Brevard County One of the Best in Florida? We Knew That.
February 26, 2025 – Those of you wise enough to live in Viera already know this place is great. But for people outside our area who are looking at the Space Coast of Florida (Brevard County) as a possible place to call home, we want to share this report from MoneyInc.com, which has recently designated Brevard as the “10th Best County to Live” in our state.
Here’s what MoneyInc.com had to say:
Among Florida’s 67 counties, these 30 stand out for their exceptional quality of life, measured through factors like safety, education, healthcare access, employment opportunities, and recreational activities.
10th ranked Brevard County sits along Florida’s Space Coast, featuring 72 miles of Atlantic beaches and serving as home to Kennedy Space Center. The county’s population of 625,000 spans diverse communities from Titusville to Palm Bay.
The local economy thrives on aerospace and technology sectors, with major employers like SpaceX and Boeing providing high-paying jobs.
The county boasts top-rated schools, including Eastern Florida State College and Florida Institute of Technology.
Residents enjoy abundant outdoor activities. The mild climate allows year-round recreation, with average temperatures ranging from 60°F to 90°F. Local attractions include the Brevard Zoo and Port Canaveral’s cruise terminals.
Public transportation options include Space Coast Area Transit buses and Melbourne International Airport. The crime rate stays below the national average, while healthcare facilities like Health First provide quality medical care.
Quality of Life Factors
Florida’s most desirable counties offer exceptional standards of living through affordable housing, top-tier healthcare facilities, and outstanding educational institutions.
Healthcare Facilities and Services
Florida’s leading counties feature multiple state-of-the-art medical centers, with an average of 2.8 hospital beds per 1,000 residents.
The physician-to-patient ratio in these areas averages 1:250, significantly better than the national average of 1:384.
Emergency response times in top-rated counties average 8-12 minutes, with 24/7 emergency care facilities available within a 15-mile radius.
Specialized medical services, including cancer treatment centers and cardiac care units, are readily accessible in these counties.
Education and Schools
The student-to-teacher ratio in top Florida counties averages 16:1, with 85% of schools receiving A or B grades from the state education department.
These counties invest an average of $10,500 per student annually, exceeding the state average by 12%.
Advanced Placement (AP) participation rates reach 45% in these areas, with passing rates averaging 72%.
College readiness scores in these counties’ high schools surpass state averages by 15%, with 92% of students graduating on time.
Cultural and Recreational Opportunities
Florida’s top counties offer diverse cultural attractions and abundant recreational activities, from pristine natural parks to vibrant performing arts venues.
Outdoor Activities and Natural Parks
These counties feature extensive networks of hiking and biking trails through preserved wilderness areas. Many waterfront counties maintain well-maintained public beaches with facilities for swimming, fishing, and water sports. Dedicated boat ramps and marinas give residents easy access to coastal waters.
Natural preserves protect native wildlife, creating prime spots for bird watching and nature photography. Several counties operate environmental education centers with guided tours and interactive exhibits.
Arts and Entertainment
Local theaters and performance venues host Broadway shows, symphonies, and cultural events throughout the year. Museums showcase regional history, fine art, and science exhibits. Many counties support public art programs that display sculptures and murals in downtown areas.
Regular festivals celebrate local music, food, and heritage. Community centers offer art classes, dance workshops, and musical instruction for all ages. Public spaces frequently host outdoor movie screenings and live performances.
Source: MoneyInc.com