Everything You Should Know Before Moving to West Panama City Beach, FL
Considering a move to West Panama City Beach, FL? This friendly beachside community of about 14,000 offers relaxed Gulf Coast living with a median home price of $425,000 and average rent around $1,720. Enjoy 67% sunny days, short 21-minute commutes, and easy access to quality schools and healthcare. While crime rates are a bit higher than average, the area draws residents with its vibrant coastal lifestyle, reasonable cost of living, and year-round mild climate. Explore housing, schools, and more to see if this sunny spot is right for you.
Demographics - West Panama City Beach, FL
Demographics - West Panama City Beach, FL
West Panama City Beach is home to about 14,000 residents, with a median age of 41.8 and a nearly equal gender balance. The community is predominantly White at 87%, with a small but notable mix of other ethnicities and around 7% of residents speaking a language other than English at home. This area offers a friendly, midsized coastal vibe ideal for families and retirees alike.
Population:
14,000
Density:
900 per sq mi
Median Age:
41.8
Gender Ratio:
99 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
7.2%

Ethnic Composition
White:
87.2%
Black:
4.3%
Asian:
2.0%
Others:
6.5%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in West Panama City Beach, FL?
The cost of living in West Panama City Beach is slightly above the U.S. average, driven mainly by housing with a median home value of $425,000 and average rent at $1,720 per month. State taxes are a benefit with Florida’s 0% income tax, but expect higher-than-average costs for utilities, groceries, and auto insurance. Overall, the area offers a comfortable lifestyle with expenses that reflect its desirable beachside location.
Median House Value:
$425,000
Gross Rent:
$1,720
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$155
Auto Insurance:
$2,300
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$2,050
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$650
State Taxes:
Low:
0%
|
High:
0%
Cost Of Living Index:
106.5
Grocery:
105.2
Housing:
110.8
Utilities:
109.7
Transportation:
103.5
Health Care:
101.2
Miscellaneous:
100.9
Crime
Is West Panama City Beach, FL a safe place to live?
West Panama City Beach has a property crime rate of 2,240 incidents per 100,000 people, with a 1 in 45 chance of experiencing property crime, and a violent crime rate of 352 per 100,000. While these rates are above national averages, many residents feel that taking basic precautions helps maintain a safe, relaxed environment. The area’s vibrant community and coastal amenities continue to attract new residents despite these concerns.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
352
Property Crimes Per 100k:
2,240
Crime Index:
2,592
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 284
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 45
Weather
What is the weather like in West Panama City Beach, FL year-round?
Residents enjoy a mild, subtropical climate with hot summers in the upper 80s to 90°F, mild winters in the 60s, and around 67% of days filled with sunshine. With annual rainfall averaging 62 inches, the area experiences lush greenery but occasional storms. The weather supports an active outdoor lifestyle year-round, perfect for beach and water activities.

Winter
Min:
46°F
Max:
64°F

Spring
Min:
59°F
Max:
77°F

Summer
Min:
74°F
Max:
90°F

Fall
Min:
60°F
Max:
80°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
62.0 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
67%
Neighbors
Households in West Panama City Beach have a median income of about $72,000, with a typical commute of 21 minutes and a low unemployment rate of 3.9%. The neighborhood is highly educated, with over 92% of adults holding a high school diploma and 33% with a bachelor’s degree or higher. With a poverty rate just above 10% and little reliance on public transportation, the area offers a stable, family-friendly environment.
Median Income:
$40,200
Household Income:
$71,900
Family Income:
$85,500
Per Capita Income:
$39,800
Income Male:
$44,800
Income Female:
$35,600
Poverty Rate:
10.4%
Non English Speakers:
8.0%
Rent:
$1,720
Unemployment Rate:
3.9%
Public Transport Usage:
0.8%
Commute Time:
21.4 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
92.1%
Bachelors or More:
33.2%
Education
How are the schools in West Panama City Beach, FL?
Families in West Panama City Beach benefit from quality public schools such as West Bay Elementary and Surfside Middle, both offering favorable student-teacher ratios. There are also private school options and two nearby colleges, Gulf Coast State College and FSU Panama City, just a short drive away. The area’s strong educational infrastructure supports lifelong learning for all ages.

Public Schools
Name:
West Bay Elementary School
Street:
14813 School Dr
Phone:
850-767-1850
Students:
430
Student Teacher Ratio:
14.9
Name:
Surfside Middle School
Street:
300 Nautilus St
Phone:
850-767-4871
Students:
950
Student Teacher Ratio:
17.4

Private Schools
Name:
St. John Catholic School
Street:
1005 Fortune Ave
Phone:
850-436-6435
Students:
210

Colleges
Name:
Gulf Coast State College
City:
Panama City
State:
FL
Distance:
9 miles
Students:
5,600
Name:
FSU Panama City
City:
Panama City
State:
FL
Distance:
11 miles
Students:
4,200
Healthcare
Access to healthcare is strong, with two major hospitals nearby and an above-average ratio of 2.2 physicians per 1,000 residents. Nearly 88% of the population has health insurance, and emergency services are readily available. Residents benefit from comprehensive medical facilities and a high healthcare index, ensuring peace of mind for families and retirees.

Major Hospitals
Name:
Ascension Sacred Heart Bay
Address:
615 N Bonita Ave, Panama City, FL 32401
Phone:
(850) 434-4011
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
HCA Florida Gulf Coast Hospital
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:
87.8%
Health Care Index:
77.0
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in West Panama City Beach, FL?
West Panama City Beach features a robust housing market with a median home price of $425,000 and home appreciation of 4.2% over the past year. About 70% of homes are owner-occupied, indicating a stable community, while rental vacancies remain moderate at 7.2%. The area’s steady growth and new construction make it attractive for both buyers and renters seeking coastal living.
Median Home Price:
$425,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,720
Owner Occupied Rate:
70.1%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
7.2%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.2%
New Construction Rate:
2.6%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.7%
DMV Information
The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles serves West Panama City Beach, offering convenient licensing and registration services at its Panama City office. Residents can easily manage vehicle-related needs online or in person, with support from a well-established state department. For more information, visit the official website or call the local DMV office.
State:
Florida
Department:
Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles
Address:
461 Hwy 231 N, Panama City, FL 32405
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.