, reinforced locks, and community watch participation to protect their property. Taking proactive steps is essential for maintaining safety in a high-activity county.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Miami-Dade County

via SchoolsByCounty

Florida's Largest Public School Infrastructure

Miami-Dade manages a massive system of 537 schools serving 335,901 students. This network includes 294 elementary schools and 135 high schools to meet the needs of a diverse population.

Strong Results and High Investment

The county achieves a 90.0% graduation rate, outpacing the national average of 87.0%. Miami-Dade invests $7,128 per pupil, significantly more than the Florida state average of $6,118.

A Leader in Charter School Options

The Miami-Dade School District is the sole district, but it features 165 charter schools representing over 30% of its campuses. This offers parents one of the highest rates of school choice in the state.

Urban Scale with Large High Schools

Schools are primarily suburban or urban, with massive campuses like John A. Ferguson Senior High serving 4,368 students. The average school size across the county remains efficient at 650 students.

Diverse Housing Near World-Class Schools

Miami-Dade offers an unparalleled variety of educational environments for homebuyers to consider. Explore neighborhoods near flagship schools like Coral Reef Senior High to find the right fit for your family.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Miami-Dade County

via RiskByCounty

Miami-Dade faces the highest national risk

Miami-Dade County scores 99.62 on composite disaster risk—essentially the maximum possible—with a very high rating that vastly exceeds the national average. This score reflects extreme exposure across nearly every hazard category, making the county one of America's most disaster-vulnerable regions. No major U.S. county faces comparable cumulative risk.

Florida's most at-risk county

At 99.62, Miami-Dade's composite risk is the highest in Florida, exceeding the state average of 75.74 by nearly 24 points. The county ranks first statewide across multiple individual hazard categories, including flood (99.71), tornado (98.73), and hurricane (99.96). Miami-Dade faces unparalleled multi-hazard exposure within Florida.

Significantly riskier than all neighbors

Miami-Dade's 99.62 score substantially exceeds nearby Broward (94+) and Monroe (91.60) counties across nearly every metric. The county's concentration at sea level, dense development, and tropical storm exposure create a risk profile unmatched by any neighboring jurisdiction. Miami-Dade stands alone as Florida's extreme-risk outlier.

Hurricanes and flooding dominate

Miami-Dade faces near-maximum hurricane risk at 99.96 and near-maximum flood risk at 99.71, reflecting its position as a low-lying coastal metropolis. Tornado risk of 98.73 is also extreme for an urban area, while wildfire risk of 96.85 presents additional seasonal threats. Combined, these hazards make property damage and displacement routine concerns.

Comprehensive insurance is non-negotiable

With hurricane risk at 99.96 and flood risk at 99.71, Miami-Dade residents must carry both windstorm and flood insurance—no exceptions. Verify that your policy's limits match your home's full replacement value, and review coverage annually as property values shift. Consider additional loss-of-use coverage and maintain detailed home inventories for insurance claims.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Miami-Dade County

via WaterByCounty

Miami-Dade Secures Elite Grade for Drinking Water

Miami-Dade County earns an A grade with a health violation rate of just 0.8 per 100,000 people. Although the county logged 25 total violations over five years, the massive population density makes this one of the most compliant systems in Florida. The county significantly outperforms the state average violation rate of 43.4.

Majority of County Water Bodies Are Impaired

The 2022 ATTAINS reporting cycle identifies that 60.1% of the 506 assessed water bodies in the county are impaired. This far exceeds the state average impairment rate of 38.8%. Primary stressors include mercury in fish tissue, low dissolved oxygen, and high chlorophyll-a levels.

Extensive Monitoring Network Tracks Urban Runoff

A massive network of 485 monitoring sites has recorded 298,206 measurements in the past five years. Technicians focus heavily on nutrients and pesticides, which are common markers of urban and agricultural runoff. This intensive data collection is critical for managing the complex Everglades-adjacent plumbing.

Wellfield Canal Flows Drop to Critical Lows

The NW Wellfield Canal gauge currently reports a discharge of only 2 cubic feet per second. This is a mere 2% of the long-term mean flow, indicating severe hydrologic stress in the primary drainage area. Such low flows can lead to stagnation and increased concentration of local pollutants.

