Palm Bay, FL demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
130,132
3.9% year-over-year change
Median household income
$72,614/yr
7.5% year-over-year change
Housing units
50,147
2.7% year-over-year change

Palm Bay population

How many people live in Palm Bay

Palm Bay is home to 130,132 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 48.1% of Palm Bay locals are male, and 51.9% are female.

Total population
130,132
3.9% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
48.1%
62,623
Female
51.9%
67,509
Value Percent YoY change
Male 62,623 48.1% 2.5%
Female 67,509 51.9% 5.2%
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 Palm Bay is 41, with the population distributed as follows: about 17.8% are children under 15, then 11.5% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 26.7% of the population, while another 25% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 19% are 65 or older.

Median age
41
Age breakdown
Under 15
17.8%
15 to 24
11.5%
25 to 44
26.7%
45 to 64
25%
Over 65
19%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 23,135 17.8% 2.9%
15 to 24 14,964 11.5% 5.9%
25 to 44 34,772 26.7% 7.4%
45 to 64 32,542 25% -0.2%
Over 65 24,719 19% 4.4%
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 Palm Bay, 79.4% of the population are US-born citizens, while 16.3% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 4.2% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 55.4% of locals are Caucasian, 20.4% are African American and 2.3% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 16.2% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
79.4%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
16.3%
Non-citizens
4.2%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 103,344 79.4% 2.7%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 21,265 16.3% 7.6%
Non-citizens 5,523 4.2% 13.3%
Racial breakdown
White
55.4%
Black or African American
20.4%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.4%
Asian
2.3%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
16.2%
Other
5.3%
Value Percent
White 72,101 55.4%
Black or African American 26,595 20.4%
American Indian and Alaska Native 477 0.4%
Asian 3,008 2.3%
Two or more races 21,045 16.2%
Other 6,906 5.3%

Households in Palm Bay

A peek inside Palm Bay households

Palm Bay has 45,850 households, with an average of 3 members in each. Of these, 70.2% are families, while the remaining 29.8% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
45,850
3.2% year-over-year change
Average people per household
3
Non-family households
13,678
Family households
32,172
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 13,678 29.8% 2.2%
Family households 32,172 70.2% 3.6%
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 Palm Bay

The housing landscape of Palm Bay

Palm Bay's housing consists of 50,147 units, with 83.5% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 1.9% 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 3.2% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
50,147
2.7% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 41,884 83.5%
1 unit, attached 950 1.9%
2 units 497 1%
3 or 4 units 1,098 2.2%
5 to 9 units 1,712 3.4%
10 to 19 units 891 1.8%
20 to 49 units 629 1.2%
50 or more units 816 1.6%
Mobile home 1,593 3.2%
Boat, RV, van, etc. 77 0.2%
Homes built since 2020
2,599
110.8% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Palm Bay

In Palm Bay, the median construction year is 1993. About 0.4% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 0.1% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 27% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 7.1% between 2010 and 2019, and 5.2% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 207 0.4% 4.5%
Built between 1940 and 1949 42 0.1% -16.0%
Built between 1950 and 1959 446 0.9% 4.7%
Built between 1960 and 1969 1,555 3.1% -23.1%
Built between 1970 and 1979 4,215 8.4% -7.5%
Built between 1980 and 1989 16,008 31.9% 1.6%
Built between 1990 and 1999 7,962 15.9% -4.6%
Built between 2000 and 2009 13,547 27% 3.0%
Built between 2010 and 2019 3,566 7.1% 15.7%
Built in 2020 or later 2,599 5.2% 110.8%
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.

Palm Bay occupancy rates

Out of the 45,850 occupied housing units in Palm Bay, 79.7% are owner-occupied, while 20.3% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 8.6% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
45,850
3.2% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
9,295
Owner occupied
36,555
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 9,295 20.3% 1.3%
Owner occupied 36,555 79.7% 3.7%
Unoccupied housing units
8.6%
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.

Palm Bay housing costs

Housing costs in Palm Bay come to a median of $1,306 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,601.

