Is Daytona Beach Shores Safe, Pros and cons of living in Daytona Beach Shores
Daytona Beach Shores, a charming coastal city in Florida, offers a unique blend of serene beachside living and convenient access to urban amenities. This community, nestled along the Atlantic coast, is known for its picturesque shoreline and relaxed atmosphere, making it an attractive destination for those seeking a tranquil lifestyle. With a population of just over 5,000 residents, Daytona Beach Shores maintains a close-knit feel, where neighbors often become friends and a strong sense of community prevails. The city’s strategic location provides residents with the best of both worlds: the peaceful ambiance of a beach town and proximity to the larger cultural and economic hubs of the surrounding region.
The city’s appeal extends beyond its natural beauty, encompassing a lifestyle that prioritizes leisure and outdoor enjoyment. From its well-maintained beaches to its array of recreational activities, Daytona Beach Shores invites its residents to embrace an active and fulfilling life. The community’s commitment to preserving its coastal charm while offering modern conveniences creates a balanced environment for all who call it home.
Is it Safe to Live in Daytona Beach Shores?
Daytona Beach Shores presents a generally safe environment for its residents, with crime rates that are often cited as being lower than national averages in various reports. The city’s violent crime rate is reported as significantly lower than the national average (as reported by OpenCrime). Furthermore, crime trajectory in Daytona Beach Shores is noted as improving, based on available data (as reported by OpenCrime).
While the overall crime rate may be slightly higher than the Florida state average, specific categories like violent crime show favorable comparisons. Violent crimes in Daytona Beach Shores are reported to be substantially lower than the national average (as reported by AreaVibes). The city’s safety grade is often described as good, indicating a lower rate of crime compared to many other U.S. cities (as reported by OpenCrime).
Violent Crime Statistics
Violent crime in Daytona Beach Shores has seen a notable decrease. Violent crime dropped by 62.5% from the previous year (as reported by OpenCrime). The violent-to-property crime ratio is also reported to be below the national average, suggesting a favorable balance (as reported by OpenCrime).
In terms of specific violent offenses, data from 2022 indicates zero murders and zero rapes reported within the city (as reported by OpenCrime). Robbery and aggravated assault numbers were also relatively low during that period, further contributing to the perception of safety in the community (as reported by OpenCrime).
Property Crime Overview
Property crime rates in Daytona Beach Shores are a point of consideration, with some reports indicating they are higher than state or national averages. Property crime rates in Daytona Beach Shores tend to be higher than Florida’s average level (as reported by IDcide). Over a five-year period, the city recorded a significant number of property crimes, averaging 2437.6 per 100k residents, which is substantially above the national average (as reported by Crime Explorer).
The most common property offenses include larceny-theft, burglary, and motor vehicle theft. While these figures indicate a need for awareness, the overall crime trajectory is improving, suggesting ongoing efforts to enhance public safety (as reported by OpenCrime). Residents are encouraged to take standard precautions to protect their property.
Demographics and Lifestyle
Daytona Beach Shores is a community characterized by a mature demographic, with a median age significantly higher than the national average. The median age in Daytona Beach Shores is 66.8 years (as reported by Data USA). This older demographic composition suggests a community that may appeal to retirees and those seeking a quieter pace of life.
The population of Daytona Beach Shores is predominantly White, with a smaller percentage of Hispanic and other racial or ethnic groups. White (Non-Hispanic) residents constitute the largest portion of the population (as reported by Data USA). The city is home to approximately 5,188 residents (as reported by Data USA).
Population and Diversity
The population of Daytona Beach Shores is relatively small, fostering a close-knit community atmosphere. As of 2024, the population is approximately 5.19k people (as reported by Data USA). A significant portion of the residents are U.S. citizens, with a rate that is higher than the national average (as reported by Data USA).
The foreign-born population in Daytona Beach Shores is around 18.7%, which is comparable to the national average (as reported by Data USA). This diversity contributes to the unique cultural fabric of the city, adding to its appeal as a residential destination.
Age and Household Composition
The age distribution in Daytona Beach Shores heavily favors older adults, with a substantial percentage of the population being 65 or older. Approximately 55.5% of residents are 65 or older (as reported by Point2Homes). This demographic trend is indicative of a popular retirement destination.
