Hollywood, FL: The 2026 Relocation Deep Dive

Hollywood: The Data Profile (2026)

Hollywood, Florida, represents a specific statistical anomaly in the 2026 post-remote landscape: a coastal city with a population of 153,864 that struggles with income stagnation relative to national benchmarks. The median household income sits at $60,630, which is 18.7% lower than the US median of $74,580. This income deficit is not mitigated by educational attainment; the city holds a college-educated rate of 34.4%, barely edging out the national average of 33.1%.

The statistical target demographic for Hollywood in 2026 is the "Coastal Value Seeker." This profile fits professionals who prioritize proximity to the Atlantic Ocean and access to the Greater Miami/Fort Lauderdale economic orbit but cannot justify the $550,000+ median home prices found in Miami proper. It appeals to remote workers leveraging geographic arbitrage, where a national-average salary provides a deficit in raw purchasing power but offers a lifestyle premium unavailable in landlocked US regions.

Cost of Living Analysis

The Cost of Living (COL) index in Hollywood is heavily skewed by housing, while essential goods remain competitive. The aggregate COL index is 105.5, driven primarily by a housing index of 118.5. However, groceries sit at a favorable 98.9, and electricity costs are notably suppressed at 14.14 cents/kWh compared to the US average of 16.0 cents/kWh.

Table 1: Monthly Budget Breakdown (Estimates)

Disposable Income Analysis:
With a median income of $60,630, a single earner takes home approximately $4,050 monthly after taxes. The estimated monthly spend of $3,400 leaves a disposable income buffer of roughly $650. For a dual-income household matching the median, the aggregate take-home is $8,100, against a family spend of $6,720, leaving $1,380 in savings. This is a tighter margin than the national average, suggesting that Hollywood requires strict budgeting unless income exceeds the local median.

Housing Market Deep Dive

The housing market in Hollywood is decoupled from the local income data, creating a distinct barrier to entry. The disparity between the median income ($60,630) and the fair market rent for a 2-bedroom unit ($2,333/mo) indicates a severe affordability gap. The Price-to-Rent ratio heavily favors renting in the short term.

Table 2: Housing Market Data (2026)

Buy vs. Rent Relative to the National Curve:
Buying in Hollywood requires a significant capital outlay that exceeds the national curve by 25%. Given the local income is 18.7% lower than the national average, the "Buy" metric is mathematically hostile to the average resident. Renting is the statistically superior financial decision for anyone not earning significantly above the local median of $60,630. The rent premium is present but less severe than the purchase premium, offering a lower barrier to entry for relocation.

Economic & Job Market Outlook

The economic landscape in 2026 is defined by the "Post-Remote" Return-to-Office (RTO) mandates. Hollywood benefits from its location between Fort Lauderdale and Miami, acting as a bedroom community for higher-paying jobs in those metros. The average commute time sits at 28 minutes, a manageable figure for hybrid workers.

However, local industry stability is moderate. The unemployment rate of 4.2% is slightly elevated compared to the national average of 4.0%, suggesting a local economy that relies heavily on service, tourism, and retail sectors which are sensitive to economic downturns. For remote workers, the 14.14 cents/kWh electricity rate is a competitive advantage for those running home offices. The local job market is sufficient for support roles but lacks the density of high-paying corporate headquarters found in major tech hubs.

Quality of Life Audit

Hollywood presents a complex health profile. While the aggregate Health Score is a strong 80.6/100, specific chronic disease rates are concerning. The Diabetes rate of 13.5% is significantly higher than the US average of 10.9%, a statistical red flag for long-term wellness. Conversely, air quality is exceptional with an AQI average of 47 (Good), a major asset for outdoor-centric lifestyles.

Table 3: Quality of Life Metrics

Safety Analysis:
Safety is the primary detractor in Hollywood's QoL profile. Violent crime is recorded at 567 incidents per 100k people, substantially higher than the US average of 380. Property crime is also elevated at 2,678 per 100k (vs. 2,000 average). Residents must exercise heightened situational awareness and invest in home security measures.

Schools and Weather:
The weather today is 73.0°F with highs of 80°F and clear conditions, exemplifying the tropical climate. While the weather is a major draw, school ratings in Hollywood are highly variable, often trailing the state averages found in neighboring suburban districts.

The Verdict

Pros:

• Air Quality: Exceptional AQI of 47 and PM2.5 of 6.1 µg/m³.
• Electricity Costs: Rates at 14.14 cents/kWh are below national averages.
• Location: Strategic positioning between Fort Lauderdale and Miami metros.

Cons:

• Income vs. Cost Gap: Median income of $60,630 vs. Housing Index of 118.5 creates a "wealth trap."
• Crime Rates: Violent crime at 567/100k requires defensive living.
• Health Risks: Diabetes rate of 13.5% is a significant public health concern.

Final Recommendation:
Hollywood, FL is a "Rent-Only" destination for 2026. The data indicates that buying a home at a $425,000 median price while earning the local median income of $60,630 creates a dangerous debt-to-income ratio. It is recommended for remote workers earning $90,000+ annually who can leverage the lower electricity costs and favorable weather, while maintaining the financial agility to navigate the high-crime environment. It is not recommended for families relying on a single local income stream.

FAQs

1. What salary is needed to live comfortably in Hollywood, FL?
For a single person, a gross salary of $85,000 is recommended to maintain a healthy savings rate after the $1,850 average rent. For a family, a household income of $130,000+ is necessary to offset the 118.5 Housing Index.

2. How does the value proposition compare to other Florida cities?
Hollywood offers 29.5% higher price-per-square-foot costs than the US average, making it less value-dense than cities like Jacksonville or Tampa. You are paying a premium for coastal proximity, not infrastructure.

3. Are the safety statistics as bad as the data suggests?
Yes. With Violent Crime at 567/100k and Property Crime at 2,678/100k, the statistical risk is roughly 50% higher than the national baseline. Neighborhood selection within Hollywood is critical.

4. What is the best timing for a move?
The current weather conditions of 73.0°F and clear skies indicate a prime winter/spring moving window. Avoid moving during the June–November hurricane season, which historically brings humidity spikes and storm risks that can delay logistics.