Walton County

As of the 2020 census, Walton County, FL, had a population of approximately 75,305. The racial composition was 84.2% White, 6.7% Black or African American, 5.1% Hispanic or Latino, 1.6% Asian, and 2.4% from two or more races. The median household income was about $55,800, with 10.6% of the population below the poverty line. The county had an estimated 29,512 households and 2.56 persons per household on average.

As of the latest data, Walton County, FL has a median home price of approximately $640,000. The area has seen a significant increase in property values, with a 12-month appreciation rate around 15%. The median rent for a single-family home is close to $2,000 per month. The housing market is relatively competitive, with homes typically selling within 30 days of listing. Around 68% of residents are homeowners, while 32% are renters. Walton County boasts a mix of coastal and inland properties, appealing to both vacation home buyers and permanent residents.

Elections in Walton County, FL are overseen by the Supervisor of Elections office. Key upcoming elections include local positions such as county commissioners, school board members, and constitutional officers. Walton County, part of Florida's 1st Congressional District, also votes in state and federal elections.

During the 2022 general elections:

• Mark Wichern ran for County Commissioner (unopposed).
• Kim Kirby retained her seat as Walton County School Board Member District 2.
• In the 2020 presidential election, Walton County had a turnout of 77.4%, with 35,054 votes cast. Donald Trump secured 73.1% of the vote (25,635 votes), while Joe Biden received 25.5% (8,934 votes).

These figures and roles can vary with each election cycle. Voters can verify their registration, find polling locations, and view sample ballots on the Walton County Supervisor of Elections' website.

Walton County, FL, displays education levels similar to both national and state averages, though certain figures tell a more detailed story. Approximately 88% of Walton County residents have a high school diploma or higher, which is comparable to the national average of 88.6% and the Florida state average of 87.6%. About 24% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher, slightly lower than the national rate of 33.1% and Florida's 30.5%. These numbers suggest that while high school education is widespread, higher education attainment in Walton County slightly trails behind broader trends. The county's commitment to enhancing education is evident through its various public and private school offerings, as well as continued efforts to improve academic outcomes and facilities.

As of the most recent data in 2023, Walton County, Florida, boasts a labor force of approximately 44,000 individuals. The county’s unemployment rate hovers around 3.5%, slightly below the national average of 3.7% and Florida's state average of 3.5%.

Key industries driving employment in Walton County include:

Tourism and Hospitality: Primarily focused on the beach resorts and recreational activities along the Emerald Coast.

Retail Trade: Serving both residents and the influx of tourists.

Construction: Driven by ongoing development and infrastructure projects.

Healthcare and Social Assistance: Meeting the needs of a growing population.

Walton County's emphasis on tourism and hospitality is more pronounced than the national average, reflecting its coastal location. Conversely, sectors like manufacturing and professional services are less dominant compared to national figures, with state averages showing a similar trend but with a slightly higher emphasis on agriculture and seasonal tourism in other Florida counties.

As of the most recent data, the average household income in Walton County, FL, is approximately $78,000 per year. This figure surpasses the national average household income, which stands around $68,700. In comparison to the state of Florida, where the average household income is about $63,000, Walton County residents earn notably more.

Compared to both state and national figures, Walton County exhibits a higher average household income, indicating a relatively prosperous region within Florida.

As of the latest available data, Walton County, FL has a relatively low crime rate compared to the national average. In 2021, the overall crime rate was approximately 1,276 incidents per 100,000 people. Below is a breakdown of specific types of crimes and their respective rates per 100,000 inhabitants:

These figures indicate that property crimes are more prevalent than violent crimes in Walton County, with larceny/theft being the most common.