Florida / Walton County

Moving to Destin, FL

Thinking of making a move to Destin, FL? Get helpful local information about living costs, neighborhoods, schools, weather, housing, DMV details, and practical relocation details before you plan your move.

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Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Destin, FL

Considering a move to Destin, FL? This welcoming community of 14,900 residents offers a blend of suburban charm and convenience, with median home prices around $675,000 and average rents near $2,050. Commute times average 24 minutes and public transport is accessible, making it great for professionals. The area boasts low violent crime, strong schools, and plenty of sunny days (62% annually), ideal for families and commuters alike. Explore Destin's cost of living, education, and friendly neighborhoods to see if it's the right fit for your next move.

Demographics - Destin, FL

Destin has a population of 14,900 residents, offering a diverse community with a median age of nearly 44 and a balanced gender ratio. The area features a strong blend of backgrounds, with about 82% White, 7% Black, and 4% Asian residents, and over 12% speaking a language other than English at home. Its high population density contributes to a lively suburban atmosphere.

Population
14,900
Density
1,550 per sq mi
Median Age
44.1
Gender Ratio
93 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage
12.4%

Ethnic Composition

White
82.0%
Black
6.5%
Asian
3.5%
Others
8.0%

Cost Of Living

What is the average cost of living in Destin, FL?

The cost of living in Destin is higher than the national average, with a cost of living index of 124.8. Median home values are around $675,000 and average rents for a two-bedroom apartment are approximately $2,050. Utilities, groceries, and transportation costs are also elevated, reflecting the area's desirable location and amenities.

Median House Value
$675,000
Gross Rent
$2,050
Monthly Electricity Charges
$155
Auto Insurance
$2,450
House Owner Cost With Mortgage
$3,150
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage
$780
State Taxes
Low: 0.0%| High: 6.0%
Cost Of Living Index
124.8
Grocery
110.5
Housing
165.2
Utilities
103.8
Transportation
111.6
Health Care
102.9
Miscellaneous
108.4

Crime

Is Destin, FL a safe place to live?

Destin is considered a safe community, with a low violent crime rate of 210 incidents per 100,000 residents and a property crime chance of 1 in 54. Most residents enjoy peace of mind, making it an attractive choice for families. The crime index remains below many urban areas in Florida.

Violent Crimes Per 100k
210
Property Crimes Per 100k
1,850
Crime Index
2,060
Chance Of Violent Crime
1 in 476
Chance Of Property Crime
1 in 54

Weather

What is the weather like in Destin, FL year-round?

Destin experiences four distinct seasons, with warm summers reaching highs of 90°F and cold winters dipping to 46°F. The area receives about 66 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine on 62% of days. This climate offers residents a balanced mix of outdoor opportunities year-round.

Winter

Min
46°F
Max
63°F

Summer

Min
74°F
Max
90°F

Spring

Min
58°F
Max
79°F

Fall

Min
60°F
Max
80°F
Average Rainfall Inches
65.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage
62%

Neighbors

The neighborhood boasts a healthy median household income of $92,500 and a low poverty rate of 8.9%. Over 92% of residents have at least a high school diploma, and nearly 39% hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Commute times average 24 minutes, and almost 1% use public transportation, reflecting the area's accessibility and educated population.

Median Income
$63,000
Household Income
$92,500
Family Income
$107,000
Per Capita Income
$50,200
Income Male
$59,500
Income Female
$48,500
Poverty Rate
8.9%
Non English Speakers
15.8%
Rent
$2,050
Unemployment Rate
3.8%
Public Transport Usage
1.4%
Commute Time
23.8 minutes

Education

High School or Higher
92.4%
Bachelors or More
38.6%

Education

How are the schools in Destin, FL?

Destin offers quality education options, with public schools like Destin Elementary School and Destin Middle School known for favorable student-to-teacher ratios. Families also have access to private schools and several nearby colleges, including Northwest Florida State College and Emerald Coast Technical College. The community is committed to educational excellence for all age groups.

Public Schools

Name
Destin Elementary School
Street
630 Kelly St
Phone
850-833-4360
Students
820
Student Teacher Ratio
14.6
Name
Destin Middle School
Street
4608 Legendary Marina Dr
Phone
850-833-7655
Students
1,050
Student Teacher Ratio
16.1

Private Schools

Name
Destin Christian Academy
Street
800 Airport Rd
Phone
850-837-4464
Students
210

Colleges

Name
Northwest Florida State College
City
Niceville
State
FL
Distance
13 miles
Students
7,000
Name
Emerald Coast Technical College
City
Crestview
State
FL
Distance
28 miles
Students
1,100

Healthcare

Destin residents have access to quality healthcare, with major hospitals like HCA Fort Walton-Destin Hospital and North Okaloosa Medical Center nearby. The community benefits from a high physician-to-resident ratio of 2.1 per 1,000 people and 89.8% health insurance coverage. Local healthcare services are reliable and comprehensive.

Major Hospitals

Name
HCA Fort Walton-Destin Hospital
Address
1000 Mar-Walt Dr, Fort Walton Beach, FL 32547
Phone
(850) 863-8111
Type
General & Surgical
Emergency Services
Yes
Name
North Okaloosa Medical Center
Address
151 Redstone Ave W, Crestview, FL 32536
Phone
(850) 689-8100
Type
General & Surgical
Emergency Services
Yes

Healthcare Access

Physicians Per 1000
2.1
Health Insurance Coverage
89.8%
Health Care Index
69.2

Housing Market

What is the housing market like in Destin, FL?

The local housing market is strong, with a median home price of $675,000 and an owner-occupied rate of nearly 68%. The market has seen a 4.6% appreciation over the past year, and rental vacancy rates remain moderate at 6.1%. Destin offers a mix of stability and opportunity for both buyers and renters.

Median Home Price
$675,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom
$2,050
Owner Occupied Rate
68.4%
Rental Vacancy Rate
6.1%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr)
4.6%
New Construction Rate
2.4%
Foreclosure Rate
0.4%

DMV Information

Residents of Destin handle vehicle services through the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, conveniently located in Tallahassee. The state DMV provides driver licensing, vehicle registration, and other essential services both in person and online. Information and resources are easily accessible for new and existing residents.

State
Florida
Department
Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles
Address
2900 Apalachee Pkwy, Tallahassee, FL 32399
Phone
1-850-617-2000

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.

FAQs About Moving to Destin, FL

Answers use the same city data shown on this page, including costs, housing, schools, safety, weather, healthcare, and DMV details.

Before moving to Destin, review the core fields on this page: population 14,900, median home value $675,000, average rent for 2 bedroom $2,050, commute time 23.8 minutes, and sunny days percentage 62%.

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