GITNUXREPORT 2026

Key Statistics

Key West has experienced modest population growth while remaining Florida's economically vibrant yet costly southernmost city.

Min-ji Park

Research Analyst focused on sustainability and consumer trends.

First published: Feb 13, 2026

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Statistic 1

In 2020, the population of Key West, Florida was recorded as 26,444 residents, reflecting a 5.3% increase from 2010.

Statistic 2

The median age in Key West is 42.3 years, higher than the national average of 38.1 years according to 2022 data.

Statistic 3

Key West has a population density of 2,056 people per square mile as per the latest census estimates.

Statistic 4

Approximately 82.4% of Key West residents are U.S. citizens, with 17.6% foreign-born in 2021.

Statistic 5

The racial composition includes 72.1% White, 11.2% Hispanic, 7.4% Black, and 5.3% Asian residents per 2020 Census.

Statistic 6

Households in Key West average 1.98 persons per household, below the national average of 2.53.

Statistic 7

38.7% of Key West's population is aged 25-54, the largest age group in 2023 estimates.

Statistic 8

Female population constitutes 48.2% while males are 51.8% in Key West as of 2022.

Statistic 9

65.2% of residents over 25 hold a bachelor's degree or higher, significantly above national 33.7%.

Statistic 10

The average household income in Key West is $92,170 annually based on 2021 ACS data.

Statistic 11

Median household income stands at $76,342 in Key West, compared to Florida's $61,777.

Statistic 12

14.5% of Key West families live in poverty, higher than state average of 12.7% in 2022.

Statistic 13

Veterans make up 7.8% of the adult population in Key West per VA data.

Statistic 14

28.4% of households are married couples without children under 18.

Statistic 15

Foreign languages spoken at home: 22.1% primarily Spanish, 3.2% French Creole.

Statistic 16

The labor force participation rate in Key West is 68.3% for adults 16+.

Statistic 17

Unemployment rate in Key West averaged 3.9% in 2023.

Statistic 18

42.1% of workers in Key West commute less than 10 minutes to work.

Statistic 19

Homeownership rate is 52.3%, with 47.7% renters in 2022.

Statistic 20

Average family size is 2.91 persons in Key West households.

Statistic 21

9.2% of the population is under 18 years old in Key West.

Statistic 22

22.6% of residents are 65 years and over.

Statistic 23

Non-family households constitute 48.7% of all households.

Statistic 24

The median year structure built for homes is 1965.

Statistic 25

15.3% of residents moved to Key West within the past year.

Statistic 26

Diversity index score is 54 out of 100, indicating moderate diversity.

Statistic 27

76.5% of population speaks English only at home.

Statistic 28

Male median earnings: $52,340; female: $45,678 annually.

Statistic 29

Key West GDP contribution from tourism sector is $1.2 billion annually in 2022.

Statistic 30

Median home value in Key West reached $1,050,000 in Q3 2023.

Statistic 31

Average annual salary in Key West is $62,500, 12% above Florida average.

Statistic 32

Tourism employs 45% of the workforce, over 6,000 jobs in hospitality.

Statistic 33

Retail sales tax revenue generated $45 million in Key West FY2022.

Statistic 34

Cost of living index is 142.3, 42.3% higher than U.S. average.

Statistic 35

Key West hosts 2.5 million visitors annually, boosting local economy by 65%.

Statistic 36

Fishing industry contributes $150 million yearly to Monroe County economy.

Statistic 37

Per capita income in Key West is $51,234 as per 2021 data.

Statistic 38

Hotel occupancy rate averages 78% year-round, peaking at 92% in winter.

Statistic 39

Charter boat operations generate $80 million in direct spending annually.

Statistic 40

Real estate sales volume: 450 transactions worth $850 million in 2022.

Statistic 41

Small business establishments: 1,200+ employing 8,500 people locally.

Statistic 42

Sales tax collection increased 8.7% YoY to $52M in 2023.

Statistic 43

Arts and culture sector adds $25 million to GDP via festivals.

Statistic 44

Property tax revenue for city budget: $28 million FY2023.

Statistic 45

Cruise ship passengers: 850,000 annually, $120M economic impact.

Statistic 46

Construction sector grew 15% with 200 new permits issued in 2023.

