Is Lauderdale-by-the-Sea Safe, Pros and cons of living in Lauderdale-by-the-Sea

Is it Safe to Live in Lauderdale-by-the-Sea?

Lauderdale-by-the-Sea presents a mixed picture regarding safety, with certain crime categories significantly exceeding national averages. The town recorded 99 violent crimes and 205 property crimes over a five-year period, leading to a violent crime rate that is 516.6% above the national average and a property crime rate that is 98.6% higher than the national average (as reported by FBI crime data). While some sources indicate overall crime rates are below national averages, others highlight specific areas of concern for both violent and property crimes.

Despite these statistics, it’s important to consider that crime rates can vary significantly by neighborhood. Some analyses suggest that the northeast part of Lauderdale-by-the-Sea is the safest, with a lower chance of becoming a victim of violent crime compared to other areas within the town (as reported by CrimeGrade.org). The FBI’s Uniform Crime Reporting program provides data that is essential for a comprehensive understanding of the safety landscape.

Housing Costs and Availability

The housing market in Lauderdale-by-the-Sea is characterized by a high median listing price and a median rental price that is considerably above the national average. The median listing price for a home is $643,500, and the median rental price stands at $3,600 per month (as reported by Realtor.com®). This indicates a strong demand from renters and a potentially challenging market for those looking to purchase a home.

The rental market offers a range of options, with apartments averaging $2,300 per month and houses averaging $5,500 per month (as reported by Apartments.com and Zumper). For those considering buying, the median home value is approximately $680,900, with a homeownership rate of 78% (as reported by Data USA and U.S. Census Bureau). The market shows a balanced inventory, with 211 homes listed for sale, suggesting opportunities for buyers and investors.

Cost of Living

The overall cost of living in Lauderdale-by-the-Sea is notably higher than the national average, driven significantly by housing expenses. The cost of living is approximately 33% higher than the national average (as reported by Payscale). Housing expenses in particular are 122% higher than the national average, while utility prices are only slightly higher at 3% above the national average.

Other daily expenses also contribute to the higher cost of living. Grocery prices are 8% higher than the national average (as reported by Payscale). However, healthcare costs are an exception, being 17% lower than the national average (as reported by Payscale). This combination of factors means that residents will likely need a higher income to maintain a comfortable lifestyle compared to national benchmarks.

Job Market and Employment

Lauderdale-by-the-Sea’s economy is supported by major industries including finance, hospitality, insurance, real estate, retail trade, and tourism (as reported by the Town of Lauderdale by the Sea). The broader Fort Lauderdale area, which encompasses Lauderdale-by-the-Sea, has a diverse economic landscape with significant employers in various sectors. Major companies in the vicinity include AutoNation, American Express, and Citrix Systems, among others (as reported by Tagliamonte & Associates and Mizner Residential Group).

The unemployment rate for the Fort Lauderdale-Pompano Beach-Deerfield Beach area was 4.2% as of the latest preliminary data (as reported by the Bureau of Labor Statistics). The average annual salary in Fort Lauderdale is approximately $67,412 per year, or $32 per hour (as reported by ERI SalaryExpert). For town employees specifically, the average annual salary is around $83,118 (as reported by Town of Lauderdale by the Sea). These figures provide a snapshot of the employment opportunities and earning potential in the region.

Climate and Weather

Lauderdale-by-the-Sea experiences a tropical monsoon climate, characterized by hot, humid summers and short, mild winters. Summers, from June to October, are typically hot, oppressive, wet, and mostly cloudy, with average daily high temperatures exceeding 86°F (as reported by AccuWeather and NOAA). The hottest month is August, with highs around 89°F and lows around 79°F.

The winter months, from December to March, are more comfortable, humid, windy, and mostly clear, with average daily high temperatures below 78°F (as reported by AccuWeather and NOAA). January is the coldest month, with average lows of 62°F and highs of 75°F. The water temperature also varies seasonally, being warmest in August, averaging 85°F, and cooler during the winter months.

Schools and Education

While there are no public schools located directly within the Town of Lauderdale-by-the-Sea, residents’ children can attend public or private schools in neighboring cities. The Broward County Public Schools district, serving the area, is recognized as the fifth largest in the country and the largest fully accredited district nationwide (as reported by the Town of Lauderdale by the Sea). This district offers a range of educational options for students.

Several highly-rated public schools are accessible to Lauderdale-by-the-Sea residents, including The College Academy at Broward College, McFatter Technical High School, and Pompano Beach High School, all of which have received strong ratings (as reported by Niche). These schools provide diverse academic programs and opportunities for students in the region.

Demographics

Lauderdale-by-the-Sea has a population of approximately 6,232 residents, with a projected decrease to around 6,084 by 2026 (as reported by US Census Bureau’s American Community Survey and Cubit). The racial composition is predominantly White, making up 69% of the population, followed by Hispanic at 21.5% and those identifying as Two or More Races at 6.4% (as reported by US Census Bureau’s American Community Survey). The median age of residents is 62.7 years, indicating a significant retiree population.

The median household income in Lauderdale-by-the-Sea was $81,655 in 2024 (as reported by Cubit). A notable aspect of the demographics is the high median age, suggesting that the town is a popular destination for retirees. The population density is also relatively high, with 7,067.3 people per square mile (as reported by U.S. Census Bureau QuickFacts).