FloridaPop. 98,258Smaller cities
Is Palm Coast a Good Place to Live? Palm Coast, Florida: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Palm Coast ranks #827 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #351 of 524 smaller cities and #37 of 80 in Florida. Against similar-size cities it stands out for fast population growth (+3.3%, #21 of 468) and high graduation rates (92%, #103 of 437), with no measure in the bottom quarter.
Palm Coast by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Palm Coast's rank among the tracked cities and the US figure (or the similar-size median where there is no national figure).
No crime figure is shown for Palm Coast: no police agency reports to the FBI for it alone. See Is Palm Coast safe?
What is the cost of living in Palm Coast?
Palm Coast's cost of living index is 99.4, 1% below the US level of 100 and #629 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,782/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $342,262, 9% below the typical Florida home ($375,470).
| Measure | Palm Coast | FloridaFL | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 102.4 · US 100 | 99.4#629 of 1,308 | 103 | 102.4 | 100 |
| Typical home value (Zillow)Zillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $431,438 · US $368,697 | $342,262#503 of 1,187 | $375,470 | $431,438 | $368,697 |
| Typical asking rent (Zillow)Zillow Observed Rent Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,884/mo · US $1,948/mo | $1,868/mo#624 of 1,115 | — | $1,884/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $401,950 | $350,800#650 of 1,309 | — | $401,950 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,633/mo | $1,782/mo#948 of 1,309 | — | $1,633/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.5x | 4.5x#721 of 1,309 | — | 4.5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 22.2% | 27.6%#1179 of 1,309 | — | 22.2% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). Florida is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. Zillow figures track homes and rentals on the market now; Census figures are survey medians of all homes and leases, so the two differ.
Palm Coast housing market · August
Typical home value is a monthly index of homes in the middle third of the market; the Census figures above are survey medians and will differ. Source in the data sources list below. Palm Coast is in the Deltona-Daytona Beach-Ormond Beach, FL metro.
Florida housing market →Is Palm Coast safe?
No police agency reports crime to the FBI for Palm Coast alone, which is typical of places policed by a county sheriff, so we don't publish a Palm Coast crime rate or rank it on safety. Florida as a whole records 384 violent crimes per 100,000 residents against 373 nationally.
What do people earn in Palm Coast?
The median household in Palm Coast earns $77,350, 1% above the US figure of $76,827 and 8% above Florida ($71,516). Unemployment is 4.7% (US 4.2%). 10.6% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 3.3% in the latest year (US +0.8%).
| Measure | Palm Coast | FloridaFL | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $83,646 · US $76,827 | $77,350#669 of 1,312 | $71,516 | $83,646 | $76,827 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.2% · US 4.2% | 4.7%#760 of 1,058 | 4.3% | 4.2% | 4.2% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.8% | 10.6%#545 of 1,312 | — | 10.8% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.2% · US +0.8% | +3.3%#45 of 1,132 | +2% | +0.2% | +0.8% |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). Florida is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure.
Who lives in Palm Coast?
The median resident of Palm Coast is 50.4 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 29.7% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #803 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 81.9% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Palm Coast | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 37.7 | 50.4 | 37.7 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 35.1% | 29.7%#803 of 1,312 | 35.1% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 61.7% | 81.9% | 61.7% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure.
How are Palm Coast's schools and health?
Palm Coast's 8 public schools graduate 92% of students in four years (Florida 87%), with 18.9 students per teacher and $10,757 spent per pupil. 30.8% of adults are obese and 13.8% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 31.9% and 11%.
| Measure | Palm Coast | FloridaFL | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 89% | 92%#222 of 1,063 | 87% | 89% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 16.4 | 18.9#891 of 1,188 | — | 16.4 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $15,354 | $10,757#1088 of 1,188 | — | $15,354 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 31.9% | 30.8%#444 of 1,311 | — | 31.9% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11% | 13.8%#1056 of 1,311 | — | 11% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 16.7% | 15.2%#289 of 1,311 | — | 16.7% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.1% | 11.7%#847 of 1,311 | — | 10.1% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). Florida is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. 11,214 students are enrolled in Palm Coast's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Palm Coast?
