Is Gifford Safe, Pros and cons of living in Gifford

Gifford, Florida, presents a unique blend of community characteristics, offering a distinct living experience within the Sunshine State. This CDP, located in Indian River County, has a population that has seen a notable decrease in recent years, now standing at an estimated 3,520 residents as of 2026 (according to World Population Review). The demographic makeup is predominantly Black or African American, constituting approximately 73.48% of the population, followed by White at 14.59%, and Hispanic at 3.21% (as reported by World Population Review). This composition makes Gifford considerably less diverse than Florida as a whole (as stated by World Population Review).

The cost of living in Gifford is notably lower than the national average, with median home values around $264,490 (as reported by Livability.com). However, it’s important to note that the median household income is significantly lower as well, at $33,175 (as reported by World Population Review). This disparity contributes to a poverty rate of 42.02% (according to World Population Review), which is considerably higher than the state and national averages.

Is it Safe to Live in Gifford?

Gifford’s crime rates present a mixed picture, with some sources indicating a lower-than-average crime rate and others suggesting areas of concern. Overall crime rates in Gifford are reported to be 29% lower than the national average (as per Area Vibes). Violent crimes are also reported to be 34% lower than the national average (as stated by Area Vibes). With these statistics, residents have a 1 in 67 chance of becoming a victim of crime in Gifford, and the area is considered safer than 41% of cities in the United States (as reported by Area Vibes).

However, a deeper look reveals variations within the community. The crime rate is 16.73 per 1,000 residents annually (as reported by CrimeGrade.org). Your likelihood of being a victim of crime can differ significantly by neighborhood, ranging from 1 in 17 in the southern parts of the city to a much safer 1 in 153 in the northeast (as per CrimeGrade.org). While the overall crime rate is lower than the national average, specific areas within Gifford may experience higher incident rates.

Housing Costs and Market Trends

The housing market in Gifford, Florida, is characterized by relatively affordable prices compared to many other areas in the state. The median listing price for a home in Gifford is approximately $261.7K (as reported by Realtor.com). This median price is 46% lower than the national average (as stated by Redfin). Homes for sale in Gifford have seen a decrease in their median days on market by 14.29% year-over-year, indicating a potentially quicker sales process (as per Realtor.com).

Rental prices in Gifford also reflect a more accessible market. The median rent is $1.6K (as reported by Realtor.com). Rent momentum has seen a significant year-over-year decrease of 22.50%, which could ease rental pressures for residents (as stated by Realtor.com). The market is described as balanced, with steady conditions influencing pricing and inventory for both buyers and renters.

Job Market and Economic Landscape

Gifford’s economic landscape is marked by a notable unemployment rate and a median household income that is below the state average. The unemployment rate in Gifford is reported at 6.30% (as per MetroStatUSA), which is slightly above the state average, suggesting moderate employment conditions. The median household income in Gifford is $33,175 (as reported by World Population Review), which is considerably lower than many other areas and contributes to a high poverty rate of 42.02% (according to World Population Review).

While specific major employers in Gifford are not detailed in the provided search results, the general economic indicators suggest a community that may face challenges in job growth and income levels. However, the cost of living, particularly housing, is also lower, which can partially offset the lower income figures for some residents. The overall cost of living in Gifford is 0% lower than the national average (as reported by Redfin).

Climate and Weather Patterns

Gifford, Florida, experiences a climate typical of its southeastern U.S. location, characterized by warm temperatures and significant rainfall. The average high temperature in Gifford hovers around 81°F, with an average low of 64°F (as reported by Livability.com). The average annual rainfall is approximately 57 inches (as stated by Livability.com), with no significant snowfall recorded.

The weather in Gifford is generally pleasant, with average temperatures ranging from 16°C to 18°C during the summer months of June, July, August, and September (as per Weather Spark). Rainfall during these months varies, with September seeing about 73 mm and August receiving up to 87 mm (as reported by Weather Spark). This consistent precipitation contributes to a generally stable, albeit humid, climate throughout the year.

Educational Opportunities

Information regarding public school ratings in Gifford is not readily available in the provided search results. The search results do mention “The Gifford School” located in Weston, MA, which is a private, special education facility for students in grades 4-12 (as reported by Niche). This school has received mixed reviews, with some parents and students reporting positive experiences and others detailing significant trauma and concerns about the educational and clinical approach (as per Niche and Trulia).

Due to the lack of specific data on public schools within Gifford, FL, it is difficult to provide a comprehensive overview of the educational landscape for families with children in the public school system. Parents considering a move to Gifford may need to conduct further research into the specific school districts that serve the area.

Demographics and Community Profile

Gifford’s demographic profile is strongly defined by its racial and ethnic composition. The largest racial/ethnic groups are Black or African American, making up approximately 73.3% of the population, followed by White at 13.5% and Hispanic at 12.1% (as reported by Census Dots). This demographic leans heavily towards a Black population, which is significantly higher than the state average (as stated by Census Dots).

The median age in Gifford is 31.7 years, with a slightly higher median age for females (33.2 years) compared to males (30.4 years) (as reported by World Population Review). The population has seen a decline, with a projected decrease in the coming years (as per World Population Review). The gender distribution shows more females than males, with approximately 80.2 males for every 100 females (as stated by World Population Review).