West Palm Beach, FL demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
122,290
2.3% year-over-year change
Median household income
$73,446/yr
6.0% year-over-year change
Housing units
62,464
2.8% year-over-year change

West Palm Beach population

How many people live in West Palm Beach

West Palm Beach is home to 122,290 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 49.8% of West Palm Beach locals are male, and 50.2% are female.

Total population
122,290
2.3% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
49.8%
60,925
Female
50.2%
61,365
Value Percent YoY change
Male 60,925 49.8% 3.0%
Female 61,365 50.2% 1.7%
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 West Palm Beach is 41, with the population distributed as follows: about 14.4% are children under 15, then 11.8% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 28.8% of the population, while another 23.5% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 21.5% are 65 or older.

Median age
41.1
Age breakdown
Under 15
14.4%
15 to 24
11.8%
25 to 44
28.8%
45 to 64
23.5%
Over 65
21.5%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 17,602 14.4% 1.5%
15 to 24 14,464 11.8% -4.8%
25 to 44 35,228 28.8% 1.8%
45 to 64 28,745 23.5% 2.4%
Over 65 26,251 21.5% 8.0%
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 West Palm Beach, 68.8% of the population are US-born citizens, while 17.9% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 13.2% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 39.8% of locals are Caucasian, 32.8% are African American and 2.7% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 17.8% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
68.8%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
17.9%
Non-citizens
13.2%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 84,196 68.8% 0.8%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 21,930 17.9% 6.0%
Non-citizens 16,164 13.2% 5.5%
Racial breakdown
White
39.8%
Black or African American
32.8%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.2%
Asian
2.7%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
17.8%
Other
6.6%
Value Percent
White 48,721 39.8%
Black or African American 40,113 32.8%
American Indian and Alaska Native 204 0.2%
Asian 3,356 2.7%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 13 0%
Two or more races 21,761 17.8%
Other 8,122 6.6%

Households in West Palm Beach

A peek inside West Palm Beach households

West Palm Beach has 52,522 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 53.2% are families, while the remaining 46.8% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
52,522
4.0% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
24,580
Family households
27,942
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 24,580 46.8% 7.0%
Family households 27,942 53.2% 1.4%
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 West Palm Beach

The housing landscape of West Palm Beach

West Palm Beach's housing consists of 62,464 units, with 38.4% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 8.6% 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 0.6% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
62,464
2.8% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 23,981 38.4%
1 unit, attached 5,357 8.6%
2 units 1,952 3.1%
3 or 4 units 3,538 5.7%
5 to 9 units 3,148 5%
10 to 19 units 4,976 8%
20 to 49 units 6,051 9.7%
50 or more units 13,032 20.9%
Mobile home 347 0.6%
Boat, RV, van, etc. 82 0.1%
Homes built since 2020
1,096
57.5% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in West Palm Beach

In West Palm Beach, the median construction year is 1988. About 8.7% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 3.5% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 24% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 9.9% between 2010 and 2019, and 1.8% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 5,428 8.7% 11.3%
Built between 1940 and 1949 2,178 3.5% -5.3%
Built between 1950 and 1959 5,247 8.4% -1.1%
Built between 1960 and 1969 3,540 5.7% 5.2%
Built between 1970 and 1979 7,127 11.4% -6.7%
Built between 1980 and 1989 10,200 16.3% 7.9%
Built between 1990 and 1999 6,502 10.4% -0.9%
Built between 2000 and 2009 14,973 24% 2.3%
Built between 2010 and 2019 6,173 9.9% 3.5%
Built in 2020 or later 1,096 1.8% 57.5%
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.

West Palm Beach occupancy rates

Out of the 52,522 occupied housing units in West Palm Beach, 50.5% are owner-occupied, while 49.5% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 15.9% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
52,522
4.0% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
25,986
Owner occupied
26,536
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 25,986 49.5% 3.3%
Owner occupied 26,536 50.5% 4.6%
Unoccupied housing units
15.9%
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.

West Palm Beach housing costs

Housing costs in West Palm Beach come to a median of $1,774 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,772.

Median housing costs per month
$1,774/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 West Palm Beach
$1,772/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 West Palm Beach

West Palm Beach education at a glance

About 28.5% of the population in West Palm Beach went to high school, while 19.3% pursued college studies. Another 9.1% earned an associate degree and 22.9% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 13.4% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 6,810 6.8% -8.2%
High school diploma 28,660 28.5% 5.5%
College diploma 19,438 19.3% -4.5%
Associate degree 9,165 9.1% 2.4%
Bachelor's degree 23,043 22.9% 6.4%
Graduate degree 13,540 13.4% 7.5%
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 West Palm Beach

How much people earn in West Palm Beach

The average annual household income in West Palm Beach was $107,818 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +6.6% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $73,446, reflecting a +6% shift over the same period.