The average commute in Palm Coast is 27 minutes (Florida 24.6); 0.4% of workers take transit and 17.4% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Palm Coast scores 6.6 of 20 (below average walkable), #1273 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 81.7°F and winters 59.3°F, with 51.4 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Palm Coast | FloridaFL | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 25.1 min | 27 min#931 of 1,312 | 24.6 min | 25.1 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 6.5% | 8.4%#949 of 1,312 | 8.5% | 6.5% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 70.8% | 67.6% | 74.1% | 70.8% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.1% | 0.4% | 1.3% | 1.1% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.4% | 0.5% | 1.4% | 1.4% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.2% | 0.3% | 0.5% | 0.2% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 13.7% | 17.4% | 11.9% | 13.7% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 11.1 | 6.6#1273 of 1,312 | — | 11.1 | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). Florida is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. The walkability index is the EPA's, averaged over the city's neighborhoods by population.
| Month | Average high (°F) | Average low (°F) | Precipitation (inches) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 65.2 | 49.2 | 3.3 |
| Feb | 67.9 | 52.1 | 3.6 |
| Mar | 72.4 | 56 | 3.1 |
| Apr | 77.8 | 62.3 | 2.5 |
| May | 82.8 | 69.5 | 2.8 |
| Jun | 86.2 | 75.5 | 5.9 |
| Jul | 87.8 | 76.5 | 6.3 |
| Aug | 87.8 | 76.7 | 6.4 |
| Sep | 86 | 75.6 | 7.7 |
| Oct | 80.8 | 69.4 | 4.5 |
| Nov | 73.7 | 60.4 | 2.5 |
| Dec | 68.5 | 53.1 | 2.9 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Palm Coast 6ne.
| Measure | Palm Coast | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 58.1°F | 71.4°F | 58.1°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 74.2°F | 81.7°F | 74.2°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 40.8°F | 59.3°F | 40.8°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 38.3 in | 51.4 in | 38.3 in | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Palm Coast 6ne.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Palm Coast?
Flagler County's air had a median air quality index of 34, and 98% of measured days were rated good; 0 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from ozone. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Flagler County's biggest natural hazard losses in hurricane, wildfire, and coastal flooding, with expected yearly losses of 0.21% of building value, higher than 76% of US counties.
| Measure | Palm Coast | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 44 | 34#119 of 1,138 | 44 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 3 | 0#1 of 1,138 | 3 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.15% | 0.21%#967 of 1,312 | 0.15% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. County figures for Flagler County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Flagler County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Hurricane | 0.091% | 90% of counties |
| Wildfire | 0.0041% | 76% of counties |
| Coastal flooding | 0.0035% | 68% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.083% | 52% of counties |
| Tornado | 0.0049% | 37% of counties |
| Strong wind | 0.001% | 31% of counties |
FEMA National Risk Index: expected yearly building losses from each hazard as a share of the county's building value, compared with every US county exposed to that hazard. Loss rates, unlike FEMA's risk ratings, do not rise just because a county has more property.
How does Palm Coast compare with similar-size cities?
Palm Coast is one of 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track and ranks #351 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 98,258.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Palm Coast, FLPop. 98,258 | #827 | 52.8 | $77,350 | $1,782/mo | no data | 27 min |
| Longmont, COPop. 99,406 | #354 | 60.8 | $90,671 | $1,816/mo | 350 | 24.5 min |
| Kenosha, WIPop. 99,372 | #583 | 56.9 | $71,239 | $1,186/mo | 324 | 23.6 min |
| Atascocita, TXPop. 99,354 | #569 | 57.0 | $118,226 | $1,849/mo | no data | 35.4 min |
| Fayetteville, ARPop. 99,319 | #539 | 57.4 | $62,695 | $1,065/mo | 446 | 18.5 min |
| Vista, CAPop. 99,114 | #657 | 55.7 | $94,975 | $2,249/mo | 208 | 26.7 min |
| Roanoke, VAPop. 98,355 | #793 | 53.4 | $55,378 | $996/mo | 554 | 19 min |
| Beaverton, ORPop. 97,812 | #402 | 60.0 | $98,622 | $1,826/mo | 253 | 24.1 min |
| Orem, UTPop. 97,182 | #440 | 59.2 | $83,342 | $1,438/mo | 134 | 20.1 min |
Rank is overall rank of 1,312. Income is median household income; rent is Census median rent; violent crime is per 100,000 residents as reported to the FBI ("no data" and "incomplete" are explained on each city's page).