Households in Daytona Beach Shores average two members, with a near even split between families and individuals or non-relatives living together. The city has approximately 3,159 households (as reported by Point2Homes). This household composition contributes to the community’s intimate character.
Cost of Living and Housing Market
The cost of living in Daytona Beach Shores is generally considered to be slightly lower than the national average, with notable variations across different expense categories. Overall, Daytona Beach Shores’s cost of living is 1% lower than the national average (as reported by Payscale). Housing expenses are a significant factor, being 7% lower than the national average (as reported by Payscale).
However, transportation expenses tend to be higher than the national average. Transportation costs such as bus fares and gas prices are 6% higher than the national average (as reported by Payscale). Grocery prices are also slightly above the national average, by about 4% (as reported by Payscale).
Housing Costs and Home Values
The housing market in Daytona Beach Shores presents a mix of affordability and value, with median home prices that are competitive within the Florida market. The median home value in Daytona Beach Shores was approximately $365,600 (as reported by Kurby AI). This median home value is considered a remarkable value proposition compared to the national average (as reported by Kurby AI).
The homeownership rate in Daytona Beach Shores is quite high, standing at 74.9%, which is above the national average of 65.2% (as reported by Data USA). These figures suggest that homeownership is a popular choice among residents, contributing to a stable and engaged community.
Rental Market Insights
For those considering renting, Daytona Beach Shores offers a range of options with average rental prices that are significantly lower than the national average. The average rent in Daytona Beach Shores is reported to be $1,550 per month, which is 21% lower than the national average (as reported by Zumper). This makes renting in the city a more affordable option compared to many other U.S. locations.
Rental prices can vary based on the size of the unit, with one-bedroom apartments averaging around $1,250 per month and two-bedroom apartments averaging about $1,600 per month (as reported by Zumper). These figures provide a clear picture of the rental landscape for prospective tenants.
Job Market and Economy
The economy of Daytona Beach Shores is supported by a variety of industries, with professional, scientific, and technical services; healthcare and social assistance; and wholesale trade being prominent sectors. Employment in Daytona Beach Shores has seen a slight decline in recent years. From 2023 to 2024, employment declined at a rate of -4.78%, with the number of employed residents decreasing from approximately 1.67k to 1.59k (as reported by Data USA).
The job market is characterized by occupations in management, sales, and office and administrative support. Management occupations employ the largest number of residents, followed by sales and office/administrative support roles (as reported by Data USA). This indicates a workforce engaged in service-oriented and professional capacities.
Major Employers and Industries
While specific major employers within Daytona Beach Shores itself are not detailed in the provided data, the broader Daytona Beach area features significant companies across various sectors. Key industries in the Daytona Beach area include healthcare, with major providers like Halifax Health and Advent Health, and the automotive and marine sectors, represented by companies like Boston Whaler (as reported by 386RealEstate.com).
The presence of NASCAR and the Daytona International Speedway also contributes significantly to the local economy, offering employment opportunities in sports and entertainment (as reported by 386RealEstate.com). Additionally, large online retailers like Amazon have established a presence in the wider Volusia County area, further diversifying job prospects (as reported by 386RealEstate.com).
Salary and Unemployment
The average salary in Daytona Beach Shores is reported to be around $45,086 per year, or $21.68 per hour (as reported by ZipRecruiter). This figure is based on data from employer job postings and third-party sources. The median wage is noted to be around $40.6K annually, with the 75th percentile reaching $59.8K (as reported by ZipRecruiter).
Unemployment rate data is not specifically detailed for Daytona Beach Shores but is available for the broader Daytona Beach area. The unemployment rate in Daytona Beach, FL, is currently around 6.60% (as reported by YCharts). This rate is lower than the long-term average for the area, suggesting a relatively stable employment market.
Climate and Weather
Daytona Beach Shores enjoys a subtropical climate, characterized by mild winters and hot, humid summers. Temperatures throughout the year typically range from a low of 49°F in January to a high of 90°F in August (as reported by myPerfectWeather). The city experiences comfortable weather for a significant portion of the year, with approximately 211 days annually falling within ideal temperature and humidity ranges (as reported by myPerfectWeather).
The best times to visit or enjoy the outdoors are generally from January to May and again from November to December, offering pleasant conditions for various activities (as reported by myPerfectWeather). The area is known for its sunshine, with many days of clear skies throughout the year.
