While most of Melbourne is located on the Florida mainland, a small portion is located on a barrier island. The Indian River Lagoon separates the mainland from the island. The island is a narrow strip of land that separates the Lagoon from the Atlantic Ocean.

The Space Coast is known as a high-tech center of the Southeast. Major employers in the Melbourne vicinity include Harris Corporation, Rockwell Collins, Florida Institute of Technology, Holmes Regional Hospital, Northrop Grumman Corporation, Dictaphone, GE Transportation Systems and Rossi Electronics.

Melbourne promotes economic development and is actively engaged in revitalization efforts in three areas of the city. The Melbourne metropolitan area has been ranked as one of the most affordable in the nation for homebuyers in a survey by the National Association of Home Builders. The 1998 "Money" Magazine 'Best Places' survey rated Melbourne and Brevard County 7th among medium-sized Southern communities.

Municipal government is responsible for providing vital services to City residents. In addition, drinking water services are provided to customers in a regional area that includes several other municipalities. To accomplish its mission, the City employs the equivalent of 911employees, including seasonal and part-time workers.

Melbourne served as an official host city for the 1996 Olympic Torch Relay. The Olympic flame was carried across the nation before reaching Atlanta and the Olympic Centennial Games.Thousands of area residents enjoyed seeing the Torch Relay, which symbolized the competitive and unifying spirit of the Olympic Games.