Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Big Pine Key, FL
Thinking of moving to Big Pine Key, FL? This laid-back island community of about 4,600 residents offers warm, sunny weather year-round and a relaxed coastal lifestyle. With median home prices around $575,000 and average rents at $2,200, the cost of living is higher than average, but residents enjoy low crime rates, short 23-minute commutes, and easy access to outdoor recreation. Schools like Big Pine Academy serve the community, and healthcare needs are met by nearby facilities in Key West. Ideal for those seeking small-town charm, natural beauty, and an easygoing pace in the Florida Keys.
Demographics - Big Pine Key, FL
Demographics - Big Pine Key, FL
Big Pine Key is a small, close-knit island community with a population of around 4,600 and a median age of 54, reflecting its appeal to both retirees and families. The area is predominantly White, with about 11.5% of residents speaking a language other than English at home, and a nearly even gender ratio. Its moderate population density offers a laid-back, uncrowded lifestyle along the Keys.
Population:
4,600
Density:
380 per sq mi
Median Age:
54.2
Gender Ratio:
102 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
11.5%
Ethnic Composition
White:
86.0%
Black:
2.0%
Asian:
1.2%
Others:
10.8%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Big Pine Key, FL?
Living in Big Pine Key comes with a higher-than-average cost, as reflected by a cost of living index of 132.5 and median home values near $575,000. Rent averages around $2,200 per month, and while utilities and groceries are slightly above national averages, Florida's no state income tax helps offset expenses. Residents pay more for housing and transportation, making budgeting important for newcomers.
Median House Value:
$575,000
Gross Rent:
$2,200
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$150
Auto Insurance:
$2,450
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$2,650
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$870
State Taxes:
Low:
0% (no state income tax)
|
High:
0% (no state income tax)
Cost Of Living Index:
132.5
Grocery:
116.0
Housing:
170.0
Utilities:
101.0
Transportation:
125.0
Health Care:
109.0
Miscellaneous:
105.0
Crime
Is Big Pine Key, FL a safe place to live?
Big Pine Key enjoys relatively low crime rates compared to national averages, with a violent crime rate of 210 per 100,000 residents and a property crime rate of 1,420 per 100,000. The odds of experiencing violent crime here are about 1 in 475, offering peace of mind for families and retirees alike. Overall, the community is considered safe and welcoming.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
210
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,420
Crime Index:
1,630
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 475
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 70
Weather
What is the weather like in Big Pine Key, FL year-round?
Residents benefit from a tropical climate with mild winters averaging 63–75°F and warm summers peaking at 89°F. The area sees about 42 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunny skies 76% of the year, making it ideal for outdoor and water activities. Its consistently pleasant weather is a major draw for those seeking a relaxed, coastal lifestyle.
Winter
Min:
63°F
Max:
75°F
Spring
Min:
70°F
Max:
81°F
Summer
Min:
77°F
Max:
89°F
Fall
Min:
73°F
Max:
83°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
41.9 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
76%
Neighbors
Big Pine Key households have a median income of $65,100, and about 92% of adults hold at least a high school diploma. The unemployment rate is a low 3.2%, and average commute times are a convenient 23 minutes. The area has a modest poverty rate of 10.8%, and just a small fraction of residents use public transportation.
Median Income:
$40,200
Household Income:
$65,100
Family Income:
$74,800
Per Capita Income:
$36,900
Income Male:
$42,500
Income Female:
$37,300
Poverty Rate:
10.8%
Non English Speakers:
11.5%
Rent:
$2,200
Unemployment Rate:
3.2%
Public Transport Usage:
0.5%
Commute Time:
23.1 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
92.1%
Bachelors or More:
27.6%
Education
How are the schools in Big Pine Key, FL?
Big Pine Key is served by Big Pine Academy, a public charter school with small class sizes and a personalized approach to education. While there are no private schools in town, higher education is accessible at Florida Keys Community College located 29 miles away in Key West. The community places a strong emphasis on educational attainment and lifelong learning.
Public Schools
Name:
Big Pine Academy
Street:
30220 Overseas Hwy
Phone:
305-872-1266
Students:
220
Student Teacher Ratio:
12.7
Colleges
Name:
Florida Keys Community College
City:
Key West
State:
FL
Distance:
29 miles
Students:
1,400
Healthcare
Healthcare needs are served by nearby facilities like Lower Keys Medical Center in Key West, with approximately 2 physicians per 1,000 residents. About 87% of locals have health insurance coverage, ensuring good access to medical care. The area offers reliable emergency services and general healthcare for residents.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Lower Keys Medical Center
Address:
5900 College Rd, Key West, FL 33040
Phone:
(305) 294-5531
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.0
Health Insurance Coverage:
86.7%
Health Care Index:
77.3
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Big Pine Key, FL?
Housing in Big Pine Key is primarily owner-occupied, with 76% of homes owned and a median price of $575,000. The rental market remains competitive, with average two-bedroom rents at $2,200 and a low foreclosure rate of 0.3%. Home values have appreciated by 4.2% in the past year, indicating a stable local market.
Median Home Price:
$575,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$2,200
Owner Occupied Rate:
76.0%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
7.2%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.2%
New Construction Rate:
1.1%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.3%
DMV Information
Residents handle licensing and vehicle registration through the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, with the nearest office at 3304 Peary Court in Key West. Services are accessible both in person and online via the state DMV website. For questions, the department can be reached at 850-617-2000.
State:
Florida
Department:
Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles
Address:
3304 Peary Court, Key West, FL 33040
Phone:
850-617-2000
Website:
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is based on publicly available sources including AccuWeather, U.S. Census Bureau, local government data, and third-party partners such as Neustar. While we strive to ensure accuracy, all data is provided “as is” and should be independently verified before making any decisions. Movers.com makes no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the information.