Is Naranja Safe, Pros and cons of living in Naranja
Naranja, Florida, a community with a Spanish name meaning “orange,” is located in Miami-Dade County. It offers a blend of suburban and urban living, situated about 30 minutes from the amenities of Miami. The area was once known for its orange groves and even served as a stop on the Florida East Coast Railroad.
Naranja is a census-designated place with a population of approximately 15,796 residents, according to recent estimates (as reported by Data USA and Census Bureau). The population has seen significant growth, increasing from around 13,509 in 2020 (as reported by Wikipedia and Census Dots). Projections indicate continued growth, with an estimated population of over 17,951 by 2026 (as projected by Census Bureau). The median age in Naranja is around 31.6 years (as reported by Census Bureau and ZipRecruiter).
Is it Safe to Live in Naranja?
Naranja’s crime rate presents a mixed picture, with some data indicating higher-than-average rates for certain crime categories. Violent crime in Naranja is reported to be higher than the average U.S. city, with a rate of 4.642 per 1,000 residents (as reported by CrimeGrade.org). The community is considered safer than only 23% of U.S. cities based on its safety percentile (as reported by CrimeGrade.org).
However, it is important to note that crime can vary significantly by neighborhood within Naranja. Some residents consider the southern parts of the city to be the safest (as reported by CrimeGrade.org). While specific neighborhood crime data can be complex to access, understanding local patterns and exercising general safety precautions is advisable for all residents.
Housing and Cost of Living
The cost of living in Naranja is generally higher than the national average. The overall cost of living index for Naranja is approximately 20% higher than the national average (as reported by Redfin). This is influenced by various factors, including housing, utilities, transportation, and healthcare costs.
The median home price in Naranja was approximately $355,000 as of March 2026 (as reported by Redfin). However, other sources indicate a higher median listing price of $401,000 (as reported by Realtor.com) and a median home value of $376,148 as of March 2026 (as reported by Zillow). This indicates a dynamic housing market with varying price points depending on the source and specific market conditions.
Rental costs in Naranja are also above the national average. As of April 2026, the average rent for an apartment was $1,493 per month (as reported by Apartments.com and Rent.com). For a one-bedroom apartment, the average rent is around $1,599, while a two-bedroom apartment averages $1,821 (as reported by Apartments.com). These figures suggest that while housing prices can be substantial, rental options are available, though at a premium compared to the national average.
Job Market and Economy
Naranja’s economy is supported by a growing employment sector, with a notable increase in jobs over the past year. From 2023 to 2024, employment in Naranja grew by 14.1%, with the number of employed residents increasing to 7,150 (as reported by Data USA). The primary industries employing Naranja residents include Health Care & Social Assistance, Administrative & Support & Waste Management Services, and Transportation & Warehousing (as reported by Data USA).
The average annual salary in Naranja is approximately $40,565, which translates to about $19.50 per hour (as reported by ZipRecruiter). However, salaries can vary widely depending on occupation and experience, with most salaries falling between $28,059 and $49,750 annually (as reported by ZipRecruiter). Higher paying sectors, such as Public Administration, Wholesale Trade, and Finance & Insurance, offer more competitive compensation (as reported by Data USA).
Climate and Environment
Naranja experiences a tropical climate, characterized by warm temperatures throughout the year. Daily high temperatures typically range between 65°F and 86°F, with average annual precipitation around 63 inches (as reported by myPerfectWeather). The summer months, from May to November, can be uncomfortably humid (as reported by myPerfectWeather).
The area receives significant rainfall, with August being the wettest month, averaging about 10 inches of precipitation (as reported by myPerfectWeather). Wind speeds remain relatively consistent, averaging around 8 mph in winter and slightly lower in summer (as reported by myPerfectWeather). The climate is generally conducive to outdoor activities, with occasional afternoon showers or thunderstorms, especially during the warmer months.
Education and Schools
Naranja is served by the Miami-Dade County Public Schools district, which generally receives positive ratings. Niche.com ranks the Miami-Dade County Public Schools district with a 4.06 out of 5 rating, based on numerous reviews (as reported by Niche.com). Several schools within or near Naranja have received high marks for their academic offerings and quality of education.
