Living in Miami Gardens, FL
Miami Gardens is the 280th-largest city in the US, home to about 114,000 people in 2025. Its population has been roughly flat since 2020. Prices across the metro area run above the national average (114.2 on an index where the US is 100).
- Population, 2025
- 113,579+1.9% since 2020
- Median home value
- $378,5005.9 years of median income
- Median rent
- $1,787/morent plus utilities
- Household income
- $63,627median, per year
- Price level
- 114.2US average = 100
- January / July highs
- 76° / 91°lows 61° / 78°
- Average commute
- 32 min9% work from home
- State income tax
- Noneon wages
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County: Miami-Dade County
Time zone: Eastern Time (UTC-5, UTC-4 in summer)
Elevation: about 7 ft
Metro area: Miami-Fort Lauderdale-West Palm Beach, FL
Cost of living in Miami Gardens
The median home in Miami Gardens is worth $378,500 and the median household earns $63,627 a year, so a typical home costs about 5.9 years of income. Median gross rent (rent plus utilities) is $1,787 a month, about 34% of the median household's income. BEA puts overall prices in the Miami-Fort Lauderdale-West Palm Beach, FL metro area at 114.2, with housing at 155.6 and goods at 103.6 (US = 100). In practice, a $75,000 salary in an average-priced place stretches about as far as $85,600 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 Miami Gardens?
Miami Gardens weather
Average highs run from 76°F in January to 91°F in July, and January nights average 61°F. It gets 67 inches of rain and melted snow a year, with almost no snow. Expect about 92 days a year at 90°F or hotter. The most comfortable months are November to April.
Month-by-month weather and the best time to visit Miami Gardens
People and work
The median resident is 39.4 years old, and 18% of adults 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. 64% of households own their home. The average one-way commute is 32 minutes; 9% of workers work from home.
- Median age
- 39.4432nd youngest of 546
- Bachelor's or higher
- 18%adults 25+
- Homeowners
- 64%of households
- People per sq mile
- 6,14618.5 sq mi of land
- Take transit to work
- 3%1% walk, 0.1% bike
- Unemployment
- 9%2020-2024 average
- Poverty rate
- 13.6%of residents
- Typical home built
- 1970median year
Who moves to Miami Gardens, and where people go
From farther away, newcomers most often come from New York County, NY, Orlando (Orange County) and Los Angeles (Los Angeles County). People who leave for somewhere more than 100 miles away most often head to Cape Coral (Lee County), Orlando (Orange County) and Tampa (Hillsborough 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
Very High
FEMA rating for Miami-Dade County, scored against every US county. Biggest risks: hurricane, inland flooding, coastal flooding, lightning.
Home prices
+1.3% in a year
Up 68% over five years. FHFA house price index for the Miami-Miami Beach-Kendall, FL (MSAD) area, 2026 Q2.
Air quality, 2025
53% good days
1 day unhealthy at least for sensitive groups. EPA daily air quality index for the Miami-Fort Lauderdale-West Palm Beach, 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 Miami Gardens
The best-known parks, museums, zoos and landmarks within about 35 miles. Tap Been or Want to add them to your city passport.
- LoanDepot Park 11 miles
- University of Miami 15 miles
- Florida International University 15 miles
- Broward College 14 miles
- Florida Atlantic University 31 miles
- Keiser University-Ft Lauderdale 18 miles
- Nova Southeastern University 10 miles
Places from Wikidata (CC0), linked to each one's official site or Wikipedia article. Check hours and fees before you go.
Airports near Miami Gardens
| Airport | Distance | Passengers boarding in 2024 |
|---|---|---|
| Miami International Airport MIA | 11 mi | 26,588,002 |
| Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood Airport FLL | 11 mi | 17,096,131 |
| Fort Lauderdale Executive Airport FXE | 18 mi | 10,493 |
| President Donald J. Trump International Airport PBI | 52 mi | 4,127,211 |
Federal Aviation Administration, calendar year 2024 passenger boardings (enplanements) at commercial service airports. Straight-line distance.
