Is Ormond Beach Safe, Pros and cons of living in Ormond Beach
Ormond Beach, Florida, offers a coastal lifestyle with a suburban feel, attracting those seeking a balance between natural beauty and community amenities. Its location along the Atlantic coast provides access to beaches and recreational activities, while its proximity to larger cities like Daytona Beach offers further opportunities for employment and entertainment. The city is known for its pleasant climate, family-friendly atmosphere, and a range of housing options. This guide delves into the various aspects of living in Ormond Beach, covering safety, cost of living, employment, education, and climate, to provide a comprehensive overview for potential residents.
The city’s demographics reveal a predominantly white population, with a median age reflecting a community that appeals to both families and retirees. The median household income suggests a stable economic base, though a small percentage of families live below the poverty line. Understanding these foundational elements is key to appreciating the overall living experience in Ormond Beach.
Is it Safe to Live in Ormond Beach?
Ormond Beach is generally considered a safe place to live, with crime rates that are lower than the national average in several categories. Overall crime rates are reported to be 12.4% lower than the national average (as reported by AreaVibes). Violent crime incidents are also significantly lower, at 44% below the national average (as reported by AreaVibes).
Property crime rates are also favorable, being 39% lower than the national average (as reported by AreaVibes). Some sources indicate a slightly different perspective, with one report stating that Ormond Beach has a crime rate higher than 74% of Florida’s cities and towns (as reported by NeighborhoodScout). However, other data suggests that the city is safer than 48% of U.S. cities (as reported by AreaVibes).
Cost of Living
Housing Costs
The housing market in Ormond Beach presents a competitive landscape, with the median home price showing an increase over the past year. The average Ormond Beach house price was approximately $399,000 in a recent month, marking an 8.7% increase from the previous year (as reported by Redfin). The median sale price for homes in the city was around $370,000 in February 2026 (as reported by Zillow).
Rentals are also a significant factor in the cost of living. The median rent for all property types in Ormond Beach was approximately $2,300 as of April 2026, which is 18% higher than the national average (as reported by Zumper). For a one-bedroom apartment, the average rent is around $1,329, while a two-bedroom apartment averages $1,645 (as reported by Zumper).
Overall Expenses
The overall cost of living in Ormond Beach is reported to be 1% lower than the national average (as reported by Payscale). However, other analyses place it among the more expensive cities, with one source indicating it is in the top 15% of the most expensive cities globally and 105th out of 125 in Florida (as reported by Cost of Living). Housing expenses are about 7% lower than the national average, while utility costs are 1% lower (as reported by Payscale).
Conversely, transportation expenses are 6% higher than the national average, and grocery prices are 4% higher (as reported by Payscale). The median household income in Ormond Beach was $69,177 in 2024 (as reported by CUBIT). The average cost of living is estimated at $2,234 per month for an individual (as reported by Cost of Living).
Job Market and Economy
Major Employers
Ormond Beach benefits from a diverse employment landscape, with major employers spanning various sectors. Key industries include healthcare, with Halifax Health and Advent Health being significant providers (as reported by 386RealEstate.com). The insurance sector is also robust, with Brown & Brown Insurance being a notable company in the region (as reported by Life in Volusia FL).
Other significant employers include NASCAR/Daytona International Speedway, contributing to the local economy through tourism and entertainment (as reported by 386RealEstate.com). Amazon also has a substantial presence with a large fulfillment center in the nearby Deltona area, providing numerous logistical and distribution jobs (as reported by Life in Volusia FL).
Salaries and Unemployment
The average salary in Ormond Beach varies depending on the source and methodology. One report indicates an average annual salary of $60,086, or $29 per hour (as reported by ERI SalaryExpert). Another source estimates the average annual pay for employment in Ormond Beach at $79,624, or approximately $38.28 per hour (as reported by ZipRecruiter).
The unemployment rate for the Deltona-Daytona Beach-Ormond Beach metropolitan statistical area was 5.80% in a recent period, which is higher than the long-term average (as reported by YCharts). This figure represents a slight increase from the previous month and the previous year (as reported by YCharts).
Climate and Weather
Temperatures
Ormond Beach experiences a humid subtropical climate, characterized by long, hot summers and short, mild winters. The temperature typically ranges from 50°F to 89°F throughout the year, with extreme temperatures below 36°F or above 93°F being rare (as reported by Weather). The hottest month is typically August, with average high temperatures around 89°F and lows of 75°F.
