What to know when moving to Palm Beach, FL
Palm Beach at a Glance
- The Vibe:
- A highly educated community where 64.6% of residents hold a bachelor's degree and only 16.4% are renters.
- The Major Draw:
- The median household income is $151,121, making it a financially robust area.
- The Reality Check:
- The median home value is $1,218,500, which may be a stretch for many budgets.
- Commute:
- Only 0.8% use public transit, so plan on a car.
- Top Tip:
- Be ready for $1,840 in median rent.
The 'Vibe' Check: Who Thrives Here?
Palm Beach is characterized by its high median household income of $151,121 and a significant proportion of residents with higher education-64.6% have a bachelor's degree or higher. The area has a low renter percentage of 16.4%, indicating a strong owner-occupied housing market. With only 0.8% of the population commuting via public transit, owning a car is essential for getting around.
Probably not your spot if you are looking for affordable housing, as the median home value is $1,218,500.
Your Money: Housing & Cost Snapshot
- Median gross rent is $1,840, which reflects the area's upscale living conditions.
- Median owner-occupied home value stands at $1,218,500, indicating a high cost of entry for homebuyers.
- 64.6% of residents hold at least a bachelor's degree, contributing to a well-educated community.
- The poverty rate is 7.3%, suggesting a relatively low level of economic hardship.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Data Profiles.
Schools & Higher Ed
There are 16 postsecondary institutions in the Palm Beach area, providing ample educational opportunities nearby.
- Academy for Nursing and Health Occupations
- Palm Beach Atlantic University
- Keiser University - Residential (Flagship)
- Palm Beach State College
Source: NCES Postsecondary School Locations, U.S. Dept. of Education College Scorecard.
Weather & Getting Outside
Palm Beach County sees an annual total of 53 inches of precipitation spread over about 116 rainy days, making it a place to consider investing in good rain gear. Winter is quite mild with only 1.9 inches of rain, while summer brings more rain at 18 inches over 39 days.
- Okeeheelee Park (4.8 stars, 6,008 reviews)
- Palm Beach Zoo & Conservation Society (4.5 stars, 7,657 reviews)
- John D. MacArthur Beach State Park (4.8 stars, 3,318 reviews)
- Rapids Waterpark (4.2 stars, 7,997 reviews)
Sources: NOAA Climate Data Online, Google Places.
Jobs & the Local Economy
The job market in Palm Beach County features a labor force of 781,245, with an employment figure of 746,467. The unemployment rate stands at 4.5% as of December 2025.
- Unemployment rate: 4.5%
- Employed: 746,467
- Labor force: 781,245
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Local Area Unemployment Statistics.