Temperature and Seasons
Summers in Daytona Beach Shores are hot and humid, with August being the warmest month, averaging a high of 90°F and a low of 75°F (as reported by myPerfectWeather). This period can feel oppressively hot due to the high humidity levels, with perceived temperatures sometimes exceeding 100°F (as reported by Daytona Beach Climate).
Winters are mild and pleasant, with January being the coldest month, featuring average highs around 69°F and lows near 49°F (as reported by myPerfectWeather). Cold snaps are uncommon but can occur, bringing temperatures down to freezing or below (as reported by Daytona Beach Climate).
Rainfall and Precipitation
Daytona Beach Shores receives an average annual precipitation of about 52 inches (as reported by myPerfectWeather). The wettest month is typically September, with an average of 125.4mm of rain (as reported by Daytona Beach Shores Average Weather).
Rainfall is distributed throughout the year, but a more significant chance of wet days occurs from May to October. August sees the most wet days, with an average of 18.8 days experiencing at least 0.04 inches of precipitation (as reported by Daytona Beach Shores Climate).
Education and Schools
Daytona Beach Shores is served by the Volusia County Schools district, which encompasses a range of educational institutions. The district generally receives moderate ratings, with individual schools varying in their performance and offerings. Niche.com provides ratings for schools in the area, with Mainland High School and Atlantic High School both receiving ratings around 3.8 out of 5 (as reported by Niche).
Other educational facilities, such as Ivy Hawn Charter School of the Arts, also serve the community. School data is often provided by GreatSchools.org, offering further insights into school performance and parent reviews (as reported by Movoto).
Public School Performance
The Volusia County School District, which serves Daytona Beach Shores, has an overall Niche Grade of B, with 81 total schools and over 62,000 students (as reported by Niche). While the district is rated moderately, specific schools within or near Daytona Beach Shores show varied performance metrics.
Spruce Creek High School, for instance, has a rating of 3.87 out of 5 based on numerous reviews (as reported by Niche). These ratings are based on rigorous analysis of state test scores, college readiness, graduation rates, and teacher quality (as reported by Niche).
Educational Attainment
Educational attainment levels for residents of Daytona Beach Shores indicate a population with a solid foundation in education. A high percentage of residents have completed high school, and a notable portion holds college degrees. Specifically, 94% of residents have a high school diploma, and 35% have a college degree (as reported by Movoto).
This level of educational attainment suggests a skilled and knowledgeable populace. The data on school enrollment and educational achievement provides a comprehensive view of the community’s commitment to learning and development.
Pros and Cons of Living in Daytona Beach Shores
Daytona Beach Shores offers a compelling lifestyle for those drawn to coastal living, with numerous advantages that contribute to its appeal. The city’s beautiful beaches and relaxed atmosphere are primary draws, providing residents with ample opportunities for outdoor recreation and a tranquil environment. The cost of living, particularly housing expenses, is more affordable compared to national averages, making it an attractive option for many.
The community’s predominantly older demographic fosters a quieter, more serene pace of life, which can be ideal for retirees or individuals seeking a peaceful retreat. Furthermore, the crime rate, especially for violent offenses, is generally lower than the national average, contributing to a sense of security.
Advantages of Residency
One of the most significant advantages of living in Daytona Beach Shores is its idyllic coastal setting. Residents have direct access to beautiful beaches, perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and various water sports (as reported by Kurby AI). The city’s small, close-knit community feel allows for strong neighborly connections and a genuine sense of belonging (as reported by Kurby AI).
The affordability of housing is another major plus. With a median home value of around $365,600, it presents a remarkable value proposition compared to the national average (as reported by Kurby AI). Additionally, the cost of living is generally lower than the national average, with lower utility prices also contributing to affordability (as reported by Payscale).
Potential Challenges
Despite its many benefits, potential residents should be aware of certain challenges. The job market within Daytona Beach Shores itself may be limited, with a slight decline in employment noted in recent years (as reported by Data USA). This might necessitate commuting to surrounding areas for certain career opportunities.
The climate, while offering warmth for much of the year, includes hot and humid summers that can be uncomfortable for some. Additionally, while violent crime rates are favorable, property crime rates can be higher than the national average, requiring residents to remain vigilant (as reported by AreaVibes).