Median Income
$66,556
11% lower than US avg
Home Value
$296,000
5% higher than US avg
Violent Crime
300/100K
21% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
27.8%
18% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$1,268
9% higher than US avg
Obesity Rate
32.0%
0% lower than US avg
Unemployment
2.5%
31% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
9.3%
25% lower than US avg
How Fort Walton Beach Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population20,956
Median Age39.2 yrs
Density2,743/mi²
Male / Female50% / 50%
Largest GroupWhite 67%
Veterans16.9%
Economy
A
Median Income$66,556
Per Capita$37,973
Unemployment2.5%
Poverty9.3%
County GDP$19,003M
Commute22 min
Housing
A
Home Value$296,000
Rent$1,268
Ownership59.7%
Zillow$318,888
Housing Units10,013
Rent Burden32.3%
Crime
F
Violent300/100K
Property2,098/100K
Murder8.8/100K
Assault208/100K
Burglary261/100K
Health
Obesity32.0%
Uninsured13.3%
Smoking14.5%
Depression19.9%
Heart Disease5.7%
Climate
Avg Temp70°F (21°C)
AQI41 (Good)
Rain55.4 in/yr
Sunny Days306/yr
Elevation14 ft (4 m)
Education
B
Bachelor's+27.8%
High School+91.7%
Graduate+9.3%
School Score6.47
Community
2024 VoteR 71% / D 28%
Commute22 min
Broadband87.1%
EV Stations14
Libraries6
Is Fort Walton Beach a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Fort Walton Beach receives an overall livability score of 3.1 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include a high uninsured rate. Fort Walton Beach offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Fort Walton Beach is $66,556, 11% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 2.5%. 9.3% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 22 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Fort Walton Beach is $296,000, roughly aligned with the national median of $281,900. Renters pay a median of $1,268 per month. A price-to-income ratio of 4.4x indicates a reasonably affordable housing market.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Fort Walton Beach is below the national average at 300 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,098 per 100,000, near the national average.
Education
27.8% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 91.7% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.5/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Fort Walton Beach enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 70°F. Winters average 54°F in January while summers reach 84°F in July. With 306 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 55.4 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41.
Fort Walton Beach has a population of 20,956 with a density of 2,743 people per square mile, spread across 8.3 square miles. The median age is 39.2 years, 1% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 50% female and 50% male. The city is predominantly White (67.2%), with 1.4% Hispanic, 12.8% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 86% of residents, while 14% speak Spanish. 16.9% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 15.5% of residents have a disability. 85.6% have health insurance coverage.
Population
39.2yrs
Median Age
1% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Fort Walton Beach vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
86.0%
10% above US avg
Spanish
14.0%
4% above US avg
Social Characteristics
Fort Walton Beach vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Fort Walton Beach is $66,556, which is 11% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $37,973. The average weekly wage is $1,185, 17% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 2.5% (below the 3.6% US average). 9.3% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 7,597 business establishments, including 599 restaurants. The cost of living index is 103.4, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 22 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 7.8% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Fort Walton Beach vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $66,556 |
| 11% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $37,973 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,185 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $86,459 |
| Gini Index | 0.439 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 2.5% |
| 31% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 9.3% |
| 25% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 7,597 |
| County GDP | $19,003M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 599 |
| Healthcare | 699 |
| Retail | 859 |
| Manufacturing | 96 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $6,037 |
| 72% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 103.40 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.04% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 21.9 min |
| Drive Alone | 78.1% |
| Public Transit | 0.4% |
| Work from Home | 7.8% |
The median home value in Fort Walton Beach is $296,000, 5% above the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $318,888. Homes sell for 98.2% of their list price. Monthly rent averages $1,268 (9% above 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. 59.7% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 10,013 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1972. The average annual property tax is $6,037 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 32.3% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 4.4x.