Median housing costs per month
$1,306/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 Palm Bay
$1,601/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 Palm Bay

Palm Bay education at a glance

About 38.3% of the population in Palm Bay went to high school, while 23.1% pursued college studies. Another 12.4% earned an associate degree and 14.1% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 8.6% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 3,646 3.6% 7.5%
High school diploma 38,791 38.3% 2.5%
College diploma 23,409 23.1% -0.1%
Associate degree 12,510 12.4% 3.1%
Bachelor's degree 14,283 14.1% 6.6%
Graduate degree 8,687 8.6% 18.4%
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 Palm Bay

How much people earn in Palm Bay

The average annual household income in Palm Bay was $94,793 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +2.4% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $72,614, reflecting a +7.5% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Palm Bay
$94,793/year
2.4% year-over-year change
Median household income in Palm Bay
$72,614/year
7.5% year-over-year change

Palm Bay income by age

In Palm Bay, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $83,329. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $84,171 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $44,575, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $51,858 in earnings. Overall, 88.3% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $44,575 -0.0%
25 - 44 $83,329 7.7%
45 - 64 $84,171 7.3%
Over 65 $51,858 4.3%
Above poverty level
113,136
Below poverty level
15,006
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 113,136 88.3% 3.6%
Below poverty level 15,006 11.7% 5.9%

Average renter income in Palm Bay

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Palm Bay, their median household income was $48,180 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 39.9%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$48,180
Rent-to-income ratio
39.9%
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 Palm Bay

Workforce and job types in Palm Bay

The job market in Palm Bay is powered by 58,913 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 78.3% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 21.7% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 10.3% run their own businesses, 71.9% are employed by private companies, and 11.1% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
58,913
2.9% year-over-year change
White collar
46,120
Blue collar
12,793
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 46,120 78.3% 3.1%
Blue collar 12,793 21.7% 2.3%
Employer type
Self employees
10.3%
Private companies
71.9%
Governmental workers
11.1%
Not for profit companies
6.7%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 6,088 10.3% 6.4%
Private companies 42,358 71.9% 3.0%
Governmental workers 6,526 11.1% 4.5%
Not for profit companies 3,941 6.7% -5.0%
Unemployment rate
6.1%
5.6% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Palm Bay stands at 6.1%, 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 Palm Bay

How people get around in Palm Bay

In Palm Bay, the average commute time is 28 minutes. Commuting methods vary: 85.5% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 0.8% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Commute time
28 min
0.7% year-over-year change
Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 49,833 85.5% 2.2%
Taxicab 47 0.1% 95.8%
Bus or trolleybus 306 0.5% -43.2%
Motorcycle 246 0.4% -5.0%
Bicycle 401 0.7% -6.1%
Walk 436 0.8% 34.1%
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 Palm Bay by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
32905 24,792 10,658 $56,411 $70,152
32907 49,080 16,837 $75,311 $87,172
32908 16,535 5,363 $79,596 $105,017
32909 41,804 13,907 $79,977 $119,440

Find your place

Explore more communities

FAQs about Palm Bay demographics 

What is the total population of Palm Bay?

Palm Bay has a total population of 130,132 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 +3.9% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Palm Bay?

The gender ratio in Palm Bay is as follows:
  • 48.1% males (62,623 residents)
  • 51.9% females (67,509 residents)

What is the median age in Palm Bay?

The median age in Palm Bay is 41.

What is the age distribution of the population in Palm Bay?

The age distribution in Palm Bay is as follows:
  • Under 15: 17.8% (23,135 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 11.5% (14,964 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 26.7% (34,772 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 25% (32,542 residents)
  • Over 65: 19% (24,719 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Palm Bay?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Palm Bay is as follows:
  • White: 55.4% (72,101 residents)
  • Black or African American: 20.4% (26,595 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.4% (477 residents)
  • Asian: 2.3% (3,008 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 16.2% (21,045 residents)
  • Other: 5.3% (6,906 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 79.4% of the population in Palm Bay.

How many housing units are there in Palm Bay?

There are 50,147 housing units in Palm Bay, reflecting a +2.7% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Palm Bay has a total of 45,850 households, with an average of 3 people in each.

What is the median household income in Palm Bay?

Palm Bay has a median household income of $72,614, representing a +7.5% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for Palm Bay?

The employment rate is 93.9% in Palm Bay, with a workforce of 58,913 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 78.3% (46,120 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 21.7% (12,793 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 10.3% (6,088 residents)
  • Private companies: 71.9% (42,358 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 11.1% (6,526 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 6.7% (3,941 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