Median Income
$27,765
63% lower than US avg
Home Value
$259,300
8% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
441/100K
16% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
26.8%
20% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$890
23% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
41.3%
29% higher than US avg
Unemployment
5.4%
50% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
50.5%
307% higher than US avg
How Gifford Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population4,658
Median Age33.4 yrs
Density1,713/mi²
Male / Female44% / 56%
Largest GroupWhite 20%
Veterans6.3%
Economy
D
Median Income$27,765
Per Capita$20,127
Unemployment5.4%
Poverty50.5%
County GDP$11,152M
Commute16 min
Housing
F
Home Value$259,300
Rent$890
Ownership46.8%
Zillow$359,800
Housing Units1,818
Rent Burden51.0%
Crime
F
Violent441/100K
Property3,817/100K
Health
Obesity41.3%
Uninsured20.0%
Smoking22.5%
Depression17.8%
Heart Disease8.4%
Climate
Avg Temp74°F (24°C)
AQI41 (Good)
Rain56.4 in/yr
Sunny Days330/yr
Elevation20 ft (6 m)
Education
B
Bachelor's+26.8%
High School+81.4%
Graduate+7.4%
School Score5.63
Community
2024 VoteR 63% / D 36%
Commute16 min
Broadband73.7%
EV Stations19
Libraries5
Is Gifford a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Gifford receives an overall livability score of 1.8 out of 5.0, earning a grade of D. Key strengths include abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment, an elevated poverty rate, a high uninsured rate. Gifford faces significant challenges across several quality-of-life categories.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Gifford is $27,765, 63% below the national average of $75,149. The unemployment rate of 5.4% is somewhat elevated compared to the national rate of 3.6%. The poverty rate of 50.5% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 16 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Gifford is $259,300, roughly aligned with the national median of $281,900. Renters pay a median of $890 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. With a home price-to-income ratio of 9.3x, housing affordability is a significant challenge for many families.
Safety & Crime
The violent crime rate of 441 per 100,000 is above the national average of 380 / something for prospective residents to consider. Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,817 per 100,000, 95% above the national average.
Education
26.8% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 81.4% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.6/10.
Climate & Weather
Gifford has a warm climate with an average annual temperature of 74°F. Winters average 64°F in January while summers reach 83°F in July. With 330 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 56.4 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41.
Gifford has a population of 4,658 with a density of 1,713 people per square mile, spread across 7.3 square miles. The median age is 33.4 years, 14% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 55.9% female and 44.1% male. The city is predominantly Black (60.7%), with 19.6% White, 2.2% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 81.7% of residents, while 18.3% speak Spanish. 6.3% of the population are veterans. 15.7% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 76.7% have health insurance coverage.
Population
33.4yrs
Median Age
14% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
81.7%
4% above US avg
Spanish
18.3%
37% above US avg
The median household income in Gifford is $27,765, which is 63% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $20,127 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,115, 22% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 5.4% (above the 3.6% US average). 50.5% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 5,868 business establishments, including 316 restaurants. The cost of living index is 103.4, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 16 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 15.9% of workers work from home.
Income
| Median HH Income | $27,765 |
| 63% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $20,127 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,115 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $146,925 |
| Gini Index | 0.507 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 5.4% |
| 50% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 50.5% |
| 307% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 5,868 |
| County GDP | $11,152M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 316 |
| Healthcare | 560 |
| Retail | 612 |
| Manufacturing | 104 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $15,815 |
| 352% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 103.40 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 6.10% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 16.0 min |
| Drive Alone | 75.1% |
| Public Transit | 5.8% |
| Work from Home | 15.9% |
The median home value in Gifford is $259,300, 8% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $359,800, higher than the Census estimate. Homes sell for 95.7% of their list price, suggesting buyers have room to negotiate. Monthly rent averages $890 (23% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $1,296 for a one-bedroom to $1,526 for a two-bedroom apartment. 46.8% of housing units are owner-occupied (below the 65.4% national rate). There are 1,818 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1983. The average annual property tax is $15,815 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 51.0% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing, indicating a significant affordability challenge for renters. The home price-to-income ratio is 9.3x, making homeownership a significant financial stretch for most families.