High Compliance Paired With Fragile Surface Health

While your tap water earns an A grade, the surrounding watershed is heavily impaired by mercury and chlorophyll-a. Low canal flows exacerbate these issues, so residents should be cautious about local fish consumption. Maintaining your home's backflow prevention is essential during periods of extremely low streamflow to protect the aquifer.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Miami-Dade County

via WeatherByCounty

Miami-Dade Leads the Nation in Warmth

Miami-Dade's 76.6°F average annual temperature is among the highest in the country, far exceeding the 54°F national median. This truly tropical climate is a rarity in the United States.

Florida's Peak Annual Temperature Average

The county's 76.6°F average is much higher than the state average of 71.1°F. Miami-Dade consistently ranks as one of the hottest counties in Florida by annual average.

Hottest County in the South Florida Region

Miami-Dade is warmer than Martin County to its north, which averages 74.5°F. Both counties experience high annual rainfall, with Miami-Dade seeing 62.0 inches.

Tropical Summers and the State's Warmest Winters

Summers average 83.0°F with 86 extreme heat days, while winters remain the warmest in the state at 69.1°F. Snowfall is entirely non-existent in this tropical environment.

Planning for Tropical Humidity and Storms

With 62 inches of annual rain, residents must prepare for frequent tropical downpours. High-efficiency HVAC is a non-negotiable requirement for the year-round warmth and 86 days of extreme heat.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Miami-Dade County

via SoilByCounty

Limestone Roots in Miami

Taxonomic and pH data for Miami-Dade's unique limestone-based soils are not available in this set. Locally, soils often vary from the national 6.5 pH median due to the high calcium carbonate content of the Biscayne aquifer.

Structure of the South

Specific sand, silt, and clay percentages are not recorded for this county. These ratios usually determine how well the ground supports the massive skyscrapers and agricultural fields the region is known for.

Evaluating Tropical Fertility

No specific data exists here for organic matter or available water capacity. These metrics would normally highlight the county's ability to support its famous tropical fruit industry without supplemental fertilizers.

Navigating the Coastal Shelf

The dominant drainage class and hydrologic group are not listed in our current database. Given the low elevation and coastal location, drainage is a critical factor for both urban development and farming here.

A Truly Tropical Climate

Miami-Dade sits in the unique hardiness zone 11a, allowing for a year-round tropical gardening experience. This is one of the few places in the continental U.S. where you can successfully grow mangoes and lychees.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Miami-Dade County

via LawnByCounty

Miami-Dade’s High-Maintenance Tropical Turf

Miami-Dade carries a lawn difficulty score of 9.2, making it one of the most demanding landscapes in Florida. In Hardiness Zone 11a, homeowners must manage year-round growth without the natural reset of a winter dormant period.

Abundant Rain and Endless Heat

The county receives 62.0 inches of rain annually and experiences nearly 10,000 growing degree days. This tropical energy means your mower rarely gets a break, as the grass maintains peak growth almost every day of the year.

Testing the Unknown Tropical Soil

While specific sand and clay data are unavailable, the region’s limestone-heavy base often creates unique drainage and pH challenges. Homeowners should perform a professional soil test to determine exactly how many nutrients their tropical turf requires.

Watering Wisely During Dry Periods

Miami-Dade has faced 44 weeks of drought in the past year, with over 80% of the area currently in severe drought. Strict adherence to local watering restrictions is vital to keep your lawn alive while protecting the regional water table.

The Best Tropical Varieties for Miami

St. Augustine and Seashore Paspalum are top performers in the heat of Zone 11a. Since there is no recorded frost date, you have the unique flexibility to start your lawn whenever the rainy season provides natural irrigation.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Miami-Dade County's county score?
Miami-Dade County, Florida has a composite county score of 30.4 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 Miami-Dade County rank among counties in Florida?
Miami-Dade County ranks #66 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 Miami-Dade County, Florida?
The median annual property tax in Miami-Dade County is $3,516, with an effective tax rate of 0.83%. This earns Miami-Dade County a tax score of 50.8/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Miami-Dade County?
The median household income in Miami-Dade County, Florida is $68,694 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Miami-Dade County earns an income score of 63.5/100 on CountyScore.
Is Miami-Dade County, Florida a good place to live?
Miami-Dade County scores 30.4/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #66 in Florida. The best way to evaluate Miami-Dade 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 Miami-Dade County with other counties side by side.
By Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & Data Editor

ByCounty Network

Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers Markets

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