The cooler season lasts for about three months, from December to March, with average daily high temperatures below 72°F. January is the coldest month, with average low temperatures around 50°F and highs of 68°F (as reported by Weather). The water temperature is also seasonal, with warmer waters from June to October, averaging above 80°F, and cooler waters from December to April, averaging below 71°F.
Rainfall and Conditions
The city experiences wet conditions year-round, with summers being mostly cloudy and oppressive. Winters are generally partly cloudy and windy. The tourism score, which favors clear, rainless days with temperatures between 75°F and 90°F, suggests that the best times for outdoor activities are late April to mid-June and early September to late October (as reported by Weather).
Short-term forecasts indicate a mix of sun and clouds with chances of showers and thunderstorms, particularly in the afternoons and evenings, with temperatures typically in the high 70s to low 80s Fahrenheit. Wind conditions can vary, with gusts sometimes reaching up to 25 mph.
Education
School Ratings
Ormond Beach is served by the Volusia County School District, which is rated B+ overall (as reported by Niche). Within the district, Ormond Beach Elementary School receives a B+ rating, with 81% of students proficient in math and 75% in reading (as reported by Niche). The student-teacher ratio at the elementary level is 15 to 1 (as reported by Niche).
Ormond Beach Middle School also holds a B+ rating, though its state test proficiency scores are lower, with 64% in math and 59% in reading (as reported by Niche). The student-teacher ratio at the middle school is 17 to 1 (as reported by Niche). High school students are typically zoned for Seabreeze High School, which has a rating of 3.76 out of 5 stars (as reported by Niche).
Educational Attainment
Ormond Beach is home to Daytona College, which awarded 113 degrees in a recent year, primarily to students identifying as White, Black, or Hispanic (as reported by Data USA). The city’s demographic data indicates a population with varying levels of educational attainment, contributing to a diverse and skilled workforce.
Demographics
Population and Age
Ormond Beach has an estimated population of over 43,000 residents, with projections indicating a slight increase in the coming years (as reported by CUBIT). The median age in Ormond Beach is around 53.6 years, suggesting a significant population of older adults, though the age distribution spans all groups (as reported by CUBIT). The population density is notable, with over 1,250 people per square mile (as reported by Life in Volusia FL).
The city’s population is predominantly White, making up approximately 79.9% of residents, followed by Black residents at 8% and Hispanic residents at 5.1% (as reported by CUBIT). This demographic makeup is less diverse than the state of Florida overall (as reported by CUBIT).
Income and Diversity
The median household income in Ormond Beach was reported as $69,177 in 2024 (as reported by CUBIT). However, other sources indicate a higher average annual household income of $104,649 in 2024 (as reported by Point2Homes). This income data reflects a generally stable economic environment for residents.
A small percentage of families, around 5.9%, live in poverty (as reported by CUBIT). The percentage of residents born outside the country is approximately 8.38% (as reported by Data USA), indicating a relatively low level of foreign-born population compared to national averages.
Pros and Cons of Living in Ormond Beach
Pros
Ormond Beach offers a desirable coastal lifestyle with access to beautiful beaches and numerous outdoor recreational opportunities. The city boasts a pleasant climate year-round, with warm summers and mild winters, making it attractive for those who enjoy outdoor activities (as reported by Weather). Its suburban feel provides a quieter living environment while still being within reach of urban amenities and employment centers.
The housing market, while competitive, offers a range of options, and the cost of living is generally comparable to or slightly below the national average, especially concerning housing expenses (as reported by Payscale, Cost of Living). The presence of major employers in healthcare, insurance, and logistics contributes to a stable job market.
Cons
Despite its appeal, Ormond Beach faces some challenges. While crime rates are often reported as lower than the national average, some data suggests they can be higher than in other Florida cities or communities of similar size (as reported by NeighborhoodScout). The cost of living, particularly rent, is higher than the national average, which could be a concern for some residents (as reported by Zumper).
The job market, while present, may not offer the highest average salaries compared to national benchmarks, with some sources reporting average salaries significantly lower than others (as reported by ERI SalaryExpert, ZipRecruiter). Additionally, the climate, while generally pleasant, includes hot and humid summers with frequent rainfall, which may not appeal to everyone.