Home Values
| Census Median | $259,300 |
| 8% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $359,800 |
| Median List Price | $304,500 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median List Price | $304,500 |
| $/Sq Ft | $219 |
| Homes Sold | 1 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 95.7% |
| Price Drops | 17.4% |
| Inventory | 23 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $890 |
| 23% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 51.0% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $1,212 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,296 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,526 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,971 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,261 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 46.8% |
| Owner-Occupied | 46.8% |
| Renter-Occupied | 53.2% |
| Housing Units | 1,818 |
| Median Year Built | 1983 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $15,815 |
| 352% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 6.10% |
In Gifford, 41.3% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 19.6% have diabetes (above the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 8.4% of residents, above the national average. 44.0% have high blood pressure. 22.5% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 10.9% report binge drinking. 38.4% are physically inactive, above the national average. 17.8% report depression. 22.0% experience frequent mental distress. 20.0% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,589. The dentist ratio is 1:1,361. 86.8% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.3 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Gifford vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 41.3% |
| 29% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 19.6% |
| Heart Disease | 8.4% |
| High Blood Pressure | 44.0% |
| Asthma | 12.4% |
| COPD | 11.1% |
| Cancer | 5.2% |
| Stroke | 6.2% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 22.5% |
| 61% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 10.9% |
| Physical Inactivity | 38.4% |
| Depression | 17.8% |
| Mental Distress | 22.0% |
| Physical Distress | 18.6% |
| Short Sleep | 50.6% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 76.7% |
| Uninsured | 20.0% |
| 133% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,589 |
| Dentists | 1:1,361 |
| Mental Health | 1:586 |
| Checkup Rate | 80.1% |
| Dental Visits | 35.8% |
| Premature Death | 9,380/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.3/10 |
| Exercise Access | 86.8% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 560 |
Gifford has a violent crime rate of 441 per 100,000 residents, 16% above the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 3,817 per 100,000, 95% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 23 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Gifford receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Gifford vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 440.9/100K |
| 16% above US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 3,817.1/100K |
| 95% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 23 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Gifford has a warm climate with an average annual temperature of 74°F (24°C). Winters average 64°F in January while summers reach 83°F in July / relatively mild seasonal variation. The area gets 330 sunny days per year, well above the U.S. average of 205 / making it one of the sunnier locations in the country. Annual precipitation totals 56.4 inches (wetter than the 38-inch national average). Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41. The city sits at an elevation of 20 feet, near sea level.
Temperature
64°F Jan (18°C)
83°F Jul (28°C)
| Annual Average | 74.4°F |
| 38% above US avg |
| January Average | 64°F (18°C) |
| July Average | 83°F (28°C) |
| Sunny Days | 330 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 20 ft (6 m) |
| Area | 7.3 sq mi (18.9 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,713/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 27.6756°N, 80.4252°W |
| Timezone | America/New_York |
| County | Indian River County County |
| Nearest Airport | Vero Beach Regional (VRB)
2 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
56.4"
48% above US avg
Wettest Month (Sep)
7.40"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 41.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively High |
| Risk Score | 95.6 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 64.2 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 60.5 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hurricane |
Very High |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hail |
Very Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively High |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
No Rating |
| Lightning |
Relatively High |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
| Coastal Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Hurricane History
20 hurricanes (Cat 1+) within 500 km since 1980.
Strongest: Category 5. Most recent: Milton (2024, Cat 3).
