Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Pensacola, FL
Thinking of moving to Pensacola, FL? With a population of about 54,500, Pensacola offers affordable living—median home prices at $243,000 and average 2-bedroom rent at $1,240. The city boasts a warm coastal climate with 69% sunny days yearly and short 21-minute average commutes. While property crime rates are above national average, Pensacola features top healthcare options, public and private school choices, and a laid-back Gulf Coast lifestyle perfect for families and professionals alike.
Demographics - Pensacola, FL
Demographics - Pensacola, FL
Pensacola is home to approximately 54,500 residents, offering a moderate population density and a median age of 39.2 years. The community is diverse, with a majority White population, a significant Black community, and smaller Asian and other ethnic groups. About 8% of residents speak a language other than English at home, adding to the city’s cultural mix.
Population:
54,500
Density:
2,300 per sq mi
Median Age:
39.2
Gender Ratio:
96 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
8.0%

Ethnic Composition
White:
63.8%
Black:
23.3%
Asian:
2.6%
Others:
10.3%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Pensacola, FL?
Pensacola’s cost of living is notably affordable, with a median home value around $243,000 and an average rent for a two-bedroom apartment at $1,240. Utilities and groceries are reasonably priced, and the absence of state income tax in Florida helps stretch your budget further. Overall, the city’s cost of living index is below the national average, making it attractive for individuals and families alike.
Median House Value:
$243,000
Gross Rent:
$1,240
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$150
Auto Insurance:
$2,080
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,510
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$490
State Taxes:
Low:
0%
|
High:
0%
Cost Of Living Index:
89.5
Grocery:
97.2
Housing:
78.9
Utilities:
97.7
Transportation:
97.4
Health Care:
95.6
Miscellaneous:
98.1
Crime
Is Pensacola, FL a safe place to live?
While Pensacola offers a welcoming atmosphere, its crime rates are higher than the national average, with a property crime rate of 3,572 per 100,000 and a violent crime rate of 583 per 100,000. Residents face a 1 in 28 chance of property crime and a 1 in 172 chance of violent crime, so it’s wise to be vigilant and consider safety resources when choosing a neighborhood.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
583
Property Crimes Per 100k:
3,572
Crime Index:
4,155
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 172
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 28
Weather
What is the weather like in Pensacola, FL year-round?
Pensacola enjoys a warm, coastal climate with mild winters, hot summers, and an average of 69% sunny days each year. Rainfall is abundant, averaging nearly 65 inches annually, which helps keep the city lush and green. The pleasant weather makes outdoor activities and beach visits popular year-round.

Winter
Min:
45°F
Max:
63°F

Spring
Min:
58°F
Max:
77°F

Summer
Min:
73°F
Max:
89°F

Fall
Min:
59°F
Max:
78°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
64.8 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
69%
Neighbors
Residents in Pensacola benefit from a friendly, community-oriented atmosphere, with median household incomes around $59,000 and a poverty rate of 18.2%. The local population is well-educated, with nearly 90% holding at least a high school diploma and a quarter achieving a bachelor’s degree or higher. Commutes are short, averaging just over 21 minutes, and public transportation use is minimal.
Median Income:
$32,600
Household Income:
$59,119
Family Income:
$72,900
Per Capita Income:
$32,600
Income Male:
$41,200
Income Female:
$32,400
Poverty Rate:
18.2%
Non English Speakers:
8.0%
Rent:
$1,240
Unemployment Rate:
3.5%
Public Transport Usage:
1.1%
Commute Time:
21.3 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
89.6%
Bachelors or More:
28.0%
Education
How are the schools in Pensacola, FL?
Pensacola offers a range of educational opportunities, including well-regarded public and private schools and higher education institutions like the University of West Florida and Pensacola State College. Public schools such as Pensacola High School and N.B. Cook Elementary serve local families, while private options and colleges provide diverse academic paths. The city’s educational resources support students of all ages and backgrounds.

Public Schools
Name:
Pensacola High School
Street:
500 W Maxwell St
Phone:
850-595-1500
Students:
1,600
Student Teacher Ratio:
20.1
Name:
N.B. Cook Elementary School
Street:
1310 N 12th Ave
Phone:
850-595-6826
Students:
600
Student Teacher Ratio:
16.3

Private Schools
Name:
Pensacola Catholic High School
Street:
3043 W Scott St
Phone:
850-436-6400
Students:
650

Colleges
Name:
University of West Florida
City:
Pensacola
State:
FL
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
13,000
Name:
Pensacola State College
City:
Pensacola
State:
FL
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
9,500
Healthcare
Pensacola provides excellent access to healthcare, with major hospitals like Baptist Hospital and Ascension Sacred Heart offering comprehensive services and emergency care. The city has a high physician-to-resident ratio and 86% of residents are covered by health insurance. Healthcare costs remain affordable, contributing to overall quality of life.

Major Hospitals
Name:
Baptist Hospital
Address:
1000 W Moreno St, Pensacola, FL 32501
Phone:
(850) 434-4011
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Ascension Sacred Heart Pensacola
Address:
5151 N 9th Ave, Pensacola, FL 32504
Phone:
(850) 416-7000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.5
Health Insurance Coverage:
86.0%
Health Care Index:
78.2
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Pensacola, FL?
The Pensacola housing market is stable and accessible, with a median home price of $243,000 and a homeownership rate of nearly 57%. Rental options are plentiful, with an average two-bedroom rent at $1,240 and a vacancy rate of 8.2%. Home values have appreciated modestly in the past year, making it an appealing market for both buyers and renters.
Median Home Price:
$243,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,240
Owner Occupied Rate:
56.8%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
8.2%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.2%
New Construction Rate:
2.1%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.7%
DMV Information
Pensacola residents can access DMV services through the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, conveniently located on Stumpfield Road. The local office provides driver licensing, vehicle registration, and other essential services. More information and resources are available online at the state’s official DMV website.
State:
Florida
Department:
Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles
Address:
100 Stumpfield Rd, Pensacola, FL 32503
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.