Melbourne, FL demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
86,576
1.0% year-over-year change
Median household income
$66,991/yr
3.9% year-over-year change
Housing units
41,217
1.2% year-over-year change

Melbourne population

How many people live in Melbourne

Melbourne is home to 86,576 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 48.6% of Melbourne locals are male, and 51.4% are female.

Total population
86,576
1.0% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
48.6%
42,110
Female
51.4%
44,466
Value Percent YoY change
Male 42,110 48.6% -0.5%
Female 44,466 51.4% 2.5%
A higher population often means more rental variety and livelier areas. The gender balance—how many men live here compared to women—can reveal a lot about the community and the lifestyles of its residents. Use this info to get a sense of the area's pace and personality.

Age demographics

The median age in Melbourne is 42, with the population distributed as follows: about 14.2% are children under 15, then 13% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 25.5% of the population, while another 24.7% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 22.5% are 65 or older.

Median age
42.5
Age breakdown
Under 15
14.2%
15 to 24
13%
25 to 44
25.5%
45 to 64
24.7%
Over 65
22.5%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 12,316 14.2% -0.9%
15 to 24 11,287 13% 1.0%
25 to 44 22,108 25.5% 1.8%
45 to 64 21,378 24.7% 1.6%
Over 65 19,487 22.5% 0.6%
The age composition helps you get insight into who lives in the area. A younger population might mean a more active, fast-paced vibe, while an older one could suggest a quieter, slower lifestyle. If there's a balanced makeup, you’re likely to find a variety of services, housing types, and community spaces that cater to different life stages.

Racial makeup

In Melbourne, 85.5% of the population are US-born citizens, while 9.8% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 4.7% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 71.7% of locals are Caucasian, 10.1% are African American and 3.1% have Asian roots. Another 0.1% are Indigenous American, 0.1% are Pacific Islanders, while 4% identify as another race. There’s also a share of 10.9% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
85.5%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
9.8%
Non-citizens
4.7%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 74,036 85.5% 1.6%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 8,465 9.8% -2.1%
Non-citizens 4,075 4.7% -3.9%
Racial breakdown
White
71.7%
Black or African American
10.1%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.1%
Asian
3.1%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0.1%
Two or more races
10.9%
Other
4%
Value Percent
White 62,111 71.7%
Black or African American 8,749 10.1%
American Indian and Alaska Native 94 0.1%
Asian 2,659 3.1%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 81 0.1%
Two or more races 9,416 10.9%
Other 3,466 4%

Households in Melbourne

A peek inside Melbourne households

Melbourne has 37,041 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 53.5% are families, while the remaining 46.5% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
37,041
3.0% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
17,220
Family households
19,821
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 17,220 46.5% 5.9%
Family households 19,821 53.5% 0.6%
The mix between family and non-family households gives a glimpse into daily life. A higher percentage of families might mean more parks and schools, while more non-family setups can mean flexible housing and diverse living styles. For renters, this can signal what kinds of homes are common and can help you figure out if the area matches your lifestyle.

Housing in Melbourne

The housing landscape of Melbourne

Melbourne's housing consists of 41,217 units, with 57.2% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 5.9% and offer a more compact, shared living style. Then there are the multifamily buildings in the area, and for those seeking flexibility, non-traditional options like mobile homes account for 4.1% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
41,217
1.2% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 23,565 57.2%
1 unit, attached 2,440 5.9%
2 units 760 1.8%
3 or 4 units 2,035 4.9%
5 to 9 units 3,530 8.6%
10 to 19 units 3,552 8.6%
20 to 49 units 1,627 4%
50 or more units 1,952 4.7%
Mobile home 1,696 4.1%
Boat, RV, van, etc. 60 0.2%
Homes built since 2020
605
113.8% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Melbourne

