Fort Walton Beach, FL
Population 20,956 · Florida
About Fort Walton Beach, FL
Fort Walton Beach is a mid-sized city located in Florida with a population of 20,956 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $66,556 per year, which is 11% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 39.2 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Fort Walton Beach features a median home value of $296,000, which is 21% above the national median of $244,900. This positions Fort Walton Beach in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $1,268, 9% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 9,888 total housing units, 60% are owner-occupied (5,218 units) and 40% are renter-occupied (3,521 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Fort Walton Beach shows an unemployment rate of 3.9%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 13.8%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Fort Walton Beach have an average one-way commute time of 21.9 minutes.
Education & Demographics
27.8% of Fort Walton Beach 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 3.9% White, 1.4% Hispanic or Latino, 1.6% Black or African American, and 5.6% Asian residents, with 9.4% of the population being foreign-born.
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.
Compare Fort Walton Beach With Other Cities
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 US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a mid-sized city in Florida.
What is the median household income in Fort Walton Beach?
The median household income in Fort Walton Beach, FL is $66,556 per year, which is 11% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Fort Walton Beach?
The median home value in Fort Walton Beach, FL is $296,000, which is 21% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Fort Walton Beach?
The median monthly rent in Fort Walton Beach, FL is $1,268, which is 9% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Fort Walton Beach?
The unemployment rate in Fort Walton Beach, FL is 3.9%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Fort Walton Beach, FL a good place to live?
Fort Walton Beach offers a moderate cost of living, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 20,956 and a median age of 39.2, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Fort Walton Beach, FL?
27.8% of residents in Fort Walton Beach aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The educational profile reflects the area's industry mix and employment landscape.
What is the cost of living in Fort Walton Beach?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Fort Walton Beach, FL: median home value is $296,000 (21% above national), median rent is $1,268/month, and median household income is $66,556. The home-value-to-income ratio is 4.4x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Fort Walton Beach?
The poverty rate in Fort Walton Beach, FL is 13.8%, 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 Fort Walton Beach, FL?
Fort Walton Beach's population is 3.9% White, 1.4% Hispanic or Latino, 1.6% Black or African American, 5.6% Asian, and 12.5% two or more races. 9.4% of residents are foreign-born.