Pensacola
RANK #732 / 996 NAT · #15 / 41 FL · POP 321,296
1YR FORECAST: +1.0%
5YR OUTLOOK: +18%
Escambia County, Florida, is distinguished by Naval Air Station Pensacola, known as the "Cradle of Naval Aviation" and home to the Blue Angels flight demonstration team. Located in the westernmost part of the Florida Panhandle, bordering Alabama and the Gulf of Mexico, the county seat is Pensacola. Commutes average 23.5 minutes, with public transit options including fixed-route bus service and trolleys in Pensacola and on the University of West Florida campus. The community offers access to white sand beaches and emerald Gulf waters at places like Perdido Key State Park and Big Lagoon State Park, which provide opportunities for swimming, fishing, kayaking, and hiking.
Life in Escambia County blends suburban and urban elements, attracting families, retirees, and young professionals. The economy is diversified, with significant contributions from the military, tourism, and healthcare. Naval Air Station Pensacola is a major employer, with over 16,000 military and 7,400 civilian personnel. The county also focuses on environmental initiatives, including marine resource management and coastal restoration projects, such as dune restoration and living shorelines. The Escambia County School District serves the area, with schools like Pensacola High School.
Prices declining
Moderate climate & terrain
Housing looks undervalued at 3.5x — home prices are low relative to local economic output. The typical U.S. county is 4–6x.
Estimated local headcount ranges. Larger employers shown as floor + "+"; smaller employers show exact counts where reported.
Source: Redfin · Census BPS — Browse sales on Redfin →
Source: CDC/NCHS vital statistics via County Health Rankings (2020–2022 avg). Rates per 100,000 population. Grade based on homicide rate relative to national average (~6.3). Learn more →
Source: EPA Air Quality System (2021–2023). Grade based on 3-year average median AQI. Learn about AQI →
Bars show percentile rank among all 996 counties.
At 26/100, Escambia County faces headwinds that place it in the lower third of the 996 counties we track. Median income of $61,642 combined with job growth of +0.2% suggests the local economy is struggling to keep pace with national trends.
Housing in Escambia County is roughly in line with national affordability norms. The median home costs $206,400 and the income-to-home-value ratio sits at 0.30, with rents averaging $1,170/month. Not a bargain, but not a stretch for most local earners either.
Escambia County's population is growing — up +0.8% YoY — while the job market is roughly flat (employment change of +0.2%). Home values shifted -0.6% over the past year. In-migration is outpacing local hiring, which often points to remote workers or retirees driving the headcount.
There's a moderate stream of newcomers. About 3.25% of residents moved from another state, which is above average and suggests Escambia County has appeal as a relocation destination — though it's not among the highest-inflow counties nationally.