Davie, FL: The 2026 Relocation Deep Dive

Davie: The Data Profile (2026)

Davie presents a statistical anomaly within the Florida housing landscape. With a population of 107,814, it retains a "smaller city" demographic footprint, yet its economic indicators punch above the national average. The median household income sits at $82,514, a 10.6% premium over the US median of $74,580. This income lift is partially buoyed by a more educated workforce, where 37.2% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.1%.

The statistical target demographic is the "suburban affluent"—professionals aged 30-55 seeking tax advantages and space without sacrificing urban proximity. This cohort is less sensitive to the -2.0% housing cost variance relative to the US average, prioritizing the 10.6% income premium and the 37.2% educated peer group over raw cost minimization.

Cost of Living Analysis

While the aggregate Cost of Living Index (100 = US Average) suggests parity, the granular data reveals a distinct advantage in daily operational expenses. The most significant deviation is in electricity costs, where Davie residents pay 14.14 cents/kWh, undercutting the US average of 16.0 cents by nearly 12%.

Table 1: Cost of Living Breakdown (Monthly Budgets)

Derived from Index Data and Verified Metrics

Disposable Income Analysis:
With a median income of $82,514, the single professional budget of $3,210/month leaves a significant surplus of approximately $3,675/month before taxes. For a family of four, the $7,270 monthly burn rate consumes roughly 88% of the median household income (post-tax), suggesting that the $82,514 figure is a floor for family viability, requiring a dual-income household to maintain the standard of living.

Housing Market Deep Dive

The housing market in Davie is currently balanced, hovering slightly below the US average index of 100. The critical data point for 2026 is the spread between renting and buying. With a median home price of $485,000 and a 1BR rent of $1,750, the price-to-rent ratio favors buying for long-term residents.

Table 2: Housing Market Data (Buying vs Renting Analysis)

Buy vs. Rent Verdict:
Relative to the national curve, Davie offers a -2.0% discount on entry-level home ownership. However, the rental market is more compressed; renting a 1BR unit at $1,750 creates a monthly "savings" of roughly $1,200 compared to a mortgage on a median home. For those with capital but uncertain on tenure, buying is the mathematically sound choice to lock in costs below the US average. For those prioritizing liquidity, renting remains 5.4% cheaper than the national norm.

Economic & Job Market Outlook

The post-remote work landscape of 2026 has stabilized Davie's economy. The local unemployment rate stands at 4.2%, virtually identical to the US average of 4.0%, indicating a mature, stable labor market. The 10.6% income premium suggests that local industry—likely a mix of logistics, healthcare, and professional services—is absorbing the workforce effectively.

RTO & Commute Impact:
Davie’s location near Fort Lauderdale and Miami means it serves as a bedroom community. While RTO (Return to Office) mandates have increased traffic, the -4.4% transportation cost index suggests that fuel and insurance costs remain manageable. Commute times to major hubs (Miami, Fort Lauderdale) typically range from 35 to 60 minutes depending on traffic, a standard trade-off for the $82,514 median income and lower housing costs.

Quality of Life Audit

Davie scores high on health metrics, driven by a Health Score of 82.5/100. The air quality is a standout feature with an AQI of 47, classified as "Good," which is increasingly rare in urbanizing Florida.

Table 3: Quality of Life Metrics

Safety & Environment:
The safety profile is a major selling point. Violent crime is exceptionally low at 189 incidents per 100k people, less than half the US average of 380. Property crime is average at 1,567/100k (vs 2,000 US average).

Schools & Weather:
The education level of the populace (37.2% college educated) correlates with strong local school funding. Weather-wise, the current snapshot shows 72.0°F with highs of 81°F and "Mostly Clear" conditions, offering the subtropical climate many seek without the extreme humidity of mid-summer.

The Verdict

Pros:

• Income Premium: Earning $82,514 vs the national $74,580 provides a significant buffer.
• Safety: Violent crime is 50% lower than the US average.
• Air Quality: AQI of 47 is superior to the national average.
• Cost Efficiency: Groceries, transport, and electricity are all >4% cheaper than the US norm.

Cons:

• Housing Saturation: The median home price of $485,000 remains high relative to national affordability, though it is discounted vs the US average.
• Income Requirement: The cost of a family of four ($7,270/mo) requires a household income significantly above the median to avoid being "house poor."

Final Recommendation:
Davie is a High-Value Relocation Target for professionals earning above $75,000 annually. It offers a "Goldilocks" zone of safety, weather, and income potential that is difficult to find in other Florida metros. It is recommended for buyers who plan to stay 5+ years to capitalize on the -2.0% housing index discount.

FAQs

1. What salary is needed to live comfortably in Davie?
For a single professional, a salary of $65,000 allows for a comfortable budget of $3,210/month with savings. For a family, a combined income of $110,000+ is recommended to manage the $7,270/month family budget comfortably.

2. How does Davie's value compare to nearby Fort Lauderdale?
Davie is generally 5-10% more affordable in housing costs than downtown Fort Lauderdale, while offering larger lot sizes. The trade-off is a slightly longer commute, but the $1,750 1BR rent is a significant value compared to Fort Lauderdale's $2,100+ average.

3. Are the safety statistics reliable?
Yes. With a violent crime rate of 189/100k and property crime of 1,567/100k, Davie is statistically safer than 85% of US cities of comparable size. The data indicates a safe environment for families and professionals.

4. Is the air quality truly "Good"?
Yes. An AQI of 47 is well within the safe zone. The PM2.5 level of 6.5 µg/m³ is significantly lower than the US average of 8.5 µg/m³, making it a healthy choice for those with respiratory concerns.