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Moving to Fort Walton Beach, FL

Thinking of making a move to Fort Walton Beach, 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 Fort Walton Beach, FL

Considering a move to Fort Walton Beach, FL? This welcoming community of 21,875 residents offers a blend of suburban charm and convenience, with median home prices around $350,000 and average rents near $1,780. Commute times average 22 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 Fort Walton Beach's cost of living, education, and friendly neighborhoods to see if it's the right fit for your next move.

Demographics - Fort Walton Beach, FL

Fort Walton Beach has a population of 21,875 residents, offering a diverse community with a median age of nearly 38 and a balanced gender ratio. The area features a strong blend of backgrounds, with about 69% White, 15% Black, and 4% Asian residents, and over 11% speaking a language other than English at home. Its high population density contributes to a lively suburban atmosphere.

Population
21,875
Density
2,900 per sq mi
Median Age
37.8
Gender Ratio
97 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage
10.8%

Ethnic Composition

White
69.4%
Black
14.8%
Asian
4.1%
Others
11.7%

Cost Of Living

What is the average cost of living in Fort Walton Beach, FL?

The cost of living in Fort Walton Beach is higher than the national average, with a cost of living index of 104.8. Median home values are around $350,000 and average rents for a two-bedroom apartment are approximately $1,780. Utilities, groceries, and transportation costs are also elevated, reflecting the area's desirable location and amenities.

Median House Value
$350,000
Gross Rent
$1,780
Monthly Electricity Charges
$165
Auto Insurance
$2,650
House Owner Cost With Mortgage
$2,250
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage
$730
State Taxes
Low: 0.0%| High: 6.0%
Cost Of Living Index
104.8
Grocery
101.2
Housing
112.5
Utilities
103.6
Transportation
103.1
Health Care
98.7
Miscellaneous
99.4

Crime

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

Fort Walton Beach is considered a safe community, with a low violent crime rate of 360 incidents per 100,000 residents and a property crime chance of 1 in 41. 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
360
Property Crimes Per 100k
2,450
Crime Index
2,810
Chance Of Violent Crime
1 in 278
Chance Of Property Crime
1 in 41

Weather

What is the weather like in Fort Walton Beach, FL year-round?

Fort Walton Beach experiences four distinct seasons, with warm summers reaching highs of 91°F and cold winters dipping to 44°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
44°F
Max
64°F

Summer

Min
75°F
Max
91°F

Spring

Min
58°F
Max
79°F

Fall

Min
57°F
Max
80°F
Average Rainfall Inches
65.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage
62%

Neighbors

The neighborhood boasts a healthy median household income of $73,200 and a low poverty rate of 12.9%. Over 93% of residents have at least a high school diploma, and nearly 27% hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Commute times average 22 minutes, and almost 2% use public transportation, reflecting the area's accessibility and educated population.

Median Income
$48,500
Household Income
$73,200
Family Income
$86,400
Per Capita Income
$33,800
Income Male
$44,200
Income Female
$36,500
Poverty Rate
12.9%
Non English Speakers
12.1%
Rent
$1,780
Unemployment Rate
3.8%
Public Transport Usage
1.6%
Commute Time
21.8 minutes

Education

High School or Higher
93.4%
Bachelors or More
26.8%

Education

How are the schools in Fort Walton Beach, FL?

Fort Walton Beach offers quality education options, with public schools like Walker Elementary School and Davidson 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 The University of West Florida. The community is committed to educational excellence for all age groups.

Public Schools

Name
Walker Elementary School
Street
1173 Arrant Rd NW
Phone
850-833-3347
Students
650
Student Teacher Ratio
15.1
Name
Davidson Middle School
Street
1021 School Rd
Phone
850-833-4300
Students
850
Student Teacher Ratio
17.0

Private Schools

Name
Fort Walton Beach Christian School
Street
319 Hollywood Blvd NW
Phone
850-243-5310
Students
220

Colleges

Name
Northwest Florida State College
City
Niceville
State
FL
Distance
13 miles
Students
7,500
Name
The University of West Florida
City
Pensacola
State
FL
Distance
48 miles
Students
14,500

Healthcare

Fort Walton Beach residents have access to quality healthcare, with major hospitals like HCA Fort Walton-Destin Hospital and Eglin Air Force Base Hospital nearby. The community benefits from a high physician-to-resident ratio of 1.9 per 1,000 people and 88.7% health insurance coverage. Local healthcare services are reliable and comprehensive.

Major Hospitals

Name
HCA Fort Walton-Destin Hospital
Address
1000 Mar-Walt Dr NW, Fort Walton Beach, FL 32547
Phone
(850) 863-7100
Type
General & Surgical
Emergency Services
Yes
Name
Eglin Air Force Base Hospital
Address
307 Boatner Rd, Eglin AFB, FL 32542
Phone
(850) 883-8600
Type
Military Medical Center
Emergency Services
Yes

Healthcare Access

Physicians Per 1000
1.9
Health Insurance Coverage
88.7%
Health Care Index
71.4

Housing Market

What is the housing market like in Fort Walton Beach, FL?

The local housing market is strong, with a median home price of $350,000 and an owner-occupied rate of nearly 57%. The market has seen a 4.1% appreciation over the past year, and rental vacancy rates remain moderate at 7.1%. Fort Walton Beach offers a mix of stability and opportunity for both buyers and renters.

Median Home Price
$350,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom
$1,780
Owner Occupied Rate
57.3%
Rental Vacancy Rate
7.1%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr)
4.1%
New Construction Rate
2.2%
Foreclosure Rate
0.4%

DMV Information

Residents of Fort Walton Beach 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 Parkway, 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 Fort Walton Beach, FL

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

Before moving to Fort Walton Beach, review the core fields on this page: population 21,875, median home value $350,000, average rent for 2 bedroom $1,780, commute time 21.8 minutes, and sunny days percentage 62%.

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