Is Key Largo Safe, Pros and cons of living in Key Largo
Is it Safe to Live in Key Largo?
Key Largo generally experiences a low crime rate, making it a relatively safe place to live. The overall crime rate is significantly lower than the national average, with violent crimes being particularly infrequent. Residents often feel secure in their community, with specific neighborhoods noted for their exceptional safety (as reported by Crime Grade).
While Key Largo is considered safe, crime does exist, and it is important to be aware of your surroundings. The chance of being a victim of crime in Key Largo is approximately 1 in 169, which is still considerably lower than the national average (as reported by AreaVibes). Understanding the crime statistics can help in making informed decisions about where to live and explore within the region.
Demographics and Lifestyle
Key Largo is home to a population of approximately 13,026 residents, with a median age of around 50 years (as reported by Point2Homes and Wikipedia). The demographic makeup is diverse, with a significant portion of the population being White (Non-Hispanic), followed by Hispanic residents (as reported by Data USA). A notable percentage of residents are foreign-born, indicating a multicultural community.
The lifestyle in Key Largo is often described as laid-back and casual, characteristic of a coastal community (as reported by UpHomes). With a substantial population of retirees, the atmosphere tends to be quieter (as reported by Niche). The median age of 50.1 years further supports this demographic trend (as reported by Wikipedia).
Cost of Living
The cost of living in Key Largo is generally considered to be higher than the national average, particularly in terms of housing expenses. While some sources indicate it is 8% lower than the national average (as reported by UpHomes), others suggest it is 44% more expensive than the national average (as reported by ERI Economic Research Institute). This discrepancy may be due to different methodologies and the specific costs included in their calculations.
Housing costs in Key Largo are a significant factor, with median home values reported to be around $1,077,895 (as reported by Zillow) and median listing prices reaching up to $1.48 million (as reported by OceanSIR). Rent prices are also substantial, with the average rent for an apartment being around $2,036 per month (as reported by Apartments.com), and rental homes averaging higher (as reported by Zumper and Trulia).
Housing Costs
The median home price in Key Largo is considerably higher than the national average. As of March 2026, the median sale price was $969,833 (as reported by Zillow), and the median listing price was $1,337,667 (as reported by Zillow). These figures indicate a robust real estate market, with a premium placed on properties in this desirable location.
Rental costs in Key Largo are also on the higher side. The average rent for an apartment is around $2,036 per month (as reported by Apartments.com), with a wide range depending on the number of bedrooms. Houses for rent can be even more expensive, averaging around $3,800 per month (as reported by Zumper).
Everyday Expenses
Beyond housing, other daily expenses in Key Largo can also be higher than the national average. Food costs are noted to be more expensive (as reported by ERI Economic Research Institute and Salary.com). Transportation costs are also a factor, with some sources indicating they are higher than the U.S. average (as reported by Salary.com).
However, some essential services may be more affordable. Healthcare costs in Key Largo are reported to be more affordable than the U.S. average (as reported by ERI Economic Research Institute). Additionally, Florida as a state offers tax advantages, with no state income tax, which can help offset some of the higher living costs (as reported by Salary.com).
Job Market and Economy
The job market in Key Largo has shown recent growth, with employment increasing by 9.91% between 2023 and 2024 (as reported by Data USA). The most common employment sectors for residents are Accommodation & Food Services, Educational Services, and Construction (as reported by Data USA). The average salary in Key Largo is approximately $63,609 per year (as reported by ERI Economic Research Institute), with a median household income of around $85,778 (as reported by Point2Homes).
The unemployment rate in Key Largo is reported to be around 2% (as reported by Salary.com), which is favorable and indicates a healthy job market. Major employers in the area are not explicitly detailed, but the economy is supported by sectors that cater to tourism and local services, given its popular destination status.
Major Employers and Industries
While specific major employers are not listed, the dominant industries in Key Largo are Accommodation & Food Services, Educational Services, and Construction (as reported by Data USA). These sectors likely employ a significant portion of the local workforce, supporting the community’s economy.
Other notable employment sectors include Arts, Entertainment & Recreation, and Professional, Scientific & Technical Services, particularly in nearby areas like North Key Largo (as reported by Data USA). The presence of these industries suggests a diverse economic base, though heavily influenced by tourism.
Climate and Weather
Key Largo experiences a tropical monsoon climate with hot, humid summers and warm, dry winters (as reported by Wikipedia and myPerfectWeather). Temperatures are generally pleasant year-round, with average highs typically ranging from the mid-70s to upper-80s Fahrenheit. Frost is virtually nonexistent on the island.
The area enjoys abundant sunshine, with close to 3,000 to 3,300 hours of sunshine annually (as reported by Wikipedia and myPerfectWeather). The hottest months are June through September, with average highs in the upper 80s, while the coolest months are December through February, with temperatures in the mid-70s (as reported by Local Weather In Key Largo Florida).
Rainfall and Seasons
Key Largo has a distinct wet season from May to November and a dry season from December to April (as reported by Local Weather In Key Largo Florida). September is typically the rainiest month, with an average rainfall of around 6 inches (as reported by Local Weather In Key Largo Florida) and up to 22 rainy days (as reported by Key Largo (FL) Rainfall by Month). The driest month is December, with about 1.4 inches of rain (as reported by Local Weather In Key Largo Florida) and as few as 4.3 rainy days (as reported by Key Largo (FL) Rainfall by Month).
The average annual precipitation is approximately 52 inches (as reported by Livability.com and myPerfectWeather), with a total of around 1102 mm of rainfall per year (as reported by Key Largo (FL) Rainfall by Month). Even during the wet season, daily chances of precipitation often hover around 50%, with showers usually being brief.
Education and Schools
Key Largo is part of the Monroe County School District. Key Largo School, a public PK-8 institution, serves the community. This school has a student-teacher ratio of 13:1 (as reported by Key Largo School and Key Largo School). The school’s overall performance in terms of math and reading proficiency is ranked within the bottom 50% of Florida schools (as reported by Key Largo School).
However, the Monroe County School District as a whole has achieved an “A” grade from the Florida Department of Education, indicating a strong overall performance across the district (as reported by Monroe County School District). Key Largo School itself has seen fluctuations in its ranking and star rating over the years (as reported by SchoolDigger).
School Performance
Key Largo School’s proficiency in math is at 49%, and in reading, it is at 47%, both of which are below the Florida state average (as reported by Key Largo School). Despite these scores, the school has a lower student-teacher ratio than the Florida state level (as reported by Key Largo School). Some reports indicate that Key Largo School has ascended to an “A” rating, joining other top-performing schools in the district (as reported by Monroe County School District).
While Key Largo School’s individual test scores may not be the highest, the Monroe County School District is recognized for its overall academic excellence. This suggests that while resources might be stretched, the district’s commitment to education is strong, with some schools performing exceptionally well (as reported by Monroe County School District).
Pros and Cons of Living in Key Largo
Key Largo offers a unique island lifestyle with beautiful tropical weather and a generally low crime rate, making it an attractive place to live for those seeking a relaxed atmosphere. The abundance of sunshine and warm temperatures year-round contribute to its appeal as a vacation destination and a permanent residence.
However, the cost of living, particularly housing, is significantly higher than the national average. This, combined with a less competitive job market and schools that may not meet all expectations, presents challenges for potential residents. The tropical climate, while pleasant, also means a risk of hurricanes during the season.