Burger King
For sale5730 Hwy 85 N, Crestview, FL 32536
Crestview-Fort Walton Beach-Destin, FL
The Crestview–Fort Walton Beach–Destin metropolitan area spans Okaloosa and Walton counties along Florida’s northwest Gulf Coast. Its principal cities combine Crestview’s inland, pine-forest setting with Fort Walton Beach’s military and waterfront character and Destin’s celebrated beaches, harbor, and resort amenities. The area is part of the Northwest Corridor linking the Pensacola and Panama City metropolitan regions. Known for sugar-white sand, emerald Gulf waters, coastal communities, and a strong tourism economy, it also benefits from major defense installations, growing residential communities, and a population of nearly 300,000.
Recreational Delights
Outdoor recreation centers on the Gulf beaches, Choctawhatchee Bay, and the region’s many waterways. Henderson Beach State Park in Destin offers swimming, beachcombing, picnicking, and nature trails, while Topsail Hill Preserve State Park near Santa Rosa Beach features dunes, coastal lakes, hiking, camping, and quiet beaches. Destin Harbor supports charter fishing, dolphin cruises, paddleboarding, boating, and waterfront strolling. Fort Walton Beach provides broad public beaches and access to Okaloosa Island, including fishing and water sports. The Timpoochee Trail connects coastal communities through scenic bicycle routes, and inland parks around Crestview, Niceville, and Freeport provide hiking, kayaking, birding, and family recreation.
Culinary Scene
The culinary scene blends Gulf Coast seafood with casual beach dining, Southern cooking, barbecue, steakhouses, and increasingly diverse international options. Destin Harbor and the HarborWalk Village area are known for fresh Gulf seafood, oysters, shrimp, fish tacos, waterfront restaurants, and sunset dining. Fort Walton Beach and Okaloosa Island offer seafood shacks, crab houses, beach bars, and family-oriented restaurants. In Walton County, Seaside, Grayton Beach, WaterColor, Alys Beach, and Baytowne Wharf provide walkable dining districts with cafés, bakeries, food trucks, upscale restaurants, and seasonal events. Local menus frequently highlight grouper, snapper, oysters, shrimp, and locally inspired coastal preparations.
Demographics
- The metropolitan area has an estimated population of 299,547, compared with 286,993 in the 2020 Census and 235,865 in 2010, reflecting substantial growth across Okaloosa and Walton counties.
- The median age is 39.3 years, closely aligned with the U.S. median of 38.9. The region includes established military and retirement communities alongside growing family-oriented coastal suburbs.
- Median household income is $81,993, above the U.S. median of $80,734. The population historically has been majority White, with African American, Hispanic or Latino, Asian, and multiracial communities contributing to regional diversity.
Population
299,547
Growth 1.84%
Households
119,773
Growth 2.56%
Median Age
39.3
US Median Age 38.9
Median Household Income
$81,993
US Median Household Income $80,734
Radius Metrics Highlights in 3-mile radius
21,204
Total population
104%
5 year population growth projection
7,418
Total households
$33,263
Per capita income
| 1 Mile | 3 Miles | 5 Miles | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total population | 1,892 | 21,204 | 41,634 |
| 5 year projected total population | 2,999 | 43,164 | 108,542 |
| Total households | 689 | 7,418 | 15,051 |
| Current Median Household Income | $89,025 | $76,355 | $79,715 |
| 5 year projected median household income | $209,271 | $131,109 | $115,683 |
| Current Per Capita Income | $33,840 | $33,263 | $34,981 |
| 5 year projected per capita income | $56,389 | $53,583 | $53,656 |
| Median home value | $286,216 | $265,927 | $272,861 |
Entertainment
Mattie Kelly Arts Center, Niceville
Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park, Fort Walton Beach
Air Force Armament Museum, Eglin Air Force Base
HarborWalk Village and Destin Harbor Boardwalk, Destin
Quality of Life
The area offers a high quality of life through warm coastal weather, attractive beaches, extensive outdoor recreation, and incomes slightly above the national median. Residents also benefit from military, healthcare, education, and tourism employment. Seasonal crowds, housing costs in popular beach communities, traffic, hurricane risks, and dependence on tourism can create challenges, while inland communities generally provide more space and affordability.
2022 Population by age
6%
0-4 Years
18%
5-19 Years
6%
20-24 Years
28%
25-44 Years
25%
45-64 Years
18%
65+ Years
Employers
4%
Unemployment rate
Employment sectors
Retail Trade
12.34%
Accommodation and Food Services
11.64%
Health Care and Social Assistance
11.31%
Public Administration
9.96%
Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services
9.34%
Construction
8.97%
Educational Services
6.91%
Administrative and Support and Waste Management Services
5.9%
Manufacturing
4.78%
Transportation and Warehousing
4.33%
Finance and Insurance
4.07%
Real Estate and Rental and Leasing
3.92%
Arts, Entertainment, and Recreation
2.16%
Other
4.37%