Crime
The crime rate is far lower than the national average per 100,000 residents. As such, it should be considered a very safe place to live when compared to other areas.
Employment
This area excels in the employment category with a score well above average, primarily due to the higher median home income, per capita income and low unemployment rates.
Housing
High scores in the housing category are attributed to this area, possibly pointing to a favorable home affordability ratio, robust appreciation rates or elevated home values.
Health & Safety
Achieving a high health and safety score relies on factors including great air quality and convenient access to vital health facilities such as hospitals, doctors, clinics and police stations.
Schools
The schools category boasts a high score thanks to factors like excellent test scores, impressive graduation rates and the convenient placement of elementary and high schools in this area.
Amenities
A large portion of amenities are not ideally situated within walking distance, potentially requiring residents to utilize a vehicle or public transportation.
Commute
Access to public transportation in this particular area may be limited, which can result in longer-than-average commute times to reach workplaces.
Cost Of Living
The cost of living in this area is notably high, making it a more expensive place to live. You'll find higher expenses for everyday goods and services, housing and groceries.
Located in the state of Florida, Destin is a moderately-sized city with a population of 14,810 inhabitants. If we take a look at the last Census, the vast majority of the population falls within one racial group (85% White). Given that fact, Destin could be considered less diverse than other cities.
Living in Destin can be a great experience for anyone moving to the area. Having said that, in the state of Florida, there are many incredible places to live, so choose wisely! When searching for a new neighborhood, several factors play a vital role in determining its suitability. Safety should be a top priority, ensuring a secure environment with low crime rates. Proximity to your workplace or school helps minimize commuting time and allows for a better work-life balance. Availability of essential amenities such as parks, coffee shops, restaurants, grocery stores, and healthcare facilities contributes to convenience and well-being. Access to reliable public transportation options facilitates easy commuting and connectivity. Additionally, considering the sense of community and the overall atmosphere that resonates with your lifestyle and preferences fosters a harmonious living experience. To help you find the best places to live in and around Destin, AreaVibes has created a livability score using key metrics like crime, cost of living, commute and more.
Destin, FL receives 79 out of 100 for its livability score; this results in a ranking of #132 in Florida and #1,805 in the USA. Compared to the United States average, Destin ranks among some of the best places to live in the country! The cherry on top is that Destin also ranks in the top 10 percent of all cities. For each of the livability categories, we can establish that Destin ranks very well for crime (A+), education (A+), employment (A+) and housing (A+). Regrettably for Destin, there are some categories for which it does not score well, this includes: amenities (F).
Unemployment rates can vary significantly among cities, impacting job prospects, wage levels and the overall economic health of an area. In Destin, the unemployment rate stands at 1.8%, suggesting increased job opportunities and a heightened demand for workers. This scenario can lead to higher wages, as the demand for employees outpaces job availability. Importantly, a low unemployment rate often signifies a robust and flourishing local economy.
Parents and families tend to prioritize school test scores when choosing educational institutions. Test score data can be a critical factor in evaluating and comparing schools. In Destin, the average school test scores are an impressive 79%, well above the national average. This achievement reflects the educational system's dedication to providing students with the essential knowledge and tools for success. It ensures that your children will receive the support and resources needed to excel academically and thrive in their educational pursuits.
For home buyers, real estate will be the largest purchase they will ever make and it will also be their most valuable asset. For renters, the monthly rent paid on their Destin apartments will most likely be their largest expense. Based on tangible metrics like home and rental affordability and appreciation rates, housing in this area has received a score that is well above the average of every other US city. A thriving real estate market can also generate strong local economic activity and job creation.
Being close to public transit, grocery stores, parks and other conveniences are all important when weighing your options for a new home in Destin. Before you determine if any of these amenities are available in the area, you will also want to know if the real estate prices in Destin are affordable. The median home price for Destin homes is $625,822, which is 108.9% higher than the Florida average. If we take a closer look at the affordability of homes in Destin, we’ll see that the home price to income ratio is 5.1, which is 21.4% higher than the Florida average.
Why stop at city-to-city? With Local Insights, you can compare neighborhoods, zip codes, or even exact addresses. Access 300+ hyperlocal data points—from schools and crime to housing and amenities—to see which area is the better fit.
| Statistic | Destin | Florida | National |
| Average one way commute | 22min | 27min | 26min |
| Workers who drive to work | 76.3% | 79.5% | 76.4% |
| Workers who carpool | 9.1% | 9.3% | 9.3% |
| Workers who take public transit | 0.7% | 2.1% | 5.1% |
| Workers who bicycle | 0.6% | 0.7% | 0.6% |
| Workers who walk | 1.2% | 1.5% | 2.8% |
| Working from home | 10.6% | 5.4% | 4.6% |
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