Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Panama City Beach, FL
Thinking about moving to Panama City Beach, FL? With a friendly population of 18,500, this vibrant beach town offers median home prices around $400,000 and average rents of $1,500. Enjoy sunny weather year-round (72% sunny days), a quick 21-minute average commute, and easy access to top-rated beaches. While property crime rates are higher than average, residents benefit from no state income tax and a laid-back coastal lifestyle. Families will find quality public schools, nearby colleges, and convenient healthcare facilities, making it an appealing spot for beach lovers and families alike.
Demographics - Panama City Beach, FL
Demographics - Panama City Beach, FL
Panama City Beach is home to about 18,500 residents, with a median age of 43.6 and a predominantly White population. The city has a slightly higher number of males than females and a modest proportion of non-English speakers, creating a diverse but close-knit community.
Population:
18,500
Density:
1,000 per sq mi
Median Age:
43.6
Gender Ratio:
102 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
7.8%
Ethnic Composition
White:
86.2%
Black:
4.9%
Asian:
2.2%
Others:
6.7%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Panama City Beach, FL?
The cost of living in Panama City Beach is slightly above the national average, with a median home value around $400,000 and average rent at $1,500. Residents benefit from no state income tax, but should plan for higher housing and utility costs compared to other areas in Florida.
Median House Value:
$400,000
Gross Rent:
$1,500
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$160
Auto Insurance:
$2,050
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,950
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$600
State Taxes:
Low:
0%
|
High:
0%
Cost Of Living Index:
109.2
Grocery:
104.8
Housing:
114.5
Utilities:
107.1
Transportation:
102.5
Health Care:
100.6
Miscellaneous:
98.0
Crime
Is Panama City Beach, FL a safe place to live?
Panama City Beach experiences higher-than-average property crime, with a 1 in 31 chance, while violent crime risk is lower at 1 in 229. Residents should take standard safety precautions, especially in tourist-heavy areas, but overall violent crime remains relatively uncommon for a city of its size.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
436
Property Crimes Per 100k:
3,200
Crime Index:
3,636
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 229
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 31
Weather
What is the weather like in Panama City Beach, FL year-round?
Residents enjoy a warm, coastal climate with mild winters averaging 45–63°F and hot summers reaching up to 90°F. The city boasts 72% sunny days each year and receives ample rainfall, making it ideal for outdoor enthusiasts and beachgoers.
Winter
Min:
45°F
Max:
63°F
Spring
Min:
58°F
Max:
78°F
Summer
Min:
72°F
Max:
90°F
Fall
Min:
60°F
Max:
80°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
62.6 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
72%
Neighbors
Typical household incomes in Panama City Beach average around $69,500, with a poverty rate of 11.9% and an unemployment rate of 3.5%. Most residents spend about 21 minutes commuting and the community is generally well-educated, with over 91% holding at least a high school diploma.
Median Income:
$36,000
Household Income:
$69,500
Family Income:
$80,000
Per Capita Income:
$38,200
Income Male:
$45,000
Income Female:
$38,000
Poverty Rate:
11.9%
Non English Speakers:
7.8%
Rent:
$1,500
Unemployment Rate:
3.5%
Public Transport Usage:
0.7%
Commute Time:
21.3 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
91.3%
Bachelors or More:
28.5%
Education
How are the schools in Panama City Beach, FL?
Families in Panama City Beach have access to well-rated public and private schools, as well as nearby higher education options like Gulf Coast State College and Florida State University Panama City. Schools in the area offer favorable student-teacher ratios and a variety of academic programs to support student success.
Public Schools
Name:
Hutchison Beach Elementary School
Street:
12900 Middle Beach Rd
Phone:
850-767-5466
Students:
500
Student Teacher Ratio:
14.5
Name:
Surfside Middle School
Street:
300 Nautilus St
Phone:
850-767-5266
Students:
750
Student Teacher Ratio:
17.4
Private Schools
Name:
Palm Bay Preparatory Academy
Street:
1104 Balboa Ave
Phone:
850-215-0770
Students:
450
Colleges
Name:
Gulf Coast State College
City:
Panama City
State:
FL
Distance:
7 miles
Students:
5,900
Name:
Florida State University Panama City
City:
Panama City
State:
FL
Distance:
8 miles
Students:
1,500
Healthcare
Panama City Beach offers convenient access to quality healthcare, with two major hospitals nearby and a physician density of 2.2 per 1,000 residents. About 86% of the population has health insurance, ensuring most residents can access necessary medical services.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Ascension Sacred Heart Bay
Address:
615 N Bonita Ave, Panama City, FL 32401
Phone:
(850) 769-1511
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Gulf Coast Regional Medical Center
Address:
449 W 23rd St, Panama City, FL 32405
Phone:
(850) 769-8341
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.2
Health Insurance Coverage:
85.7%
Health Care Index:
76.5
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Panama City Beach, FL?
The housing market features a median home price of $400,000 and average rent for a two-bedroom at $1,500. With a 6.3% annual appreciation rate and a moderate owner-occupied rate of 55%, both buyers and renters have a range of options in this growing coastal city.
Median Home Price:
$400,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,500
Owner Occupied Rate:
55.4%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
8.1%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
6.3%
New Construction Rate:
3.2%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.8%
DMV Information
DMV services are managed by the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, conveniently located on Front Beach Road. Residents can access vehicle registration, licensing, and other services both in-person and online through the official state website.
State:
Florida
Department:
Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles
Address:
7317 Front Beach Rd, Panama City Beach, FL 32407
Phone:
850-233-5057
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.