Demographics

As of the 2020 Census, Palm Beach County, FL, has a population of 1,492,191. Approximately 22% are under 18, and 24% are aged 65 and over, with a median age of 46. The gender split is about 52% female and 48% male. Racially, the county is 65% White (53% non-Hispanic), 19% Black or African American, 3% Asian, and 24% Hispanic or Latino of any race.

Education, Employment and Housing

Palm Beach County, FL boasts over 180 public schools, including 24 high schools, serving nearly 190,000 students. About 91% of adults have a high school diploma, and 35% have a bachelor’s degree or higher. The average school rating is 7/10, with several institutions ranked among Florida’s top 50. The county offers diverse educational programs, including AP, IB, and adult education. School safety initiatives prioritize student well-being, resulting in above-average safety scores.

As of early 2024, Palm Beach County, FL boasts an employment rate of approximately 96.2%. Leading industries include healthcare (14%), retail trade (12%), and hospitality (11%). The most common occupations are office/administrative support (15%), sales (12%), and healthcare practitioners (10%). About 84% of residents commute by car, with an average commute time of 25 minutes, primarily to local hubs like West Palm Beach and Boca Raton. Employment is concentrated within the county, with less than 12% commuting outside for work.

Palm Beach County, FL boasts a homeownership rate around 69%. As of early 2024, the median home value is approximately $475,000, reflecting a 5% annual increase. Typical rents average $2,600 for a two-bedroom unit. Housing types range from waterfront estates and condos to gated suburban communities. Popular neighborhoods include West Palm Beach, Boca Raton, and Delray Beach. Property taxes average 1.15% of assessed value, with annual bills often between $5,000 and $8,000, varying by location and exemptions. The market remains competitive, driven by demand for both primary homes and vacation properties.

Elections

Palm Beach County, FL, has over 1.1 million registered voters as of 2024, with about 40% Democrats, 28% Republicans, and 32% others/NPAs. The Supervisor of Elections administers primaries, general, municipal, and special elections across 400+ polling locations. In the 2020 general election, turnout was roughly 76%. Major issues include election security and accessibility. The county is known for close results; in 2022, the gubernatorial race saw a 52% Republican to 47% Democrat split. Voting methods include early in-person, mail-in, and Election Day voting.

County Crime & Safety

Palm Beach County, FL, reported a crime rate of 1,982 incidents per 100,000 residents in 2023, below the national average of 2,324. Violent crimes, including 48 homicides and 2,200 aggravated assaults, declined slightly by 2% year-over-year. Property crime remained a concern, with 9,500 reported theft cases. Local law enforcement encourages timely public reporting through online and anonymous tip lines, contributing to a 75% case clearance rate. Continuous improvements in community policing have enhanced overall safety perceptions in the region.