Is Fajardo Safe, Pros and cons of living in Fajardo
Is it Safe to Live in Fajardo?
Fajardo has a crime rate of 100.5 per 1,000 residents annually (according to CrimeGrade.org). This is considered much higher than the average U.S. city, with Fajardo ranking in the 1st percentile for safety, meaning it is safer than only 1% of cities (according to CrimeGrade.org). Residents generally consider the northeast part of the city to be the safest (according to CrimeGrade.org). Your chance of being a victim of crime in Fajardo varies by neighborhood, ranging from 1 in 10 in the southwest to 1 in 11 in the northeast (according to CrimeGrade.org). The total projected cost of crime in Fajardo for 2025 is estimated to be over $1.1 million, or approximately $1,368 per resident (according to CrimeGrade.org).
The property crime rate in Fajardo Municipio is 36.50 per 1,000 residents annually (according to CrimeGrade.org). Residents typically consider the central part of the county to be the safest (according to CrimeGrade.org). Your likelihood of being a victim of property crime in Fajardo Municipio ranges from 1 in 19 in the northeast areas to 1 in 33 in the central parts (according to CrimeGrade.org). Southwest Fajardo Municipio sees the most property crime incidents, approximately 305 per year, while the south part of the county has the fewest, with around 33 crimes annually (according to CrimeGrade.org). The cost of crime per resident in Fajardo Municipio is $222 per year (according to CrimeGrade.org).
Fajardo is generally regarded as one of the safer places in Puerto Rico, making it a viable option for solo female travelers (according to Puerto Rico.com). The crime rate is relatively low, particularly in tourist areas which benefit from increased police presence (according to Puerto Rico.com). Locals are known for being welcoming and helpful (according to Puerto Rico.com). However, it is essential to exercise common sense and vigilance, as in any travel destination (according to Puerto Rico.com). It is advisable to avoid areas outside of typical tourist zones, especially after dark, and to always secure personal belongings (according to Puerto Rico.com).
Cost of Living and Housing in Fajardo
The overall cost of living in Fajardo is approximately 7% less expensive than the national average (according to ERI Economic Research Institute). It is also about 8% less expensive than the average city within Puerto Rico (according to ERI Economic Research Institute). For comfortable or luxury living, monthly expenses for a single person are estimated between $5,090 and $3,440 (excluding rent), while for a couple, it ranges from $7,301 to $5,651 (excluding rent) (according to Cost of Living in Fajardo, Puerto Rico). For a family of four, these estimated monthly expenses range from $10,176 to $8,031 (excluding rent) (according to Cost of Living in Fajardo, Puerto Rico).
The median home price in Fajardo is around $277,500 (according to Realtor.com®). Other sources indicate a median home value of $121,400 (according to Niche) and a median listing price of $275,000 (according to realtor.com®). Fajardo is considered a buyer’s market as of March 2026, suggesting that the supply of homes exceeds demand (according to realtor.com®). The median rental price in Fajardo is approximately $1,800 per month (according to realtor.com®), with RentCafe reporting an average rent of $589 for a two-bedroom apartment (according to RentCafe). Housing costs in Fajardo are generally more expensive than the Puerto Rico average but less expensive than the U.S. national median (according to BestNeighborhood.org).
Economy and Employment in Fajardo
Fajardo’s economy supports approximately 8,500 jobs (according to Data USA). The largest employing industries in Fajardo include Retail Trade, Accommodation & Food Services, and Health Care & Social Assistance (according to Data USA). The highest-paying industries are Finance & Insurance, Utilities, and Information (according to Data USA). The average salary for jobs in Fajardo is around $51,202 per year, with an hourly rate of approximately $25 (according to ERI SalaryExpert).
The unemployment rate for the San Juan-Caguas-Fajardo region was 4.70% as of the latest reports, which is lower than the long-term average of 10.80% (according to YCharts). However, historical data from CensusDepth shows a significant decrease in the Fajardo Municipio unemployment rate from 28.4% in 2017 to 18.3% in 2023 (according to Census Depth). In 2024, the median household income in Fajardo was $25,380, with a poverty rate of 42.44% (according to World Population Review). A notable percentage of individuals working full-time year-round still live below the poverty level (according to Puerto Rico Family Data Center).
Climate and Weather in Fajardo
Fajardo experiences a hot, oppressive, and windy climate with partly cloudy conditions throughout the year (according to U.S. Climate Data). The average temperature typically ranges from 73°F to 88°F and rarely falls below 69°F or exceeds 90°F (according to U.S. Climate Data). The average yearly temperature is around 31°C (according to weather25.com). Daytime high temperatures are around 88°F from June to August, while cooler temperatures in the low 80s occur from December to May (according to a Guide to Fajardo PR Weather). Nighttime temperatures generally range from the low to high 70s (according to a Guide to Fajardo PR Weather).
