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Is Pensacola a Good Place to Live? Pensacola, Florida: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Pensacola ranks #835 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #355 of 524 smaller cities and #38 of 80 in Florida. It sits near the middle of similar-size cities on income, costs, crime and commute.
Pensacola by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Pensacola'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 Pensacola: its police agency reported only part of the year. See Is Pensacola safe?
What is the cost of living in Pensacola?
Pensacola's cost of living index is 97.7, 2% below the US level of 100 and #570 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,322/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $266,727, 29% below the typical Florida home ($375,470).
| Measure | Pensacola | FloridaFL | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 102.4 · US 100 | 97.7#570 of 1,308 | 103 | 102.4 | 100 |
| Typical home value (Zillow)Zillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $431,438 · US $368,697 | $266,727#286 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 | $1,657/mo#466 of 1,115 | — | $1,884/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $401,950 | $314,400#573 of 1,309 | — | $401,950 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,633/mo | $1,322/mo#559 of 1,309 | — | $1,633/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.5x | 4.2x#631 of 1,309 | — | 4.5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 22.2% | 21.4%#605 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.
Pensacola 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. Pensacola is in the Pensacola-Ferry Pass-Brent, FL metro.
Florida housing market →Is Pensacola safe?
The FBI figures we hold for Pensacola are far below Florida's rates for a city of 54,036, which usually means the police agency reported only part of the year, so we don't publish them or rank Pensacola on safety. Florida as a whole records 384 violent crimes per 100,000 residents against 373 nationally.
What do people earn in Pensacola?
The median household in Pensacola earns $74,212, 3% below the US figure of $76,827 and 4% above Florida ($71,516). Unemployment is 3.7% (US 4.2%). 12.6% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0% in the latest year (US +0.8%).
| Measure | Pensacola | FloridaFL | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $83,646 · US $76,827 | $74,212#725 of 1,312 | $71,516 | $83,646 | $76,827 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.2% · US 4.2% | 3.7%#342 of 1,058 | 4.3% | 4.2% | 4.2% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.8% | 12.6%#700 of 1,312 | — | 10.8% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.2% · US +0.8% | 0%#663 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 Pensacola?
The median resident of Pensacola is 41.3 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 43% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #387 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 64.2% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Pensacola | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 37.7 | 41.3 | 37.7 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 35.1% | 43%#387 of 1,312 | 35.1% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 61.7% | 64.2% | 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 Pensacola's schools and health?
Pensacola's 10 public schools graduate 88% of students in four years (Florida 87%), with 20.7 students per teacher and $12,299 spent per pupil. 34.7% of adults are obese and 13.2% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 31.9% and 11%.
| Measure | Pensacola | FloridaFL | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 89% | 88%#518 of 1,063 | 87% | 89% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 16.4 | 20.7#964 of 1,188 | — | 16.4 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $15,354 | $12,299#901 of 1,188 | — | $15,354 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 31.9% | 34.7%#752 of 1,311 | — | 31.9% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11% | 13.2%#979 of 1,311 | — | 11% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 16.7% | 16.4%#496 of 1,311 | — | 16.7% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.1% | 10.7%#741 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. 7,252 students are enrolled in Pensacola's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Pensacola?
The average commute in Pensacola is 22 minutes (Florida 24.6); 0.7% of workers take transit and 16.7% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Pensacola scores 13.5 of 20 (above average walkable), #243 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 82.7°F and winters 55.2°F, with 68.3 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Pensacola | FloridaFL | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 25.1 min | 22 min#505 of 1,312 | 24.6 min | 25.1 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 6.5% | 5.9%#697 of 1,312 | 8.5% | 6.5% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 70.8% | 72.9% | 74.1% | 70.8% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.1% | 0.7% | 1.3% | 1.1% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.4% | 1.2% | 1.4% | 1.4% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.2% | 0.5% | 0.5% | 0.2% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 13.7% | 16.7% | 11.9% | 13.7% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 11.1 | 13.5#243 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 | 62.7 | 43.7 | 5 |
| Feb | 66.4 | 47.2 | 4.8 |
| Mar | 72 | 52.7 | 5.3 |
| Apr | 77.6 | 59 | 5.5 |
| May | 85.1 | 66.9 | 3.9 |
| Jun | 90 | 73.5 | 7.3 |
| Jul | 91.6 | 75.3 | 7.9 |
| Aug | 91 | 75 | 7.5 |
| Sep | 88.5 | 71.5 | 6.6 |
| Oct | 81.1 | 61.6 | 4.7 |
| Nov | 71.8 | 51 | 4.4 |
| Dec | 65.1 | 45.9 | 5.4 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Pensacola Rgnl Airport.
| Measure | Pensacola | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 58.1°F | 69.4°F | 58.1°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 74.2°F | 82.7°F | 74.2°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 40.8°F | 55.2°F | 40.8°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 38.3 in | 68.3 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 Pensacola Rgnl Airport.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Pensacola?
Escambia County's air had a median air quality index of 43, and 74% of measured days were rated good; 1 day was unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Escambia County's biggest natural hazard losses in hurricane, coastal flooding, and tornado, with expected yearly losses of 0.29% of building value, higher than 87% of US counties.
| Measure | Pensacola | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 44 | 43#494 of 1,138 | 44 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 3 | 1#309 of 1,138 | 3 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.15% | 0.29%#1076 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 Escambia County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Escambia County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Hurricane | 0.19% | 93% of counties |
| Coastal flooding | 0.0027% | 65% of counties |
| Tornado | 0.004% | 33% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.056% | 17% 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 Pensacola compare with similar-size cities?