| Year |
Name |
Category |
Closest |
| 2024 |
Milton |
Category 3 |
98 km |
| 2022 |
Ian |
Category 5 |
67 km |
| 2022 |
Nicole |
Category 1 |
15 km |
| 2021 |
Elsa |
Category 1 |
300 km |
| 2019 |
Dorian |
Category 5 |
161 km |
| 2017 |
Irma |
Category 3 |
147 km |
| 2016 |
Matthew |
Category 4 |
72 km |
| 2014 |
Arthur |
Category 1 |
295 km |
| 2005 |
Wilma |
Category 3 |
91 km |
| 2005 |
Ophelia |
Category 1 |
151 km |
| 2005 |
Katrina |
Category 1 |
183 km |
| 2004 |
Charley |
Category 4 |
125 km |
| 2004 |
Jeanne |
Category 3 |
45 km |
| 2004 |
Frances |
Category 2 |
41 km |
| 1999 |
Floyd |
Category 4 |
198 km |
| 1999 |
Dennis |
Category 2 |
276 km |
| 1999 |
Irene |
Category 1 |
35 km |
| 1995 |
Erin |
Category 1 |
4 km |
| 1992 |
Andrew |
Category 5 |
242 km |
| 1987 |
Floyd |
Category 1 |
287 km |
Source: NOAA IBTrACS (Cat 1+, 1980–2026)
Tornado History
316 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF3. Total: 13 fatalities, 233 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Oct 9, 2024 |
EF3 |
34 km |
6 |
| Jan 24, 1979 |
EF3 |
79 km |
0 |
| Jun 19, 1972 |
EF3 |
81 km |
0 |
| Jun 19, 1972 |
EF3 |
89 km |
0 |
| Oct 19, 1958 |
EF3 |
98 km |
1 |
| Apr 15, 1958 |
EF3 |
24 km |
0 |
| Sep 18, 1954 |
EF3 |
30 km |
2 |
| Oct 9, 2024 |
EF2 |
59 km |
0 |
| Oct 9, 2024 |
EF2 |
99 km |
0 |
| Oct 9, 2024 |
EF2 |
63 km |
0 |
| Oct 9, 2024 |
EF2 |
70 km |
0 |
| Apr 6, 2017 |
EF2 |
42 km |
0 |
| Oct 24, 2005 |
EF2 |
42 km |
0 |
| Nov 15, 1994 |
EF2 |
24 km |
1 |
| Mar 24, 1983 |
EF2 |
87 km |
0 |
| Mar 21, 1983 |
EF2 |
62 km |
0 |
| Mar 7, 1983 |
EF2 |
53 km |
0 |
| Feb 2, 1983 |
EF2 |
51 km |
0 |
| Feb 2, 1983 |
EF2 |
99 km |
1 |
| Sep 26, 1982 |
EF2 |
68 km |
1 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: FROG LIGHT (20,174 ac, 2007).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2007 |
FROG LIGHT |
20,174 |
86 km |
| 2021 |
KISSIMMEE BEND NORTH |
13,782 |
70 km |
| 2006 |
UNNAMED |
12,050 |
83 km |
| 1992 |
UNNAMED |
11,488 |
70 km |
| 2008 |
UNNAMED |
11,294 |
29 km |
| 2008 |
UNNAMED |
9,670 |
94 km |
| 1996 |
UNNAMED |
9,427 |
65 km |
| 2024 |
APQ RECREATION AREA RX 0506 |
8,901 |
68 km |
| 1998 |
UNNAMED |
8,794 |
85 km |
| 2017 |
ECHO SPRINGS |
8,640 |
81 km |
| 1984 |
UNNAMED |
7,765 |
75 km |
| 2004 |
UNNAMED |
7,670 |
86 km |
| 2021 |
AREA 11 |
7,140 |
79 km |
| 1989 |
UNNAMED |
6,985 |
67 km |
| 2011 |
TRAIL 3 |
6,854 |
84 km |
| 2011 |
UNNAMED |
6,616 |
52 km |
| 2008 |
SAN FILIPPO |
6,376 |
30 km |
| 1994 |
UNNAMED |
6,243 |
66 km |
| 1993 |
UNNAMED |
6,236 |
67 km |
| 1992 |
UNNAMED |
6,228 |
75 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
64°F (18°C) |
2.4 in |
|
| February |
63°F (17°C) |
2.9 in |
Coldest |
| March |
68°F (20°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| April |
71°F (22°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| May |
76°F (25°C) |
4.2 in |
|
| June |
80°F (27°C) |
6.2 in |
|
| July |
83°F (28°C) |
5.7 in |
Warmest |
| August |
82°F (28°C) |
5.9 in |
|
| September |
81°F (27°C) |
7.4 in |
Wettest |
| October |
76°F (25°C) |
5.0 in |
|
| November |
70°F (21°C) |
2.9 in |
|
| December |
65°F (18°C) |
2.0 in |
Driest |
Gifford has a seasonal temperature swing of 20°F / from 63°F in February to 83°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 50.0 inches, with September being the wettest month (7.4") and December the driest (2.0").
