City of Pensacola ( Escambia County )
Pensacola is a city located in the western part of the Florida Panhandle in the United States. It is the westernmost city in the state of Florida and is situated on Pensacola Bay, which opens to the Gulf of Mexico.
Pensacola is known for its beautiful white sand beaches, clear blue waters, and a rich history dating back to the 16th century. The city is home to many historic landmarks, including Fort Barrancas, the Pensacola Lighthouse, and the National Naval Aviation Museum.
The downtown area of Pensacola is a vibrant hub for arts, culture, and entertainment. The city is home to many art galleries, museums, theaters, and music venues. Pensacola also has a thriving food scene, with many restaurants offering fresh seafood, Southern cuisine, and international flavors.
Pensacola is a popular tourist destination, especially for those who enjoy outdoor activities such as swimming, surfing, fishing, and boating. The city is also home to many festivals and events throughout the year, including the Pensacola Seafood Festival, the Pensacola Beach Air Show, and the Great Gulfcoast Arts Festival.
Overall, Pensacola is a beautiful and historic city with a lot to offer both visitors and residents alike.
Population:
- Population (2023): 53,724
- Median age (2023): 36.8
- Residents under 18 (2023): 20.8%
- Residents over 65 (2023): 20.2%
- Population by sex (2023): 52.4% female, 47.6% male
- Married population (2023): 48%
- Homeowners and renters (2022): 62% homeowners, 38% renters
- Population change (2010-2020): Appx. same
- Poverty rate compared to the US national average (2022): 14.1% vs average of 11.5%
Demographics (2022):
- White Non Hispanic – 64.3%
- Black Non Hispanic – 23%
- Multiracial Non Hispanic – 5%
- Asian – 2%
| Median Listing Home Price (05/25) | Median Home price per sq ft (05/25) | Median Home Sale Price (05/25) | Median Rent (07/25) | 5 year price change (‘19 - 11/24) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 320K | $190 | 265K | $1,750 | Appx. + 25% |
*Prices shown are based only on activity for the dates specified
Income:
- Median household income (2022): $67,722
- Avg. per capita income (2022): $43,695
Tax:
- County property tax rate: 0.79% of a property’s assessed fair market value (2023)
- Combined state and county sales tax rate: 7.5% (2023)
Cost of Living:
- Average cost of living compared to the US national average (2023): Appx. same
- Cost of housing compared to the Florida average (2023): Slightly Lower
- Cost of food compared to the US national average (2023): 5% Lower
- Cost of healthcare compared to the US national average (2023): 6% Lower
- Cost of utilities compared to the US national average (2023): 17% Lower
- Cost of transportation compared to the US national average (2023): 11% Lower
Political affiliation based on the 2024 election results ( Escambia County ):
Republican – 58.96%
Democratic – 39.51%
Other – 1.53%
Largest 3 employers: Sacred Heart Health System, Navy Federal Credit Union, University of West Florida
School ratings: Escambia County School District, which includes Pensacola, has a rating of 6 out of 10 on GreatSchools.org.
Coastal: Yes
Average low and high temperature: Low 16.25 °C, High 24.75 °C
Fun facts: Pensacola is known as the “Cradle of Naval Aviation” due to its long history with the U.S. Navy, and it was the first settlement established by Europeans in the United States.
Location and Amenities:
Highways:
- Interstate 10 (I-10) is the closest major highway, running east-west through Pensacola.
International Airports:
- The closest international airport to Pensacola is Pensacola International Airport (PNS), which is located about 7 miles (11 kilometers) northeast of downtown Pensacola.
Universities and Colleges:
- The University of West Florida (UWF) is located in Pensacola itself.
- Other nearby universities and colleges include Pensacola State College and the Pensacola campus of Troy University.
Hospitals:
- Baptist Hospital
- Sacred Heart Hospital Pensacola
- West Florida Hospital
Shopping Malls:
- Some popular shopping malls in Pensacola are:
- Cordova Mall
- University Town Plaza
Major Cities:
- Mobile, Alabama: Located approximately 60 miles (97 kilometers) northwest of Pensacola.
- Tallahassee, Florida: Located approximately 200 miles (322 kilometers) east of Pensacola.
- New Orleans, Louisiana: Located approximately 200 miles (322 kilometers) west of Pensacola.
Amenities/attractions:
- Pensacola Beach, National Naval Aviation Museum, Pensacola Lighthouse and Museum, Pensacola Museum of Art, Historic Pensacola Village, Gulf Islands National Seashore, Blue Wahoos Stadium
Short Term Rental Regulations:
** All short term rental operations in Florida must obtain a business license from the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation ( DBPR ) and a Florida Department of Revenue Certificate of Sales and Use. ** Short term rental regulations can be subject to change and should always be confirmed with city / towns or county departments.
| County (Tourist / Transient) Tax | YES | 5% |
|---|---|---|
| City / Town Registration or Fee | YES | |
| Property Inspection | YES | |
| Restrictions | YES | *see below |
Restrictions:
- Overnight Rental periods under 6 months are considered short term rentals in Pensacola
- No limit on the number of short term rental properties a person can own
- Zoning restrictions apply
For further details visit – cityofpensacola.com

