Cocoa is a city in Brevard County, Florida, United States. Its population was 19,041 at the 2020 United States census, up from 17,140 at the 2010 census. It is part of the Palm Bay-Melbourne-Titusville, Florida Metropolitan Statistical Area.
History Etymology Several stories circulate among Cocoa old timers as to how the town got its name. One story says that the mail used to come by river boat and was placed in an empty tin box labeled Baker's Cocoa. The box was nailed to a piling in the river next to downtown. Additionally, an early hotel in the area, located on the Indian River Lagoon, was named Cocoa House. Another story speaks of an elderly African-American woman who lived on the banks of the Indian River. She would supply hot cocoa to sailors traversing the Indian River. The sailors approaching her house were said to yell out "Cocoa!, Cocoa!", alerting the woman that they were present and wanted the beverage.
19th century In 1885, the S. F. Travis Hardware store opened. As of 2026, the business remains open. Cocoa's business district was mostly destroyed by fire in 1890, but significant development soon was stimulated by the extension of the Jacksonville, St. Augustine, and Indian River Railway to Cocoa.
The city was chartered on October 1, 1895. In the winter of 1894–1895, Cocoa had an economic setback when the "Great Freeze" destroyed the citrus crop and forced many citrus workers to seek new jobs. By 1903, the population of Cocoa had declined to 382.
Early 20th century In the 1910s, population growth in Cocoa accelerated. The state business directory of 1911–1912 stated the population was 550. In October 1918, the mayor of Cocoa proclaimed that all places of assembly, including schools, churches, and movies, be closed to avoid spreading the Spanish flu. By 1925, its population was estimated at 1,800. By 1930, despite the Great Depression, the population had risen to 2,200.
World War II and beyond The population rose dramatically following the development of the space industry, quadrupling from 3,098 in 1940 to 12,244 in 1960. Cocoa and the surrounding area also became integrated with the tourist industry for the first time, as thousands visited the area to witness the launches from Cape Canaveral. By 1980, the city's population had grown to 16,096.History Cocoa, Fla. Official Website. Accessed on 2009-06-24.
Education was segregated until the 1960s, when Monroe High School and elementary schools for black students were closed.
In 1964, the Cocoa Expo Sports Center (Cocoa Stadium) was built for the Colt 45s spring baseball training and Grapefruit League games. The team later became the Houston Astros. In the early 1980s, the city attempted to upgrade the stadium by asking the Astros to pay for needed repairs. In 1985, the team responded by moving its training to Osceola County Stadium in Kissimmee. As a result, future negotiations with major league teams would be done by the county government.
Clearlake Middle School was closed in 2013. Students were moved to Cocoa High School, which was converted to a junior and senior high school.
Government Cocoa first approved the council-manager form of government in 1959, and subsequent changes to the state statutes mirrored the City of Cocoa's plan. The city council serves as the board of directors for the city, with the mayor as chairman. The city manager serves as the chief executive. The city council for the City of Cocoa is made up of five members; the mayor is elected at large and the four council members are elected by each of their districts.
Mayor – Michael C. Blake Councilman, District 1 – Alex Goins Councilman, District 2 – Lavander Hearn Councilman, District 3 – Matthew Barringer (appointed, upon resignation of previous councilman) Councilwoman, District 4 – Lorraine Koss City Manager (appointed) – Stockton Whitten City of Cocoa website www.CocoaFl.org
In 2007, the city had a taxable real-estate base of $1.18 billion.
Cocoa has its own police and fire departments. The Cocoa Police Department is the primary law enforcement agency within the city. It is aided by the Brevard County Sheriff's Office, for court and civil process. The Cocoa Fire Department has three stations. Brevard County Fire Rescue also has a station within the city limits. In 2021, the city had an authorized police force of 72 police officers and 44 firefighters.
Geography
Cocoa is located at .
According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of , (13.46%) are covered by water. Cocoa is home to the highest point in Brevard County, listed by the USGS as being above sea level at its apex.
Fauna The Cocoa Bird Count has annually counted species of birds in or near Cocoa since 1950. In 2010, it counted 150 species. An annual "Christmas Bird Count" was conducted before this, starting in 1900.
Climate
Demographics
Racial and ethnic composition +Cocoa racial composition (Hispanics excluded from racial categories) (NH = Non-Hispanic)RacePop 2010Pop 2020% 2010% 2020White (NH)9,2859,44954.17%49.62%Black or African American (NH)5,2535,01130.65%26.32%Native American or Alaska Native (NH)75410.44%0.22%Asian (NH)1752411.02%1.27%Pacific Islander or Native Hawaiian (NH)10160.06%0.08%Some other race (NH)38920.22%0.48%Multiracial (NH)3739762.18%5.13%Hispanic or Latino (any race)1,9313,21511.27%16.88%Total17,14019,041
2020 census
As of the 2020 census, Cocoa had a population of 19,041. The median age was 42.4 years. 21.3% of residents were under the age of 18 and 20.6% of residents were 65 years of age or older. For every 100 females there were 92.1 males, and for every 100 females age 18 and over there were 89.0 males age 18 and over.
99.9% of residents lived in urban areas, while 0.1% lived in rural areas.
