Panama City Beach 79 Exceptional
Panama City Beach Livability #153 ranked city in Florida#2,144 ranked city in the USARanks better than 92% of areas
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Pros and Cons of Living in Panama City Beach

PROS
  • Cost Of Living Cost Of Living

    Taking into account the cost of goods and services like housing, groceries, transportation and utilities, the overall cost of living in this area is well below average.

  • Crime Crime

    Crime per 100,000 people is significantly lower than the national average, making it a safe place to live. These crime statistics include both violent and property crimes.

  • Employment Employment

    Higher than average median household income, income per capita and lower unemployment rates are seen in this area. The result is a high score in the employment category.

  • Housing Housing

    High scores in the housing category are a distinguishing feature of this area, possibly driven by a favorable home affordability ratio, higher home values and appreciation rates.

  • Health & Safety Health & Safety

    Good air quality as well as nearby health facilities like hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, fire and police stations all contribute to a higher than average health and safety score.

CONS
  • Amenities Amenities

    The majority of amenities are not ideally located within walking distance. To access these amenities, residents may be required to rely on a vehicle or public transit.

  • Commute Commute

    A low commute score could be due to longer-than-average work commutes and the limited availability of public transportation in this area.

What's it like Living in Panama City Beach?

Panama City Beach is a medium-sized city located in the state of Florida. The city has a population of 13,190 people. At 82%, the majority of the Panama City Beach population is White; this is followed by 9% Black and 4% Asian.

Without the right tools, moving to any new town can be very stressful and challenging. Living in Panama City Beach, Florida could be a great experience for anyone who puts in the effort to do the research required. When searching for a new neighborhood, several key items should be considered. Safety is paramount, ensuring a secure environment for you and your family. Proximity to workplaces or schools reduces commuting time and enhances convenience. Access to amenities like parks, grocery stores and healthcare facilities contributes to a comfortable lifestyle. Reliable public transportation options promote easy mobility. A strong sense of community fosters social connections and a welcoming atmosphere. The best areas in Panama City Beach and in surrounding cities are easier to find when you are able to make informed decisions. Using data from cost of living, health & safety, employment, you will see a detailed breakdown of the most important information as well as comparisons to the Florida and national averages.

Using data and statistics Panama City Beach has received a livability score of 78/100. This score is ranked in the 91st percentile when compared to all other cities. This is a terrific score, as Panama City Beach ranks well in multiple categories! The cherry on top is that Panama City Beach also ranks in the top 10 percent of all cities. Based on the rankings for each individual category, Panama City Beach has received high marks for crime (A-), cost of living (B+), education (B-), employment (A-) and housing (A+). On a less positive note, Panama City Beach does not have favorable grades for the following: amenities (D-). If we take a look at the data, we can find out why.

The Panama City Beach unemployment rate of 1.8% has continued to decrease over the years and is now well below the national average. The result could lead to reduced poverty and inequality in the area, higher wages and increased economic growth. This is a positive sign in the overall health of the local economy.

Finding affordable real estate and housing in Panama City Beach 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 Panama City Beach. 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 Panama City Beach are affordable. Median real estate prices in Panama City Beach come in at $475,280, which is 58.6% higher than the Florida average. The home price to income ratio compares the median home prices to the median household income. In Panama City Beach, the home price to income ratio is 4.8, which is 14.3% higher than the Florida average.

Best Places to Live in and Around Panama City Beach

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      Panama City Beach transportation information

      Statistic Panama City Beach Florida National
      Average one way commute22min27min26min
      Workers who drive to work83.1%79.5%76.4%
      Workers who carpool8.4%9.3%9.3%
      Workers who take public transit1.0%2.1%5.1%
      Workers who bicycle0.3%0.7%0.6%
      Workers who walk0.7%1.5%2.8%
      Working from home6.2%5.4%4.6%
      Source: The Panama City Beach, 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.