Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Santa Rosa Beach, FL
Considering a move to Santa Rosa Beach, FL? With a population of around 16,000 and a median home price of $770,000, the area offers beautiful Gulf Coast living with a higher cost of housing. Residents enjoy a mild, sunny climate (65% sunny days) and low commute times averaging 25 minutes. The community is safe, with violent crime well below national averages, and boasts strong educational attainment and access to scenic beaches and outdoor amenities. Explore local schools, healthcare, and more to see if Santa Rosa Beach fits your next move.
Demographics - Santa Rosa Beach, FL
Demographics - Santa Rosa Beach, FL
Santa Rosa Beach is home to approximately 16,000 residents, with a median age of 44.5 years and a population density that offers a blend of community and space. The area is predominantly White, with a small but diverse mix of other ethnicities, and about 7.5% of residents speak a language other than English at home. The gender balance is nearly even, contributing to a welcoming, family-friendly environment.
Population:
16,000
Density:
480 per sq mi
Median Age:
44.5
Gender Ratio:
97 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
7.5%
Ethnic Composition
White:
88.0%
Black:
3.5%
Asian:
1.2%
Others:
7.3%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Santa Rosa Beach, FL?
Living in Santa Rosa Beach comes with a higher cost of living, with median home values around $770,000 and average rent for a two-bedroom apartment at $2,100. While housing is the largest expense, Florida’s lack of state income tax can ease the overall financial burden for residents. Utilities and transportation costs are moderate, making budgeting important for newcomers.
Median House Value:
$770,000
Gross Rent:
$2,100
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$160
Auto Insurance:
$2,450
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$2,950
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$725
State Taxes:
Low:
0%
|
High:
0%
Cost Of Living Index:
129.0
Grocery:
112.0
Housing:
152.0
Utilities:
104.0
Transportation:
117.0
Health Care:
98.0
Miscellaneous:
105.0
Crime
Is Santa Rosa Beach, FL a safe place to live?
Santa Rosa Beach enjoys a notably low violent crime rate, with just 187 incidents per 100,000 people, making it safer than many other communities. Property crime is more common but still within manageable levels, giving residents peace of mind. Overall, the area's crime index reflects a community where safety is a key benefit.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
187
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,420
Crime Index:
1,607
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 535
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 70
Weather
What is the weather like in Santa Rosa Beach, FL year-round?
Residents experience a mild, sunny climate with warm summers reaching highs of 89°F and comfortable winters averaging 64°F during the day. The area receives about 62.5 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine about 65% of the year. This weather supports an active, outdoor lifestyle near the Gulf Coast.
Winter
Min:
45°F
Max:
64°F
Spring
Min:
57°F
Max:
75°F
Summer
Min:
71°F
Max:
89°F
Fall
Min:
61°F
Max:
80°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
62.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
65%
Neighbors
Santa Rosa Beach neighborhoods feature a median household income of $89,200 and a low unemployment rate of 2.9%, reflecting a stable local economy. Most residents have achieved at least a high school education, and commute times average a reasonable 25.6 minutes. The community maintains a relatively low poverty rate of 8.1%.
Median Income:
$44,000
Household Income:
$89,200
Family Income:
$102,000
Per Capita Income:
$50,100
Income Male:
$55,000
Income Female:
$40,000
Poverty Rate:
8.1%
Non English Speakers:
7.5%
Rent:
$2,100
Unemployment Rate:
2.9%
Public Transport Usage:
0.8%
Commute Time:
25.6 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
94.0%
Bachelors or More:
43.5%
Education
How are the schools in Santa Rosa Beach, FL?
Families in Santa Rosa Beach have access to well-rated public schools, such as Dune Lakes Elementary and Emerald Coast Middle School, with student-teacher ratios around 15:1. The community also offers private school options and is within commuting distance of Northwest Florida State College in Niceville. High educational attainment levels contribute to the area’s appeal for families.
Public Schools
Name:
Dune Lakes Elementary School
Street:
6565 US-98
Phone:
850-622-5050
Students:
800
Student Teacher Ratio:
15:1
Name:
Emerald Coast Middle School
Street:
4019 US-98
Phone:
850-622-5020
Students:
950
Student Teacher Ratio:
16:1
Private Schools
Name:
Seaside Neighborhood School
Street:
10 Smolian Circle
Phone:
850-231-0396
Students:
375
Colleges
Name:
Northwest Florida State College
City:
Niceville
State:
FL
Distance:
28 miles
Students:
10,000
Healthcare
Healthcare in Santa Rosa Beach is easily accessible, with major hospitals like Ascension Sacred Heart Hospital Emerald Coast nearby and about 2.2 physicians per 1,000 residents. Over 90% of locals have health insurance coverage, ensuring most people can receive the care they need. The area’s healthcare index indicates generally favorable services for residents.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Ascension Sacred Heart Hospital 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:
2.2
Health Insurance Coverage:
90.1%
Health Care Index:
71.0
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Santa Rosa Beach, FL?
The housing market in Santa Rosa Beach is strong, with median home prices at $770,000 and owner-occupied rates above 70%. Homes in the area have appreciated nearly 8% over the past year, reflecting steady demand. Rental options are available, but vacancy rates remain relatively low, making competition for homes and apartments brisk.
Median Home Price:
$770,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$2,100
Owner Occupied Rate:
72.4%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
8.7%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
7.8%
New Construction Rate:
2.2%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.6%
DMV Information
Santa Rosa Beach residents are served by the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, conveniently located on Parker Drive. Local DMV services cover all standard licensing, registration, and vehicle needs. Additional information and online resources are available through the department’s official website.
State:
Florida
Department:
Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles
Address:
1338 Parker Drive, Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32459
Phone:
(850) 892-8121
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.