This page about Key West focuses on the factors shaping daily life in this small, low-lying city. With limited land area and an average elevation of about 3 feet above sea level, coastal geography directly influences housing, jobs, and services. Local history and visitor momentum—especially tourism—echo through the community’s demographics and economy. Next, explore demographics, housing and income, the workforce, and key attractions.
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'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 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 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 grew and thrives on tourism, with rising residents, high home values, and millions of visitors.
Related reading
01 · Category
Demographics28 stats
01
In 2020, the population of Key West, Florida was recorded as 26,444 residents, reflecting a 5.3% increase from 2010.
02
The median age in Key West is 42.3 years, higher than the national average of 38.1 years according to 2022 data.
03
Key West has a population density of 2,056 people per square mile as per the latest census estimates.
04
Approximately 82.4% of Key West residents are U.S. citizens, with 17.6% foreign-born in 2021.
05
The racial composition includes 72.1% White, 11.2% Hispanic, 7.4% Black, and 5.3% Asian residents per 2020 Census.
06
Households in Key West average 1.98 persons per household, below the national average of 2.53.
07
38.7% of Key West's population is aged 25-54, the largest age group in 2023 estimates.
08
Female population constitutes 48.2% while males are 51.8% in Key West as of 2022.
09
65.2% of residents over 25 hold a bachelor's degree or higher, significantly above national 33.7%.
10
The average household income in Key West is $92,170annually based on 2021 ACS data.
11
Median household income stands at $76,342in Key West, compared to Florida's $61,777.
12
14.5% of Key West families live in poverty, higher than state average of 12.7% in 2022.
13
Veterans make up 7.8% of the adult population in Key West per VA data.
14
28.4% of households are married couples without children under 18.
15
Foreign languages spoken at home: 22.1% primarily Spanish, 3.2% French Creole.
16
The labor force participation rate in Key West is 68.3% for adults 16+.
17
Unemployment rate in Key West averaged 3.9% in 2023.
18
42.1% of workers in Key West commute less than 10 minutes to work.
19
Homeownership rate is 52.3%, with 47.7% renters in 2022.
20
Average family size is 2.91 persons in Key West households.
21
9.2% of the population is under 18 years old in Key West.
22
22.6% of residents are 65 years and over.
23
Non-family households constitute 48.7% of all households.
24
The median year structure built for homes is 1965.
25
15.3% of residents moved to Key West within the past year.
26
Diversity index score is 54 out of 100, indicating moderate diversity.
27
76.5% of population speaks English only at home.
28
Male median earnings: $52,340; female: $45,678 annually.
Interpretation
Demographics Interpretation
For the Demographics angle, Key West is a relatively older and tighter community, with a median age of 42.3 years and about 2,056 people per square mile, alongside smaller households of 1.98 persons compared with the US average of 2.53.
02 · Category
Economy24 stats
01
Key West GDP contribution from tourism sector is $1.2 billion annually in 2022.
02
Median home value in Key West reached $1,050,000in Q3 2023.
03
Average annual salary in Key West is $62,500,12% above Florida average.
04
Tourism employs 45% of the workforce, over 6,000 jobs in hospitality.
05
Retail sales tax revenue generated $45 million in Key West FY2022.
06
Cost of living index is 142.3, 42.3% higher than U.S. average.
07
Key West hosts 2.5 million visitors annually, boosting local economy by 65%.
08
Fishing industry contributes $150 million yearly to Monroe County economy.
09
Per capita income in Key West is $51,234as per 2021 data.
10
Hotel occupancy rate averages 78% year-round, peaking at 92% in winter.
11
Charter boat operations generate $80 million in direct spending annually.
12
Real estate sales volume: 450 transactions worth $850 million in 2022.
13
Small business establishments: 1,200+ employing 8,500 people locally.
14
Sales tax collection increased 8.7% YoY to $52M in 2023.
15
Arts and culture sector adds $25 million to GDP via festivals.
16
Property tax revenue for city budget: $28 million FY2023.
17
Cruise ship passengers: 850,000 annually, $120M economic impact.
18
Construction sector grew 15% with 200 new permits issued in 2023.
19
Average rent for 1-bedroom apartment: $2,450/month in 2023.
20
Restaurant industry: 250 establishments, $300M in sales yearly.
21
Utilities cost 18% above national average at $220/month.
22
Key West International Airport handled 450,000 passengers in 2022.
23
Healthcare spending per capita: $12,500,20% above state avg.
24
Annual Hemingway Days Festival generates $10M in visitor spending.
Interpretation
Economy Interpretation
Key West’s economy is heavily tourism driven with $1.2 billion in annual GDP contribution in 2022 and tourism supporting 45% of the workforce, a dependence that aligns with rising costs like a cost of living index of 142.3 and a median home value of $1,050,000 by Q3 2023.
03 · Category
Geography19 stats
01
Key West's total land area is 5.6 square miles, with 3.2 sq mi land and 2.4 sq mi water.
02
Elevation averages 3 feet above sea level, lowest high point 18 ft.
03
Key West located at 24°33′30″N 81°45′15″W, southernmost U.S. city.
04
Surrounded by Florida Bay to north, Gulf of Mexico west, Atlantic east.
05
Annual rainfall averages 39.3 inches, with wet season May-Oct.
06
Average high temperature 82°F, low 75°F year-round subtropical climate.
07
Key West Reef, third largest barrier reef, spans 2200 sq km offshore.
08
70% of land is preserved as parks, including 2,019-acre Key West National Wildlife Refuge.
