Santa Rosa Beach, Walton Beaches, Walton County, FL demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
9,517
6.4% year-over-year change
Median household income
$107,821/yr
6.7% year-over-year change
Housing units
7,650
6.8% year-over-year change

Santa Rosa Beach population

How many people live in Santa Rosa Beach

Santa Rosa Beach is home to 9,517 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 49.8% of Santa Rosa Beach locals are male, and 50.2% are female.

Total population
9,517
6.4% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
49.8%
4,737
Female
50.2%
4,780
Value Percent YoY change
Male 4,737 49.8% 7.4%
Female 4,780 50.2% 5.5%
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 Santa Rosa Beach is 46, with the population distributed as follows: about 17.3% are children under 15, then 8.1% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 22.6% of the population, while another 35.4% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 16.5% are 65 or older.

Median age
46.5
Age breakdown
Under 15
17.3%
15 to 24
8.1%
25 to 44
22.6%
45 to 64
35.4%
Over 65
16.5%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 1,649 17.3% 6.3%
15 to 24 772 8.1% -1.4%
25 to 44 2,152 22.6% 7.0%
45 to 64 3,369 35.4% 5.8%
Over 65 1,574 16.5% 11.6%
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 Santa Rosa Beach, 88.9% of the population are US-born citizens, while 8.3% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 2.7% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 86.6% of locals are Caucasian, 0.7% are African American and 3% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 6.2% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
88.9%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
8.3%
Non-citizens
2.7%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 8,464 88.9% 7.8%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 792 8.3% -10.0%
Non-citizens 261 2.7% 22.0%
Racial breakdown
White
86.6%
Black or African American
0.7%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0%
Asian
3%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
6.2%
Other
3.6%
Value Percent
White 8,240 86.6%
Black or African American 64 0.7%
American Indian and Alaska Native 4 0%
Asian 284 3%
Two or more races 585 6.2%
Other 340 3.6%

Households in Santa Rosa Beach

A peek inside Santa Rosa Beach households

Santa Rosa Beach has 4,078 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 64.5% are families, while the remaining 35.5% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
4,078
8.5% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
1,446
Family households
2,632
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 1,446 35.5% 12.4%
Family households 2,632 64.5% 6.6%
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 Santa Rosa Beach

The housing landscape of Santa Rosa Beach

Santa Rosa Beach's housing consists of 7,650 units, with 70.3% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 4.2% 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 2.5% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
7,650
6.8% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 5,377 70.3%
1 unit, attached 321 4.2%
2 units 131 1.7%
3 or 4 units 121 1.6%
5 to 9 units 415 5.4%
10 to 19 units 284 3.7%
20 to 49 units 349 4.6%
50 or more units 462 6%
Mobile home 189 2.5%
Homes built since 2020
410
106.0% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Santa Rosa Beach

In Santa Rosa Beach, the median construction year is 2006. About 0.6% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 0.5% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 26.6% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 33.8% between 2010 and 2019, and 5.4% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 46 0.6% -6.1%
Built between 1940 and 1949 37 0.5% 208.3%
Built between 1950 and 1959 9 0.1% -88.0%
Built between 1960 and 1969 92 1.2% -36.1%
Built between 1970 and 1979 214 2.8% 8.6%
Built between 1980 and 1989 818 10.7% 1.7%
Built between 1990 and 1999 1,405 18.4% 6.9%
Built between 2000 and 2009 2,031 26.6% -6.6%
Built between 2010 and 2019 2,588 33.8% 18.1%
Built in 2020 or later 410 5.4% 106.0%
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.

Santa Rosa Beach occupancy rates

Out of the 4,078 occupied housing units in Santa Rosa Beach, 78.1% are owner-occupied, while 21.9% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 46.7% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
4,078
8.5% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
894
Owner occupied
3,184
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 894 21.9% 4.3%
Owner occupied 3,184 78.1% 9.8%
Unoccupied housing units
46.7%
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.

Santa Rosa Beach housing costs

Housing costs in Santa Rosa Beach come to a median of $2,168 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $2,207.