There were 8,206 households in Cocoa, of which 25.8% had children under the age of 18 living in them. Of all households, 32.9% were married-couple households, 22.3% were households with a male householder and no spouse or partner present, and 36.3% were households with a female householder and no spouse or partner present. About 34.3% of all households were made up of individuals and 16.4% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. There were 4,550 families residing in the city.
There were 9,182 housing units, of which 10.6% were vacant. The homeowner vacancy rate was 1.8% and the rental vacancy rate was 9.4%.
+ Racial composition as of the 2020 census Race Number Percent White 10,121 53.2% Black or African American 5,104 26.8% American Indian and Alaska Native 86 0.5% Asian 252 1.3% Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander 22 0.1% Some other race 1,433 7.5% Two or more races 2,023 10.6% Hispanic or Latino (of any race) 3,215 16.9%
2010 census
As of the 2010 United States census, 17,140 people, 7,429 households, and 4,480 families resided in the city.
2000 census As of the 2000 census, 16,412 people, 6,939 households, and 4,232 families lived in the city. The population density was . The 8,064 housing units had an average density of . The racial makeup of the city was 62.47% White, 32.28% African American, 0.63% Native American, 0.94% Asian, 0.23% Pacific Islander, 1.58% from other races, and 1.87% from two or more races. Hispanics or Latinos of any race were 4.93% of the population.
Of the 6,939 households, 28.4% had children under 18 living with them, 37.0% were married couples living together, 19.2% had a female householder with no husband present, and 39.0% were not families. About 32.0% of all households were made up of individuals, and 11.5% had someone living alone who was 65 or older. The average household size was 2.35 and the average family size was 2.97.
In 2000, in the city, the age distribution was 26.4% under 18, 8.6% from 18 to 24, 29.1% from 25 to 44, 21.6% from 45 to 64, and 14.3% who were 65 or older. The median age was 36 years. For every 100 females, there were 90.5 males. For every 100 females 18 and over, there were 86.4 males.
Economy
Personal income According to 2020 United States census data: Median household income = $45,011 Per capita income = $26,831 Below the poverty line: 13.0% of the population
Industry Construction and retail trade are the two largest industries by employment in Cocoa as of 2017. In 2008, Kel-Tec CNC Industries, located in Cocoa, was the third-largest manufacturer of pistols in the United States.according to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Cocoa has 1,381 registered businesses that include light manufacturing and industrial, retail, and office businesses as of 2017. Cocoa hosts one of the facilities building SpaceX Starship.
Workforce In 2017, 9,633 persons were employed, with 84% having a high school education or higher.
Tourism
Tourism is high in the downtown historic business district. Cruise passenger tourists come from Port Canaveral on excursions or day trips. In addition, tourists are attracted to the historic sites and local attractions such as the Brevard Museum of History and Natural Science, the Historic Cocoa Village, Indian River Queen (excursion boat), Indian River Drive scenic by-pass, the Aladdin Theater, Historic Porcher House, and Riverfront Park. Historic Cocoa Village has shopping and two Golden Spoon award-winning restaurants, and boutiques. The city sponsors more than 50 special events each year.
Cocoa Village
The historic downtown area is called Cocoa Village, situated along Florida Avenue to Stone Street, and stretching to Riverfront Park along the Indian River. It has shops and restaurants, and is surrounded by historic buildings and the Cocoa Riverfront Park. The Florida Historical Society is headquartered in the historic Cocoa Post Office, originally built in 1939 by the Works Progress Administration. The area was revitalized by funding for public infrastructure through the Cocoa Redevelopment Agency, city, and private investment. Cocoa Village is also home to the Historic Cocoa Village Playhouse, which was originally called The Aladdin Theatre.
Education The city area has these educational institutions:
Higher education: Eastern Florida State College, Cocoa CampusEastern Florida State College University of Central Florida, Cocoa CampusCocoa Campus
Public school system: Cambridge Elementary School Cocoa High SchoolCocoa High School Endeavor Elementary Magnet School Saturn Elementary School
Private schools: Emma Jewel Charter Academy St. Mark's Episcopal Academy
Infrastructure
Transportation
Major roads All are at least four-lane roads, unless otherwise designated. – This is the main north–south route through the city, known officially as Cocoa Boulevard. From north to south, the road enters Cocoa via the census-designated place Sharpes. The road follows a vaguely northwest–southeast course as it passes through Cocoa Village. Major intersections include SR 528 (diamond interchange), Michigan Avenue, CR 503, and SR 520. – There are three interchanges within city limits: SR 520 (exit 201), SR 524 (exit 202), and SR 528 (exit 205). – This is the secondary north–south road in Cocoa, known locally as Clearlake Road. It runs from SR 524 to SR 520. Major intersections include SR 524, Michigan Avenue, CR 503, Lake Drive, and SR 520. – This is a minor county road, known locally as Dixon Boulevard, running from SR 501 to US 1. Major intersections include SR 501, Fiske Boulevard and US 1. – This scenic two-lane county road, known locally as, from north to south, Indian River Drive, Brevard Drive/Delannoy Avenue (south/north), and Rockledge Drive, is a slow residential route running directly parallel to the Indian River. Major intersections include Dixon Boulevard and SR 520 (northbound shares a brief concurrency).