Colleges in and near Miami Gardens
| College | Distance | Undergrads | Net price a year | Graduate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Florida International University | 15 mi | 39,508 | $11,462 | 78% |
| Broward College | 14 mi | 24,922 | $7,989 | n/a |
| Keiser University-Ft Lauderdale | 18 mi | 17,678 | $32,640 | n/a |
| University of Miami | 15 mi | 12,913 | $36,483 | 84% |
| Nova Southeastern University | 10 mi | 7,240 | $27,714 | 62% |
| Florida National University-Main Campus | 7 mi | 2,449 | $22,575 | n/a |
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 Miami Gardens
Freezing nights are rare here.
NOAA 1991-2020 climate normals for Miami Intl. Airport, FL, median (50%) dates. All frost dates for Miami Gardens.
Wildfire smoke in Miami Gardens
From 2021 through 2025, a smoke plume covered Miami Gardens on about 61 days a year, including about 3 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 Miami Gardens
Census Bureau American Community Survey 2020-2024, table B28002, 35,118 households. Compare every city.
Public schools in Miami Gardens
Downtown Miami Gardens 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dade County School District | Pre-K to 12 | 333,233 | 530 | 19.4 |
Other districts within 10 miles: Broward County School District (243,553 students).
National Center for Education Statistics, school district boundaries and characteristics, 2024-25 school year.
Miami Gardens's twin cities
Cities at least 250 miles away with the closest match to Miami Gardens's weather month by month and its costs (price level, home values and rent).
- Honolulu, HI40% matchCompare
- Palm Coast, FL39% matchCompare
- League City, TX37% matchCompare
- Pearland, TX35% matchCompare
Find a twin that is cheaper, warmer or cooler
Stargazing near Miami Gardens
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 Miami Gardens
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 Winters are warm, with January highs around 76°F.
Cons
- Data Everyday prices in the metro run 14% above the US average, mostly because of housing.
- Data Summers are long and hot: about 92 days a year reach 90°F.
- Data Commutes are long: 32 minutes each way on average.
- Data High natural hazard risk in Miami-Dade County (FEMA rates it very high), led by hurricane, inland flooding and coastal flooding.
- Data Home prices have climbed fast: up 68% in five years (FHFA).
Miami Gardens report card from locals
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Miami Gardens through locals' eyes
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Cities near Miami Gardens
| City | Distance | Population | Home value | Price level | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pembroke Pines, FL | 5 mi | 176,714 | $439,500 | 114.2 | Compare |
| Hialeah, FL | 6 mi | 230,968 | $392,000 | 114.2 | Compare |
| Hollywood, FL | 6 mi | 157,019 | $410,600 | 114.2 | Compare |
| Miramar, FL | 6 mi | 142,570 | $462,700 | 114.2 | Compare |
| Davie, FL | 10 mi | 110,851 | $462,900 | 114.2 | Compare |
| Doral, FL | 11 mi | 81,634 | $562,800 | 114.2 | Compare |
Straight-line distance between city centers.
Miami Gardens ranks 74th of 95 in our best suburbs of Miami ranking.
Cities with a similar profile
Closest match on climate, price level, size, income and median age, outside the immediate area.
Compare Miami Gardens with another city
Frequently asked questions
Is Miami Gardens a good place to live?
It depends on what you need. The numbers show no state income tax on wages, 6 comfortable months a year; the trade-offs are high prices, 92 days a year at 90°F or hotter, long commutes. Compare Miami Gardens side by side with another city to see how it stacks up for you.
What is the population of Miami Gardens?
The Census Bureau estimates Miami Gardens had 113,579 residents on July 1, 2025, compared with 111,450 in April 2020 (+1.9%).
How much do you need to earn to live in Miami Gardens?
Using BEA price levels, a $75,000 salary in an average-priced US city buys about the same as $85,600 in the Miami Gardens area. The median household here earns $63,627.
When is the best time to visit Miami Gardens?
By the 1991-2020 climate normals, November to April are the most comfortable months. July averages 91°F and January 76°F for daytime highs.
What county is Miami Gardens in?
Miami Gardens is in Miami-Dade County, Florida. Source: Census Bureau 2020 geography.
What time zone is Miami Gardens in?
Miami Gardens is on Eastern Time (UTC-5, or UTC-4 during daylight saving time from March to November).
What is the elevation of Miami Gardens?
Close to 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 Miami Gardens. Price levels: BEA Regional Price Parities 2024 for the Miami-Fort Lauderdale-West Palm Beach, FL metro area. Weather: NOAA 1991-2020 normals, Miami Intl. Airport, FL station. Taxes: Tax Foundation 2026. How we get our numbers.