For instance, the School for Advanced Studies – Homestead is rated 4.55 out of 5, and School for Advanced Studies – South has a rating of 4.49 out of 5 (as reported by Niche.com). These institutions, along with others in the district, suggest a strong educational environment for students in the area, with above-average public schools noted by residents (as reported by Niche.com).
Demographics and Diversity
Naranja is a diverse community with a significant Hispanic population. Hispanic residents make up approximately 67.8% of the population, followed by Black residents at 22.8%, and White residents at 8.2% (as reported by Census Bureau and Census Dots). This demographic makeup reflects the broader cultural landscape of South Florida.
The foreign-born population in Naranja is also substantial, with about 50.5% of residents born outside the United States, which is consistent with the national average (as reported by Data USA). The median household income in Naranja was reported as $53,984 in 2024 (as reported by Census Bureau). However, a notable portion of families, around 26.8%, live in poverty (as reported by Census Bureau).
Pros and Cons of Living in Naranja
Naranja offers a lifestyle that appeals to many, with its suburban feel and proximity to urban amenities. The area boasts numerous parks and is situated near attractions like the Coral Castle and the Homestead-Miami Speedway, offering recreational opportunities for residents. Its location provides convenient access to U.S. 1 and the Florida Turnpike, facilitating travel throughout South Florida.
However, the community faces challenges, including a higher-than-average crime rate in certain categories (as reported by CrimeGrade.org). The cost of living, particularly housing, is also above the national average (as reported by Redfin and Apartments.com). While the job market is growing, the average salary may not fully offset the higher cost of living for some residents.
Major Employers
While specific major employers for Naranja are not detailed in the provided search results, the broader Miami-Dade County area hosts a diverse range of industries. Key sectors contributing to employment in the region include Healthcare & Social Assistance, Administrative & Support & Waste Management Services, and Transportation & Warehousing, as indicated by employment data for Naranja residents (as reported by Data USA).
The Miami metropolitan area, in general, has a robust economy with significant employment opportunities in tourism, healthcare, finance, and logistics. Major organizations and institutions within Miami-Dade County likely provide substantial employment for residents of surrounding communities like Naranja.
Climate Details
Naranja experiences a tropical monsoon climate. The average high temperature in Naranja is around 91°F during the summer and can dip to approximately 56°F in the winter months (as reported by myPerfectWeather). The annual rainfall totals about 63 inches, with August being the wettest month (as reported by myPerfectWeather).
Humidity is a significant factor, particularly from May through November, making the summer months feel uncomfortably warm and muggy (as reported by myPerfectWeather). The area experiences consistent wind speeds, typically ranging from 6 to 9 mph throughout the year (as reported by myPerfectWeather).
School Ratings
Public schools serving Naranja are part of the Miami-Dade County Public Schools district. This district is rated 4.06 out of 5 by Niche.com, based on millions of reviews and statistical analysis (as reported by Niche.com). The district is considered above average by residents of Naranja (as reported by Niche.com).
Several schools near Naranja have received high ratings. For example, the School for Advanced Studies – Homestead holds a rating of 4.55 out of 5, and School for Advanced Studies – South is rated 4.49 out of 5 (as reported by Niche.com). These ratings suggest a strong educational landscape for families considering a move to Naranja.
Demographic Breakdown
Naranja’s population is predominantly Hispanic, comprising about 67.8% of residents, followed by Black residents at 22.8% and White residents at 8.2% (as reported by Census Bureau and Census Dots). This diverse ethnic makeup is a defining characteristic of the community. The median age in Naranja is 31.6 years (as reported by Census Bureau).
Approximately 50.5% of Naranja’s residents were born outside the United States, indicating a significant foreign-born population (as reported by Data USA). The median household income is approximately $53,984 (as reported by Census Bureau), but a notable percentage of families, around 26.8%, live below the poverty line (as reported by Census Bureau).