Is Juana Díaz Safe, Pros and cons of living in Juana Díaz
Juana Díaz, a municipality located on the southern coast of Puerto Rico, offers a blend of historical significance and modern living. Founded in 1798, it was originally known as Ciudad de Jacagua, honoring the Taíno Cacique Jacaguax. The municipality is part of the Ponce Metropolitan Statistical Area and is known for its production of high-quality marble, earning it the nickname “La Ciudad del Maví” (Maví City).
The area’s economy has evolved from its historical roots in sugarcane production to a diversified base including marble, tropical fruits, and livestock. Juana Díaz is also recognized for its cultural heritage, with landmarks and festivals that celebrate its history and traditions. The municipality’s location on the southern coast provides a tropical climate, making it an attractive place for those seeking a warm environment year-round.
Is it Safe to Live in Juana Díaz?
Juana Díaz has a crime rate that is higher than the national average, with a D- grade from Crime Grade, indicating a significantly higher rate of crime compared to typical U.S. cities. The violent crime rate in Juana Díaz is approximately 5.93 per 1,000 residents annually (as reported by CrimeGrade.org). Your likelihood of being a victim of violent crime can vary by neighborhood, with some areas presenting a higher risk than others (as reported by CrimeGrade.org).
The overall crime rate in Juana Díaz is reported at 47.95 per 1,000 residents. Residents often consider the northern parts of the city to be the safest. The projected cost of crime in Juana Díaz for 2025 is estimated at over $9.4 million, translating to about $784 per resident (as reported by CrimeGrade.org).
Cost of Living and Housing in Juana Díaz
The cost of living in Juana Díaz is approximately 5% lower than the national average (as reported by ERI SalaryExpert). While food costs are higher than the U.S. average, transportation costs are on par, and housing and healthcare are less expensive (as reported by ERI SalaryExpert).
The median home value in Juana Díaz is around $114,800 (as reported by Niche). Most residents in Juana Díaz own their homes, with a homeownership rate of 78.5% (as reported by the U.S. Census Bureau). The median rent price in Juana Díaz is approximately $435 (as reported by Niche).
Job Market and Economy
The average salary in Juana Díaz is approximately $50,943 per year (as reported by ERI SalaryExpert). The unemployment rate in Juana Díaz Municipio was reported at 4.5% as of February 2026 (as reported by YCharts). Major industries in Juana Díaz include high-quality marble production from its active quarries, and agriculture, which focuses on tropical fruits like mangoes and avocados, as well as livestock farming (as reported by BoricuaOnLine.com).
While specific major employers are not detailed in the provided data, the economic landscape is supported by these key sectors. The municipality also has a presence of educational institutions, including Emma’s Beauty Academy-Juana Diaz and Dewey University-Juana Díaz, contributing to the local job market (as reported by Data USA).
Climate and Weather
Juana Díaz experiences a hot, oppressive, and windy climate, with temperatures typically ranging from 67°F to 90°F throughout the year (as reported by meteoblue). The area is rarely below 64°F or above 92°F.
The wet season in Juana Díaz lasts for approximately 7.4 months, from late April to early December, with October seeing the most rainfall days. The drier season spans about 4.6 months, from early December to late April, with February having the fewest wet days (as reported by meteoblue).
Education and Schools
Juana Díaz is served by the Puerto Rico Department of Education, with 12 public schools catering to approximately 3,297 students. The average ranking for schools in Juana Díaz is 4 out of 10, placing them in the bottom 50% of Puerto Rico’s public schools (as reported by Niche). Math proficiency scores average around 17%, and reading proficiency scores average about 37% (as reported by Niche).
Some of the top-ranked public schools in Juana Díaz include Dr. Pedro Albizu Campos Juana Diaz, Juan Serapio Mangual, and Manuel Fernandez Juncos (as reported by Niche). The municipality also hosts institutions of higher education, such as Emma’s Beauty Academy-Juana Diaz and Dewey University-Juana Díaz (as reported by Data USA).
Demographics
The population of Juana Díaz Municipio was approximately 46,156 in 2024, with a median age of 43 years (as reported by Data USA). The vast majority of residents, about 99.8%, identify as Hispanic or Latino (as reported by Data USA).
The largest ethnic group is “Two Races Including Other (Hispanic),” making up a significant portion of the population. The median income in Juana Díaz Municipio was $15,298 in 2024 (as reported by Data USA). A notable percentage of the population, 44.1%, lives below the poverty line, which is considerably higher than the national average (as reported by Data USA).
Pros and Cons of Living in Juana Díaz
Juana Díaz offers a lower cost of living compared to the U.S. national average, particularly in housing and healthcare costs (as reported by ERI SalaryExpert). The municipality boasts a rich cultural heritage and is known for its marble production and agricultural output (as reported by BoricuaOnLine.com).
However, the area faces challenges with a higher-than-average crime rate (as reported by CrimeGrade.org). Additionally, a significant portion of the population lives below the poverty line, indicating economic disparities (as reported by Data USA). The educational system also presents areas for improvement, with public schools ranking below the Puerto Rico average in proficiency scores (as reported by Niche).