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Crestview-Fort Walton Beach-Destin, FL Metro Area

Crestview-Fort Walton Beach-Destin, FL · Metro Area

299,547Population

A metropolitan statistical area of 2 counties. The counties are tied together by commuting: people live in one and work in another.

Median household income
$81,993
Median home value
$364,100
Land area
1,968 sq mi
152 people per sq mi

Market now

Counties in this metro area

Central counties hold the urban core; outlying counties are linked to it by commuting.

CountyRolePopulationMedian incomeMedian home value
Okaloosa County, FLCentral216,599$81,998$351,200
Walton County, FLCentral82,948$81,986$425,100

Largest cities and towns

17 places in our city pages lie in this area.

PlaceTypePopulationMedian income
Crestview, FLCity28,773$65,480
Wright, FLCDP27,927$70,195
Fort Walton Beach, FLCity21,025$68,538
Niceville, FLCity16,544$102,409
Destin, FLCity14,077$89,011
Miramar Beach, FLCDP8,902$103,250
Lake Lorraine, FLCDP6,903$104,105
DeFuniak Springs, FLCity6,532$54,512
Ocean City, FLCDP5,941$59,039
Valparaiso, FLCity4,885$90,110
Mary Esther, FLCity4,061$76,890
Eglin AFB, FLCDP2,778$84,167
Freeport, FLCity2,119$81,594
Shalimar, FLTown885$115,417
Paxton, FLTown686$61,136
Cinco Bayou, FLTown609$84,688
Laurel Hill, FLCity355$63,036

Demographic Rates

Poverty Rate
10.2%
Unemployment
4.1%
College Educated
34.9%
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Estimates (2020–2024) • Table S1701, S2301, S1501

Race & Ethnicity

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Estimates (2020–2024) • Table B02001, B03003

Income Profile

Median Household Income
$81,993
Mean Household Income
$115,739

Income Distribution

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Estimates (2020–2024) • Table S1901, S1902, S1903, B19013, B19113

Sex Distribution

Male
50.7%
Female
49.3%

Population Split

Male50.7%
Female49.3%

The sex distribution of a population provides insight into the demographic balance of a community. Significant skews in this ratio can be influenced by local industries (e.g., military bases, mining, or tech hubs), educational institutions, or migration patterns. Understanding this balance is essential for planning public health initiatives and social services.

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Estimates (2020–2024) • Table S0101

Ancestry

English13.7%
German12.0%
Irish11.3%
Italian4.8%
Mexican3.5%
Scottish2.5%
French2.2%
Polish1.9%
African0.6%
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Estimates (2020–2024) • Table B04006

Immigration & Nativity

Nativity Status

8.7%Foreign Born
91.3%Native Born

Citizenship Status

Naturalized48.3%
Non-Citizen51.7%

Period of Entry

2010 or Later41.2%
Before 201058.8%
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Estimates (2020–2024) • Table B05001, B05002

Housing Characteristics

Total Housing Units
165,136
Median Rent
$1,633/mo
Median Home Value
$364,100
Median Year Built
1995

Housing Tenure

Housing Types

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Estimates (2020–2024) • Table DP04

Education Enrollment

Total Enrolled
66,116
College Enrollment
17.4%
High School
21.3%
College Educated
34.9%

K-12 Enrollment

Higher Education

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Estimates (2020–2024) • Table S1401, S1501

Transportation & Commute

Mean Commute Time
27.1 min
Drive Alone Rate
74.7%
Public Transit
0.2%
Work From Home
11.5%

Commute Mode

Vehicle Ownership

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Estimates (2020–2024) • Table S0801, B08141

Age Distribution

Under 18
22.1%
18-34 Years
22.1%
35-64 Years
38.2%
65+ Years
17.6%

Population Composition

Under 1822.1%
18-3422.1%
35-6438.2%
65+17.6%

The age distribution of a community impacts local services, school requirements, and the labor market. A higher percentage of youth suggests a need for schools and family services, while a larger senior population may indicate a retirement destination or a need for healthcare services.

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Estimates (2020–2024) • Table S0101

Household Composition

Married Couples
52.1%
Single Parent
6.2%
Living Alone
26.1%
Avg Size
2.45

Household Types

Married Couples52.1%
Single Parent6.2%
Living Alone26.1%

Household composition offers insights into the social fabric of a community. A high percentage of married couples often correlates with stability and higher household incomes, while a significant number of single-person households may indicate a younger transient population or an aging community.

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Estimates (2020–2024) • Table S1101

Economic Profile

Per Capita Income
$46,655
SNAP Usage
8.3%
Health Insurance
87.4%

Household Income Breakdown

Under $25k10.6%
$25k - $50k17.0%
$50k - $100k31.3%
$100k+41.0%

Key Industries

Manufacturing
4.5%
Retail Trade
11.7%
Education & Health Care
17.3%
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Estimates (2020–2024) • Table S1901, S2201, DP03

Health & Disability

Disability Rate

15.0%With Disability

Percentage of the civilian noninstitutionalized population with a disability.

Health Insurance Coverage

87.4%With Coverage

Percentage of the civilian noninstitutionalized population with health insurance coverage.

Why this matters: High disability rates may indicate a need for accessible infrastructure and specialized healthcare services. Health insurance coverage is a key indicator of a community's access to preventative care and financial resilience against medical emergencies.

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Estimates (2020–2024) • Table S1810, S2701

Technology Access

Broadband Internet
93.0%vs ~90% National Avg
Computer Ownership
97.4%vs ~95% National Avg
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Estimates (2020–2024) • Table S2801

Cost of Living & Housing

Cost of Living Scale

Lower is better
97.0
0130
Below average< 97
Near average97 - 103
Above average> 103

Prices compared with the US average (100). 105 means about 5% more expensive than average.

Housing Affordability

Higher is better
109.4
0200
Hard to Afford< 80
Moderate80 - 100
Affordable> 100

100 means a family earning the median family income just qualifies to buy the median-value home (20% down, 30-year loan at 6.72%).

Source: BEA Regional Price Parities · NAR affordability formula with Census ACS 2020–2024 incomes and home values and the Freddie Mac 30-year rate (2024)