Palm Bay and Melbourne: Brevard County's Top Cities to Live In

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Brevard County's Top Cities to Live In

Recent rankings highlight Palm Bay and Melbourne as leading places to reside in Brevard County.

In the latest U.S. News & World Report rankings for 2025-2026, Brevard County's largest city, Palm Bay, secured the 42nd spot among Florida's best places to live. Following closely, Melbourne was ranked 45th. These positions underscore the growing appeal of these cities within the Sunshine State.

Palm Bay, with a population of approximately 142,109 and a median age of 40, boasts a median household income of $73,610. Residents enjoy an average commute time of about 23.33 minutes, and the city maintains an unemployment rate of 4.82%. For potential homeowners, the median home value stands at $297,202.

Melbourne, home to slightly over 88,000 residents with a median age of 42.5, offers a median household income of $69,036. The average commute time is approximately 19.5 minutes, and the unemployment rate is 3.75%. The median home value in Melbourne is $322,719.

These rankings reflect the diverse attractions and amenities that make Palm Bay and Melbourne desirable places to live. From vibrant cultural scenes to robust economic opportunities, both cities offer residents a high quality of life.

In comparison, the top ten places to live in Florida, according to the report, are:

1. Parkland

2. Palm Harbor

3. Weston

4. Jupiter

5. Alafaya

6. Palm Beach Gardens

7. Ormond Beach

8. Pensacola

9. The Villages

10. Naples

While Palm Bay and Melbourne may not have cracked the top ten, their inclusion in the list highlights their growing prominence and the unique qualities they offer to residents and newcomers alike.

The methodology behind these rankings considered factors such as quality of life, value, desirability, job market, and net migration. This comprehensive approach ensures that the rankings provide a holistic view of what makes a city a great place to live.

As Brevard County continues to develop and attract new residents, cities like Palm Bay and Melbourne are poised to climb even higher in future rankings, offering an ever-improving quality of life for their communities.