Brevard County, located in central Florida, boasts a population of over 600,000 residents. While it’s known for attractions like the Kennedy Space Center, Brevard Zoo, and Cocoa Beach Pier, not all areas in the county enjoy the same safety and prosperity.
Some neighborhoods face issues like high crime rates, poverty, and social challenges, making them less desirable places to reside. In this article, we’ll explore the five neighborhoods in Brevard County with the most significant challenges, based on data from sources like the U.S. Census Bureau, the FBI, and CrimeGrade.org.
5. Cocoa
Cocoa, situated in central Brevard County, has around 18,000 residents. The city has a median household income of $37,849, which is lower than the county average of $59,359. Additionally, Cocoa struggles with a poverty rate of 25.7%, exceeding the county average of 11.9%. Concerningly, Cocoa also reports a violent crime rate of 13.9 per 1,000 residents and a property crime rate of 64.8 per 1,000 residents.
Both these crime rates are higher than the county averages of 4.6 and 25.8, respectively. Cocoa is known for issues related to drug use and gang activity, and it has witnessed multiple incidents of violence, including shootings and homicides in recent times.
4. Palm Bay
Palm Bay, located in the southern part of Brevard County, has a population of approximately 118,000 residents. It exhibits a median household income of $50,865, which falls below the county average. The city also grapples with a poverty rate of 14.4%, higher than the county average.
In terms of crime, Palm Bay faces a violent crime rate of 6.2 per 1,000 residents and a property crime rate of 36.5 per 1,000 residents—both figures surpass the county averages. Palm Bay’s population is racially diverse, with 57% identifying as white, 20% as black or African American, and 19% as Hispanic or Latino. The city encounters challenges related to unemployment, homelessness, and domestic violence.
3. Titusville
Titusville, located in the northern part of Brevard County, houses about 46,000 residents. It reports a median household income of $46,078, below the county average. Titusville also grapples with a poverty rate of 16%, exceeding the county average.
In terms of crime, Titusville records a violent crime rate of 7.9 per 1,000 residents and a property crime rate of 40.6 per 1,000 residents—both higher than the county averages. The city is primarily composed of a white population, with 71% identifying as such. Titusville faces challenges related to education, drug abuse, and limited opportunities.
2. Melbourne
Melbourne, situated in the south-central part of Brevard County, is home to about 82,000 residents. The city’s median household income stands at $48,670, which is below the county average, and it grapples with a poverty rate of 16.8%, also exceeding the county average.
Melbourne faces a high violent crime rate of 13.8 per 1,000 residents and a property crime rate of 66.8 per 1,000 residents—among the highest in the county. The city’s population is diverse, with 64% identifying as white, 18% as black or African American, and 15% as Hispanic or Latino. Melbourne encounters challenges related to unemployment, mental health, and homelessness.
1. Cocoa West
Cocoa West, an unincorporated community in central Brevard County, is home to around 5,000 residents. The community struggles with a median household income of $30,625, which is less than half of the county average. An alarming 35% of Cocoa West’s population lives in poverty, nearly three times the county average.
The community reports the highest crime rates in the county, with a violent crime rate of 15 per 1,000 residents and a property crime rate of 69 per 1,000 residents. Cocoa West is predominantly composed of a black or African American population, with 76% identifying as such. The community faces issues such as segregation, discrimination, and a lack of resources.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Brevard County showcases a stark contrast between its safe, prosperous areas and neighborhoods facing significant challenges. The five neighborhoods mentioned—Cocoa, Palm Bay, Titusville, Melbourne, and Cocoa West—experience high crime rates, poverty, and social difficulties, making them less appealing places to live.
These areas also grapple with lower income levels, limited access to education and healthcare, and a need for increased attention and resources from both the county and the state to improve their conditions and opportunities for residents.