Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Mary Esther, FL
Considering a move to Mary Esther, FL? With a population of about 4,300, this small Gulf Coast city offers affordable living, median home prices around $268,000, and rents near $1,350. Residents enjoy a sunny, warm climate (68% sunny days), low commute times (23 minutes), and access to high-quality beaches and healthcare. Crime rates remain below national averages, and local schools offer solid educational options, making Mary Esther a friendly and convenient spot for families, retirees, and beach lovers alike.
Demographics - Mary Esther, FL
Demographics - Mary Esther, FL
Mary Esther is a close-knit Gulf Coast community of approximately 4,300 residents, with a median age of nearly 40 and a balanced gender ratio. The population is predominantly White, with smaller Black, Asian, and other minority groups, and about 7% of residents speak a language other than English at home. Its moderate population density creates a suburban feel, ideal for those seeking a peaceful yet connected lifestyle.
Population:
4,291
Density:
2,030 per sq mi
Median Age:
39.7
Gender Ratio:
95 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
7.3%

Ethnic Composition
White:
82.4%
Black:
5.2%
Asian:
3.0%
Others:
9.4%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Mary Esther, FL?
Living in Mary Esther is relatively affordable, with a median home value of $268,000 and average monthly rent at $1,350. The cost of living index is slightly below the national average, and Florida's lack of state income tax further benefits residents financially. Utilities and groceries are also reasonably priced, making the area attractive for both homeowners and renters.
Median House Value:
$268,000
Gross Rent:
$1,350
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$140
Auto Insurance:
$2,080
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,575
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$510
State Taxes:
Low:
0%
|
High:
0%
Cost Of Living Index:
94.7
Grocery:
97.3
Housing:
88.2
Utilities:
102.1
Transportation:
103.5
Health Care:
99.6
Miscellaneous:
95.5
Crime
Is Mary Esther, FL a safe place to live?
Mary Esther maintains a lower crime rate compared to national averages, with a violent crime rate of 230 incidents per 100,000 people and a property crime rate of 1,430 per 100,000. Residents have a 1 in 435 chance of experiencing violent crime, contributing to the town’s reputation for safety. This peaceful environment makes it an appealing choice for families and retirees.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
230
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,430
Crime Index:
1,660
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 435
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 70
Weather
What is the weather like in Mary Esther, FL year-round?
The city enjoys a warm, sunny climate with 68% of days being sunny annually, and mild winters with lows in the mid-40s. Summers are hot and humid, with temperatures often reaching the low 90s, and annual rainfall averages over 65 inches. Outdoor enthusiasts benefit from the area’s long beach season and generally pleasant weather year-round.

Winter
Min:
44°F
Max:
62°F

Spring
Min:
57°F
Max:
74°F

Summer
Min:
74°F
Max:
91°F

Fall
Min:
61°F
Max:
79°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
65.1 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
68%
Neighbors
Mary Esther residents enjoy a median household income of about $64,000, with a low unemployment rate of 3.8% and an average commute time of 23 minutes. The community is well-educated, with nearly 93% holding at least a high school diploma and close to 29% having a bachelor’s degree or higher. The poverty rate remains modest at 9.4%, reflecting a stable and supportive local economy.
Median Income:
$32,000
Household Income:
$63,759
Family Income:
$73,500
Per Capita Income:
$32,300
Income Male:
$41,200
Income Female:
$33,600
Poverty Rate:
9.4%
Non English Speakers:
7.3%
Rent:
$1,350
Unemployment Rate:
3.8%
Public Transport Usage:
0.6%
Commute Time:
23.4 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
92.9%
Bachelors or More:
28.7%
Education
How are the schools in Mary Esther, FL?
Mary Esther offers quality education options, including Mary Esther Elementary School with a favorable student-teacher ratio and several private school choices nearby. Higher education is accessible through Northwest Florida State College in nearby Niceville, providing a range of academic programs within a short drive. The community values education, as reflected in its high graduation and college attainment rates.

Public Schools
Name:
Mary Esther Elementary School
Street:
320 E Miracle Strip Pkwy
Phone:
850-833-5881
Students:
550
Student Teacher Ratio:
14.2

Private Schools
Name:
Calvary Christian Academy
Street:
405 Holmes Blvd NW, Fort Walton Beach
Phone:
850-862-1414
Students:
260

Colleges
Name:
Northwest Florida State College
City:
Niceville
State:
FL
Distance:
16 miles
Students:
7,200
Healthcare
Access to healthcare in Mary Esther is strong, with major hospitals like Fort Walton Beach Medical Center and Ascension Sacred Heart Emerald Coast nearby. The area has 2.1 physicians per 1,000 residents and over 87% of locals have health insurance coverage. Residents benefit from prompt emergency services and a solid healthcare infrastructure.

Major Hospitals
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
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
Physicians Per 1000:
2.1
Health Insurance Coverage:
87.2%
Health Care Index:
78.4
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Mary Esther, FL?
Mary Esther’s housing market features a median home price of $268,000 and a healthy owner-occupied rate of nearly 64%. Home values have appreciated by over 7% in the past year, and rental vacancies are moderate, supporting a balanced market for buyers and renters. The low foreclosure rate underscores the area's housing stability.
Median Home Price:
$268,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,350
Owner Occupied Rate:
63.8%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
6.1%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
7.2%
New Construction Rate:
1.1%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.6%
DMV Information
Vehicle registration and licensing in Mary Esther are managed by the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, with the nearest office located in Milton. Residents can access services, information, and appointments through the official state DMV website. The process is streamlined and consistent with statewide standards.
State:
Florida
Department:
Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles
Address:
6495 Caroline St, Milton, FL 32570
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.