Statistic 47

Average rent for 1-bedroom apartment: $2,450/month in 2023.

Statistic 48

Restaurant industry: 250 establishments, $300M in sales yearly.

Statistic 49

Utilities cost 18% above national average at $220/month.

Statistic 50

Key West International Airport handled 450,000 passengers in 2022.

Statistic 51

Healthcare spending per capita: $12,500, 20% above state avg.

Statistic 52

Annual Hemingway Days Festival generates $10M in visitor spending.

Statistic 53

Key West's total land area is 5.6 square miles, with 3.2 sq mi land and 2.4 sq mi water.

Statistic 54

Elevation averages 3 feet above sea level, lowest high point 18 ft.

Statistic 55

Key West located at 24°33′30″N 81°45′15″W, southernmost U.S. city.

Statistic 56

Surrounded by Florida Bay to north, Gulf of Mexico west, Atlantic east.

Statistic 57

Annual rainfall averages 39.3 inches, with wet season May-Oct.

Statistic 58

Average high temperature 82°F, low 75°F year-round subtropical climate.

Statistic 59

Key West Reef, third largest barrier reef, spans 2200 sq km offshore.

Statistic 60

70% of land is preserved as parks, including 2,019-acre Key West National Wildlife Refuge.

Statistic 61

Smathers Beach spans 2 miles, largest public beach on island., source West Beach is 2 miles long.

Statistic 62

Fort Zachary Taylor State Park covers 54 acres with historic fort.

Statistic 63

Mangrove forests cover 1,500 acres, vital for erosion control.

Statistic 64

Sea level rise: 9.4 mm/year observed 2006-2023 at Key West station.

Statistic 65

65% coral cover in nearshore reefs, per 2022 monitoring.

Statistic 66

Average water temperature 79°F, ranging 70-86°F annually.

Statistic 67

Hurricane exposure: 12 major hurricanes affected since 1851.

Statistic 68

Groundwater aquifer supplies 90% of freshwater needs.

Statistic 69

Bird species: 300+ in refuge, including 22 endangered.

Statistic 70

Seagrass beds cover 100,000 acres surrounding Key West.

Statistic 71

Island length 4 miles, width 1.5 miles at widest point.

Statistic 72

Key West was first settled permanently in 1823 by Bahamians.

Statistic 73

The U.S. Navy established a base in Key West in 1823 for anti-piracy.

Statistic 74

Wreckers salvaged over 400 ships between 1820-1850, making Key West richest U.S. city.

Statistic 75

John Simonton purchased Key West for $2,000 in 1821.

Statistic 76

The 1846 Great Havana Hurricane destroyed 40% of structures, killing 4.

Statistic 77

Key West seceded as Conch Republic on April 23, 1982, in protest.

Statistic 78

Fort Zachary Taylor built 1845-1866, Civil War Union stronghold.

Statistic 79

Cuban cigar industry peaked in 1890s with 20 factories employing 6,000.

Statistic 80

Ernest Hemingway resided 1931-1960, writing 10 works including "To Have and Have Not".

Statistic 81

The Key West Extension of Overseas Highway opened July 2, 1938 after FEC Railway.

Statistic 82

1935 Labor Day Hurricane killed 423 on Overseas Railroad, worst U.S. train disaster.

Statistic 83

Truman Little White House hosted President Truman 175 days over 1946-1952.

Statistic 84

Duval Street first paved with bricks from ship ballast in 1912.

Statistic 85

Key West's first lighthouse erected 1825, blown down 1846 hurricane.

Statistic 86

Sponge fishing industry dominated 1880-1910, employing 1,000 divers.

Statistic 87

The San Carlos Institute founded 1871 as Cuban revolutionary hub.

Statistic 88

Audubon House built 1840s, home to John James Audubon sketches.

Statistic 89

Key West's population peaked at 29,000 in 1910 census.

Statistic 90

The 1985 movie "Key Largo" filmed nearby, boosting fame.

Statistic 91

Tennessee Williams lived 1940s-1983, writing "Cat on a Hot Tin Roof".

Statistic 92

Key West hosts over 1 million cruise visitors pre-COVID, recovering to 80%.

