Is Cocoa Safe, Pros and cons of living in Cocoa
Cocoa, Florida, a city situated in Brevard County on the Atlantic coast, offers a unique blend of small-town charm and access to coastal amenities. It is part of the Palm Bay-Melbourne-Titusville Metropolitan Statistical Area, providing residents with a connection to a larger regional economy and cultural scene. The city’s history is intertwined with the growth of the space industry, which significantly boosted its population in the mid-20th century.
Understanding the various facets of life in Cocoa is crucial for anyone considering a move to this Florida city. This includes assessing safety, the cost of living, the job market, educational opportunities, and the general environment. By examining current data and trends, prospective residents can make informed decisions about whether Cocoa aligns with their lifestyle and financial goals.
Is it Safe to Live in Cocoa?
Crime Rates
Cocoa experiences a high crime rate, with reports indicating it is significantly above both the national and state averages. The overall crime rate is approximately 47 per one thousand residents, meaning an individual has about a 1 in 21 chance of becoming a victim of crime (according to NeighborhoodScout analysis of FBI reported crime data). This rate places Cocoa in the bottom 10% of all cities when considering violent crime (according to AreaVibes).
Violent crime in Cocoa is reported at 1,082 crimes per 100,000 residents, which is substantially higher than the national average (according to AreaVibes). Property crime also presents a concern, with a rate of 3,553 per 100,000 residents, also exceeding the U.S. average (according to AreaVibes). These statistics suggest that while localized safety can vary, the overall crime figures warrant careful consideration for potential residents.
Neighborhood Safety
Despite the city’s overall crime statistics, there are variations in safety across different neighborhoods within Cocoa. Residents often consider the northwest part of the city to be the safest area. In contrast, the southeast neighborhoods experience a higher frequency of incidents, with a chance of being a victim of crime ranging from 1 in 33 to 1 in 110 depending on the specific area (according to StatisNostics and AreaVibes).
The cost of crime per resident in Cocoa is approximately $231 per year, which is lower than the Florida state average. However, the total projected cost of crime for the city is substantial, reflecting the impact of both violent and property offenses. This includes costs associated with the criminal justice system, direct costs to victims, and lost economic contributions (according to StatisNostics).
Cost of Living
Overall Affordability
Cocoa’s cost of living is generally considered affordable, with some sources indicating it is slightly lower than the national average and notably less expensive than the average city in Florida. The cost of living index in Cocoa is reported to be around 90, meaning it is 10% lower than the national average (according to AreaVibes). This makes it an attractive option for those seeking to manage expenses.
When considering a $72,000 annual salary, Cocoa is about 2% more expensive than the national average but 7% less expensive than the average city in Florida (according to ERI Economic Research Institute). Housing costs in Cocoa are notably affordable, being 22% lower than the national average (according to AreaVibes). This affordability extends to rent, which is reported to be 8.4% lower than usual rates (according to AreaVibes).
Housing Expenses
Housing is a significant factor in Cocoa’s cost of living, with median home prices and rental rates being more accessible compared to many other areas. The median home value in Cocoa is approximately $246,100 (according to Data USA). Another report indicates a median home value of $282,498 (according to Livability.com).
Monthly rent for a two-bedroom apartment is a key consideration for renters. While specific figures can fluctuate, the overall housing market suggests that residents can find more affordable options compared to national benchmarks. The homeownership rate in Cocoa is approximately 63.5% (according to Data USA).
Daily Expenses
Beyond housing, daily expenses such as groceries, transportation, healthcare, and utilities also contribute to the overall cost of living. Food costs in Cocoa are reported as less affordable than the U.S. average, as are transportation costs (according to ERI Economic Research Institute). However, healthcare costs are more affordable than the U.S. average.
Utilities and miscellaneous expenses are also factored into the cost of living index. While specific figures vary, the general trend suggests that essential daily expenses are manageable within the context of Cocoa’s overall affordability. The cost of living index is calculated by accumulating the costs of food, transportation, health services, rent, utilities, taxes, and other miscellaneous expenses (according to ERI Economic Research Institute).
Job Market and Economy
Employment and Unemployment
The job market in Cocoa employs approximately 9,467 residents (according to Data USA). The unemployment rate in Cocoa is reported at 5.6% (according to Point2Homes). This figure represents the share of the workforce actively seeking employment, and it is important to note that rates around 4% to 5% are generally considered healthy.
While specific unemployment data for Cocoa can fluctuate, it’s important to consider broader economic trends in Florida. Unemployment insurance claims are tracked at the state level, providing a general overview of the job market’s health. Recent data indicates that the employment rate in the broader Brevard County area is quite high, suggesting a robust job market.
Major Employers and Industries
The economy of Cocoa is supported by a diverse range of industries. The largest employing sectors include Health Care & Social Assistance, Retail Trade, and Manufacturing. Public Administration, Professional, Scientific, & Technical Services, and Finance & Insurance are among the highest-paying industries in the city (according to Data USA).