Average costs for common services in Gifford. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$259 ($155–$414) |
| Specialist Visit |
$362 ($207–$569) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$207 ($103–$362) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,275 ($827–$5,170) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$134 ($78–$207) |
| Dental Filling |
$259 ($155–$414) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$47 ($26–$78) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$78 ($52–$124) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$310 ($155–$517) |
| Tire Rotation |
$41 ($21–$78) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$620 ($414–$1,034) |
| Battery Replacement |
$207 ($103–$362) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$103 ($62–$155) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$93 ($52–$145) |
| HVAC Repair |
$414 ($155–$827) |
| HVAC System Install |
$7,238 ($4,136–$12,408) |
| Roof Repair |
$1,034 ($414–$2,068) |
| Roof Replacement |
$9,306 ($5,687–$15,510) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,551 ($517–$3,619) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$15,510 ($5,170–$31,020) |
| DUI Defense |
$5,170 ($2,068–$10,340) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,551 ($827–$3,102) |
| Will Preparation |
$517 ($207–$1,034) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,585 ($1,034–$5,170) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$26 ($16–$47) |
| Women's Haircut |
$57 ($31–$103) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$155 ($78–$259) |
| Manicure |
$26 ($16–$47) |
| Pedicure |
$41 ($26–$67) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$83 ($52–$134) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$4.24 ($3.10–$5.69) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.62 ($2.59–$5.17) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.93 ($2.59–$5.69) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.65 ($3.10–$6.72) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.69 ($4.14–$7.76) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$1.03 ($0.62–$1.86) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$145 ($83–$259) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$72 ($31–$155) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$72 ($41–$124) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$72 ($41–$103) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$67 ($31–$103) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$88 ($52–$155) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$207 ($78–$517) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$2,068 ($1,241–$3,619) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$72 ($31–$134) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$16 ($8.27–$26) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$103 ($31–$259) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$31 ($16–$78) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,241 ($620–$2,585) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$1,034 ($517–$2,068) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$414 ($207–$724) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$52 ($26–$103) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$1,034 ($414–$2,585) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$12,925 ($5,170–$31,020) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$62 ($31–$103) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$103 ($52–$207) |
| Dog Grooming |
$62 ($31–$103) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$41 ($21–$78) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$310 ($155–$517) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$207 ($103–$414) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $801 |
| Toddler | $693 |
| Preschool | $650 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $650 |
| Toddler | $650 |
| Preschool | $650 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Gifford
What is the population of Gifford?
Gifford has a population of 4,658 residents and is located in Florida. The population density is 1,713 people per square mile, spread across 7.3 square miles. The median age of residents is 33.4 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 55.9% female and 44.1% male.
Is Gifford expensive to live in?
Gifford has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 103.4 (baseline: 100). The median household income is $27,765, 63% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $259,300 (8% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $890 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 9.3x, which means housing is a stretch relative to local earnings.
Is Gifford safe?
The violent crime rate in Gifford is 441 per 100,000 residents, above the national average of 380. Prospective residents should research specific neighborhoods, as crime rates can vary significantly within the city. Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,817 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Gifford receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Gifford?
Gifford has a warm climate with an average annual temperature of 74°F (24°C). Winter temperatures average 64°F in January, while summers reach an average of 83°F in July. The area receives 330 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 56.4 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 41.
How is the job market in Gifford?
The unemployment rate in Gifford is 5.4%, somewhat above the national average of 3.6%. Job seekers may face moderate competition. The average weekly wage is $1,115. There are 5,868 business establishments in the area, including 316 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 16 minutes, and 15.9% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Gifford?
The median home value in Gifford is $259,300. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $359,800. For renters, the median monthly rent is $890. Fair market rent is $1,296 for a 1-bedroom and $1,526 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 46.8%. The average annual property tax is $15,815.
How are the schools in Gifford?
Schools in Gifford score 5.6 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 26.8% of adults in Gifford hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 81.4% have completed high school. 7.4% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Gifford?
The obesity rate in Gifford is 41.3% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 22.5% of adults are smokers. 38.4% are physically inactive. 17.8% of residents report depression. 20.0% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 86.8% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,589.
What is transportation like in Gifford?
The average commute in Gifford is 16 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 75.1% of workers drive alone to work, 5.8% use public transit, and 15.9% work from home.
What are the demographics of Gifford?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Gifford is 19.6% White, 60.7% Black or African American, 2.2% Hispanic or Latino. 81.7% of residents speak only English at home, while 18.3% speak Spanish. 6.3% of the population are military veterans. 15.7% of residents have a disability. 76.7% have health insurance coverage.
All Countries
