Everything You Should Know Before Moving to West Palm Beach, FL
Thinking of moving to West Palm Beach, FL? This sunny city of 117,415 offers tropical weather with 75% sunny days and easy beach access. The median home price is $388,000 and average rent is $1,850, making housing more affordable than many coastal markets. Commute times average 22.7 minutes, and the area features a vibrant, diverse community. While crime rates are above national averages, West Palm Beach boasts a lively downtown, good schools, and a relaxed lifestyle with no state income tax—ideal for those seeking year-round warmth and opportunity.
Demographics - West Palm Beach, FL
Demographics - West Palm Beach, FL
West Palm Beach is home to about 117,000 residents, with a median age of 40.8 years and a diverse population, including over a third identifying as Black and nearly 29% speaking a language other than English at home. The city has a balanced gender ratio and a moderate population density, creating a vibrant, multicultural community.
Population:
117,415
Density:
2,200 per sq mi
Median Age:
40.8
Gender Ratio:
97 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
28.6%
Ethnic Composition
White:
53.6%
Black:
34.2%
Asian:
2.4%
Others:
9.8%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in West Palm Beach, FL?
With a median home value of $388,000 and average rent at $1,850, West Palm Beach offers a relatively accessible coastal housing market, though the overall cost of living index of 110.3 is slightly above the national average. Residents benefit from no state income tax, but should budget for higher housing and transportation costs compared to many U.S. cities.
Median House Value:
$388,000
Gross Rent:
$1,850
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$150
Auto Insurance:
$2,340
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$2,170
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$650
State Taxes:
Low:
0%
|
High:
0%
Cost Of Living Index:
110.3
Grocery:
106.2
Housing:
115.7
Utilities:
98.0
Transportation:
109.4
Health Care:
102.8
Miscellaneous:
104.6
Crime
Is West Palm Beach, FL a safe place to live?
Crime rates in West Palm Beach are higher than the national average, with residents facing a 1 in 148 chance of experiencing violent crime and a 1 in 30 chance of property crime. While safety varies by neighborhood, it's important for newcomers to research local areas and take standard precautions.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
674
Property Crimes Per 100k:
3,350
Crime Index:
4,024
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 148
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 30
Weather
What is the weather like in West Palm Beach, FL year-round?
West Palm Beach enjoys a tropical climate with mild winters (lows in the upper 50s), warm summers (highs around 90°F), and 75% sunny days each year. The city receives about 62 inches of rain annually, perfect for those who love sunshine and lush landscapes.
Winter
Min:
57°F
Max:
76°F
Spring
Min:
65°F
Max:
83°F
Summer
Min:
76°F
Max:
90°F
Fall
Min:
68°F
Max:
85°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
62.6 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
75%
Neighbors
Households in West Palm Beach have a median income of $61,700, with a per capita income of $38,100, and about 17% of residents live below the poverty line. The community is well-educated, with nearly 87% holding at least a high school diploma and over 31% having a bachelor’s degree or higher, and average commute times are under 23 minutes.
Median Income:
$35,200
Household Income:
$61,700
Family Income:
$72,000
Per Capita Income:
$38,100
Income Male:
$41,800
Income Female:
$36,500
Poverty Rate:
17.2%
Non English Speakers:
28.6%
Rent:
$1,850
Unemployment Rate:
3.5%
Public Transport Usage:
1.7%
Commute Time:
22.7 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
86.9%
Bachelors or More:
31.6%
Education
How are the schools in West Palm Beach, FL?
West Palm Beach offers a variety of educational options, including public schools like Palm Beach Lakes Community High and Bak Middle School of the Arts, as well as private institutions and nearby colleges such as Palm Beach Atlantic University. The city’s schools serve diverse student populations and provide opportunities from elementary through higher education.
Public Schools
Name:
Palm Beach Lakes Community High School
Street:
3505 Shiloh Dr
Phone:
561-640-5000
Students:
2,400
Student Teacher Ratio:
18.7
Name:
Bak Middle School of the Arts
Street:
1725 Echo Lake Dr
Phone:
561-882-3870
Students:
1,350
Student Teacher Ratio:
16.3
Private Schools
Name:
The Greene School
Street:
2001 South Dixie Hwy
Phone:
561-293-2888
Students:
175
Colleges
Name:
Palm Beach Atlantic University
City:
West Palm Beach
State:
FL
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
3,700
Name:
Palm Beach State College
City:
Lake Worth
State:
FL
Distance:
7 miles
Students:
26,000
Healthcare
Residents have access to several major hospitals, including St. Mary’s Medical Center and Good Samaritan Medical Center, and there are about 2.6 physicians per 1,000 people. Around 86% of the population has health insurance coverage, supporting a solid local healthcare network.
Major Hospitals
Name:
St. Mary's Medical Center
Address:
901 45th St, West Palm Beach, FL 33407
Phone:
(561) 844-6300
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Good Samaritan Medical Center
Address:
1309 N Flagler Dr, West Palm Beach, FL 33401
Phone:
(561) 655-5511
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Cleveland Clinic Florida
Address:
525 Okeechobee Blvd, West Palm Beach, FL 33401
Phone:
(561) 804-0200
Type:
Specialty & Outpatient
Emergency Services:
No
Physicians Per 1000:
2.6
Health Insurance Coverage:
85.9%
Health Care Index:
68.4
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in West Palm Beach, FL?
The housing market in West Palm Beach features a median home price of $388,000 and average rent for a two-bedroom at $2,050, with just under half of residents owning their homes. The area is experiencing moderate home appreciation and a relatively low foreclosure rate, offering stability for homebuyers and renters alike.
Median Home Price:
$388,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$2,050
Owner Occupied Rate:
49.6%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
8.2%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
6.1%
New Construction Rate:
2.2%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.8%
DMV Information
Vehicle registration, licensing, and other driving-related services are managed by the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, conveniently located at 301 N Olive Ave in downtown West Palm Beach. Residents can access information and services both in person and online.
State:
Florida
Department:
Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles
Address:
301 N Olive Ave, West Palm Beach, FL 33401
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.