West Palm Beach, FL
Population 119,508 · Florida
About West Palm Beach, FL
West Palm Beach is a major city located in Florida with a population of 119,508 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $69,261 per year, which is 8% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 40.2 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in West Palm Beach features a median home value of $369,800, which is 51% above the national median of $244,900. This places West Palm Beach in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $1,709, 47% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 60,786 total housing units, 50% are owner-occupied (25,365 units) and 50% are renter-occupied (25,153 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in West Palm Beach shows an unemployment rate of 5.4%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 14.8%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in West Palm Beach have an average one-way commute time of 23.2 minutes.
Education & Demographics
37.7% of West Palm 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 2.4% White, 0.9% Hispanic or Latino, 3.1% Black or African American, and 13.6% Asian residents, with 27.2% of the population being foreign-born.
How West Palm Beach Ranks in Florida
Cost of Living in West Palm Beach, FL
Compared to national averages, West Palm Beach has a median household income of $69,261 (8% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $369,800, which is 51% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,709 is 47% above the US average of $1,163. Within Florida, West Palm Beach's income is 9% below the state average of $75,893, and home values are 5% above the state median of $353,675.
Why Live in West Palm Beach, FL?
West Palm Beach offers a well-educated community where 37.7% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, and short commute times averaging just 23.2 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($69,261) that falls below the national average, and a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $369,800. However, as a major city, West Palm Beach provides access to a wide range of amenities and services.
West Palm Beach has a population of 119,508 with a median age of 40.2 years. Compare West Palm Beach with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Florida.
Similar Cities Near West Palm Beach
Cities in Florida with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spring Hill | 118,814 | $66,557 | $248,400 | Compare |
| Clearwater | 117,075 | $64,440 | $326,100 | Compare |
| Lakeland | 117,030 | $60,947 | $229,100 | Compare |
| Brandon | 116,365 | $77,068 | $293,800 | Compare |
| Palm Bay | 125,273 | $67,521 | $248,000 | Compare |
| Pompano Beach | 112,212 | $63,832 | $321,900 | Compare |
| Lehigh Acres | 127,391 | $62,330 | $263,200 | Compare |
| Miami Gardens | 111,264 | $60,979 | $337,200 | 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 West Palm Beach With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about West Palm Beach
What is the population of West Palm Beach, FL?
The population of West Palm Beach, FL is 119,508 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a major city in Florida.
What is the median household income in West Palm Beach?
The median household income in West Palm Beach, FL is $69,261 per year, which is 8% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in West Palm Beach?
The median home value in West Palm Beach, FL is $369,800, which is 51% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in West Palm Beach?
The median monthly rent in West Palm Beach, FL is $1,709, which is 47% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in West Palm Beach?
The unemployment rate in West Palm Beach, FL is 5.4%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is West Palm Beach, FL a good place to live?
West Palm Beach offers a moderate cost of living, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 119,508 and a median age of 40.2, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is West Palm Beach, FL?
37.7% of residents in West Palm Beach 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 West Palm Beach?
Key cost-of-living indicators for West Palm Beach, FL: median home value is $369,800 (51% above national), median rent is $1,709/month, and median household income is $69,261. The home-value-to-income ratio is 5.3x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in West Palm Beach?
The poverty rate in West Palm Beach, FL is 14.8%, 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 West Palm Beach, FL?
West Palm Beach's population is 2.4% White, 0.9% Hispanic or Latino, 3.1% Black or African American, 13.6% Asian, and 30.7% two or more races. 27.2% of residents are foreign-born.