Pensacola is one of 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track and ranks #355 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 54,036.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pensacola, FLPop. 54,036 | #835 | 52.7 | $74,212 | $1,322/mo | part year | 22 min |
| Rocky Mount, NCPop. 54,297 | #1216 | 44.4 | $55,534 | $957/mo | 672 | 20.6 min |
| Kentwood, MIPop. 54,296 | #772 | 53.8 | $74,373 | $1,260/mo | 583 | 19.7 min |
| Hacienda Heights, CAPop. 54,291 | #754 | 54.1 | $109,193 | $2,300/mo | no data | 33.8 min |
| Manhattan, KSPop. 54,239 | #691 | 55.1 | $60,172 | $1,003/mo | no data | 17.3 min |
| Twin Falls, IDPop. 54,164 | #627 | 56.3 | $61,205 | $1,082/mo | 359 | 15.7 min |
| Elkhart, INPop. 53,733 | #830 | 52.8 | $51,028 | $998/mo | 220 | 18.5 min |
| Normal, ILPop. 53,569 | #525 | 57.7 | $64,785 | $965/mo | 290 | 16.5 min |
| Methuen Town, MAPop. 53,475 | #171 | 65.3 | $113,310 | $1,749/mo | 114 | 27.7 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 Pensacola compare with the rest of Florida?
Pensacola ranks #38 of the 80 Florida cities we track, with a score of 52.7 against Florida's statewide 52.8. Its households earn 4% above the Florida median. Homes are 29% 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 |
| 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 |
| Davie, FLPop. 108,346 | #42 | 51.6 | $87,250 | $2,066/mo | part year |
The top 10 of the 80 and the cities ranked either side of Pensacola among the Florida cities we track, by overall score. Florida statewide: median income $71,516, violent crime 384 per 100,000.
How is Pensacola's score calculated?
Pensacola scores 52.7 out of 100, #835 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 Pensacola. Similar-size median 55.5.
54.1 - HealthCity data · 15% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Pensacola. Similar-size median 58.9.
51.2 - EducationCity data · 15% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Pensacola's public schools. Similar-size median 55.2.
44.9 - AffordabilityCity data · 12% of score
Pensacola's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 59.3.
69.8 - Household financesCity data · 10% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Pensacola. Similar-size median 56.1.
49.3 - GrowthCity data · 9% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Pensacola. Similar-size median 42.4.
42.2 - TransportationCity data · 9% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Pensacola. Similar-size median 50.0.
53.0 - WalkabilityCity data · 9% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Pensacola's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 53.2.
65.8 - EnvironmentCounty data · 5% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 50.8.
33.5 - SafetyNot scored
Pensacola's police agency has no full year of FBI reports to score.
— - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Pensacola'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 Pensacola 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 Pensacola
Is Pensacola, FL a good place to live?
Pensacola ranks #835 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #355 of 524 smaller cities and #38 of 80 in Florida. It sits near the middle of similar-size cities on income, costs, crime and commute.
What is the cost of living in Pensacola?
Pensacola's cost of living index is 97.7, 2% below the US level of 100 and #570 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,322/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $266,727, 29% below the typical Florida home ($375,470).
Is Pensacola safe?
The FBI figures we hold for Pensacola are far below Florida's rates for a city of 54,036, which usually means the police agency reported only part of the year, so we don't publish them or rank Pensacola on safety. Florida as a whole records 384 violent crimes per 100,000 residents against 373 nationally.
What is the median household income in Pensacola?
The median household in Pensacola earns $74,212, 3% below the US figure of $76,827 and 4% above Florida ($71,516). Unemployment is 3.7% (US 4.2%). 12.6% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0% in the latest year (US +0.8%).
How much is rent in Pensacola?
Median rent in Pensacola is $1,322/mo (Census), #559 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Zillow's typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $1,657/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 21.4% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Pensacola?
Zillow's typical home value in Pensacola is $266,727, up 1.2% in a year, against $375,470 for Florida and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $314,400.
How are the public schools in Pensacola?
Pensacola's 10 public schools graduate 88% of students in four years (Florida 87%), with 20.7 students per teacher and $12,299 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Pensacola?
The average commute is 22 minutes, #505 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 24.6 minutes across Florida. 5.9% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Pensacola?
Pensacola averages 69.4°F over the year, 82.7°F in summer and 55.2°F in winter, with 68.3 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Pensacola walkable?
Pensacola scores 13.5 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (above average walkable), #243 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 Pensacola at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Escambia County's biggest natural hazard losses in hurricane, coastal flooding, and tornado, with expected yearly losses of 0.29% of building value, higher than 87% of US counties.
How is the air quality in Pensacola?
Escambia County's air had a median air quality index of 43, and 74% of measured days were rated good; 1 day was unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles.
Who lives in Pensacola?
Pensacola has 54,036 residents. The median resident of Pensacola is 41.3 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 43% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #387 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 64.2% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Pensacola compare with the rest of Florida?
Pensacola ranks #38 of the 80 Florida cities we track, with a score of 52.7 against Florida's statewide 52.8. Its households earn 4% above the Florida median. Homes are 29% below the typical Florida home.
What cities are similar in size to Pensacola?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Pensacola's population of 54,036 are Rocky Mount, NC (#1216 overall), Kentwood, MI (#772 overall), Hacienda Heights, CA (#754 overall), Manhattan, KS (#691 overall), and Twin Falls, ID (#627 overall). Pensacola is #835.