Home Values
| Census Median | $296,000 |
| 5% above US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $318,888 |
| Median List Price | $359,000 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median List Price | $359,000 |
| $/Sq Ft | $227 |
| Homes Sold | 16 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 98.2% |
| Price Drops | 19.4% |
| Inventory | 129 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $1,268 |
| 9% above US avg |
| Zillow Rent (ZORI) | $1,817 |
| Rent Burden | 32.3% |
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 | 59.7% |
| Owner-Occupied | 59.7% |
| Renter-Occupied | 40.3% |
| Housing Units | 10,013 |
| Median Year Built | 1972 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $6,037 |
| 72% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.04% |
In Fort Walton Beach, 32.0% of adults are obese, below the national rate of 32.1%. 10.5% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.7% of residents. 31.5% have high blood pressure. 14.5% are current smokers. 17.6% report binge drinking. 24.6% are physically inactive. 19.9% report depression. 18.9% experience frequent mental distress. 13.3% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,431. The dentist ratio is 1:1,216. 77.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.7 out of 10.
Air Quality (Open-Meteo CAMS — 2026-05-22)
PM2.5
6.6
μg/m³
Fine particulate
PM10
10.7
μg/m³
Coarse particulate
NO₂
1.4
μg/m³
Nitrogen dioxide
SO₂
0.3
μg/m³
Sulphur dioxide
CO
113.0
μg/m³
Carbon monoxide
Health Metrics: Fort Walton Beach vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 32.0% |
| 0% below US avg |
| Diabetes | 10.5% |
| Heart Disease | 5.7% |
| High Blood Pressure | 31.5% |
| Asthma | 10.0% |
| COPD | 6.6% |
| Cancer | 7.4% |
| Stroke | 3.1% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 14.5% |
| 4% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 17.6% |
| Physical Inactivity | 24.6% |
| Depression | 19.9% |
| Mental Distress | 18.9% |
| Physical Distress | 13.4% |
| Short Sleep | 38.4% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 85.6% |
| Uninsured | 13.3% |
| 55% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,431 |
| Dentists | 1:1,216 |
| Mental Health | 1:433 |
| Checkup Rate | 74.7% |
| Dental Visits | 58.1% |
| Premature Death | 9,412/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.7/10 |
| Exercise Access | 77.9% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 699 |
Fort Walton Beach has a violent crime rate of 300 per 100,000 residents, 21% below the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 207.6 per 100,000, robbery at 4.4, rape at 79.5. The murder rate is 8.8 per 100,000 (above the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 2,098 per 100,000, 7% above the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 1,643, burglary at 261, vehicle theft at 194 per 100,000 residents. The county recorded 19 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Fort Walton Beach receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Fort Walton Beach vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 300.3/100K |
| 21% below US avg |
| Murder | 8.8/100K |
| 40% above US avg |
| Rape | 79.5/100K |
| Robbery | 4.4/100K |
| Assault | 207.6/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 2,097.6/100K |
| 7% above US avg |
| Burglary | 260.5/100K |
| Theft | 1,642.8/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 194.3/100K |
| Arson | 4.4/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 19 |
| Traffic Accidents | 1,769 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Fort Walton Beach enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 70°F (21°C). Winters average 54°F in January while summers reach 84°F in July. The area gets 306 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 55.4 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 14 feet, near sea level.
Temperature
54°F Jan (12°C)
84°F Jul (29°C)
| Annual Average | 69.8°F |
| 29% above US avg |
| January Average | 54°F (12°C) |
| July Average | 84°F (29°C) |
| Sunny Days | 306 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 14 ft (4 m) |
| Area | 8.3 sq mi (21.4 km²) |
| Population Density | 2,743/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 30.4249°N, 86.6218°W |
| Timezone | America/New_York |
| County | Okaloosa County County |
| Nearest Airport | Pensacola International (PNS) 34 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
55.4"
46% above US avg
Wettest Month (Jul)
7.76"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 41.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Moderate |
| Risk Score | 92.5 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 26.8 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 41.6 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively High |
| Hurricane |
Very High |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hail |
Very Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Very High |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Very Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
| Coastal Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
15 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.8. Most recent: M2.6 on Apr 12, 2019.