How does Palm Coast compare with the rest of Florida?
Palm Coast ranks #37 of the 80 Florida cities we track, with a score of 52.8 against Florida's statewide 52.8. Its households earn 8% above the Florida median. Homes are 9% below the typical Florida home.
| City | Rank in FL | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Palm Beach Gardens, FLPop. 60,959 | #1 | 64.8 | $106,947 | $2,417/mo | 72 |
| Horizon West, FLPop. 67,416 | #2 | 64.0 | $127,335 | $2,464/mo | no data |
| Jupiter, FLPop. 61,883 | #3 | 62.6 | $110,240 | $2,381/mo | 126 |
| Doral, FLPop. 79,216 | #4 | 61.5 | $94,164 | $2,669/mo | 79 |
| North Port, FLPop. 84,605 | #5 | 61.2 | $84,049 | $1,894/mo | 102 |
| Wellington, FLPop. 62,146 | #6 | 61.1 | $115,632 | $2,562/mo | 90 |
| Boca Raton, FLPop. 100,234 | #7 | 61.0 | $106,273 | $2,508/mo | 113 |
| Apopka, FLPop. 58,232 | #8 | 59.4 | $96,884 | $1,969/mo | 408 |
| St. Cloud, FLPop. 65,130 | #9 | 58.8 | $83,174 | $1,683/mo | 141 |
| Delray Beach, FLPop. 67,979 | #10 | 58.5 | $82,041 | $1,961/mo | 292 |
| Orlando, FLPop. 319,758 | … #33 | 53.4 | $72,336 | $1,747/mo | part year |
| Hialeah, FLPop. 226,165 | #34 | 53.4 | $55,594 | $1,689/mo | 173 |
| Riverview, FLPop. 113,697 | #35 | 53.3 | $100,438 | $2,002/mo | no data |
| Kendall, FLPop. 79,562 | #36 | 53.2 | $87,325 | $1,905/mo | no data |
| Palm Coast, FLPop. 98,258 | #37 | 52.8 | $77,350 | $1,782/mo | no data |
| Pensacola, FLPop. 54,036 | #38 | 52.7 | $74,212 | $1,322/mo | part year |
| Palm Harbor, FLPop. 61,512 | #39 | 52.6 | $78,935 | $1,806/mo | no data |
| Lakeland, FLPop. 119,961 | #40 | 52.5 | $64,185 | $1,395/mo | 370 |
| Melbourne, FLPop. 86,576 | #41 | 52.2 | $66,991 | $1,525/mo | 452 |
The top 10 of the 80 and the cities ranked either side of Palm Coast among the Florida cities we track, by overall score. Florida statewide: median income $71,516, violent crime 384 per 100,000.
How is Palm Coast's score calculated?
Palm Coast scores 52.8 out of 100, #827 of 1,312 (grade C+, which follows rank). It is scored on the 9 of 11 categories with local data; safety and outdoor access are left out rather than filled with Florida's statewide figure, and the other weights are scaled up to fill the gap. Each score is compared with the median of similar-size cities, which are scored the same way.
- EconomyCity data · 18% of score
Median household income and unemployment in Palm Coast. Similar-size median 55.5.
49.6 - HealthCity data · 15% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Palm Coast. Similar-size median 58.9.
