Destin, FL demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
14,077
0.4% year-over-year change
Median household income
$89,011/yr
-0.1% year-over-year change
Housing units
13,668
0.1% year-over-year change

Destin population

How many people live in Destin

Destin is home to 14,077 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 51.8% of Destin locals are male, and 48.2% are female.

Total population
14,077
0.4% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
51.8%
7,289
Female
48.2%
6,788
Value Percent YoY change
Male 7,289 51.8% -1.4%
Female 6,788 48.2% 2.4%
A higher population often means more rental variety and livelier areas. The gender balance—how many men live here compared to women—can reveal a lot about the community and the lifestyles of its residents. Use this info to get a sense of the area's pace and personality.

Age demographics

The median age in Destin is 42, with the population distributed as follows: about 15.4% are children under 15, then 9.2% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 29.2% of the population, while another 28% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 18.3% are 65 or older.

Median age
41.5
Age breakdown
Under 15
15.4%
15 to 24
9.2%
25 to 44
29.2%
45 to 64
28%
Over 65
18.3%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 2,162 15.4% -2.4%
15 to 24 1,288 9.2% 11.2%
25 to 44 4,118 29.2% -2.0%
45 to 64 3,937 28% 0.5%
Over 65 2,572 18.3% 1.9%
The age composition helps you get insight into who lives in the area. A younger population might mean a more active, fast-paced vibe, while an older one could suggest a quieter, slower lifestyle. If there's a balanced makeup, you’re likely to find a variety of services, housing types, and community spaces that cater to different life stages.

Racial makeup

In Destin, 84.4% of the population are US-born citizens, while 5.1% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 10.4% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 81.7% of locals are Caucasian, 4.7% are African American and 1.3% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 8.4% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
84.4%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
5.1%
Non-citizens
10.4%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 11,888 84.4% -0.1%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 721 5.1% -12.3%
Non-citizens 1,468 10.4% 13.3%
Racial breakdown
White
81.7%
Black or African American
4.7%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.9%
Asian
1.3%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
8.4%
Other
3.2%
Value Percent
White 11,501 81.7%
Black or African American 656 4.7%
American Indian and Alaska Native 125 0.9%
Asian 177 1.3%
Two or more races 1,175 8.4%
Other 443 3.2%

Households in Destin

A peek inside Destin households

Destin has 6,221 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 59.6% are families, while the remaining 40.4% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
6,221
0.2% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
2,514
Family households
3,707
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 2,514 40.4% -5.6%
Family households 3,707 59.6% 4.6%
The mix between family and non-family households gives a glimpse into daily life. A higher percentage of families might mean more parks and schools, while more non-family setups can mean flexible housing and diverse living styles. For renters, this can signal what kinds of homes are common and can help you figure out if the area matches your lifestyle.

Housing in Destin

The housing landscape of Destin

Destin's housing consists of 13,668 units, with 35.4% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 5.3% and offer a more compact, shared living style. Then there are the multifamily buildings in the area, and for those seeking flexibility, non-traditional options like mobile homes account for 0.4% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
13,668
0.1% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 4,835 35.4%
1 unit, attached 728 5.3%
2 units 168 1.2%
3 or 4 units 748 5.5%
5 to 9 units 1,110 8.1%
10 to 19 units 468 3.4%
20 to 49 units 1,454 10.6%
50 or more units 4,104 30%
Mobile home 53 0.4%
Homes built since 2020
294
23.5% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Destin

In Destin, the median construction year is 1992. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 18.3% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 9% between 2010 and 2019, and 2.2% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built between 1940 and 1949 12 0.1% 20.0%
Built between 1950 and 1959 119 0.9% -7.8%
Built between 1960 and 1969 283 2.1% -9.6%
Built between 1970 and 1979 2,144 15.7% 3.2%
Built between 1980 and 1989 3,766 27.6% -0.1%
Built between 1990 and 1999 3,324 24.3% -2.2%
Built between 2000 and 2009 2,501 18.3% 0.0%
Built between 2010 and 2019 1,225 9% 1.7%
Built in 2020 or later 294 2.2% 23.5%
As a renter, knowing when homes were built helps you understand the potential condition and design of rental units. Newer builds may have more contemporary layouts, while older homes can offer character or larger lots, depending on the area.

Destin occupancy rates

Out of the 6,221 occupied housing units in Destin, 69.7% are owner-occupied, while 30.3% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 54.5% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
6,221
0.2% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
1,883
Owner occupied
4,338
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 1,883 30.3% 0.5%
Owner occupied 4,338 69.7% 0.1%
Unoccupied housing units
54.5%
Unoccupied housing units refer to homes that are currently without residents—whether they're waiting for renters or owners, used seasonally, or simply unclaimed. A higher share of empty homes may mean more housing availability, while a low number can reflect a tighter market with more competition. This, along with the renter-vs.-owner mix, helps paint a clearer picture of what types of housing and services are likely to be available in the area.

Destin housing costs

Housing costs in Destin come to a median of $1,786 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,936.

Median housing costs per month
$1,786/month
This figure sums up typical monthly housing costs for all households in the area. If you own, it includes mortgage payments in addition to property taxes, insurance and HOA fees. If you rent, it accounts for rent plus extras like utilities. It’s useful for seeing how local living expenses stack up compared to other places.
Median gross rent in Destin
$1,936/month
Gross rent gives a more complete look at what renters actually pay, including not just base rent, but also utilities and fees. It’s a key number for evaluating rental affordability in your area of interest and understanding how it compares to nearby locations.

