Is DeBary Safe, Pros and cons of living in DeBary
DeBary, Florida, situated along the St. Johns River, offers a blend of suburban tranquility and natural beauty. This Volusia County city provides a unique living experience, drawing residents with its community-focused atmosphere and access to outdoor recreation. As a growing area, DeBary presents a compelling option for those seeking a balance between a peaceful hometown feel and proximity to larger metropolitan amenities.
The city, incorporated in 1993, has a history rooted in its early days as a settlement along the river. Today, it continues to evolve, attracting new residents while preserving its distinct character. DeBary’s strategic location within the Deltona–Daytona Beach–Ormond Beach metropolitan area positions it as an accessible and convenient place to call home.
Is it Safe to Live in DeBary?
DeBary is generally considered a very safe city, with a crime safety grade of A+ as of 2026 (DoorProfit). The overall crime rate is reported to be 53% below the national average, and DeBary has lower crime rates than 99% of major U.S. cities (DoorProfit). This safety is reflected in its neighborhoods, with most earning high safety grades (DoorProfit).
While DeBary’s overall crime rate is low, it’s important to note the specifics of violent and property crimes. Violent crime in DeBary occurs at a rate lower than the national average, with residents having approximately a 1 in 519 chance of being a victim annually (DoorProfit). Property crime rates are also below the national average, with a chance of being a victim of about 1 in 77 per year (DoorProfit).
Housing Costs in DeBary
The housing market in DeBary presents a range of options for potential homeowners and renters. As of March 2026, the median sale price of a home in DeBary was $365,000, reflecting a 4.0% decrease compared to the previous year (Redfin). Homes in DeBary tend to sell relatively quickly, with a median of 23 days on the market (Redfin).
For renters, the market also offers various possibilities. The average rent in DeBary was $2,199 as of May 1, 2026 (Zillow). This figure shows a slight decrease of $1 over the past month and a decrease of $108 over the past year (Zillow). Rental prices can vary, with a range from $800 to $4,000 for properties (Zillow).
Median Home Prices
The median home price in DeBary was $365,000 in March 2026 (Redfin). This represents a decrease of 4.0% year-over-year (Redfin). The median price per square foot in DeBary is $201, which is down 10.6% from the previous year (Redfin).
Rental Market Trends
The average rent in DeBary, FL, was $2,199 as of May 1, 2026 (Zillow). This figure has seen a decrease of $108 year-over-year (Zillow). The rental market has seen a month-over-month change of -0.8% (Zillow).
Cost of Living in DeBary
DeBary’s cost of living is generally considered to be slightly higher than the national average. In 2026, the estimated monthly expenses are around $2,310 for a single person and $5,006 for a family of four (Salary.com). This is attributed to various factors, including housing and transportation costs.
While some expenses are higher, others are below the national average. For example, food expenses are approximately 14.6% below the national average (Salary.com). Energy, transportation, and healthcare costs are also noted to be lower than the national average (Salary.com).
Housing Expenses
Housing costs in DeBary are a significant factor in its overall cost of living. For a single person, monthly housing expenses are around $1,199, and for a family of four, they are approximately $2,199 (Salary.com). These figures are noted to be 0.1% lower than the national average for housing expenses (Salary.com).
Other Expenses
Beyond housing, other expenses contribute to the cost of living in DeBary. Food expenses are 14.6% below the national average (Salary.com). Energy, transportation, and healthcare costs are also lower than the national average, with transportation expenses being 12.1% lower (Salary.com).
Job Market and Employment in DeBary
DeBary’s job market is supported by a diverse range of industries and a growing workforce. The city has seen a slight decline in employment, with approximately 11,400 employees in 2024 (Data USA). However, key sectors such as Health Care & Social Assistance, Retail Trade, and Professional, Scientific, & Technical Services are significant employers (Data USA).
The average annual salary in DeBary was reported as $40,743 as of April 26, 2026 (ZipRecruiter). This translates to an hourly rate of approximately $19.59 (ZipRecruiter). Salaries can vary widely based on occupation, with some top-paying jobs including Entry Level Cyber Security, Project Manager, and Eeg Technologist (ZipRecruiter).
Major Employers
While specific major employers are not detailed, the dominant industries in DeBary provide insight into the local job market. Health Care & Social Assistance is a primary sector, followed by Retail Trade and Professional, Scientific, & Technical Services (Data USA). These sectors likely house many of the city’s employment opportunities.
Unemployment Rate
As of 2024, the employment rate in DeBary, FL, is 95.6%, with a workforce of 11,373 residents (Point2Homes). This indicates a low unemployment rate, suggesting a stable job market for those seeking employment within the city.
Climate in DeBary
DeBary experiences a subtropical climate, characterized by hot, humid summers and mild winters. The average high temperature throughout the year can reach up to 93°F, while the average low is around 62°F (Time and Date). The city receives a significant amount of rainfall annually, with averages around 54 inches (Livability.com).
The weather patterns in DeBary are typical for Central Florida, with distinct wet and dry seasons. Summer months often bring afternoon thunderstorms, while winter remains relatively dry and pleasant. Snowfall is virtually non-existent in this region.
Average Temperatures
The average high temperature in DeBary hovers around 90°F during the summer months, with lows in the low 70s (National Weather Service). Winter temperatures are mild, with average highs in the low 70s and lows in the low 50s (Time and Date).
Rainfall
DeBary receives an average of 54 inches of rain annually (Livability.com). The wettest months are typically June, July, and August, often featuring daily afternoon thunderstorms (Time and Date). The driest months are usually November through April (Time and Date).
Education in DeBary
DeBary is served by a system of public schools that are generally rated above average. Debary Elementary School, for instance, holds a B+ overall Niche grade, with above-average ratings in academics, diversity, and teachers (Niche). This reflects a commitment to providing quality education to the community’s children.
For families considering a move to DeBary, the educational landscape offers several well-regarded options. These schools aim to provide a strong foundation for students, contributing to the overall appeal of the community for families.
School Ratings
Public schools in DeBary are considered above average (Niche). Debary Elementary School, for example, receives a B+ overall Niche grade and is noted for its above-average performance in academics, diversity, and teaching staff (Niche). Other schools in the area, such as Seminole Science Charter School and Galileo School for Gifted Learning Skyway, also receive high ratings (Niche).
Demographics of DeBary
DeBary is a city with a growing population and a diverse demographic makeup. As of 2024, the population was estimated at 22,869, with projections indicating growth to over 23,800 by 2026 (Cubit). The median age in DeBary is 45.6 years, suggesting a significant portion of the population is middle-aged or older (Cubit).
The racial composition of DeBary is predominantly White, followed by Hispanic and Black or African American residents (Cubit). The median household income is $88,569, with a poverty rate of 3.2% (Cubit).
Population and Age Distribution
DeBary’s population was 22,869 in 2024, with a projected growth to 23,829 by 2026 (Cubit). The median age is 45.6 years (Cubit). The age distribution shows that about 14.5% of residents are under 15, with a substantial portion in the 45-64 age bracket (Point2Homes).
Race and Ethnicity
The largest racial and ethnic groups in DeBary are White (74.6%), followed by Hispanic (14.1%), and Black (5.0%) (Cubit). Approximately 85.4% of the population are U.S.-born citizens (Point2Homes).
Income and Poverty
The median household income in DeBary was $88,569 in 2024 (Cubit). A small percentage, 3.2%, of families in DeBary live below the poverty line (Cubit).