Mary Esther, Florida Demographics & Population 2026
During the 2020–2024 ACS period, Mary Esther, Florida had a total population of 4,061, the 531st largest city in Florida, with a median household income of $76,890, which is 3% higher than the state average. The poverty rate is 6.3%.
Data vintage: U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2020–2024 5-Year Estimates · refreshed July 2026 · Methodology & source notes
Mary Esther Quick Facts
How Mary Esther Changed
Change from the 2019–2023 ACS period to 2020–2024. These are rolling five-year estimates, not year-over-year measurements.
| Metric | 2019–2023 | 2020–2024 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Population | 4,034 | 4,061 | +0.7% |
| Median household income | $76,510 | $76,890 | +0.5% |
| Median home value | $255,300 | $298,900 | +17.1% |
How Mary Esther Compares
Median Household Income
Median Home Value
Economy & Housing
Household Income Distribution
Detailed income brackets
Employment
Housing Overview
People & Demographics
Age Distribution
Race & Ethnicity
Diversity Index
Moderate diversity with one or two groups making up the majority.
State average: 65 | National average: 61
Education
Educational Attainment (Adults 25+)
Mary Esther Rankings in Florida
Explore Florida Rankings
Other Cities in Okaloosa County
| City | Population | Median Income | Poverty | Home Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Crestview | 28,773 | $65,480 | 11.2% | $277,900 |
| Wright | 27,927 | $70,195 | 16.7% | $306,100 |
| Fort Walton Beach | 21,025 | $68,538 | 13.3% | $321,800 |
| Niceville | 16,544 | $102,409 | 10.3% | $423,500 |
| Destin | 14,077 | $89,011 | 7.4% | $490,300 |
| Lake Lorraine | 6,903 | $104,105 | 6.6% | $434,500 |
| Ocean City | 5,941 | $59,039 | 9.2% | $303,900 |
| Valparaiso | 4,885 | $90,110 | 3.4% | $394,700 |
| Hurlburt Field | 2,951 | $61,731 | 1.3% | N/A |
| Eglin AFB | 2,778 | $84,167 | 2.7% | N/A |
Cities Similar to Mary Esther
These cities in the same state have comparable population and economic profiles.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | Bachelor's+ | Poverty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Madeira Beach | 3,953 | $75,781 | $722,800 | 49.3% | 5.5% |
| North Brooksville | 4,227 | $78,458 | $209,500 | 16.8% | 14.7% |
| Laguna Beach | 3,830 | $76,607 | $438,100 | 38.7% | 5.5% |
| Flagler Estates | 4,321 | $75,957 | $213,300 | 9.7% | 11.4% |
| Lower Grand Lagoon | 4,287 | $74,044 | $397,200 | 35.9% | 15.3% |
Population Overview
Mary Esther is a small community located in Florida, within Okaloosa County. The total population is 4,061. It ranks as the 531st most populous out of 955 Census-designated places in Florida.
Age Demographics
The median age in Mary Esther is 39.8 years. This is 7% lower than the state median of 42.6 years. 11.7% of residents are 75 or older, suggesting a significant retirement-age population with implications for healthcare services and senior housing.
Economy, Income & Housing
The median household income in Mary Esther is $76,890. This is 3% higher than the state median of $74,568. It is also 5% lower than the national median of $80,734. The poverty rate stands at 6.3%. This is 50% lower than the state poverty rate of 12.6%. The unemployment rate is 5.6%. This is 17% higher than the state rate of 4.8%. The median home value is $298,900. Housing costs are 17% lower than the state median of $359,000. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.9x. 69.8% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 3% higher than the state average of 67.6%.
Race & Ethnicity
The largest racial or ethnic group in Mary Esther is White (non-Hispanic), making up 76.1% of the population. Hispanic or Latino residents account for 7.4%. The White (non-Hispanic) population is significantly higher than the state average (76.1% vs 50.4%). The Black or African American population (5.7%) is well below the state average of 14.6%. The Hispanic or Latino population (7.4%) is well below the state average of 27.4%.
Education
30.5% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 11% lower than the state rate of 34.2%. Nationally, 35.7% of adults hold at least a bachelor's degree. The high school graduation rate (or equivalent) is 96.5%.
Data Sources & Methodology
All demographic data for Mary Esther, Florida is sourced from the U.S. Census Bureau's American Community Survey (ACS) 2020–2024 5-Year Estimates. The ACS collects data from approximately 3.5 million households annually and pools five years of responses so that even small communities can be measured, though the margin of error widens as the population falls. Comparisons are made against Florida state averages and national averages calculated from the same dataset. Rankings reflect the city's position among all 955 Census-designated places in Florida. Read more about how these figures are produced on our methodology page, or visit data.census.gov for official data.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of Mary Esther, Florida?
Mary Esther, Florida has a population of 4,061 according to the most recent U.S. Census ACS 5-Year Estimates.
What is the median household income in Mary Esther, FL?
The median household income in Mary Esther is $76,890, which is 5% lower than the national median of $80,734.
What is the poverty rate in Mary Esther, FL?
The poverty rate in Mary Esther is 6.3%. This means approximately 252 residents live below the federal poverty line.
What is the racial makeup of Mary Esther, Florida?
Mary Esther's population is 76.1% White, 5.7% Black, 7.4% Hispanic/Latino, and 3.4% Asian.
What is the median home value in Mary Esther, FL?
The median home value in Mary Esther is $298,900. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.9x.
How educated is Mary Esther, Florida?
30.5% of adults (25+) in Mary Esther hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 11.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.