Is Guayama Safe, Pros and cons of living in Guayama

Guayama, a coastal municipality in Puerto Rico, offers a unique blend of tropical climate and a distinct cultural heritage. Situated on the southern coast, it provides residents with access to beautiful beaches and a relaxed pace of life. The city is known for its historical significance and its role in the island’s agricultural past, with sugar cane plantations once being a major part of its economy.

The community is characterized by its warm, year-round temperatures and a tropical rainforest climate. Guayama’s identity is deeply rooted in its history, dating back to its founding in the 18th century. Today, it continues to be a vibrant part of Puerto Rico, balancing its historical charm with modern amenities.

Is it Safe to Live in Guayama?

Guayama presents a mixed safety profile, with crime rates that are notably higher than the national average. The crime rate is reported at 58.48 per 1,000 residents annually (according to CrimeGrade.org). Residents generally perceive the southeastern parts of the city as the safest areas. Your likelihood of being a victim of crime can vary significantly by neighborhood.

In specific areas, the chance of being a victim ranges from 1 in 14 in central neighborhoods to 1 in 22 in the southeast (as reported by CrimeGrade.org). The cost of crime per resident is estimated at $893 annually, which is higher than both the national and Puerto Rico state averages (according to CrimeGrade.org). These figures suggest that while safety concerns exist, a deeper understanding of neighborhood-specific data is crucial for residents.

Housing Costs and Availability

The housing market in Guayama offers a more affordable option compared to many mainland U.S. cities. The median home price in Guayama Municipio is $267,390, with prices showing a significant annual growth of 36.5% (according to Map AI). This indicates a dynamic market with increasing property values.

Rental costs are also relatively low, with the median rent in Guayama Municipio at $441 (as reported by Map AI). For apartments, the average rent in Guayama, PR is around $1,300, with prices ranging from $1,200 to $1,405 depending on the number of bedrooms and specific location (according to Trulia). These figures suggest that Guayama provides a more accessible entry point for homeownership and rental compared to national averages.

Job Market and Employment

Guayama’s economy is supported by a diverse range of industries, with significant employment in healthcare and social assistance, retail trade, and manufacturing sectors. The most common job groups for residents include sales and related occupations, office and administrative support, and production occupations (according to Data USA). The employment rate has seen growth, with a 7.68% increase from the previous year, indicating a positive trend in job creation.

The average salary in Guayama, Puerto Rico, is approximately $54,106 per year, or $26 per hour (as reported by ERI SalaryExpert). However, the unemployment rate in Guayama Municipio was 8% in 2026 (according to Data USA), and historically, the metro area unemployment rate was 8.2% in 2023 (according to Census Depth). Major employers in the area include pharmaceutical and manufacturing companies like Pfizer, Baxter, and Eli Lilly, as well as a coal power plant operated by AES (according to Wikipedia).

Cost of Living

Guayama is recognized for its affordability, being approximately 14% less expensive than the national average and also 14% less expensive than the average city in Puerto Rico (as reported by ERI Economic Research Institute). This cost-effectiveness extends to various aspects of daily life, making it an attractive option for those looking to manage their expenses.

The estimated monthly cost of living for a single person in Guayama is around $2,613 including rent, or $1,763 excluding rent (according to Cost of Living in Guayama, Puerto Rico). For a family of four, the monthly expenses are estimated at $5,369 including rent, or $4,264 excluding rent (as reported by Cost of Living in Guayama, Puerto Rico). These figures highlight a lower cost of living compared to many U.S. mainland cities.

Climate and Weather

Guayama enjoys a tropical climate with warm temperatures year-round. The average temperature typically ranges from 70°F to 89°F, rarely dropping below 67°F or exceeding 91°F (according to AccuWeather). The hottest months are generally August, with average temperatures around 83.4°F, while December is the coolest, averaging about 78.4°F (as reported by Welcome to Guayama, Puerto Rico).

Rainfall is consistent throughout the year, though it varies by month. November typically sees the most rain with an average of 3.7 inches, while February receives the least, averaging about 1.0 inch (according to AccuWeather). Humidity levels are generally high, often around 80% in months like May (as reported by WorldWeatherOnline).

Education and School Ratings

Guayama is served by a number of public schools, with 11 public schools catering to approximately 3,405 students in the 2026 school year (according to Niche). The top-ranked public schools in Guayama include Genaro Cautino, Simon Madera, and Dra. Maria Socorro Lacot (as reported by Niche). These schools show average math proficiency scores of 32% and reading proficiency scores of 37%, which are slightly above the Puerto Rico public school averages (according to Niche).

The overall testing rank for Guayama’s public schools places them in the top 30% of schools in Puerto Rico, with an average ranking of 8 out of 10 (as reported by Niche). The student population in Guayama’s public schools is predominantly Hispanic, mirroring the broader demographic of Puerto Rico’s educational system (according to Niche).

Demographics and Population

As of the 2020 U.S. census, Guayama had a population of 36,614, with the metropolitan area encompassing 68,442 residents (according to Wikipedia). Recent estimates suggest the population of Guayama Municipio is around 32,709, reflecting a slight decrease over the past year (according to World Population Review). The median age in Guayama Municipio is 41.5 years (as reported by Data USA).

The demographic makeup of Guayama is predominantly Hispanic, with “Other (Hispanic)” being the largest ethnic group, followed by “White (Hispanic)” and “Two Races Including Other (Hispanic)” (according to Data USA). A significant portion of the population, 49.7%, lives below the poverty line, which is considerably higher than the national average (as reported by Data USA).