RANK #872 / 996 · POP 212,021 · FL
PROJECTED GROWTH: -1.3%
Okaloosa County, Florida, is distinguished by its "sugar-white" sand beaches and emerald-green waters, particularly around Destin, known as the "World's Luckiest Fishing Village." Located in the Florida Panhandle, it is approximately an hour's drive east of Pensacola. The community offers a blend of bustling beach towns and quieter inland areas like Crestview, which serves as the county seat. Commuting within the county is facilitated by major highways and the Emerald Coast Rider public transit system, which includes bus and trolley services. Outdoor recreation is a significant draw, with opportunities for fishing, boating, kayaking, and hiking in numerous county parks, state parks like Henderson Beach State Park, and along rivers such as the Blackwater, Yellow, and Shoal.
Life in Okaloosa County is shaped by its natural amenities and a strong military presence, with Eglin Air Force Base being a major influence. The area attracts families and young professionals, partly due to its highly rated public schools. The economy is experiencing growth, driven by new investments in sectors like aviation manufacturing and other industries, particularly in the northern part of the county. This economic development is supported by a skilled workforce, including military members transitioning to civilian careers.
Below national median (4.7x)
Below national median
Prices declining
Moderate climate & terrain
Below national median (13x)
Housing is fairly valued at 4.2x relative to local economic output. The typical U.S. county is 4–6x.
Source: Redfin · Census BPS — Browse sales on Redfin →
| PROJECT | AMOUNT | STATUS |
|---|---|---|
|
Williams International Aviation Gas Turbine Engine Manufacturing Facility
Williams International
|
$1,000M | Under Construction |
|
LiveOak Fiber Optic Network
LiveOak Fiber
|
$100M | Under Construction |
|
FPL Canoe Solar Energy Center
Florida Power & Light (FPL)
|
$74M | Under Construction |
|
Central Moloney, Inc. (CMI) Manufacturing Facility
Central Moloney, Inc. (CMI)
|
$50M | Under Construction |
Source: public records, news, corporate announcements. Amounts are estimates where noted.
Bars show percentile rank among all 996 counties.
Okaloosa County has a Boom Town Index score of 12/100, ranking #872 among 996 U.S. counties. With job growth at -0.7% and a median household income of $73,988, it faces some economic headwinds compared to faster-growing counties.
The median home value in Okaloosa County is $295,400 with median rent at $1,382/month. The income-to-home-value ratio is 0.2505, which is more affordable than the national average.
Population growth: +1.3% year-over-year. Job growth: -0.7%. Home values changed -2.0% in the past 12 months.
Yes — 3.55% of Okaloosa County's population moved from another state, which is above the national average and indicates strong in-migration.