Major employers in the Cocoa area include companies like Walmart, McDonald’s, FedEx, and Amazon, indicating a mix of retail, logistics, and service-oriented businesses. Other significant employers include Publix Super Markets, Space Coast Credit Union, and various construction and home building companies (according to Indeed.com, Lensa, and Zippia). These companies provide a substantial number of job opportunities for residents.
Salaries and Income
The average annual salary in Cocoa is approximately $39,709 as of a recent report (according to ZipRecruiter). Another source places the average annual salary at $44,000, with an hourly rate of $21.15 (according to Zippia). The median household income in Cocoa was reported as $63,105 in 2024 (according to the U.S. Census Bureau via Point2Homes).
Salaries in Cocoa typically range between $29,333 and $48,528 annually for the 25th to 75th percentile. Top-paying jobs in the area include roles such as Software Engineer, Engineering, and Pediatric Nurse Practitioner. The median income in Cocoa has seen a positive change, marking a +11.6% shift over a recent period (according to Point2Homes).
Climate and Weather
Temperature and Seasons
Cocoa, Florida, experiences a hot and humid climate for much of the year, characteristic of its subtropical location. Summers are long, hot, oppressive, and wet, with temperatures often in the 80s and 90s Fahrenheit. The warmest month is July, with average highs around 90°F and lows of 74°F (according to myPerfectWeather).
Winters are short, cool, and windy, with temperatures typically in the 50s and 60s Fahrenheit. The coldest month is January, with average lows around 51°F and highs of 71°F (according to myPerfectWeather). The annual temperature range generally stays between 50°F in January and 90°F in July.
Rainfall and Humidity
The city receives an average annual precipitation of approximately 55 inches (according to myPerfectWeather). This rainfall is not evenly distributed throughout the year, with summer months being significantly wetter than winter months. September is typically the wettest month, with an average of 8 inches of rain (according to myPerfectWeather).
Humidity can be a significant factor in Cocoa, particularly during the summer months from May to October, when the air can feel uncomfortably humid. A wet day is defined as one with at least 0.04 inches of precipitation. The period from May 27 to October 7 experiences a greater than 38% chance of a wet day, with August having the most wet days on average (according to Climate and Average Weather Year Round in Cocoa Florida).
Education
School Ratings and Performance
Public schools in Cocoa, FL, show an average math proficiency score of 41% and a reading proficiency score of 43%. These scores are below the Florida public school average of 52% for both subjects. Overall, schools in Cocoa have an average ranking of 3 out of 10, placing them in the bottom 50% of Florida public schools (according to Niche).
The student body in Cocoa’s public schools is diverse, with minority enrollment at 51%, which is less than the Florida public school average of 66%. The top-ranked public schools in Cocoa include Enterprise Elementary School, Atlantis Elementary School, and Challenger 7 Elementary School. However, many schools, including Cocoa High School, have proficiency scores significantly below the state average (according to Niche).
Educational Institutions
Cocoa has a number of educational institutions serving its population. Approximately 90% of K-12 students in Cocoa, FL, attend public schools, which is slightly higher than the Florida state average of 86% (according to Niche). Several elementary schools, middle schools, and high schools operate within the city and surrounding areas.
Some of the schools serving the Cocoa area include Cocoa High School, which has a student-teacher ratio of 17 to 1 and a C+ overall Niche grade. Other institutions like Edgewood Junior/Senior High School and West Shore Junior/Senior High School also serve the broader Brevard County region, with West Shore Junior/Senior High School being recognized among the best public high schools in Florida (according to Niche).
Demographics
Population and Diversity
Cocoa, Florida, is home to approximately 19,554 residents as of the most recent Census data (according to Point2Homes). The population has been experiencing growth, with projections indicating a continued increase. The median age in Cocoa is 45 years, with a slightly higher proportion of females (51.7%) than males (48.3%) (according to Point2Homes and Data USA).
The racial composition of Cocoa is diverse. White residents make up about 57.1% of the population, followed by African Americans at 22.8%. Hispanic residents constitute approximately 20.9% of the population (according to Point2Homes and Data USA). A significant majority of residents, 93.9%, are U.S. citizens (according to Data USA).
Age and Household Structure
The age distribution in Cocoa shows a significant portion of the population in the adult age brackets. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 27.1% of the population, while those between 45 and 64 constitute 28.1%. Around 21.8% of residents are 65 or older, indicating a substantial senior population (according to Point2Homes).
Cocoa has approximately 8,531 households, with an average of two members per household. Of these, about 53.9% are families, while the remaining 46.1% consist of individuals living alone or with non-relatives. The median age of 44.9 years reflects a population that is, on average, older than the national median (according to Point2Homes and Census Reporter).