Key West, FL demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
25,720
-0.4% year-over-year change
Median household income
$87,037/yr
10.8% year-over-year change
Housing units
14,574
1.1% year-over-year change

Key West population

How many people live in Key West

Key West is home to 25,720 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 52.7% of Key West locals are male, and 47.3% are female.

Total population
25,720
-0.4% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
52.7%
13,543
Female
47.3%
12,177
Value Percent YoY change
Male 13,543 52.7% -0.4%
Female 12,177 47.3% -0.4%
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 Key West is 46, with the population distributed as follows: about 12.4% are children under 15, then 6.7% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 29.3% of the population, while another 29.9% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 21.6% are 65 or older.

Median age
46.1
Age breakdown
Under 15
12.4%
15 to 24
6.7%
25 to 44
29.3%
45 to 64
29.9%
Over 65
21.6%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 3,197 12.4% 1.5%
15 to 24 1,722 6.7% -6.0%
25 to 44 7,532 29.3% 3.2%
45 to 64 7,701 29.9% -4.0%
Over 65 5,568 21.6% 0.9%
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 Key West, 75% of the population are US-born citizens, while 12.7% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 12.3% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 64.4% of locals are Caucasian, 13.1% are African American and 2.3% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 15.4% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
75%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
12.7%
Non-citizens
12.3%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 19,304 75% -0.8%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 3,256 12.7% -2.8%
Non-citizens 3,160 12.3% 5.1%
Racial breakdown
White
64.4%
Black or African American
13.1%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.2%
Asian
2.3%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
15.4%
Other
4.5%
Value Percent
White 16,572 64.4%
Black or African American 3,368 13.1%
American Indian and Alaska Native 53 0.2%
Asian 595 2.3%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 10 0%
Two or more races 3,971 15.4%
Other 1,151 4.5%

Households in Key West

A peek inside Key West households

Key West has 10,775 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 54.8% are families, while the remaining 45.2% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
10,775
-3.7% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
4,873
Family households
5,902
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 4,873 45.2% -11.0%
Family households 5,902 54.8% 3.4%
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 Key West

The housing landscape of Key West

Key West's housing consists of 14,574 units, with 42% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 12.4% 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 2.4% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
14,574
1.1% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 6,116 42%
1 unit, attached 1,802 12.4%
2 units 1,356 9.3%
3 or 4 units 1,286 8.8%
5 to 9 units 1,083 7.4%
10 to 19 units 487 3.3%
20 to 49 units 495 3.4%
50 or more units 1,502 10.3%
Mobile home 343 2.4%
Boat, RV, van, etc. 104 0.7%
Homes built since 2020
84
-6.7% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Key West

In Key West, the median construction year is 1968. About 20.4% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 6.5% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 8.3% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 3.4% between 2010 and 2019, and 0.6% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 2,975 20.4% -3.3%
Built between 1940 and 1949 949 6.5% 17.9%
Built between 1950 and 1959 1,755 12% -0.1%
Built between 1960 and 1969 2,089 14.3% -12.0%
Built between 1970 and 1979 1,650 11.3% 23.3%
Built between 1980 and 1989 1,924 13.2% -8.0%
Built between 1990 and 1999 1,439 9.9% 1.0%
Built between 2000 and 2009 1,211 8.3% 23.6%
Built between 2010 and 2019 498 3.4% 4.0%
Built in 2020 or later 84 0.6% -6.7%
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.

Key West occupancy rates

Out of the 10,775 occupied housing units in Key West, 49.2% are owner-occupied, while 50.8% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 26.1% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
10,775
-3.7% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
5,478
Owner occupied
5,297
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 5,478 50.8% -6.9%
Owner occupied 5,297 49.2% -0.1%
Unoccupied housing units
26.1%
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.

Key West housing costs

Housing costs in Key West come to a median of $2,090 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $2,220.