Median housing costs per month
$2,168/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 Santa Rosa Beach
$2,207/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 Santa Rosa Beach

Santa Rosa Beach education at a glance

About 22.1% of the population in Santa Rosa Beach went to high school, while 19.3% pursued college studies. Another 9.7% earned an associate degree and 30% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 17.6% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 89 1.2% 7.2%
High school diploma 1,684 22.1% 2.6%
College diploma 1,469 19.3% 16.9%
Associate degree 741 9.7% -12.3%
Bachelor's degree 2,286 30% 2.8%
Graduate degree 1,343 17.6% 20.8%
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 Santa Rosa Beach

How much people earn in Santa Rosa Beach

The average annual household income in Santa Rosa Beach was $178,531 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +4.8% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $107,821, reflecting a +6.7% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Santa Rosa Beach
$178,531/year
4.8% year-over-year change
Median household income in Santa Rosa Beach
$107,821/year
6.7% year-over-year change

Santa Rosa Beach income by age

In Santa Rosa Beach, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $91,998. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $134,347 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $105,351, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $81,947 in earnings. Overall, 92% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $105,351 1.8%
25 - 44 $91,998 3.8%
45 - 64 $134,347 16.9%
Over 65 $81,947 -0.5%
Above poverty level
8,645
Below poverty level
751
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 8,645 92% 4.6%
Below poverty level 751 8% 28.6%

Employment in Santa Rosa Beach

Workforce and job types in Santa Rosa Beach

86.8% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 13.2% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 22.3% run their own businesses, 64.7% are employed by private companies, and 7.9% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

White collar
4,311
Blue collar
655
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 4,311 86.8% 7.6%
Blue collar 655 13.2% -12.4%
Employer type
Self employees
22.3%
Private companies
64.7%
Governmental workers
7.9%
Not for profit companies
5.1%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 1,109 22.3% -1.9%
Private companies 3,213 64.7% 7.4%
Governmental workers 391 7.9% -1.5%
Not for profit companies 253 5.1% 6.8%

Transportation in Santa Rosa Beach

How people get around in Santa Rosa Beach

Commuting methods vary: 97.2% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 1.6% 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 3,754 97.2% 1.5%
Bus or trolleybus 5 0.1% N/A
Bicycle 42 1.1% 40.0%
Walk 61 1.6% -15.3%
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 Santa Rosa Beach by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
32459 23,522 10,079 $107,821 $178,593

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FAQs about Santa Rosa Beach demographics 

What is the total population of Santa Rosa Beach?

Santa Rosa Beach has a total population of 9,517 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 +6.4% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Santa Rosa Beach?

The gender ratio in Santa Rosa Beach is as follows:
  • 49.8% males (4,737 residents)
  • 50.2% females (4,780 residents)

What is the median age in Santa Rosa Beach?

The median age in Santa Rosa Beach is 46.5.

What is the age distribution of the population in Santa Rosa Beach?

The age distribution in Santa Rosa Beach is as follows:
  • Under 15: 17.3% (1,649 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 8.1% (772 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 22.6% (2,152 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 35.4% (3,369 residents)
  • Over 65: 16.5% (1,574 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Santa Rosa Beach?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Santa Rosa Beach is as follows:
  • White: 86.6% (8,240 residents)
  • Black or African American: 0.7% (64 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0% (4 residents)
  • Asian: 3% (284 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% ( residents)
  • Two or More Races: 6.2% (585 residents)
  • Other: 3.6% (340 residents)

What percentage of the population in Santa Rosa Beach are U.S.-born citizens?

U.S.-born citizens represent 88.9% of the population in Santa Rosa Beach.

How many housing units are there in Santa Rosa Beach?

There are 7,650 housing units in Santa Rosa Beach, reflecting a +6.8% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

How many households are in Santa Rosa Beach and what is the average household size?

Santa Rosa Beach has a total of 4,078 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Santa Rosa Beach?

Santa Rosa Beach has a median household income of $107,821, representing a +6.7% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the job market overview for Santa Rosa Beach?

Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 86.8% (4,311 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 13.2% (655 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 22.3% (1,109 residents)
  • Private companies: 64.7% (3,213 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 7.9% (391 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 5.1% (253 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