Is Balm Safe, Pros and cons of living in Balm
Balm, Florida, located in Hillsborough County, presents a unique blend of suburban and rural characteristics. It offers a quieter pace of life while still being within commuting distance of larger metropolitan areas like Tampa. This makes it an appealing option for those seeking a more tranquil environment without sacrificing access to urban amenities and job markets.
The community is home to a diverse population, with a significant portion of residents being families and individuals who appreciate the area’s natural beauty and community feel. Balm’s proximity to natural attractions and its evolving infrastructure contribute to its growing appeal as a place to settle down.
Is it Safe to Live in Balm?
Balm generally presents a safe environment for its residents, with crime rates reported as significantly lower than the national average. The overall crime grade for Balm is a B, indicating a lower than average crime rate, though safety can vary by specific neighborhood (as reported by DoorProfit).
Violent crime is particularly low, with a very low risk score and an estimated 18 predicted violent crimes annually. Property crime also remains low, with a very low risk score and an estimated 111 predicted property crimes annually (as reported by Augurisk).
Crime Statistics
The crime rate in Balm is approximately 7.657 per 1,000 residents annually. Residents often consider the northern parts of the city to be the safest. The chance of being a victim of crime can range from 1 in 108 in southeastern neighborhoods to 1 in 141 in the north (as reported by CrimeGrade.org).
Property crime, specifically, has a rate of 5.162 per 1,000 residents in a typical year. This rate is considered much lower than the average U.S. city, with Balm ranking in the 94th percentile for safety regarding property crime. Your chance of being a victim of property crime varies by neighborhood, from 1 in 159 in the southeast to 1 in 201 in the north (as reported by CrimeGrade.org).
Cost of Living in Balm
The cost of living in Balm, Florida, is generally considered to be slightly higher than the U.S. national average. This is influenced by various factors, including housing, transportation, and food expenses. Despite this, Balm offers a cost of living that is lower than many major metropolitan areas.
Balm’s overall cost of living is approximately 5% lower than the national average. Housing expenses are notably lower than the national average, by about 15%, while utility prices are around 7% higher. Transportation costs are marginally higher, about 1% above the national average (as reported by Payscale).
Housing Expenses
Housing expenses in Balm are 15% lower than the national average. The median property value in Balm was $345,300 in 2024, showing a 10.5% increase from the previous year. The homeownership rate in Balm is 77.8%, which is higher than the national average of 65.2% (as reported by Data USA).
For renters, the median gross rent in Balm is approximately $2,022 per month. The median housing cost for all households in the area sums up to about $1,676 per month (as reported by Point2Homes).
Everyday Expenses
Grocery prices in Balm are about 6% higher than the national average. Healthcare costs in Balm are 8% lower than the national average. Transportation expenses, including gas prices, are about 1% higher than the national average (as reported by Payscale).
Utility prices in Balm are approximately 7% higher than the national average. The average commute time for residents is 36.6 minutes, with most people driving alone to work (as reported by Data USA).
Job Market and Economy
Balm’s economy supports a workforce of approximately 3,776 residents. The employment rate is around 90.8%, indicating a stable job market within the community. The largest industries in Balm include Retail Trade, Construction, and Finance & Insurance (as reported by Point2Homes).
The average annual salary in Balm is approximately $59,620, which translates to about $28.66 per hour. Most salaries fall between the 25th percentile of $44,761 and the 75th percentile of $74,885 annually (as reported by ZipRecruiter).
Major Employers and Industries
Key industries in Balm include Retail Trade, Construction, and Finance & Insurance. The highest paying industries are Public Administration, Health Care & Social Assistance, and Transportation & Warehousing & Utilities. Major employers in the broader Tampa Bay area include companies like Lockheed Martin, The Nielsen Company, and Mease Countryside Hospital (as reported by Indeed and Upper Tampa Bay Chamber of Commerce).
The University of Florida, Moss, and HCS Renewable Energy LLC are also listed among companies in the Balm area. Redlands Christian Migrant Association and AUC are also present, contributing to the local employment landscape (as reported by Indeed).
