Destin is a city located in Okaloosa County, Florida, United States. It is a principal city of the Crestview–Fort Walton Beach–Destin, Florida metropolitan statistical area. Its population was 13,931 at the 2020 census, up from 12,305 at the 2010 census. Located on Florida's Emerald Coast, Destin is known for its white beaches and emerald green waters. Originating as a small fishing village, it is now a popular tourist destination. According to the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, over 80% of the Emerald Coast's 4.5 million visitors each year visit Destin. The city styles itself "the World's Luckiest Fishing Village" and claims to have the largest fishing vessel fleet in Flor…

Official town website ↗

From Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0 · facts via Wikidata (CC0)

How Destin ranks

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#32Best schools in FL #21Rent easiest to afford in FL #71Most active in FL All FL rankings →

Town numbers

ZIP code32540–32541, 32540, 32541

Area code850

Living in Destin

Housing in Destin

$612K▲ 1.3% in a year Typical home value · Zillow

The typical Destin home is worth about $612,000, up 1.3% in a year, 63% above the Florida typical home.

A buyer's market

Buyer’sBalancedSeller’s

Days on market78

Sale-to-list94.8%

Sold in May60

Zillow Home Value Index · Redfin Data CenterHousing market →

Work & commute in Destin

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About one in 4 of Destin’s working residents works in town. The top destinations are Miramar Beach (10%), Fort Walton Beach (10%) and Wright (3%). Half commute less than 8 miles.

Miramar Beach

10%

Fort Walton Beach

10%

Wright

Niceville

27%Work in townlive and work in Destin 8 miWhere do people commute?the commute map 12,250Jobs based herea job hub

Census LEHD 2023 · ACSWork & commute in Destin →

Health in Destin

A⁻

Health Grade A−

Healthier than 83% of U.S. towns on seven CDC estimates.

Compared with Florida

12better than FL

of 26 measures CDC estimates. The other 14 are too close to call.

Conditions 6▲ 6 close Habits 1▲ 3 close Care 3▲ 4 close Mind 2▲ 1 close

BetterToo close to callWorse

What stands out

9.7%Fewer uninsured adultsFL 15.9% · better 8%Fewer older adults who have lost all their teethFL 12.7% · better

Care nearby

96th Medical Group (Eglin Afb)Eglin Afb · 6.7 mi · ER

Florida Department of Health in Walton County - Coastal BranchSanta Rosa Beach · 17.1 mi · sliding-scale fees

Primary careNo shortage

DentalNo shortage

Mental healthShortage · county-wide

CDC PLACES 2025 · modeled estimates for adults · CDC's estimate for Destin · CMS · HRSAHealth in Destin →

Natural hazards in Destin

Very high

Expected storm and flood damage is higher than in 84% of U.S. communities.

🌀 Hurricanes🌊 Inland flooding🌪️ Tornadoes

1,204Does Destin flood?paid flood claims since 1991 9Disasters that paid out herefederal disasters sent FEMA money to Destin

FEMA National Risk Index December 2025 · OpenFEMANatural hazards in Destin →

Climate in Destin

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Destin has warm winters and warm summers, with plenty of rain. A typical July afternoon reaches 90°, a January night drops to 43°, and snow is almost unheard of.

63° / 45°Winter

76° / 59°Spring

89° / 74°Summer

79° / 61°Fall

How much snow does Destin get?Almost none.Rain & snow →When is the first frost?Around Dec 28, with the last in spring around Feb 5.Frost dates →Is it warmer than it used to be?+0.7° vs. the 20th century.Then & now →

NOAA U.S. Climate Normals, 1991–2020Climate in Destin →

Schools in Destin

All Destin schools →

A⁻

School Grade A-

The public schools Destin’s kids attend, from kindergarten through graduation, outperform 77% of Florida’s districts on state tests and graduation. Among towns with similar incomes, they rank near the top.

#32Best public schoolsof 488 in FL

DistrictOKALOOSASchools1

Destin Elementary School AElementary · Grades PK–4 · 910 students

School data from the U.S. Department of Education (NCES, EDFacts). The School Grade is our own summary of state test results and graduation rates, graded within FL. Ratings are from neighbors.