Median housing costs per month
$2,090/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 Key West
$2,220/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 Key West

Key West education at a glance

About 32.3% of the population in Key West went to high school, while 18.1% pursued college studies. Another 6.8% earned an associate degree and 24.4% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 15.6% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 599 2.7% 2.7%
High school diploma 7,061 32.3% 2.1%
College diploma 3,963 18.1% -7.5%
Associate degree 1,490 6.8% -1.3%
Bachelor's degree 5,329 24.4% 2.8%
Graduate degree 3,410 15.6% -3.0%
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 Key West

How much people earn in Key West

The average annual household income in Key West was $136,321 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +5.1% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $87,037, reflecting a +10.8% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Key West
$136,321/year
5.1% year-over-year change
Median household income in Key West
$87,037/year
10.8% year-over-year change

Key West income by age

In Key West, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $98,057. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $100,375 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $47,619, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $68,689 in earnings. Overall, 89% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $47,619 -45.8%
25 - 44 $98,057 18.0%
45 - 64 $100,375 18.2%
Over 65 $68,689 10.4%
Above poverty level
22,080
Below poverty level
2,724
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 22,080 89% -0.6%
Below poverty level 2,724 11% -2.1%

Average renter income in Key West

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Key West, their median household income was $60,795 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 43.8%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$60,795
Rent-to-income ratio
43.8%
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 Key West

Workforce and job types in Key West

The job market in Key West is powered by 13,925 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 81.4% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 18.6% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 14.5% run their own businesses, 63.7% are employed by private companies, and 16.2% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
13,925
-1.0% year-over-year change
White collar
11,339
Blue collar
2,586
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 11,339 81.4% -0.4%
Blue collar 2,586 18.6% -3.6%
Employer type
Self employees
14.5%
Private companies
63.7%
Governmental workers
16.2%
Not for profit companies
5.6%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 2,020 14.5% -3.4%
Private companies 8,876 63.7% -3.4%
Governmental workers 2,253 16.2% 6.3%
Not for profit companies 776 5.6% 15.8%
Unemployment rate
2.2%
13.5% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Key West stands at 2.2%, 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 Key West

How people get around in Key West

In Key West, the average commute time is 15 minutes. Commuting methods vary: 65.8% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 3.8% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Commute time
15 min
Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 9,733 65.8% 0.9%
Taxicab 18 0.1% 157.1%
Bus or trolleybus 61 0.4% 205.0%
Motorcycle 653 4.4% -20.5%
Bicycle 1,570 10.6% -16.5%
Walk 566 3.8% -22.6%
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 Key West by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
33040 35,429 14,574 $86,586 $133,684

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FAQs about Key West demographics 

What is the total population of Key West?

Key West has a total population of 25,720 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 Key West?

The gender ratio in Key West is as follows:
  • 52.7% males (13,543 residents)
  • 47.3% females (12,177 residents)

What is the median age in Key West?

The median age in Key West is 46.1.

What is the age distribution of the population in Key West?

The age distribution in Key West is as follows:
  • Under 15: 12.4% (3,197 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 6.7% (1,722 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 29.3% (7,532 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 29.9% (7,701 residents)
  • Over 65: 21.6% (5,568 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Key West?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Key West is as follows:
  • White: 64.4% (16,572 residents)
  • Black or African American: 13.1% (3,368 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.2% (53 residents)
  • Asian: 2.3% (595 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (10 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 15.4% (3,971 residents)
  • Other: 4.5% (1,151 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 75% of the population in Key West.

How many housing units are there in Key West?

There are 14,574 housing units in Key West, reflecting a +1.1% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Key West has a total of 10,775 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Key West?

Key West has a median household income of $87,037, representing a +10.8% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for Key West?

The employment rate is 97.8% in Key West, with a workforce of 13,925 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 81.4% (11,339 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 18.6% (2,586 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 14.5% (2,020 residents)
  • Private companies: 63.7% (8,876 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 16.2% (2,253 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 5.6% (776 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