Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Destin, FL
Considering a move to Destin, FL? This coastal city of 14,377 offers a relaxed beach lifestyle, with a median home price of $600,000 and average rents around $2,150. Destin features a low violent crime rate (188 per 100K), short average commute times (20 minutes), and excellent weather with 73% sunny days. Families benefit from highly rated schools and great healthcare access, making Destin a vibrant choice for both work and leisure.
Demographics - Destin, FL
Demographics - Destin, FL
Destin is a coastal city with a population of about 14,400, characterized by a median age of 43 and a predominantly White demographic. The community is moderately dense and has a nearly equal gender balance, with roughly 1 in 10 residents speaking a language other than English at home.
Population:
14,377
Density:
1,800 per sq mi
Median Age:
43.4
Gender Ratio:
98 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
9.5%
Ethnic Composition
White:
87.2%
Black:
2.0%
Asian:
2.1%
Others:
8.7%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Destin, FL?
Living in Destin comes with a higher-than-average cost, with a median home value of $600,000 and monthly rents near $2,150. While state income tax is 0%, housing and groceries are notably more expensive than the national average, making budgeting important for new residents.
Median House Value:
$600,000
Gross Rent:
$2,150
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$160
Auto Insurance:
$2,050
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$2,500
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$950
State Taxes:
Low:
0%
|
High:
0%
Cost Of Living Index:
122.0
Grocery:
109.0
Housing:
154.0
Utilities:
102.5
Transportation:
101.0
Health Care:
101.2
Miscellaneous:
100.1
Crime
Is Destin, FL a safe place to live?
Destin has a low violent crime rate of 188 incidents per 100,000 people, offering a sense of safety for families and retirees. Property crime is more common, with a 1 in 49 chance, but remains manageable compared to many urban areas.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
188
Property Crimes Per 100k:
2,050
Crime Index:
2,238
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 532
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 49
Weather
What is the weather like in Destin, FL year-round?
Destin boasts a mild, subtropical climate with warm summers peaking near 89°F and pleasant winters averaging lows of 46°F. Residents enjoy approximately 73% sunny days annually and abundant rainfall, making it ideal for outdoor enthusiasts.
Winter
Min:
46°F
Max:
63°F
Spring
Min:
58°F
Max:
76°F
Summer
Min:
75°F
Max:
89°F
Fall
Min:
60°F
Max:
78°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
66.0 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
73%
Neighbors
The city features a median household income of $84,500 and a low unemployment rate of 3.3%. Most residents are well-educated, with over 96% holding at least a high school diploma, and enjoy a short average commute of about 20 minutes.
Median Income:
$38,400
Household Income:
$84,500
Family Income:
$99,800
Per Capita Income:
$48,600
Income Male:
$51,500
Income Female:
$36,700
Poverty Rate:
8.1%
Non English Speakers:
9.5%
Rent:
$2,150
Unemployment Rate:
3.3%
Public Transport Usage:
0.8%
Commute Time:
20.3 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
96.3%
Bachelors or More:
37.8%
Education
How are the schools in Destin, FL?
Destin offers quality education with well-rated public schools, such as Destin Elementary and Destin Middle, and access to private and higher education institutions. Families benefit from a range of schooling options and a strong focus on academic achievement.
Public Schools
Name:
Destin Elementary School
Street:
630 Kelly St
Phone:
850-833-3420
Students:
900
Student Teacher Ratio:
15.1
Name:
Destin Middle School
Street:
4608 Legendary Marina Dr
Phone:
850-650-1241
Students:
700
Student Teacher Ratio:
16.8
Private Schools
Name:
Destin Christian Academy
Street:
201 Beach Dr
Phone:
850-837-7247
Students:
120
Colleges
Name:
Northwest Florida State College
City:
Niceville
State:
FL
Distance:
13 miles
Students:
7,500
Healthcare
Residents have convenient access to quality healthcare, with two major hospitals nearby and about 2.4 physicians per 1,000 people. Health insurance coverage is high at 90.5%, supporting overall community well-being.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Ascension Sacred Heart Emerald Coast
Address:
7800 US Hwy 98 W, Miramar Beach, FL 32550
Phone:
(850) 278-3000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Fort Walton Beach Medical Center
Address:
1000 Mar-Walt Dr, Fort Walton Beach, FL 32547
Phone:
(850) 862-1111
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.4
Health Insurance Coverage:
90.5%
Health Care Index:
77.0
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Destin, FL?
Destin's housing market is robust, with a median home price of $600,000 and steady annual appreciation of 6.2%. Around 55% of homes are owner-occupied, and rental options are available but in higher demand, reflecting the city's desirability.
Median Home Price:
$600,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$2,150
Owner Occupied Rate:
54.7%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
9.3%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
6.2%
New Construction Rate:
2.7%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.4%
DMV Information
DMV services are provided by the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles at a nearby Fort Walton Beach location. Residents can access licensing, registration, and other vehicle services both in person and online.
State:
Florida
Department:
Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles
Address:
310 Racetrack Rd NE, Fort Walton Beach, FL 32547
Phone:
850-651-7300
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.