Moving to Fort Walton Beach, FL?

Fort Walton Beach is home to nearly 21,000 residents with a median age of 41.6, reflecting a balanced mix of families and retirees. The city has a diverse population, predominantly White (72.7%), with notable Black (14.9%) and Asian (3.1%) communities, and about 8% of residents speak a language other than English at home. The area’s moderate population density and even gender ratio contribute to its welcoming, small-town atmosphere.

Population:

20,922

Density:

2,330 per sq mi

Median Age:

41.6

Gender Ratio:

96 males per 100 females

Non-English Speakers Percentage:

7.8%

Ethnic Composition

White:

72.7%

Black:

14.9%

Asian:

3.1%

Others:

9.3%

Is Fort Walton Beach, FL a safe place to live?

While Fort Walton Beach has a slightly higher crime rate than the national average, with a 1 in 244 chance of experiencing violent crime, most incidents are property-related. The overall crime index is 2,710, making it important for new residents to stay vigilant and choose neighborhoods carefully. Despite these figures, many locals appreciate the city’s community-oriented feel and active neighborhood watch programs.

Violent Crimes Per 100k:

410

Property Crimes Per 100k:

2,300

Crime Index:

2,710

Chance Of Violent Crime:

1 in 244

Chance Of Property Crime:

1 in 43

The community features a median household income of nearly $59,000 and a poverty rate of 14.3%, with most residents commuting about 21 minutes to work. Public transportation use is minimal, reflecting the city’s car-friendly layout. High school graduation rates exceed 92%, and about a quarter of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher, indicating a well-educated population.

Median Income:

$37,820

Household Income:

$58,862

Family Income:

$70,311

Per Capita Income:

$31,682

Income Male:

$40,800

Income Female:

$33,400

Poverty Rate:

14.3%

Non English Speakers:

7.8%

Rent:

$1,430

Unemployment Rate:

4.1%

Public Transport Usage:

0.6%

Commute Time:

20.7 minutes

Education

High School or Higher:

92.8%

Bachelors or More:

27.1%

Fort Walton Beach provides accessible healthcare, anchored by HCA Florida Fort Walton-Destin Hospital offering full emergency services. With 2.6 physicians per 1,000 residents and nearly 90% health insurance coverage, locals have reliable access to medical care. The area’s healthcare index suggests quality services that meet the needs of a diverse population.

Major Hospitals

Name:

HCA Florida Fort Walton-Destin Hospital

Address:

1000 Mar Walt Dr, Fort Walton Beach, FL 32547

Phone:

(850) 862-1111

Type:

General & Surgical

Emergency Services:

Yes

Physicians Per 1000:

2.6

Health Insurance Coverage:

89.3%

Health Care Index:

71.4

Residents can access DMV services through the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles located conveniently on Beal Parkway NW. The local office offers a full range of vehicle registration and licensing services, supported by online resources for added convenience. For more information, residents can visit the official Florida DMV website or call the Fort Walton Beach branch directly.

State:

Florida

Department:

Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles

Address:

649 Beal Pkwy NW, Fort Walton Beach, FL 32547

Phone:

850-651-7300

Website:

https://www.flhsmv.gov/