Key West 82 Exceptional
Key West Livability #65 ranked city in Florida#1,123 ranked city in the USARanks better than 96% of areas
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Pros and Cons of Living in Key West

PROS
  • Amenities Amenities

    Within the vicinity, you'll find a wealth of amenities, from restaurants and coffee shops to grocery stores and local shops, all easily accessible on foot.

  • Commute Commute

    High scores in the commute category could indicate that this area offers short commute times to work and readily available public transportation options.

  • Employment Employment

    This area scores extremely well in the employment category. This is primarily due to the combination of low unemployment rates, higher median home income and income per capita.

  • Health & Safety Health & Safety

    Earning a high health and safety score depends on factors such as good air quality and the availability of essential health facilities like hospitals, clinics, doctors, and fire stations.

  • Ratings Ratings

    Local residents have positive feedback regarding the convenience of amenities, parks, public transit, the friendliness of neighbors, the strong sense of community, and the overall safety of the area.

CONS
  • Cost Of Living Cost Of Living

    Residents of this area contend with a high cost of living, resulting in increased expenditures for everyday goods and services, housing, utilities and health care.

What's it like Living in Key West?

Key West, Florida is a moderately-sized city with a population of 25,464 inhabitants. In Key West, there are 4,547 people per square mile, which is well above the national population density average. At 79%, the majority of the Key West population is White; this is followed by 13% Black and 2% Asian. If you prefer shorter commutes, living in Key West will be a delight. With an average one-way commute time of just 13 minutes, traveling to and from work is notably more convenient than the national average, which stands at 26 minutes.

Whether you’re moving to a new city to be closer to family, friends or for a new job, living in Key West could be a positive experience compared to other cities in Florida if you know where to look. Don't forget to determine what matters most to you in a neighborhood. Consider factors such as safety, proximity to work or school, access to amenities (like parks, fitness facilities, grocery stores, restaurants), public transportation options, community atmosphere and the overall vibe you're looking for. Finding the best places to live in Key West and nearby areas is a much easier task when you can rely on information and data from the livability score, which includes crime, cost of living, commute, education, employment and other important metrics.

Using data and statistics Key West has received a livability score of 82/100. This score is ranked in the 96th percentile when compared to all other cities. Based on this score, Key West would be considered a very livable city! Key West also ranks in the top 10 percent of all cities, which is no small feat! Based on the scores for each individual category, Key West has received high marks for education (B), employment (A+) and housing (B). There is at least one category that did not score well in Key West. The following was graded with a discouraging score: crime (D-) and cost of living (F).

Key West has many conveniently situated amenities and captivating attractions that adds to the continuous enjoyment of your everyday life. Having the assurance of abundant conveniences and a wide array of activities ensures your easy access to nearby grocery stores, restaurants, bars, fitness facilities, coffee shops and exciting entertainment options. This not only simplifies daily routines but also fosters a vibrant and dynamic lifestyle within the community. With a wealth of resources at your fingertips, you can savor the convenience and variety that Key West has to offer, making it a desirable destination for those seeking both accessibility and enjoyment in their daily lives. Here are some of the more popular things to do in Key West: Fury Water Adventures Key West, Mallory Square, and Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum.

The unemployment rate in Key West has consistently declined over the years and currently stands well below the national average at 1.4%. This downward trend holds the potential to reduce poverty and inequality within the region, promote higher wage levels and stimulate greater economic growth. Such positive indicators signal the overall robust health of the local economy, offering a promising outlook for its residents and fostering an environment of financial well-being and prosperity.

Finding affordable real estate and housing in Key West can be tricky. Having said that, this area might be the place to get the best of both worlds. Based on factors like home/rental affordability and appreciation rates, this area has received an above average score in the housing category. A healthy real estate market can lead to wealth appreciation for property owners, as rising property values can contribute to homeowners' equity, financial stability and the ability to build long-term wealth.

Being close to public transit, grocery stores, parks and other conveniences are all important when weighing your options for a new home in Key West. 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 Key West are affordable. Median real estate prices in Key West come in at $1,266,675, which is 322.8% higher than the Florida average. The home price to income ratio compares the median home prices to the median household income. In Key West, the home price to income ratio is 11.7, which is 178.6% higher than the Florida average.

Best Places to Live in and Around Key West

See all the best places to live around Key West

How Do You Rate The Livability In Key West?

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Compare Key West, FL Livability

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      Key West transportation information

      Statistic Key West Florida National
      Average one way commute13min27min26min
      Workers who drive to work57.8%79.5%76.4%
      Workers who carpool6.6%9.3%9.3%
      Workers who take public transit0.8%2.1%5.1%
      Workers who bicycle14.5%0.7%0.6%
      Workers who walk7.5%1.5%2.8%
      Working from home6.7%5.4%4.6%
      Source: The Key West, FL data and statistics displayed above are derived from the United States Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS) and include 2026 modeled data developed using proprietary methodologies.