57.6 - EducationCity data · 15% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Palm Coast's public schools. Similar-size median 55.2.
49.9 - AffordabilityCity data · 12% of score
Palm Coast's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 59.3.
61.7 - Household financesCity data · 10% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Palm Coast. Similar-size median 56.1.
54.3 - GrowthCity data · 9% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Palm Coast. Similar-size median 42.4.
71.7 - TransportationCity data · 9% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Palm Coast. Similar-size median 50.0.
49.3 - WalkabilityCity data · 9% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Palm Coast's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 53.2.
29.5 - EnvironmentCounty data · 5% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 50.8.
47.9 - SafetyNot scored
No FBI figures from a police agency serving Palm Coast alone.
— - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Palm Coast's category score out of 100. Tick: median of the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track. Shares of score are the category weights rescaled over the categories Palm Coast has data for. City scores use city formulas and are not on the same scale as state scores. Grades follow rank among the 1,312 cities. Methodology
Frequently asked questions about living in Palm Coast
Is Palm Coast, FL a good place to live?
Palm Coast ranks #827 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #351 of 524 smaller cities and #37 of 80 in Florida. Against similar-size cities it stands out for fast population growth (+3.3%, #21 of 468) and high graduation rates (92%, #103 of 437), with no measure in the bottom quarter.
What is the cost of living in Palm Coast?
Palm Coast's cost of living index is 99.4, 1% below the US level of 100 and #629 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,782/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $342,262, 9% below the typical Florida home ($375,470).
Is Palm Coast safe?
No police agency reports crime to the FBI for Palm Coast alone, which is typical of places policed by a county sheriff, so we don't publish a Palm Coast crime rate or rank it on safety. Florida as a whole records 384 violent crimes per 100,000 residents against 373 nationally.
What is the median household income in Palm Coast?
The median household in Palm Coast earns $77,350, 1% above the US figure of $76,827 and 8% above Florida ($71,516). Unemployment is 4.7% (US 4.2%). 10.6% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 3.3% in the latest year (US +0.8%).
How much is rent in Palm Coast?
Median rent in Palm Coast is $1,782/mo (Census), #948 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Zillow's typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $1,868/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 27.6% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Palm Coast?
Zillow's typical home value in Palm Coast is $342,262, down 0.9% in a year, against $375,470 for Florida and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $350,800.
How are the public schools in Palm Coast?
Palm Coast's 8 public schools graduate 92% of students in four years (Florida 87%), with 18.9 students per teacher and $10,757 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Palm Coast?
The average commute is 27 minutes, #931 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 24.6 minutes across Florida. 8.4% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Palm Coast?
Palm Coast averages 71.4°F over the year, 81.7°F in summer and 59.3°F in winter, with 51.4 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Palm Coast walkable?
Palm Coast scores 6.6 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (below average walkable), #1273 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). The index weighs street intersection density, distance to transit and the mix of homes and jobs in each neighborhood.
What natural disasters is Palm Coast at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Flagler County's biggest natural hazard losses in hurricane, wildfire, and coastal flooding, with expected yearly losses of 0.21% of building value, higher than 76% of US counties.
How is the air quality in Palm Coast?
Flagler County's air had a median air quality index of 34, and 98% of measured days were rated good; 0 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from ozone.
Who lives in Palm Coast?
Palm Coast has 98,258 residents. The median resident of Palm Coast is 50.4 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 29.7% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #803 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 81.9% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Palm Coast compare with the rest of Florida?
Palm Coast ranks #37 of the 80 Florida cities we track, with a score of 52.8 against Florida's statewide 52.8. Its households earn 8% above the Florida median. Homes are 9% below the typical Florida home.
What cities are similar in size to Palm Coast?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Palm Coast's population of 98,258 are Longmont, CO (#354 overall), Kenosha, WI (#583 overall), Atascocita, TX (#569 overall), Fayetteville, AR (#539 overall), and Vista, CA (#657 overall). Palm Coast is #827.