Crystal River, FL
Population 3,443 · Florida
About Crystal River, FL
Crystal River is a small town located in Florida with a population of 3,443 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $52,112 per year, which is 31% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 63.3 years is notably older the US median age of 38.9 years, suggesting a more established community with a higher proportion of long-term residents.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Crystal River features a median home value of $290,900, which is 19% above the national median of $244,900. This positions Crystal River in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $913, 21% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 2,057 total housing units, 61% are owner-occupied (946 units) and 39% are renter-occupied (605 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Crystal River shows an unemployment rate of 11.5%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 24.9%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Crystal River have an average one-way commute time of 18.5 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
34.8% of Crystal River residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This is in line with national trends in educational attainment. The community's demographic composition includes 0.0% White, 2.5% Hispanic or Latino, 1.4% Black or African American, and 3.8% Asian residents, with 5.4% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Crystal River, FL
Compared to national averages, Crystal River has a median household income of $52,112 (31% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $290,900, which is 19% above the national median. Monthly rent at $913 is 21% below the US average of $1,163. Within Florida, Crystal River's income is 31% below the state average of $75,893, and home values are 18% below the state median of $353,675.
Why Live in Crystal River, FL?
Crystal River offers rent that’s lower than the national average at $913/month, and a well-educated community where 34.8% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, and short commute times averaging just 18.5 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($52,112) that falls below the national average. However, Crystal River’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Crystal River has a population of 3,443 with a median age of 63.3 years. Compare Crystal River with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Florida.
Similar Cities Near Crystal River
Cities in Florida with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Goulding | 3,448 | $27,299 | $86,800 | Compare |
| Tiger Point | 3,453 | $122,308 | $391,000 | Compare |
| Loxahatchee Groves | 3,405 | $113,654 | $583,700 | Compare |
| Vineyards | 3,484 | $138,042 | $613,600 | Compare |
| Ponce Inlet | 3,392 | $100,313 | $502,100 | Compare |
| Nokomis | 3,391 | $41,333 | $225,100 | Compare |
| Port St. Joe | 3,499 | $60,347 | $280,600 | Compare |
| Eagle Lake | 3,382 | $70,208 | $227,700 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Florida
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Crystal River With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Crystal River
What is the population of Crystal River, FL?
The population of Crystal River, FL is 3,443 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small town in Florida.
What is the median household income in Crystal River?
The median household income in Crystal River, FL is $52,112 per year, which is 31% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Crystal River?
The median home value in Crystal River, FL is $290,900, which is 19% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Crystal River?
The median monthly rent in Crystal River, FL is $913, which is 21% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Crystal River?
The unemployment rate in Crystal River, FL is 11.5%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Crystal River, FL a good place to live?
Crystal River offers a moderate cost of living, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 3,443 and a median age of 63.3, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Crystal River, FL?
34.8% of residents in Crystal River aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This above-average educational attainment often reflects a knowledge-based local economy.
What is the cost of living in Crystal River?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Crystal River, FL: median home value is $290,900 (19% above national), median rent is $913/month, and median household income is $52,112. The home-value-to-income ratio is 5.6x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Crystal River?
The poverty rate in Crystal River, FL is 24.9%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. Residents and prospective movers should be aware of the economic challenges facing parts of this community.
How diverse is Crystal River, FL?
Crystal River's population is 0.0% White, 2.5% Hispanic or Latino, 1.4% Black or African American, 3.8% Asian, and 10.6% two or more races. 5.4% of residents are foreign-born.