| Oct 24, 1997 |
15 km NNW of Flomaton, Alabama |
M4.8 |
103 km |
| Oct 26, 1997 |
11 km NNW of Flomaton, Alabama |
M3.7 |
99 km |
| Feb 18, 2011 |
22 km SSE of Dauphin Island, Alabama |
M3.5 |
138 km |
| Sep 30, 2003 |
10 km NNW of Atmore, Alabama |
M3.3 |
115 km |
| May 4, 1997 |
9 km ESE of Atmore, Alabama |
M3.1 |
98 km |
| Mar 11, 2019 |
4 km N of Flomaton, Alabama |
M3.1 |
92 km |
| Apr 11, 2019 |
6 km NNW of Pollard, Alabama |
M3.1 |
92 km |
| Oct 28, 1997 |
11 km NNW of Flomaton, Alabama |
M3.0 |
99 km |
| Sep 25, 2003 |
14 km N of Atmore, Alabama |
M2.9 |
118 km |
| Mar 7, 2019 |
2 km NW of Jay, Florida |
M2.8 |
80 km |
| Mar 24, 2019 |
2 km ESE of Century, Florida |
M2.7 |
84 km |
| Nov 10, 2012 |
16 km S of Dauphin Island, Alabama |
M2.6 |
146 km |
| Apr 12, 2019 |
13 km NW of Flomaton, Alabama |
M2.6 |
102 km |
| Sep 5, 2000 |
1 km ENE of Monroeville, Alabama |
M2.5 |
140 km |
| Apr 11, 2019 |
8 km NW of Pollard, Alabama |
M2.5 |
94 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Hurricane History
20 hurricanes (Cat 1+) within 500 km since 1980.
Strongest: Category 5. Most recent: Helene (2024, Cat 4).
| Year |
Name |
Category |
Closest |
| 2024 |
Helene |
Category 4 |
285 km |
| 2023 |
Idalia |
Category 4 |
285 km |
| 2020 |
Sally |
Category 2 |
85 km |
| 2020 |
Zeta |
Category 1 |
243 km |
| 2018 |
Michael |
Category 5 |
118 km |
| 2017 |
Nate |
Category 1 |
228 km |
| 2016 |
Hermine |
Category 1 |
234 km |
| 2012 |
Isaac |
Category 1 |
293 km |
| 2009 |
Ida |
Category 1 |
294 km |
| 2005 |
Katrina |
Category 4 |
286 km |
| 2005 |
Dennis |
Category 4 |
46 km |
| 2004 |
Ivan |
Category 4 |
117 km |
| 1998 |
Georges |
Category 2 |
211 km |
| 1998 |
Earl |
Category 2 |
86 km |
| 1997 |
Danny |
Category 1 |
123 km |
| 1995 |
Opal |
Category 4 |
48 km |
| 1995 |
Erin |
Category 2 |
44 km |
| 1988 |
Florence |
Category 1 |
296 km |
| 1985 |
Elena |
Category 3 |
103 km |
| 1985 |
Kate |
Category 3 |
113 km |
Source: NOAA IBTrACS (Cat 1+, 1980–2026)
Tornado History
497 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF3. Total: 24 fatalities, 593 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jan 9, 2024 |
EF3 |
89 km |
0 |
| Feb 23, 2016 |
EF3 |
56 km |
0 |
| Feb 15, 2016 |
EF3 |
88 km |
0 |
| Feb 7, 1971 |
EF3 |
53 km |
0 |
| Dec 10, 1967 |
EF3 |
45 km |
0 |
| Oct 30, 1967 |
EF3 |
62 km |
0 |
| Dec 25, 1964 |
EF3 |
5 km |
0 |
| Mar 31, 1962 |
EF3 |
51 km |
17 |
| Dec 10, 1961 |
EF3 |
88 km |
0 |
| May 5, 1956 |
EF3 |
58 km |
0 |
| May 10, 2024 |
EF2 |
74 km |
0 |
| Jan 9, 2024 |
EF2 |
96 km |
0 |
| Jun 15, 2023 |
EF2 |
62 km |
0 |
| Jan 22, 2023 |
EF2 |
29 km |
0 |
| Mar 18, 2022 |
EF2 |
92 km |
0 |
| Jun 19, 2021 |
EF2 |
82 km |
0 |
| Apr 10, 2021 |
EF2 |
71 km |
0 |
| Feb 15, 2016 |
EF2 |
97 km |
0 |
| Apr 15, 2011 |
EF2 |
90 km |
0 |
| Feb 17, 2008 |
EF2 |
77 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNNAMED (10,557 ac, 2006).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2006 |
UNNAMED |
10,557 |
20 km |
| 2006 |
UNNAMED |
9,706 |
67 km |
| 2013 |
UNNAMED |
9,046 |
79 km |
| 2008 |
UNNAMED |
7,660 |
22 km |
| 2010 |
UNNAMED |
5,692 |
67 km |
| 2007 |
UNNAMED |
5,616 |
48 km |
| 2013 |
LOW KEY |
5,554 |
21 km |
| 2013 |
UNNAMED |
5,525 |
71 km |
| 2012 |
UNNAMED |
4,627 |
60 km |
| 2009 |
UNNAMED |
4,577 |
65 km |
| 2007 |
UNNAMED |
4,523 |
53 km |
| 2011 |
UNNAMED |
4,486 |
40 km |
| 2008 |
UNNAMED |
4,397 |
58 km |
| 2010 |
UNNAMED |
4,235 |
48 km |
| 2012 |
UNNAMED |
4,231 |
23 km |
| 2008 |
UNNAMED |
4,200 |
15 km |
| 2009 |
UNNAMED |
4,141 |
36 km |
| 2010 |
UNNAMED |
4,119 |
39 km |
| 1998 |
UNNAMED |
4,106 |
20 km |
| 2011 |
UNNAMED |
4,032 |
38 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
54°F (12°C) |
5.1 in |
|
| February |
54°F (12°C) |
5.0 in |
Coldest |
| March |
60°F (16°C) |
6.1 in |
|
| April |
66°F (19°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| May |
73°F (23°C) |
4.5 in |
|
| June |
79°F (26°C) |
6.5 in |
|
| July |
84°F (29°C) |
7.8 in |
Warmest, Wettest |
