West Melbourne is a city in Brevard County, Florida, United States. The population was 9,824 at the 2000 census. According to the 2005 census, the city had a population of 15,059. It was created in 1959 to stop the area from being annexed into the City of Melbourne and to avoid the levying of an ad valorem tax.

In 2005, the City of West Melbourne started charging property taxes for the first time in its existence (since 1959). Prior to 2005, the city survived on "fees only" for its $17 million budget.

Geography

West Melbourne is located at (28.077895, -80.665326).

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 20.3 km² (7.8 mi²). 20.3 km² (7.8 mi²) of it is land and 0.1 km² (0.04 mi²) of it (0.26%) is water.

Demographics

As of the 2000 census, there were 9,824 people, 4,497 households, and 2,693 families residing in the city. The population density was 485.0/km² (1,255.7/mi²). There were 4,874 housing units at an average density of 240.6/km² (623.0/mi²). The racial makeup of the city was 93.68% White, 1.40% African American, 0.13% Native American, 2.08% Asian, 0.03% Pacific Islander, 1.21% from other races, and 1.47% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 3.84% of the population.

There were 4,497 households out of which 19.1% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 49.0% were married couples living together, 8.5% had a female householder with no husband present, and 40.1% were non-families. 34.0% of all households were made up of individuals and 18.8% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.08 and the average family size was 2.63.

The population in the city was spread out with 15.9% under the age of 18, 5.8% from 18 to 24, 24.2% from 25 to 44, 23.1% from 45 to 64, and 31.0% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 49 years. For every 100 females there were 85.5 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 82.3 males.

Government

The town manager is paid $110,000 annually.

The City of West Melbourne utilizes a Council-Manager form of government. The City Council consists of the mayor and six council members. The City Management consists of a city manager and a twelve person executive management team.

In 2007, the city had a taxable real estate base of $1.32 billion.

City Council

• Hal Rose, Mayor - Elected in November 2007
• John D’Amico, Deputy Mayor, Council Member - Elected in November 2007
• Stephany Eley, Council member
• Mike Hazlett, Council Member - Elected in November 2007
• Andy Jones, Council Member - Elected in November 2007
• William Mettrick, Council Member
• Christopher A. Paluszek, Council Member - Elected in November 2007

City Management

• David Reynal, City Manager

City Hall

The West Melbourne City Hall is located at 2285 Minton Road.

Education

Schools are run by the Brevard County School Board. They include:

Elementary schools

• Meadowlane Elementary

Economy

Personal Income

The median income for a household in the city was $37,391, and the median income for a family was $46,486. Males had a median income of $38,693 versus $27,040 for females. The per capita income for the city was $24,006. About 4.9% of families and 7.8% of the population were below the poverty line, including 9.9% of those under age 18 and 6.8% of those age 65 or over.

References

External links

• City of West Melbourne official site