Average household income in West Palm Beach
$107,818/year
6.6% year-over-year change
Median household income in West Palm Beach
$73,446/year
6.0% year-over-year change

West Palm Beach income by age

In West Palm Beach, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $78,194. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $84,005 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $55,500, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $57,526 in earnings. Overall, 86% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $55,500 -2.5%
25 - 44 $78,194 6.1%
45 - 64 $84,005 9.8%
Over 65 $57,526 3.4%
Above poverty level
101,178
Below poverty level
16,510
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 101,178 86% 3.5%
Below poverty level 16,510 14% -1.5%

Average renter income in West Palm Beach

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in West Palm Beach, their median household income was $50,343 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 42.2%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$50,343
Rent-to-income ratio
42.2%
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 West Palm Beach

Workforce and job types in West Palm Beach

The job market in West Palm Beach is powered by 62,818 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 80.9% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 19.1% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 13% run their own businesses, 70.4% are employed by private companies, and 10.4% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
62,818
3.4% year-over-year change
White collar
50,818
Blue collar
12,000
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 50,818 80.9% 3.4%
Blue collar 12,000 19.1% 3.6%
Employer type
Self employees
13%
Private companies
70.4%
Governmental workers
10.4%
Not for profit companies
6.2%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 8,199 13% 4.1%
Private companies 44,220 70.4% 3.2%
Governmental workers 6,505 10.4% 0.1%
Not for profit companies 3,894 6.2% 9.7%
Unemployment rate
5.1%
-3.7% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in West Palm Beach stands at 5.1%, 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 West Palm Beach

How people get around in West Palm Beach

Commuting methods vary: 79.6% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 1.8% 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 49,060 79.6% 2.5%
Taxicab 269 0.4% 25.7%
Bus or trolleybus 1,284 2.1% 9.3%
Railroad 176 0.3% -23.1%
Motorcycle 251 0.4% 40.2%
Bicycle 383 0.6% 0.0%
Walk 1,105 1.8% -4.6%
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 West Palm Beach by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
33405 19,780 8,455 $87,341 $130,123
33406 26,945 8,700 $77,075 $97,579
33407 34,851 13,276 $59,993 $78,515
33409 33,489 12,097 $67,073 $86,567
33411 76,863 28,463 $92,591 $120,206
33412 15,859 6,021 $130,225 $172,486
33413 18,668 5,717 $91,131 $99,820
33415 54,581 18,685 $61,274 $78,617
33401 33,698 15,696 $67,967 $116,035
33403 14,370 4,883 $70,646 $82,115

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FAQs about West Palm Beach demographics 

What is the total population of West Palm Beach?

West Palm Beach has a total population of 122,290 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 +2.3% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in West Palm Beach?

The gender ratio in West Palm Beach is as follows:
  • 49.8% males (60,925 residents)
  • 50.2% females (61,365 residents)

What is the median age in West Palm Beach?

The median age in West Palm Beach is 41.1.

What is the age distribution of the population in West Palm Beach?

The age distribution in West Palm Beach is as follows:
  • Under 15: 14.4% (17,602 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 11.8% (14,464 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 28.8% (35,228 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 23.5% (28,745 residents)
  • Over 65: 21.5% (26,251 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of West Palm Beach?

The racial and ethnic makeup of West Palm Beach is as follows:
  • White: 39.8% (48,721 residents)
  • Black or African American: 32.8% (40,113 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.2% (204 residents)
  • Asian: 2.7% (3,356 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (13 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 17.8% (21,761 residents)
  • Other: 6.6% (8,122 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 68.8% of the population in West Palm Beach.

How many housing units are there in West Palm Beach?

There are 62,464 housing units in West Palm Beach, reflecting a +2.8% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

West Palm Beach has a total of 52,522 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in West Palm Beach?

West Palm Beach has a median household income of $73,446, representing a +6.0% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

The employment rate is 94.9% in West Palm Beach, with a workforce of 62,818 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 80.9% (50,818 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 19.1% (12,000 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 13% (8,199 residents)
  • Private companies: 70.4% (44,220 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 10.4% (6,505 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 6.2% (3,894 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