Unemployment
The unemployment rate in Florida, as of March 2026, was 4.7%. This figure represents a slight increase from the previous month and is higher than the national average. The state has experienced a loss of approximately 22,000 jobs since March 2025 (as reported by FloridaJobs.org and USAFacts).
While Balm is a smaller community, the broader economic trends in Florida impact its residents. The state’s unemployment rate is closely monitored, with efforts focused on attracting and retaining major employers to foster job growth across various sectors (as reported by FloridaJobs.org and FloridaTaxWatch).
Climate and Weather
Balm, Florida, experiences a climate characterized by hot, humid summers and mild winters. Temperatures typically range from around 50°F in the cooler months to as high as 91°F during the summer. The area receives an average annual precipitation of about 54 inches.
The air in Balm can feel uncomfortably humid from May through October, which are the summer months. The hottest month is typically August, with average highs reaching 91°F and lows around 74°F. Conversely, January sees the coolest temperatures, with average highs of 72°F and lows of 50°F (as reported by myPerfectWeather).
Seasonal Temperatures
Balm’s climate features a distinct hot season lasting from May to October, with average daily high temperatures exceeding 86°F. July is often the hottest month, with highs around 90°F and lows of 75°F. The cooler season occurs from December to February, with average daily high temperatures below 75°F.
January is generally the coldest month, with average temperatures ranging from a low of 52°F to a high of 72°F. The water temperature in the surrounding areas is warmest from June to October, averaging above 81°F, with August being the warmest month (as reported by World Weather).
Rainfall and Humidity
Balm receives an average of 54 inches of precipitation annually. August typically experiences the most rainfall, with an average of 10 inches for the month. The humidity levels are notably high during the summer months, contributing to the feeling of oppressive heat from May to October (as reported by myPerfectWeather).
While rainfall is common, especially in the summer, periods of dry weather also occur. The climate supports a variety of outdoor activities during the more pleasant transitional seasons of spring and fall (as reported by World Weather).
Education and Schools
Balm is served by the Hillsborough County Public School District, offering a range of public educational institutions. While specific school ratings can vary, the district aims to provide a comprehensive educational experience for its students.
Riverhills Elementary Magnet School is one of the public elementary schools serving the area, with a rating of 3.25 out of 5 based on reviews. Other public schools in or near Balm include those with varying Niche grades, such as C+ and D- ratings for some institutions (as reported by Niche).
School Performance
Niche provides school ratings based on various metrics, including academics, teachers, and student life. For instance, Riverhills Elementary Magnet School has received a rating of 3.25 out of 5 stars. Other schools in the vicinity may have different performance indicators, with some public elementary schools in Florida ranking within the top percentages statewide (as reported by Niche).
The quality of education can differ significantly between schools. It is advisable for prospective residents to research specific school performance data and reviews to find the best fit for their children’s educational needs.
Demographics and Population
Balm, Florida, has a population of approximately 7,181 residents as of recent data. The community is growing, with a projected population of 9,037 by 2026, indicating a significant annual growth rate. The median age in Balm is around 32.6 years.
The racial and ethnic makeup of Balm is diverse. White residents constitute about 37.3% of the population, followed by Black or African American residents at 28.6%, and Hispanic residents at 23.3%. Other racial groups, including Asian and those of two or more races, make up the remainder of the population (as reported by Census Dots and Data USA).
Population Trends
Balm is experiencing population growth, with an estimated increase of 57.32% since the 2020 census. The projected population for 2026 indicates a continued upward trend. The gender distribution shows approximately 54.6% males and 45.4% females (as reported by Census Dots and Point2Homes).
The foreign-born population in Balm is about 24.4%, which is similar to the national average. This rate has been increasing over recent years. Citizenship rates are around 82.6%, which is lower than the national average (as reported by Data USA).
Household and Income Data
The median household income in Balm is approximately $114,659 annually, showing a notable year-over-year increase. This income level is slightly higher than that of some neighboring communities. A small percentage of Balm families, about 1.2%, live below the poverty line (as reported by Census Dots and Point2Homes).
The homeownership rate in Balm is high, at 77.8%, with most residents owning their homes. The average commute time is 36.6 minutes, and the average car ownership is two cars per household (as reported by Data USA).