Living in Brandon, FL
Brandon is an unincorporated community in Hillsborough County, Florida, with about 120,000 residents (Census Bureau, 2020-2024 average). It has no city government of its own; the county provides most services. Prices across the metro area run close to the national average (100.9 on an index where the US is 100).
- Population
- 119,767ACS 2020-2024 average
- Median home value
- $339,0004.3 years of median income
- Median rent
- $1,784/morent plus utilities
- Household income
- $79,685median, per year
- Price level
- 100.9US average = 100
- January / July highs
- 71° / 91°lows 53° / 77°
- Average commute
- 28 min18% work from home
- State income tax
- Noneon wages
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County: Hillsborough County
Time zone: Eastern Time (UTC-5, UTC-4 in summer)
Elevation: about 46 ft
Metro area: Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL
Cost of living in Brandon
The median home in Brandon is worth $339,000 and the median household earns $79,685 a year, so a typical home costs about 4.3 years of income. Median gross rent (rent plus utilities) is $1,784 a month, about 27% of the median household's income. BEA puts overall prices in the Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL metro area at 100.9, with housing at 125.8 and goods at 95.5 (US = 100). In practice, a $75,000 salary in an average-priced place stretches about as far as $75,700 here. Florida has no state income tax on wages. The average combined state and local sales tax in Florida is 6.98%.
What would my salary be worth in Brandon?
Brandon weather
Average highs run from 71°F in January to 91°F in July, and January nights average 53°F. It gets 50 inches of rain and melted snow a year, with almost no snow. Expect about 94 days a year at 90°F or hotter. The most comfortable months are October to April.
Month-by-month weather and the best time to visit Brandon
People and work
The median resident is 37.3 years old, and 34% of adults 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. 56% of households own their home. The average one-way commute is 28 minutes; 18% of workers work from home.
- Median age
- 37.3330th youngest of 546
- Bachelor's or higher
- 34%adults 25+
- Homeowners
- 56%of households
- People per sq mile
- 3,61533.1 sq mi of land
- Take transit to work
- 0%1% walk, 0.5% bike
- Unemployment
- 4.6%2020-2024 average
- Poverty rate
- 11.4%of residents
- Typical home built
- 1993median year
Who moves to Brandon, and where people go
From farther away, newcomers most often come from Miami (Miami-Dade County), Fort Lauderdale (Broward County) and West Palm Beach (Palm Beach County). People who leave for somewhere more than 100 miles away most often head to Miami (Miami-Dade County), Fort Lauderdale (Broward County) and Jacksonville (Duval County). See the map and full lists
IRS county-to-county migration, 2022 to 2023 tax years. Where Americans are moving.
Natural hazards, home prices and air quality
Natural hazard risk
Relatively High
FEMA rating for Hillsborough County, scored against every US county. Biggest risks: hurricane, tornado, lightning, cold wave.
Home prices
+1.1% in a year
Up 48% over five years. FHFA house price index for the Tampa, FL (MSAD) area, 2026 Q2.
Air quality, 2025
50% good days
2 days unhealthy at least for sensitive groups. EPA daily air quality index for the Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL area (365 days measured).
FEMA National Risk Index (December 2025) combines expected losses from 18 natural hazards with how vulnerable and resilient the community is. It describes the county, not your street; check flood maps for a specific address at FEMA's Flood Map Service Center.
Parks and sights near Brandon
The best-known parks, museums, zoos and landmarks within about 35 miles. Tap Been or Want to add them to your city passport.
- Tropicana Field 25 miles
- University of South Florida 11 miles
- St Petersburg College 24 miles
- The University of Tampa 11 miles
- Ultimate Medical Academy 30 miles
- Pasco-Hernando State College 32 miles
- Saint Leo University 28 miles
- Southeastern University 23 miles
- Florida Southern College 22 miles
Places from Wikidata (CC0), linked to each one's official site or Wikipedia article. Check hours and fees before you go.
Airports near Brandon
| Airport | Distance | Passengers boarding in 2024 |
|---|---|---|
| Tampa International Airport TPA | 15 mi | 12,075,591 |
| Lakeland Linder Regional Airport LAL | 17 mi | 24,185 |
| St. Petersburg-Clearwater International Airport PIE | 24 mi | 1,228,048 |
| Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport SRQ | 41 mi | 2,112,417 |
Federal Aviation Administration, calendar year 2024 passenger boardings (enplanements) at commercial service airports. Straight-line distance.
Colleges in and near Brandon
| College | Distance | Undergrads | Net price a year | Graduate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of South Florida | 11 mi | 37,207 | $8,648 | 78% |
| St Petersburg College | 24 mi | 18,950 | $1,079 | n/a |
| The University of Tampa | 11 mi | 10,572 | $40,584 | 69% |
| Southeastern University | 23 mi | 4,813 | $34,297 | 43% |
| Florida Southern College | 22 mi | 2,656 | $26,211 | 68% |
| Florida College | 9 mi | 588 | $25,840 | 61% |
US Department of Education College Scorecard, October 2026 release. Net price is the average yearly cost after grants for students who get federal aid. Graduate: share finishing within 150% of normal time.