Statistic 93

Duval Street sees 15,000 visitors daily during peak season.

Statistic 94

Southernmost Point Buoy attracts 500,000 photos annually.

Statistic 95

Dry Tortugas National Park, accessible from Key West, had 84,000 visitors in 2022.

Statistic 96

Fantasy Fest draws 50,000 attendees over 10 days each October.

Statistic 97

Conch Republic Independence Celebration attracts 20,000 revelers yearly.

Statistic 98

Key West Aquarium receives 250,000 visitors annually.

Statistic 99

Sunset Celebration at Mallory Square entertains 100,000 monthly viewers.

Statistic 100

Eco-tours and snorkeling trips: 120,000 participants per year.

Statistic 101

Ernest Hemingway Home & Museum tours: 300,000 visitors annually.

Statistic 102

Key West Butterfly & Nature Conservatory: 150,000 admissions yearly.

Statistic 103

Average hotel room rate: $420/night in high season 2023.

Statistic 104

Vacation rentals: 2,500 properties booked 75% occupancy avg.

Statistic 105

Scuba diving certifications issued: 5,000 annually in Key West.

Statistic 106

Trolley tours carry 400,000 passengers yearly on Old Town routes.

Statistic 107

Mel Fisher Maritime Museum: 90,000 visitors exploring shipwrecks.

Statistic 108

Annual Key West Food & Wine Festival features 70 events, 12,000 attendees.

Statistic 109

Parasailing operations serve 25,000 thrill-seekers yearly.

Statistic 110

Glass-bottom boat tours: 60,000 passengers observing reefs.

Statistic 111

Key West Lighthouse climbed by 40,000 visitors annually.

Statistic 112

Art galleries: 35 in Bahama Village, hosting 10 festivals/year.

Statistic 113

Paddleboard rentals: 30,000 rentals during tourist season.

1/113

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In the vibrant Southernmost City, where the median home price soars above a million dollars and tourism fuels a billion-dollar economy, a surprising mosaic emerges—not of just vacationers, but of a small, growing, and remarkably well-educated permanent community, as revealed by the latest demographic statistics.

Key Takeaways

In 2020, the population of Key West, Florida was recorded as 26,444 residents, reflecting a 5.3% increase from 2010.
The median age in Key West is 42.3 years, higher than the national average of 38.1 years according to 2022 data.
Key West has a population density of 2,056 people per square mile as per the latest census estimates.
Key West GDP contribution from tourism sector is $1.2 billion annually in 2022.
Median home value in Key West reached $1,050,000 in Q3 2023.
Average annual salary in Key West is $62,500, 12% above Florida average.
Key West hosts over 1 million cruise visitors pre-COVID, recovering to 80%.
Duval Street sees 15,000 visitors daily during peak season.
Southernmost Point Buoy attracts 500,000 photos annually.
Key West was first settled permanently in 1823 by Bahamians.
The U.S. Navy established a base in Key West in 1823 for anti-piracy.
Wreckers salvaged over 400 ships between 1820-1850, making Key West richest U.S. city.
Key West's total land area is 5.6 square miles, with 3.2 sq mi land and 2.4 sq mi water.
Elevation averages 3 feet above sea level, lowest high point 18 ft.
Key West located at 24°33′30″N 81°45′15″W, southernmost U.S. city.

Key West has experienced modest population growth while remaining Florida's economically vibrant yet costly southernmost city.

