Miami Firefighters, Teachers, and Police Struggle to Afford Housing

Soaring home prices and stagnant wages make it nearly impossible for essential workers to live in the city they serve.

Published on Feb. 8, 2026

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In Miami-Dade County, the median home price has increased by over 80% since 2019, from $370,000 to $675,000. This has priced out many firefighters, teachers, and police officers, who make median salaries around $60,000 or less. As a result, less than 10% of these essential workers can afford to live in the city they serve, forcing them to commute long distances or move to more affordable areas.

Why it matters

The exodus of essential workers poses long-term challenges for Miami, as public employees must travel further to reach their jobs, impacting their quality of life, time with families, and job stability. This housing crisis threatens the city's ability to attract and retain critical public servants.

The details

Michael Henry, a South Broward firefighter, explains that although he has a competitive salary and benefits, he cannot afford to buy a home in Miami, where the median home price is now $675,000. He and his family ended up moving over 100 miles away to Port St. Lucie. Similarly, a Miami-Dade teacher making $50,000 per year would need to dedicate 96% of their salary to cover the monthly mortgage payment on a $675,000 home. Even 'affordable' housing projects have been criticized for rents that are still unattainable for most public employees.

  • The median home price in Miami-Dade County increased by over 80% between summer 2019 and summer 2025.
  • In November and October, the median annual salaries for firefighters and police officers in Miami-Dade County were around $60,000, while for teachers, they did not reach $50,000 per year.

The players

Michael Henry

A South Broward firefighter who was born and raised in Miami-Dade County but had to move over 100 miles away to Port St. Lucie to find an affordable home.

Anonymous Elementary School Teacher in Hialeah

A teacher who requested anonymity and is tired of moving every year because she cannot afford to buy a house in Miami and rents are rising faster than her salary, leading her to consider moving to another state.

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What they’re saying

“A few years ago, I thought about buying a house in Miami, but I simply couldn't. I didn't want to go further into debt just to say I owned a home.”

— Michael Henry, South Broward Firefighter (Miami Herald)

“I'm tired of moving every year. I don't have family here, I can't buy a house, and rents are rising faster than my salary. I'm seriously considering moving to another state.”

— Anonymous Elementary School Teacher in Hialeah (Miami Herald)

The takeaway

This housing crisis in Miami threatens the city's ability to attract and retain critical public servants like firefighters, teachers, and police officers, as they are priced out of living in the community they serve. Addressing the widening gap between wages and housing costs is crucial for Miami to maintain its essential workforce and vibrant community.