Is DeLand Safe, Pros and cons of living in DeLand

DeLand, Florida, nestled in Volusia County, offers a blend of suburban tranquility and access to Central Florida’s vibrant attractions. Known for its historic downtown and proximity to Daytona Beach, DeLand presents a unique lifestyle proposition for those seeking a community with character. This city balances a relaxed pace with opportunities for both personal and professional growth.

As you consider a move to DeLand, understanding its key characteristics is essential. From the safety of its neighborhoods to the economic landscape and daily living costs, a comprehensive overview can guide your decision-making process. This article delves into these crucial aspects to provide a clear picture of what life in DeLand is like.

Is it Safe to Live in DeLand?

DeLand’s overall crime rate is reported to be 6% lower than the national average (as reported by AreaVibes). This statistic encompasses both violent and property crimes, suggesting a generally safe environment for residents. The city records approximately 0.42 violent crimes and 1.97 property crimes per day on average.

While the overall crime rate is favorable, safety can vary by neighborhood. Violent crime rates in DeLand are very close to the national average, with 383 violent crimes per 100,000 individuals, which is higher than the national average by 3.6% (as reported by AreaVibes). Property crime rates are closely aligned with the national average, with 1801 property crimes per 100,000 residents, lower than the average by 7.9% (as reported by AreaVibes).

Quality of Life in DeLand

Climate and Environment

DeLand experiences a humid subtropical climate, characterized by hot, humid summers and short, mild winters (as reported by Time and Date). The temperature typically ranges from 48°F to 91°F throughout the year, rarely dropping below 34°F or exceeding 95°F (as reported by Time and Date).

Summers in DeLand are hot, oppressive, and wet, with average daily high temperatures exceeding 87°F from May to September. July is the hottest month, with an average high of 91°F and a low of 73°F (as reported by Time and Date). Winters are cooler, with January being the coldest month, featuring average temperatures between 48°F and 69°F (as reported by Time and Date).

Education and Schools

DeLand is part of the Volusia County Schools district, which serves a large student population with a student-teacher ratio of 21 to 1 (as reported by Niche). The district’s overall Niche grade is a B, indicating above-average performance (as reported by Niche).

DeLand High School, a public school within the district, has an overall Niche grade of B and is ranked among the top high schools in Volusia County (as reported by Niche). State test scores show that 49% of students are proficient in math and 45% in reading at DeLand High School (as reported by Niche).

Demographics and Diversity

DeLand is home to approximately 41,611 residents, with a median age of 39 (as reported by Point2Homes). The population is diverse, with White residents making up 59.4%, followed by Hispanic residents at 25.2%, and Black residents at 11.2% (as reported by DeLand Demographics). This demographic makeup reflects a community that is about as racially diverse as it was in 2020 (as reported by DeLand Demographics).

The foreign-born population in DeLand is approximately 8.94%, which is similar to the national average (as reported by Data USA). The city’s population is largely comprised of US citizens, accounting for 95.7% of residents (as reported by Data USA).

Cost of Living in DeLand

Housing Costs

The housing market in DeLand presents a median home price of $375,000 as of March 2026, showing a 0.0% change compared to the previous year (as reported by Redfin). Homes in DeLand tend to sell after about 78 days on the market (as reported by Redfin).

The median rent for an apartment in DeLand is $1,770 as of April 2026, which is 9% lower than the national average (as reported by Zumper). Renters can expect to pay around $1,350 for an average monthly rent in DeLand (as reported by 386RealEstate.com).

Overall Expenses

DeLand’s cost of living is generally considered lower than the U.S. national average. One report indicates that living costs are 2% lower than the national average (as reported by Salary.com). Another source places the cost of living at 7% higher than the national average, with housing being 17% higher (as reported by AreaVibes).

The estimated monthly living expenses for a single person in DeLand are $2,055, and for a family of four, they are $4,446 (as reported by Salary.com). These figures suggest that while some costs are below the national average, housing expenses can be a significant factor.

Income and Employment

The median household income in DeLand was reported as $71,863 in 2024 (as reported by DeLand Demographics). The average annual salary in DeLand is approximately $43,880, which translates to about $21.10 per hour (as reported by ZipRecruiter).

The unemployment rate in Florida was 4.60% as of February 2026 (as reported by YCharts). DeLand’s economy is supported by major employers such as Stetson University, the City of DeLand, and AdventHealth (as reported by Zippia).

Pros and Cons of Living in DeLand

Advantages

DeLand boasts a desirable climate with warm summers and mild winters, making it appealing for those who enjoy pleasant weather year-round (as reported by Time and Date). The city’s historic downtown area offers a charming atmosphere with unique shops and restaurants, contributing to a strong sense of community.

The cost of living in DeLand is generally more affordable than in many other parts of Florida and the U.S., particularly regarding housing costs (as reported by Salary.com, AreaVibes). Additionally, DeLand’s strategic location provides convenient access to major attractions like Daytona Beach and Orlando.

Disadvantages

While DeLand’s crime rate is comparable to the national average, some sources indicate that violent crime rates can be higher than the national average in certain aspects (as reported by AreaVibes, Crime Explorer). Residents should research specific neighborhoods for a more nuanced understanding of local safety.

The job market in DeLand, while supported by major employers, may not offer the same breadth of opportunities as larger metropolitan areas. The average salary, while varying by occupation, is lower than the median household income, which could impact purchasing power for some residents (as reported by ZipRecruiter, DeLand Demographics).