Demographics

In 2020, the population of Key West, Florida was recorded as 26,444 residents, reflecting a 5.3% increase from 2010.
The median age in Key West is 42.3 years, higher than the national average of 38.1 years according to 2022 data.
Key West has a population density of 2,056 people per square mile as per the latest census estimates.
Approximately 82.4% of Key West residents are U.S. citizens, with 17.6% foreign-born in 2021.
The racial composition includes 72.1% White, 11.2% Hispanic, 7.4% Black, and 5.3% Asian residents per 2020 Census.
Households in Key West average 1.98 persons per household, below the national average of 2.53.
38.7% of Key West's population is aged 25-54, the largest age group in 2023 estimates.
Female population constitutes 48.2% while males are 51.8% in Key West as of 2022.
65.2% of residents over 25 hold a bachelor's degree or higher, significantly above national 33.7%.
The average household income in Key West is $92,170 annually based on 2021 ACS data.
Median household income stands at $76,342 in Key West, compared to Florida's $61,777.
14.5% of Key West families live in poverty, higher than state average of 12.7% in 2022.
Veterans make up 7.8% of the adult population in Key West per VA data.
28.4% of households are married couples without children under 18.
Foreign languages spoken at home: 22.1% primarily Spanish, 3.2% French Creole.
The labor force participation rate in Key West is 68.3% for adults 16+.
Unemployment rate in Key West averaged 3.9% in 2023.
42.1% of workers in Key West commute less than 10 minutes to work.
Homeownership rate is 52.3%, with 47.7% renters in 2022.
Average family size is 2.91 persons in Key West households.
9.2% of the population is under 18 years old in Key West.
22.6% of residents are 65 years and over.
Non-family households constitute 48.7% of all households.
The median year structure built for homes is 1965.
15.3% of residents moved to Key West within the past year.
Diversity index score is 54 out of 100, indicating moderate diversity.
76.5% of population speaks English only at home.
Male median earnings: $52,340; female: $45,678 annually.

Demographics Interpretation

Key West presents itself as a demographic paradox: an aging, educated, and relatively affluent island enclave where a high homeownership rate and short commutes exist alongside a surprising poverty rate and a significant transient population, all crammed together at a tropical density that suggests everyone knows each other's business but half the folks are just passing through.

Economy

Key West GDP contribution from tourism sector is $1.2 billion annually in 2022.
Median home value in Key West reached $1,050,000 in Q3 2023.
Average annual salary in Key West is $62,500, 12% above Florida average.
Tourism employs 45% of the workforce, over 6,000 jobs in hospitality.
Retail sales tax revenue generated $45 million in Key West FY2022.
Cost of living index is 142.3, 42.3% higher than U.S. average.
Key West hosts 2.5 million visitors annually, boosting local economy by 65%.
Fishing industry contributes $150 million yearly to Monroe County economy.
Per capita income in Key West is $51,234 as per 2021 data.
Hotel occupancy rate averages 78% year-round, peaking at 92% in winter.
Charter boat operations generate $80 million in direct spending annually.
Real estate sales volume: 450 transactions worth $850 million in 2022.
Small business establishments: 1,200+ employing 8,500 people locally.
Sales tax collection increased 8.7% YoY to $52M in 2023.
Arts and culture sector adds $25 million to GDP via festivals.
Property tax revenue for city budget: $28 million FY2023.
Cruise ship passengers: 850,000 annually, $120M economic impact.
Construction sector grew 15% with 200 new permits issued in 2023.
Average rent for 1-bedroom apartment: $2,450/month in 2023.
Restaurant industry: 250 establishments, $300M in sales yearly.
Utilities cost 18% above national average at $220/month.
Key West International Airport handled 450,000 passengers in 2022.
Healthcare spending per capita: $12,500, 20% above state avg.
Annual Hemingway Days Festival generates $10M in visitor spending.

Economy Interpretation

Key West's economy is a glittering, tourism-powered machine, but its median million-dollar homes and soaring cost of living show it's a paradise priced for the visitors who fuel it, not necessarily the locals who serve them.

Geography

Key West's total land area is 5.6 square miles, with 3.2 sq mi land and 2.4 sq mi water.
Elevation averages 3 feet above sea level, lowest high point 18 ft.
Key West located at 24°33′30″N 81°45′15″W, southernmost U.S. city.
Surrounded by Florida Bay to north, Gulf of Mexico west, Atlantic east.
Annual rainfall averages 39.3 inches, with wet season May-Oct.
Average high temperature 82°F, low 75°F year-round subtropical climate.
Key West Reef, third largest barrier reef, spans 2200 sq km offshore.
70% of land is preserved as parks, including 2,019-acre Key West National Wildlife Refuge.
Smathers Beach spans 2 miles, largest public beach on island., source West Beach is 2 miles long.
Fort Zachary Taylor State Park covers 54 acres with historic fort.
Mangrove forests cover 1,500 acres, vital for erosion control.
Sea level rise: 9.4 mm/year observed 2006-2023 at Key West station.
65% coral cover in nearshore reefs, per 2022 monitoring.
Average water temperature 79°F, ranging 70-86°F annually.
Hurricane exposure: 12 major hurricanes affected since 1851.
Groundwater aquifer supplies 90% of freshwater needs.
Bird species: 300+ in refuge, including 22 endangered.
Seagrass beds cover 100,000 acres surrounding Key West.
Island length 4 miles, width 1.5 miles at widest point.