Fajardo receives an average of 1,388 mm of rainfall annually (according to weather25.com), with September being the wettest month, experiencing approximately 177 mm of precipitation over 18 days (according to weather25.com). February is the driest month, with about 60 mm of rainfall spread across 15 days (according to weather25.com). The hurricane season in Fajardo runs from June to November (according to weather25.com). The best time to visit Fajardo for sunny weather is generally from late December to late March, offering pleasant temperatures and less rain (according to U.S. Climate Data).
Education and Demographics in Fajardo
The median age in Fajardo is 43.6 years, with a slightly higher proportion of females to males (according to World Population Review). Approximately 14.2% of the population are children under 15, and 11.5% are between 15 and 24 years old (according to Point2Homes). Adults aged 25 to 44 constitute 24.4% of the population, while those aged 45 to 64 make up 26.2% (according to Point2Homes). About 23.7% of residents are 65 or older (according to Point2Homes).
In terms of education, around 40.4% of Fajardo’s population has completed high school, while 15.5% have pursued college studies (according to Point2Homes). An additional 9.8% hold associate degrees, and 21.4% have earned bachelor’s degrees (according to Point2Homes). Furthermore, 5.5% have advanced to master’s or doctorate degrees (according to Point2Homes). The majority of Fajardo’s residents identify as Hispanic, with the “Two Races Including Other (Hispanic)” category being the most prevalent (according to Data USA).
Major Employers and Job Market in Fajardo
Major employers in Fajardo include those in the Retail Trade, Accommodation & Food Services, and Health Care & Social Assistance sectors (according to Data USA). Specific major employers listed include Wal-Mart, Scotiabank de Puerto Rico, Sherwin Williams, and the Universidad Interamericana de Fajardo (according to Manta). Allied Universal also has a presence, hiring for various security roles in the region (according to Allied Universal). The job market also includes opportunities in manufacturing, with roles such as Production Operators and Quality Control Technicians (according to Indeed).
The job market also encompasses positions in the service industry, including roles like Customer Service Representatives at Carabali Rainforest Adventure Park and Snorkeling Tour Mates (according to Indeed). Healthcare is another significant sector, with openings for Registered Nurses and Certified Nurse Practitioners (according to Indeed). The average yearly pay for salary jobs in Fajardo is around $231,753, though most workers in such roles earn between $192,100 and $288,100 annually, depending on experience and other factors (according to ZipRecruiter).
Recreation and Lifestyle in Fajardo
Fajardo offers a variety of recreational activities, particularly centered around its natural beauty and coastline. The city is known for its beautiful beaches and proximity to natural reserves, making it an attractive destination for outdoor enthusiasts (according to Puerto Rico.com). Popular activities include snorkeling tours, which provide opportunities to explore the marine life in the surrounding waters (according to Indeed). The area also features the Carabali Rainforest Adventure Park, offering a range of activities within a lush tropical environment (according to Indeed).
The lifestyle in Fajardo can be described as having a dense suburban feel, with most residents owning their homes (according to Niche). Many young professionals and retirees choose to live in Fajardo, contributing to a diverse community vibe (according to Niche). The city provides access to essential services, including various stores like Walmart and healthcare facilities (according to Puerto Rico.com). For those interested in higher education, the Universidad Interamericana de Fajardo is a key institution in the area (according to Manta).
Pros and Cons of Living in Fajardo
Fajardo presents a mixed bag of advantages and disadvantages for potential residents. On the positive side, the cost of living is lower than the national average (according to ERI Economic Research Institute), and housing prices are more affordable compared to many U.S. cities (according to Realtor.com®). The natural beauty, including beaches and rainforests, offers ample recreational opportunities (according to Puerto Rico.com). The community is generally welcoming, and the climate is tropical and pleasant year-round (according to U.S. Climate Data).
However, Fajardo faces challenges with its crime rates, which are significantly higher than the national average (according to CrimeGrade.org). The median household income is relatively low, and the poverty rate is high (according to World Population Review). While the unemployment rate has seen improvement, it remains a factor to consider (according to YCharts). Additionally, while generally safe in tourist areas, crime can be a concern in certain neighborhoods (according to CrimeGrade.org). The climate is also notably wet, with high rainfall, especially during certain months (according to weather25.com).