Frost dates and fall color in Brandon
Half the years, the last spring night at 32°F comes before January 20, so plant tender crops after that date or wait a week or two to be safer. Fall color depends on the trees, but the US Department of Agriculture says the brightest leaves come with warm, sunny days and cool nights, and that frost ruins vivid color. Here, cool 36°F nights usually start around January 8 and the first frost comes around January 12.
NOAA 1991-2020 climate normals for Tampa Intl. Airport, FL, median (50%) dates. All frost dates for Brandon.
Wildfire smoke in Brandon
From 2021 through 2025, a smoke plume covered Brandon on about 101 days a year, including about 5 days of medium or heavy smoke. Smoke high overhead can turn sunsets red without reaching the ground, so check the air quality reading before you change plans.
NOAA Hazard Mapping System smoke analysis, daily satellite plumes over the city center, 2021 to 2025. Smoke days for every city.
Home internet in Brandon
Census Bureau American Community Survey 2020-2024, table B28002, 45,896 households. Compare every city.
Public schools in Brandon
Downtown Brandon is in this district. Neighborhoods farther out may belong to a different one, so check the address with the district before you buy or rent.
| District | Grades | Students | Schools | Students per teacher |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hillsborough County School District | Pre-K to 12 | 220,360 | 293 | 19.7 |
National Center for Education Statistics, school district boundaries and characteristics, 2024-25 school year.
Brandon's twin cities
Cities at least 250 miles away with the closest match to Brandon's weather month by month and its costs (price level, home values and rent).
- Pearland, TX75% matchCompare
- Missouri City, TX73% matchCompare
- League City, TX69% matchCompare
- Sugar Land, TX69% matchCompare
Find a twin that is cheaper, warmer or cooler
Stargazing near Brandon
The nearest certified International Dark Sky Places:
Designations by DarkSky International as recorded in Wikidata (CC0). All dark sky places.
Pros and cons of living in Brandon
Data points come from the official sources on this page. Points marked Local come from people who live here, are read by a person before they appear, and are ranked by readers.
Pros
- Data Florida has no state income tax on wages.
- Data 7 months a year have comfortable weather by our rule.
- Data Winters are warm, with January highs around 71°F.
Cons
- Data Summers are long and hot: about 94 days a year reach 90°F.
Brandon report card from locals
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Brandon through locals' eyes
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Cities near Brandon
| City | Distance | Population | Home value | Price level | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Riverview, FL | 5 mi | 113,697 | $384,200 | 100.9 | Compare |
| Tampa, FL | 9 mi | 413,554 | $420,400 | 100.9 | Compare |
| Lakeland, FL | 22 mi | 125,520 | $249,400 | 97.1 | Compare |
| Clearwater, FL | 27 mi | 114,364 | $361,300 | 100.9 | Compare |
| St. Petersburg, FL | 28 mi | 264,033 | $371,100 | 100.9 | Compare |
| Largo, FL | 30 mi | 80,690 | $229,100 | 100.9 | Compare |
Straight-line distance between city centers.
Brandon ranks 32nd of 58 in our best suburbs of Tampa ranking.
Cities with a similar profile
Closest match on climate, price level, size, income and median age, outside the immediate area.
Compare Brandon with another city
Frequently asked questions
Is Brandon a good place to live?
It depends on what you need. The numbers show no state income tax on wages, 7 comfortable months a year; the trade-offs are 94 days a year at 90°F or hotter. Compare Brandon side by side with another city to see how it stacks up for you.
What is the population of Brandon?
About 119,767, the Census Bureau's American Community Survey average for 2020 to 2024. As an unincorporated community, Brandon is not included in the yearly city population estimates.
How much do you need to earn to live in Brandon?
Using BEA price levels, a $75,000 salary in an average-priced US city buys about the same as $75,700 in the Brandon area. The median household here earns $79,685.
When is the best time to visit Brandon?
By the 1991-2020 climate normals, October to April are the most comfortable months. July averages 91°F and January 71°F for daytime highs.
What county is Brandon in?
Brandon is in Hillsborough County, Florida. Source: Census Bureau 2020 geography.
What time zone is Brandon in?
Brandon is on Eastern Time (UTC-5, or UTC-4 during daylight saving time from March to November).
What is the elevation of Brandon?
About 46 feet above sea level at the city center. Elevation varies across the city.
Does Florida have a state income tax?
No. Florida does not tax wage income.
Sources
Population: Census Bureau Vintage 2025 estimates (July 1, 2025). Income, housing, education and commuting: American Community Survey 2020-2024 5-year estimates for the city of Brandon. Price levels: BEA Regional Price Parities 2024 for the Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL metro area. Weather: NOAA 1991-2020 normals, Tampa Intl. Airport, FL station. Taxes: Tax Foundation 2026. How we get our numbers.