Destin, FL
Population 14,018 · Florida
About Destin, FL
Destin is a mid-sized city located in Florida with a population of 14,018 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $89,141 per year, which is 19% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 41.5 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Destin features a median home value of $455,100, which is 86% above the national median of $244,900. This places Destin in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $1,913, 64% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 13,656 total housing units, 70% are owner-occupied (4,333 units) and 30% are renter-occupied (1,873 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Destin shows an unemployment rate of 1.6%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 7.6%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Destin have an average one-way commute time of 25 minutes.
Education & Demographics
46.0% of Destin residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This significantly higher educational attainment rate often correlates with access to knowledge-economy jobs and higher household incomes. The community's demographic composition includes 3.4% White, 0.7% Hispanic or Latino, 0.9% Black or African American, and 3.8% Asian residents, with 13.6% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Destin, FL
Compared to national averages, Destin has a median household income of $89,141 (19% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $455,100, which is 86% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,913 is 64% above the US average of $1,163. Within Florida, Destin's income is 17% above the state average of $75,893, and home values are 29% above the state median of $353,675.
Why Live in Destin, FL?
Destin offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $89,141, well above the national average, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 1.6%, and a well-educated community where 46.0% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Additionally, the city features a low poverty rate of 7.6%, better than the national average.
Potential considerations include a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $455,100. However, Destin’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Destin has a population of 14,018 with a median age of 41.5 years. Compare Destin with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Florida.
Similar Cities Near Destin
Cities in Florida with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lakewood Park | 14,077 | $64,848 | $252,900 | Compare |
| Bellair-Meadowbrook Terrace | 13,887 | $56,887 | $218,700 | Compare |
| Southchase | 14,149 | $85,573 | $344,900 | Compare |
| Elfers | 13,877 | $52,979 | $173,400 | Compare |
| Gonzalez | 13,861 | $81,080 | $249,800 | Compare |
| On Top of the World | 13,772 | $57,765 | $275,000 | Compare |
| Orange City | 13,768 | $51,077 | $241,800 | Compare |
| East Milton | 14,280 | $61,922 | $199,900 | 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 Destin With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Destin
What is the population of Destin, FL?
The population of Destin, FL is 14,018 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a mid-sized city in Florida.
What is the median household income in Destin?
The median household income in Destin, FL is $89,141 per year, which is 19% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Destin?
The median home value in Destin, FL is $455,100, which is 86% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Destin?
The median monthly rent in Destin, FL is $1,913, which is 64% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Destin?
The unemployment rate in Destin, FL is 1.6%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Destin, FL a good place to live?
Destin offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and a strong job market. With a population of 14,018 and a median age of 41.5, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Destin, FL?
46.0% of residents in Destin 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 Destin?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Destin, FL: median home value is $455,100 (86% above national), median rent is $1,913/month, and median household income is $89,141. The home-value-to-income ratio is 5.1x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Destin?
The poverty rate in Destin, FL is 7.6%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Destin, FL?
Destin's population is 3.4% White, 0.7% Hispanic or Latino, 0.9% Black or African American, 3.8% Asian, and 3.3% two or more races. 13.6% of residents are foreign-born.