In Melbourne, the median construction year is 1985. About 1.3% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 1% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 13.5% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 7.9% between 2010 and 2019, and 1.5% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 526 1.3% 24.9%
Built between 1940 and 1949 402 1% 14.5%
Built between 1950 and 1959 4,533 11% 6.4%
Built between 1960 and 1969 5,741 13.9% -1.5%
Built between 1970 and 1979 4,877 11.8% -6.1%
Built between 1980 and 1989 9,720 23.6% 1.1%
Built between 1990 and 1999 5,990 14.5% -2.0%
Built between 2000 and 2009 5,556 13.5% -2.9%
Built between 2010 and 2019 3,267 7.9% 11.9%
Built in 2020 or later 605 1.5% 113.8%
As a renter, knowing when homes were built helps you understand the potential condition and design of rental units. Newer builds may have more contemporary layouts, while older homes can offer character or larger lots, depending on the area.

Melbourne occupancy rates

Out of the 37,041 occupied housing units in Melbourne, 59.7% are owner-occupied, while 40.3% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 10.1% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
37,041
3.0% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
14,916
Owner occupied
22,125
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 14,916 40.3% 4.4%
Owner occupied 22,125 59.7% 2.1%
Unoccupied housing units
10.1%
Unoccupied housing units refer to homes that are currently without residents—whether they're waiting for renters or owners, used seasonally, or simply unclaimed. A higher share of empty homes may mean more housing availability, while a low number can reflect a tighter market with more competition. This, along with the renter-vs.-owner mix, helps paint a clearer picture of what types of housing and services are likely to be available in the area.

Melbourne housing costs

Housing costs in Melbourne come to a median of $1,377 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,525.

Median housing costs per month
$1,377/month
This figure sums up typical monthly housing costs for all households in the area. If you own, it includes mortgage payments in addition to property taxes, insurance and HOA fees. If you rent, it accounts for rent plus extras like utilities. It’s useful for seeing how local living expenses stack up compared to other places.
Median gross rent in Melbourne
$1,525/month
Gross rent gives a more complete look at what renters actually pay, including not just base rent, but also utilities and fees. It’s a key number for evaluating rental affordability in your area of interest and understanding how it compares to nearby locations.

Education in Melbourne

Melbourne education at a glance

About 30% of the population in Melbourne went to high school, while 23.5% pursued college studies. Another 11.4% earned an associate degree and 21% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 11.6% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 1,843 2.6% 20.9%
High school diploma 21,436 30% -3.3%
College diploma 16,747 23.5% -1.6%
Associate degree 8,105 11.4% 4.2%
Bachelor's degree 14,944 21% 3.8%
Graduate degree 8,253 11.6% 8.9%
A community’s education mix can offer insights into the local economy and housing market. Higher levels of education often align with more job opportunities and stable incomes, which can increase demand for homes and influence both rent prices and rental availability.

Income in Melbourne

How much people earn in Melbourne

The average annual household income in Melbourne was $85,317 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +3% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $66,991, reflecting a +3.9% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Melbourne
$85,317/year
3.0% year-over-year change
Median household income in Melbourne
$66,991/year
3.9% year-over-year change

Melbourne income by age

In Melbourne, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $80,528. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $79,500 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $46,663, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $48,241 in earnings. Overall, 84.4% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $46,663 -0.3%
25 - 44 $80,528 7.2%
45 - 64 $79,500 2.6%
Over 65 $48,241 -0.4%
Above poverty level
69,277
Below poverty level
12,822
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 69,277 84.4% 0.0%
Below poverty level 12,822 15.6% 6.1%

Average renter income in Melbourne

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Melbourne, their median household income was $44,845 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 40.8%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$44,845
Rent-to-income ratio
40.8%
Understanding the rent-to-income ratio can help renters gauge if local housing costs align with their earnings. A ratio under 30% usually signals affordability, while exceeding this mark means rent is taking a larger-than-recommended bite out of income. That could make it harder for you to cover other costs like transportation, healthcare, or child care.

