West Palm Beach is a city located in South Florida, along the Atlantic coast. It is the county seat of Palm Beach County and has a population of approximately 120,000 people, making it one of the larger cities in the region. Climate: West Palm Beach has a tropical climate, with hot and humid summers and mild winters. The city receives an average of 60 inches of rainfall per year, with the majority of it falling between June and September.

1. Attractions: West Palm Beach is known for its beautiful beaches, such as Palm Beach, Lake Worth Beach, and Peanut Island. The city is also home to several museums, including the Norton Museum of Art, the South Florida Science Center and Aquarium, and the Palm Beach Zoo.
2. Culture: West Palm Beach has a diverse population, and this is reflected in its cultural offerings. The city is home to several theaters, including the Kravis Center for the Performing Arts, which hosts Broadway shows and other live performances. There are also several music venues, including the Perfect Vodka Amphitheatre and the Respectable Street Cafe.
3. Sports: West Palm Beach is a popular destination for sports enthusiasts, particularly golfers. The city is home to several championship golf courses, including the PGA National Resort and Spa. West Palm Beach is also home to the Houston Astros and Washington Nationals Spring Training facilities.
4. Transportation: West Palm Beach is served by the Palm Beach International Airport, which provides domestic and international flights. The city is also connected to other parts of South Florida via the Tri-Rail commuter train and the Palm Tran bus system.

Population:

• Population (2023): 124,130
• Median age (2023): 40.4
• Residents under 18 (2023): 17.5%
• Residents over 65 (2023): 19.7%
• Population by sex (2023): Female (51.6%), Male (48.9%)
• Married population (2023): 36.6
• Population change (2010 -2020): Appx. 10% Increase
• Homeowners and renters (2022): Homeowners (49.8%), Renters (50.2%)
• Poverty rate compared to the US national average (2022): 16% vs the average of 11.5%

Demographics (2022):

• White Non Hispanic – 37.9%
• Black Non Hispanic – 31.4%
• White Hispanic – 10.3%
• Multiracial Hispanic – 8.36%
• Other Hispanic – 5%
• Multiracial Non Hispanic – 3.11%
• Asian – 2.53%

*Prices shown are based only on activity for the dates specified

Income:

• Median household income (2022): $64,044
• Avg. per capita income (2022): $41,610

Tax:

• County property tax rate: 1.12% of a property’s assessed fair market value (2023)
• Combined state and county sales tax rate: 7% (2023)

Political affiliation based on the 2024 election results ( Palm Beach County ):

• Democratic – 49.77%
• Republican – 49.01%
• Other – 1.22%

Cost of Living:

• Average cost of living compared to the US national average (2023): 14% Higher
• Cost of housing compared to the Florida average (2023): Higher
• Cost of food compared to the US national average (2023): 4.8% Higher
• Cost of healthcare compared to the US national average (2023): Appx. same
• Cost of utilities compared to the US national average (2023): 3% Lower
• Cost of transportation compared to the US national average (2023): 27.4% Higher

Largest 3 employers: School District of Palm Beach County, JFK Medical Center, City of West Palm Beach

Top 3 highest rated school districts: Palm Beach County School District, South Florida School District, Glades School District

Average low and high temperature: Low 20.8 °C, High -27.9 °C

Coastal city: Yes

Fun facts: West Palm Beach is the oldest municipality in the Miami metropolitan area and was named one of the “Top 100 Best Places to Live” by Livability in 2019.

Location and Amenities:

 

Highways:

• Hwy I -95: 8 min ( 3.5 miles )

Shopping:

• The Gardens Mall ( Shopping Mall in Palm Beach Gardens ): 15 min ( 12.8 miles )
• Palm Beach Outlets: 8 min ( 3 miles )
• Sawgrass Mills Shopping Mall ( Sunrise ): 50 min. ( 53 miles )

Universities and Colleges:

• Florida Atlantic University ( Boca Raton ): 25 min ( 25 miles )
• Keiser University ( Ft. Lauderdale ): 12 min ( 5.3 miles )
• Palm Beach State College ( Lake Worth ): 17 min ( 13.6 miles )

Major Cities:

• Miami – Appx. 70 – 80 miles ( 1.5 hrs )
• Fort Lauderdale – Appx. 45 – 50 min ( 1 hr )
• Orlando – Appx. 150 miles ( 2.5 – 3 hrs )

Airports:

• Palm Beach International Airport – 3 miles west of downtown West Palm Beach

Hospitals:

• HCA Florida JFK North Hospital ( America’s 100 Best Hospitals for Coronary Intervention Award™ (2023, 2022)
• Good Samaritan Medical Center Hospital: Labor and Delivery Excellence Award™ (2020)
• St. Mary’s Medical Center Hospital: Labor and Delivery Excellence Award™ (2020)

Amenities and Attractions:

• Clematis Street – Downtown West Palm entertainment district with an abundance of restaurants, bars, nightclubs, cafes and shops
• City Place – A downtown West Palm outdoor mall architecturally composed of Mediterranean and Venetian elements, offering dining, shopping and nightlife.
• The Raymond F. Kravis Center for the Performing Arts – Located within walking distance of Clematis St. and City Place
• The Palm Beach Kennel Club – A massive 60 table poker room open to the public and host of poker tournaments.
• Sunfest – Florida’s largest waterfront music festival
• Antique Row – A charming district ( neighbourhood ) with over 40 antique shops selling 17th to 20th century antiques. A popular place for both residents and tourists.
• Palm Beach International Boat Show – Showcasing more than a billion dollars in boats, yachts and accessories from the world’s leading manufacturers.
• The South Florida Fair – Locals look forward to this annual 17 day Fair
• Honda Classic Golf Tournament – Annual pro golf tournament held every February
• Wellington Bacon and Bourbon Festival – An annual 2 – day spring festival celebrating bacon and bourbon. Over 30 different bourbons, arts and crafters, bacon infused foods.

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.

*Restrictions:

• Zoning restrictions may apply
• Rental periods of less than 180 consecutive Days are considered short term rentals in Palm Beach County

For more information visit – library.municode.com. Tourist development tax Palm Beach County, Fl