09
Smathers Beach spans 2 miles, largest public beach on island., source West Beach is 2 miles long.
10
Fort Zachary Taylor State Park covers 54 acres with historic fort.
11
Mangrove forests cover 1,500 acres, vital for erosion control.
12
Sea level rise: 9.4 mm/year observed 2006-2023 at Key West station.
13
65% coral cover in nearshore reefs, per 2022 monitoring.
14
Average water temperature 79°F, ranging 70-86°F annually.
15
Hurricane exposure: 12 major hurricanes affected since 1851.
16
Groundwater aquifer supplies 90% of freshwater needs.
17
Bird species: 300+ in refuge, including 22 endangered.
18
Seagrass beds cover 100,000 acres surrounding Key West.
19
Island length 4 miles, width 1.5 miles at widest point.
Interpretation
Geography Interpretation
Key West’s geography is tightly shaped by its subtropical coastal setting, with just 3.2 square miles of land out of a total 5.6 square miles surrounded by Florida Bay, the Gulf of Mexico, and the Atlantic, and an elevation averaging 3 feet above sea level.
More related reading
04 · Category
History20 stats
01
Key West was first settled permanently in 1823 by Bahamians.
02
The U.S. Navy established a base in Key West in 1823 for anti-piracy.
03
Wreckers salvaged over 400 ships between 1820-1850, making Key West richest U.S. city.
04
John Simonton purchased Key West for $2,000in 1821.
05
The 1846 Great Havana Hurricane destroyed 40% of structures, killing 4.
06
Key West seceded as Conch Republic on April 23, 1982, in protest.
07
Fort Zachary Taylor built 1845-1866, Civil War Union stronghold.
08
Cuban cigar industry peaked in 1890s with 20 factories employing 6,000.
09
Ernest Hemingway resided 1931-1960, writing 10 works including "To Have and Have Not".
10
The Key West Extension of Overseas Highway opened July 2, 1938 after FEC Railway.
11
1935 Labor Day Hurricane killed 423 on Overseas Railroad, worst U.S. train disaster.
12
Truman Little White House hosted President Truman 175 days over 1946-1952.
13
Duval Street first paved with bricks from ship ballast in 1912.
14
Key West's first lighthouse erected 1825, blown down 1846 hurricane.
15
Sponge fishing industry dominated 1880-1910, employing 1,000 divers.
16
The San Carlos Institute founded 1871 as Cuban revolutionary hub.
17
Audubon House built 1840s, home to John James Audubon sketches.
18
Key West's population peaked at 29,000 in 1910 census.
19
The 1985 movie "Key Largo" filmed nearby, boosting fame.
20
Tennessee Williams lived 1940s-1983, writing "Cat on a Hot Tin Roof".
Interpretation
History Interpretation
In Key West’s history, a cycle of rapid settlement and strategic military presence helped fuel massive wrecking wealth as wreckers salvaged over 400 ships from 1820 to 1850, even as later shocks like the 1846 Great Havana Hurricane wiped out 40% of structures and the island ultimately made bold political statements like seceding in 1982.
05 · Category
Tourism22 stats
01
Key West hosts over 1 million cruise visitors pre-COVID, recovering to 80%.
02
Duval Street sees 15,000 visitors daily during peak season.
03
Southernmost Point Buoy attracts 500,000 photos annually.
04
Dry Tortugas National Park, accessible from Key West, had 84,000 visitors in 2022.
05
Fantasy Fest draws 50,000 attendees over 10 days each October.
06
Conch Republic Independence Celebration attracts 20,000 revelers yearly.
07
Key West Aquarium receives 250,000 visitors annually.
08
Sunset Celebration at Mallory Square entertains 100,000 monthly viewers.
09
Eco-tours and snorkeling trips: 120,000 participants per year.
10
Ernest Hemingway Home & Museum tours: 300,000 visitors annually.
11
Key West Butterfly & Nature Conservatory: 150,000 admissions yearly.
12
Average hotel room rate: $420/night in high season 2023.
13
Vacation rentals: 2,500 properties booked 75% occupancy avg.
14
Scuba diving certifications issued: 5,000 annually in Key West.
15
Trolley tours carry 400,000 passengers yearly on Old Town routes.
16
Mel Fisher Maritime Museum: 90,000 visitors exploring shipwrecks.
17
Annual Key West Food & Wine Festival features 70 events, 12,000 attendees.
18
Parasailing operations serve 25,000 thrill-seekers yearly.
19
Glass-bottom boat tours: 60,000 passengers observing reefs.
20
Key West Lighthouse climbed by 40,000 visitors annually.
21
Art galleries: 35 in Bahama Village, hosting 10 festivals/year.
22
Paddleboard rentals: 30,000 rentals during tourist season.
Interpretation
Tourism Interpretation
Tourism in Key West remains robust and increasingly resilient as cruise visitation rebounds to 80% of pre COVID levels and major attractions like Duval Street with 15,000 daily peak visitors and Southernmost Point Buoy with 500,000 photos a year continue to pull crowds.
Reference
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APA
Marcus Afolabi. (2026, February 13). Key Statistics. Gitnux. https://gitnux.org/key-statistics
MLA
Marcus Afolabi. "Key Statistics." Gitnux, 13 Feb 2026, https://gitnux.org/key-statistics.
Chicago
Marcus Afolabi. 2026. "Key Statistics." Gitnux. https://gitnux.org/key-statistics.
Sources & references
94 datasets cited across this report · attribution is report-level