Employment in Melbourne

Workforce and job types in Melbourne

The job market in Melbourne is powered by 41,116 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 82.7% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 17.3% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 9.6% run their own businesses, 69.6% are employed by private companies, and 10.9% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
41,116
2.4% year-over-year change
White collar
34,005
Blue collar
7,111
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 34,005 82.7% 3.3%
Blue collar 7,111 17.3% -2.0%
Employer type
Self employees
9.6%
Private companies
69.6%
Governmental workers
10.9%
Not for profit companies
9.9%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 3,963 9.6% 1.5%
Private companies 28,604 69.6% 0.5%
Governmental workers 4,468 10.9% 4.9%
Not for profit companies 4,081 9.9% 15.4%
Unemployment rate
4.6%
5.7% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Melbourne stands at 4.6%, representing the share of the workforce currently without a job and actively looking for one.

For renters, the unemployment rate helps paint a picture of job security and financial stability in the area. Rates around 4% to 5% are considered typical. A lower-than-average rate might suggest strong job prospects and a thriving local economy, while a higher rate could hint at fewer opportunities—both useful to consider when planning a move.

Transportation in Melbourne

How people get around in Melbourne

Commuting methods vary: 79.4% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 3% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 31,837 79.4% 0.5%
Taxicab 150 0.4% 44.2%
Bus or trolleybus 414 1% -13.6%
Railroad 21 0% -25.0%
Motorcycle 275 0.7% 15.6%
Bicycle 216 0.5% 5.9%
Walk 1,215 3% 14.9%
Understanding how locals get to work can help you plan your own routine. High car usage might mean you’ll need a vehicle, while strong public transit or walkability could save you the hassle. Commute times also play a big role in quality of life—shorter trips can give you more time for the things you enjoy.

What is the median and average household income in Melbourne by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
32934 18,564 7,871 $104,369 $127,067
32935 41,965 18,643 $64,588 $77,022
32901 28,923 11,550 $54,651 $74,449
32903 13,836 6,258 $104,906 $139,129

Find your place

Explore more communities

FAQs about Melbourne demographics 

What is the total population of Melbourne?

Melbourne has a total population of 86,576 residents, according to the latest release from the U.S. Census Bureau: the 2019-2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates. This figure changed by +1.0% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Melbourne?

The gender ratio in Melbourne is as follows:
  • 48.6% males (42,110 residents)
  • 51.4% females (44,466 residents)

What is the median age in Melbourne?

The median age in Melbourne is 42.5.

What is the age distribution of the population in Melbourne?

The age distribution in Melbourne is as follows:
  • Under 15: 14.2% (12,316 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 13% (11,287 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 25.5% (22,108 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 24.7% (21,378 residents)
  • Over 65: 22.5% (19,487 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Melbourne?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Melbourne is as follows:
  • White: 71.7% (62,111 residents)
  • Black or African American: 10.1% (8,749 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.1% (94 residents)
  • Asian: 3.1% (2,659 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0.1% (81 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 10.9% (9,416 residents)
  • Other: 4% (3,466 residents)

What percentage of the population in Melbourne are U.S.-born citizens?

U.S.-born citizens represent 85.5% of the population in Melbourne.

How many housing units are there in Melbourne?

There are 41,217 housing units in Melbourne, reflecting a +1.2% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

How many households are in Melbourne and what is the average household size?

Melbourne has a total of 37,041 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Melbourne?

Melbourne has a median household income of $66,991, representing a +3.9% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for Melbourne?

The employment rate is 95.4% in Melbourne, with a workforce of 41,116 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 82.7% (34,005 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 17.3% (7,111 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 9.6% (3,963 residents)
  • Private companies: 69.6% (28,604 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 10.9% (4,468 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 9.9% (4,081 residents)

Data source & methodology

The demographic data on this page was sourced from the latest U.S. Census Bureau release—the 2019–2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates.

The information, issued annually, is compiled and published by the Point2Homes Research Team as soon as new data becomes available.

No representation, guarantee, or warranty is made concerning the accuracy or completeness of modified or aggregated information for particular areas.

Page last updated: September 2025