Geography Interpretation

Key West is a low-lying sliver of land where the statistic of 3 feet above sea level feels less like an elevation and more like a polite suggestion to the ocean.

History

Key West was first settled permanently in 1823 by Bahamians.
The U.S. Navy established a base in Key West in 1823 for anti-piracy.
Wreckers salvaged over 400 ships between 1820-1850, making Key West richest U.S. city.
John Simonton purchased Key West for $2,000 in 1821.
The 1846 Great Havana Hurricane destroyed 40% of structures, killing 4.
Key West seceded as Conch Republic on April 23, 1982, in protest.
Fort Zachary Taylor built 1845-1866, Civil War Union stronghold.
Cuban cigar industry peaked in 1890s with 20 factories employing 6,000.
Ernest Hemingway resided 1931-1960, writing 10 works including "To Have and Have Not".
The Key West Extension of Overseas Highway opened July 2, 1938 after FEC Railway.
1935 Labor Day Hurricane killed 423 on Overseas Railroad, worst U.S. train disaster.
Truman Little White House hosted President Truman 175 days over 1946-1952.
Duval Street first paved with bricks from ship ballast in 1912.
Key West's first lighthouse erected 1825, blown down 1846 hurricane.
Sponge fishing industry dominated 1880-1910, employing 1,000 divers.
The San Carlos Institute founded 1871 as Cuban revolutionary hub.
Audubon House built 1840s, home to John James Audubon sketches.
Key West's population peaked at 29,000 in 1910 census.
The 1985 movie "Key Largo" filmed nearby, boosting fame.
Tennessee Williams lived 1940s-1983, writing "Cat on a Hot Tin Roof".

History Interpretation

Key West’s history is one of spectacularly profitable wrecks, defiant whimsy, and literary giants, all precariously balanced on a sandbar that hurricanes, the U.S. Navy, and a parade of eccentric residents have repeatedly tried to claim, reclaim, or simply endure.

Tourism

Key West hosts over 1 million cruise visitors pre-COVID, recovering to 80%.
Duval Street sees 15,000 visitors daily during peak season.
Southernmost Point Buoy attracts 500,000 photos annually.
Dry Tortugas National Park, accessible from Key West, had 84,000 visitors in 2022.
Fantasy Fest draws 50,000 attendees over 10 days each October.
Conch Republic Independence Celebration attracts 20,000 revelers yearly.
Key West Aquarium receives 250,000 visitors annually.
Sunset Celebration at Mallory Square entertains 100,000 monthly viewers.
Eco-tours and snorkeling trips: 120,000 participants per year.
Ernest Hemingway Home & Museum tours: 300,000 visitors annually.
Key West Butterfly & Nature Conservatory: 150,000 admissions yearly.
Average hotel room rate: $420/night in high season 2023.
Vacation rentals: 2,500 properties booked 75% occupancy avg.
Scuba diving certifications issued: 5,000 annually in Key West.
Trolley tours carry 400,000 passengers yearly on Old Town routes.
Mel Fisher Maritime Museum: 90,000 visitors exploring shipwrecks.
Annual Key West Food & Wine Festival features 70 events, 12,000 attendees.
Parasailing operations serve 25,000 thrill-seekers yearly.
Glass-bottom boat tours: 60,000 passengers observing reefs.
Key West Lighthouse climbed by 40,000 visitors annually.
Art galleries: 35 in Bahama Village, hosting 10 festivals/year.
Paddleboard rentals: 30,000 rentals during tourist season.

Tourism Interpretation

Key West is a masterclass in concentrated tourism, where over a million cruise passengers, tens of thousands of daily Duval Street wanderers, and half a million selfie-takers at a buoy all coexist with a pricey hotel room, proving that the island's economy isn't just buoyant—it's built on a buoy.

Sources & References

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