Fort Walton Beach, FL
Population 20,956 · Florida
About Fort Walton Beach, FL
Fort Walton Beach is a mid-sized city in Florida with a population of 20,956 residents. The median household income is $66,556 per year, which is near the national average. The median age in Fort Walton Beach is 39.2 years.
Housing in Fort Walton Beach has a median home value of $296,000 and median monthly rent of $1,268. Of the 9,888 total housing units, the majority are owner-occupied, with 5,218 owner-occupied and 3,521 renter-occupied units.
The unemployment rate in Fort Walton Beach is 3.9% and the poverty rate is 13.8%. 27.8% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The average commute time is 21.9 minutes.
Cost of Living in Fort Walton Beach, FL
Compared to national averages, Fort Walton Beach has a median household income of $66,556 (11% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $296,000, which is 21% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,268 is 9% above the US average of $1,163. Within Florida, Fort Walton Beach's income is 12% below the state average of $75,893, and home values are 16% below the state median of $353,675.
Why Live in Fort Walton Beach, FL?
Fort Walton Beach offers short commute times averaging just 21.9 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($66,556) that falls below the national average. However, Fort Walton Beach’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Fort Walton Beach has a population of 20,956 with a median age of 39.2 years. Compare Fort Walton Beach with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Florida.
Similar Cities Near Fort Walton Beach
Cities in Florida with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lealman | 21,026 | $45,949 | $175,100 | Compare |
| Midway CDP (Santa Rosa County), Florida | 20,745 | $90,662 | $352,600 | Compare |
| West Pensacola | 20,679 | $38,641 | $109,800 | Compare |
| Hunters Creek | 21,255 | $99,942 | $426,000 | Compare |
| Groveland | 20,621 | $92,258 | $344,000 | Compare |
| Florida Ridge | 21,517 | $64,956 | $250,500 | Compare |
| Holiday | 21,768 | $43,996 | $145,700 | Compare |
| Punta Gorda | 19,886 | $79,291 | $482,300 | 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.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Fort Walton Beach
What is the population of Fort Walton Beach, FL?
The population of Fort Walton Beach, FL is 20,956 according to the latest Census data.
What is the median household income in Fort Walton Beach?
The median household income in Fort Walton Beach, FL is $66,556 per year.
What is the median home value in Fort Walton Beach?
The median home value in Fort Walton Beach, FL is $296,000.
What is the average rent in Fort Walton Beach?
The median monthly rent in Fort Walton Beach, FL is $1,268.
What is the unemployment rate in Fort Walton Beach?
The unemployment rate in Fort Walton Beach, FL is 3.9%.