Education in Destin

Destin education at a glance

About 22.5% of the population in Destin went to high school, while 22.3% pursued college studies. Another 8.9% earned an associate degree and 28.9% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 14.8% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 289 2.5% -7.1%
High school diploma 2,559 22.5% 17.8%
College diploma 2,534 22.3% -5.9%
Associate degree 1,009 8.9% -8.8%
Bachelor's degree 3,280 28.9% -5.1%
Graduate degree 1,687 14.8% 7.1%
A community’s education mix can offer insights into the local economy and housing market. Higher levels of education often align with more job opportunities and stable incomes, which can increase demand for homes and influence both rent prices and rental availability.

Income in Destin

How much people earn in Destin

The average annual household income in Destin was $135,579 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +5.6% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $89,011, reflecting a -0.2% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Destin
$135,579/year
5.6% year-over-year change
Median household income in Destin
$89,011/year
-0.1% year-over-year change

Destin income by age

In Destin, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $95,707. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $101,359 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $60,119, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $67,650 in earnings. Overall, 92.6% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $60,119 -1.9%
25 - 44 $95,707 2.2%
45 - 64 $101,359 3.6%
Over 65 $67,650 -0.2%
Above poverty level
12,868
Below poverty level
1,032
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 12,868 92.6% 0.9%
Below poverty level 1,032 7.4% -2.1%

Average renter income in Destin

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Destin, their median household income was $59,645 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 39%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$59,645
Rent-to-income ratio
39%
Understanding the rent-to-income ratio can help renters gauge if local housing costs align with their earnings. A ratio under 30% usually signals affordability, while exceeding this mark means rent is taking a larger-than-recommended bite out of income. That could make it harder for you to cover other costs like transportation, healthcare, or child care.

Employment in Destin

Workforce and job types in Destin

The job market in Destin is powered by 7,216 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 81.6% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 18.4% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 20.7% run their own businesses, 65.9% are employed by private companies, and 8.4% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
7,216
-1.7% year-over-year change
White collar
5,886
Blue collar
1,330
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 5,886 81.6% -3.1%
Blue collar 1,330 18.4% 4.7%
Employer type
Self employees
20.7%
Private companies
65.9%
Governmental workers
8.4%
Not for profit companies
5%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 1,493 20.7% -2.6%
Private companies 4,753 65.9% -1.0%
Governmental workers 608 8.4% -3.3%
Not for profit companies 362 5% -4.5%
Unemployment rate
2.1%
25.6% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Destin stands at 2.1%, representing the share of the workforce currently without a job and actively looking for one.

For renters, the unemployment rate helps paint a picture of job security and financial stability in the area. Rates around 4% to 5% are considered typical. A lower-than-average rate might suggest strong job prospects and a thriving local economy, while a higher rate could hint at fewer opportunities—both useful to consider when planning a move.

Transportation in Destin

How people get around in Destin

Commuting methods vary: 78.5% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 2.8% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 5,905 78.5% -3.7%
Bus or trolleybus 43 0.6% -8.5%
Bicycle 41 0.6% 20.6%
Walk 213 2.8% 27.5%
Understanding how locals get to work can help you plan your own routine. High car usage might mean you’ll need a vehicle, while strong public transit or walkability could save you the hassle. Commute times also play a big role in quality of life—shorter trips can give you more time for the things you enjoy.

What is the median and average household income in Destin by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
32541 18,855 8,446 $95,124 $155,090

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FAQs about Destin demographics 

What is the total population of Destin?

Destin has a total population of 14,077 residents, according to the latest release from the U.S. Census Bureau: the 2019-2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates. This figure changed by +0.4% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Destin?

The gender ratio in Destin is as follows:
  • 51.8% males (7,289 residents)
  • 48.2% females (6,788 residents)

What is the median age in Destin?

The median age in Destin is 41.5.

What is the age distribution of the population in Destin?

The age distribution in Destin is as follows:
  • Under 15: 15.4% (2,162 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 9.2% (1,288 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 29.2% (4,118 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 28% (3,937 residents)
  • Over 65: 18.3% (2,572 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Destin?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Destin is as follows:
  • White: 81.7% (11,501 residents)
  • Black or African American: 4.7% (656 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.9% (125 residents)
  • Asian: 1.3% (177 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 8.4% (1,175 residents)
  • Other: 3.2% (443 residents)

What percentage of the population in Destin are U.S.-born citizens?

U.S.-born citizens represent 84.4% of the population in Destin.

How many housing units are there in Destin?

There are 13,668 housing units in Destin, reflecting a +0.1% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

How many households are in Destin and what is the average household size?

Destin has a total of 6,221 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Destin?

Destin has a median household income of $89,011, representing a -0.1% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for Destin?

The employment rate is 97.9% in Destin, with a workforce of 7,216 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 81.6% (5,886 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 18.4% (1,330 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 20.7% (1,493 residents)
  • Private companies: 65.9% (4,753 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 8.4% (608 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 5% (362 residents)

Data source & methodology

The demographic data on this page was sourced from the latest U.S. Census Bureau release—the 2019–2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates.

The information, issued annually, is compiled and published by the Point2Homes Research Team as soon as new data becomes available.

No representation, guarantee, or warranty is made concerning the accuracy or completeness of modified or aggregated information for particular areas.

Page last updated: September 2025