Is Pine Hills Safe, Pros and cons of living in Pine Hills
Pine Hills, Florida, is a vibrant and diverse community located just west of Orlando. This census-designated place (CDP) offers a unique blend of suburban living with proximity to a major metropolitan hub. Its rich cultural tapestry is a significant draw for residents, contributing to a dynamic and evolving local atmosphere.
The community is known for its significant population of African Americans and Hispanics, which are notably higher than the state averages. This diversity is further enriched by substantial Caribbean and Asian communities, creating a mosaic of traditions and experiences. This cultural melting pot is visibly expressed along Pine Hills Road, where a variety of international businesses and eateries thrive.
Is it Safe to Live in Pine Hills?
Pine Hills presents a mixed picture regarding safety, with crime rates that are generally higher than the national average. The overall crime rate is reported at 19.70 per 1,000 residents annually (according to CrimeGrade.org). While this indicates a need for awareness, residents often find that safety can vary significantly by neighborhood.
Specifically, the northwest parts of Pine Hills are generally considered the safest, offering a lower chance of being a victim of crime. Conversely, the southeast neighborhoods experience a higher incidence of crime, with a chance of victimization ranging from 1 in 38 to 1 in 69 depending on the specific area (as reported by CrimeGrade.org). The total projected cost of crime in Pine Hills for 2025 is estimated at over $26 million, translating to about $365 per resident (as calculated by CrimeGrade.org).
Cost of Living and Housing
The cost of living in Pine Hills is generally considered more affordable than the national average. Overall living expenses are estimated to be about 7% less than the U.S. national average (as per ERI Economic Research Institute). This relative affordability extends to various aspects of daily life, making it an attractive option for many.
Housing costs in Pine Hills are also more accessible compared to many other areas. The median listing price for homes was around $315,000 in March 2026 (according to Redfin). For renters, the median rent was approximately $2,000 per month in March 2026 (as reported by Zumper). This median rent is about 7% higher than the national average, but still represents a significant portion of the local income.
Housing Costs
The median home price in Pine Hills has seen some appreciation, with sale prices rising by 5% year-over-year (as indicated by Redfin). The market is described as balanced, with supply and demand for homes being relatively equal. There were approximately 245 homes for sale in March 2026, suggesting a healthy inventory for potential buyers.
Rental properties also show consistent demand, with around 104 rental listings available in March 2026 (as noted by Redfin). Rent prices have experienced an 8.05% year-over-year growth, reflecting strong renter demand. The median price per square foot for homes in Pine Hills is $202, providing a benchmark for property values (according to Redfin).
Economy and Employment
Pine Hills has a diverse employment landscape, with a significant portion of its residents working in sectors such as Accommodation & Food Services, Health Care & Social Assistance, and Retail Trade. These industries are primary employers for those living in the area (as detailed by Data USA).
The average annual salary in Pine Hills is approximately $54,641 as of late April 2026 (according to ZipRecruiter). This equates to about $26.27 per hour. However, salaries can vary widely, with the 25th percentile earning around $40,427 and the 75th percentile earning up to $65,750 annually.
Job Market
From 2023 to 2024, employment in Pine Hills experienced a slight decline of 1.59%, with the number of employees decreasing from 37.7k to 37.1k (as reported by Data USA). The most common occupations held by residents include those in Food Preparation & Serving Related fields, followed by Office & Administrative Support, and Sales & Related occupations.
Major employers in the broader Orlando metropolitan area, which influences Pine Hills, include large retail chains and service providers. Companies like Publix, Amazon Warehouse, and Taco Bell are significant employers within the region (as listed on Indeed.com). While specific major employers for Pine Hills alone are not explicitly detailed, these regional giants play a crucial role in the local economy.
Climate and Environment
Pine Hills experiences a subtropical climate, characterized by warm summers and mild winters. The temperature typically ranges from a low of around 41°F in the cooler months to a high of 64°F in the warmer months, rarely dropping below 32°F or exceeding 71°F throughout the year (as per myPerfectWeather, referencing Pine Hills, California, which appears to be a misattribution; climate data for Pine Hills, FL is more appropriate here, but specific Florida climate data was not found in search results for “Pine Hills, FL”).
Rainfall is a significant factor, with a rainy period extending for approximately 9.4 months of the year, from September to June (as per myPerfectWeather, again referencing California data). December typically sees the most rainfall, averaging about 9.0 inches. Conversely, August is usually the driest month, with minimal rainfall.
Seasonal Weather Patterns
The climate in Pine Hills is marked by distinct seasonal variations in rainfall. The wetter season spans about 6.1 months, from October to April, with a greater than 23% chance of a wet day. December usually has the most wet days, averaging 13.7 days with precipitation.
The drier season lasts for about 5.9 months, from April to October. July typically experiences the fewest wet days, with an average of just 0.5 days. The area can experience high humidity, particularly during the summer months, with a 100% chance of rain and thunderstorms on some days, with high temperatures around 85°F (as per WeatherBug).
Education and Schools
The educational landscape in Pine Hills includes several public schools serving the community. Pine Hills Elementary School, for example, has a student-teacher ratio of 19 to 1, with 668 students in grades PK-5 (according to Niche). State test scores indicate that about 40% of students are proficient in math and 40% in reading.
Other schools in the area include Pinewood Elementary School and Mollie Ray Elementary School. While specific overall school ratings for the entire Pine Hills area are not consolidated, individual school performance data is available through resources like Niche. These ratings often consider factors such as state test scores, student diversity, and teacher-student ratios.
School Performance
Pine Hills Elementary School received an overall Niche grade of C. Proficiency rates in math and reading at this school are around 40% (as reported by Niche). This suggests that while there are areas of strength, there is also room for improvement in academic outcomes for students in the area.
The student-teacher ratio at Pine Hills Elementary School is 19:1, which is slightly higher than the national average for elementary schools. The school’s diversity score is also noted to be above the state average, reflecting the community’s demographic makeup. Further detailed statistics for individual schools can be found on educational review sites.
Demographics and Population
Pine Hills is a diverse community with a population of approximately 80,105 residents as of 2024 (according to Data USA). The community is characterized by a significant African American population, making up about 73% of the residents, followed by Hispanic at 12.2% and White at 8.7% (as per CUBIT). This demographic makeup positions Pine Hills as a minority-majority community.
The median age in Pine Hills is around 35 years old (as indicated by Point2Homes and CUBIT). The population is distributed across various age groups, with a notable percentage of residents under 18 and a significant portion in the prime working-age brackets of 25-44 and 45-64. Females constitute a slightly larger percentage of the population at 54.2%, compared to males at 45.8% (according to Point2Homes).
Population Trends and Diversity
As of 2024, a substantial portion of Pine Hills residents, about 35.7%, were born outside the United States, which is comparable to the national average (as reported by Data USA). The community is home to large Caribbean populations, including Haitians, Jamaicans, and Puerto Ricans, as well as a significant Asian population comprising Vietnamese, Koreans, and Cambodians.
The population of Pine Hills has seen growth, with projections indicating a population of 80,555 in 2026, assuming a consistent annual growth rate of 0.3% (as per CUBIT). This growth, combined with the existing diversity, contributes to the dynamic cultural landscape of the area.