| August |
81°F (27°C) |
6.9 in |
|
| September |
78°F (26°C) |
6.0 in |
|
| October |
69°F (21°C) |
3.7 in |
Driest |
| November |
60°F (16°C) |
4.2 in |
|
| December |
54°F (12°C) |
4.2 in |
|
Fort Walton Beach has a seasonal temperature swing of 30°F / from 54°F in February to 84°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 63.6 inches, with July being the wettest month (7.8") and October the driest (3.7").
Average costs for common services in Fort Walton Beach. 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 | $974 |
| Toddler | $801 |
| Preschool | $714 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $720 |
| Toddler | $714 |
| Preschool | $714 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Fort Walton Beach
What is the population of Fort Walton Beach?
Fort Walton Beach has a population of 20,956 residents and is located in Florida. The population density is 2,743 people per square mile, spread across 8.3 square miles. The median age of residents is 39.2 years. The population is 50% female and 50% male.
Is Fort Walton Beach expensive to live in?
Fort Walton Beach 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 $66,556, 11% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $296,000 (5% above the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $1,268 per month. The home price-to-income ratio is 4.4x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Fort Walton Beach safe?
Fort Walton Beach is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 300 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,098 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Fort Walton Beach receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Fort Walton Beach?
Fort Walton Beach enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 70°F (21°C). Winter temperatures average 54°F in January, while summers reach an average of 84°F in July. The area receives 306 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 55.4 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 41.
How is the job market in Fort Walton Beach?
The job market in Fort Walton Beach is very strong, with unemployment at just 2.5% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,185. There are 7,597 business establishments in the area, including 599 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 22 minutes, and 7.8% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Fort Walton Beach?
The median home value in Fort Walton Beach is $296,000. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $318,888. For renters, the median monthly rent is $1,268. Fair market rent is $1,296 for a 1-bedroom and $1,526 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 59.7%. The average annual property tax is $6,037.
How are the schools in Fort Walton Beach?
Schools in Fort Walton Beach score 6.5 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 27.8% of adults in Fort Walton Beach hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 91.7% have completed high school. 9.3% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Fort Walton Beach?
The obesity rate in Fort Walton Beach is 32.0% (below the national rate of 32.1%). 14.5% of adults are smokers. 24.6% are physically inactive. 19.9% of residents report depression. 13.3% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 77.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,431.
What is transportation like in Fort Walton Beach?
The average commute in Fort Walton Beach is 22 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 78.1% of workers drive alone to work, and 7.8% work from home.
What are the demographics of Fort Walton Beach?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Fort Walton Beach is 67.2% White, 12.8% Black or African American, 1.4% Hispanic or Latino. 86% of residents speak only English at home, while 14% speak Spanish. 16.9% of the population are military veterans. 15.5% of residents have a disability. 85.6% have health insurance coverage.