Population Growth on Florida's Emerald Coast Driven by Migration
Florida's Emerald Coast has experienced significant population growth, adding approximately 92,400 residents between April 2020 and July 2025. This increase is primarily due to migration from other states, as natural population change was slightly negative. Walton, Bay, and Santa Rosa counties saw the most substantial growth, while Escambia and Okaloosa counties grew at a slower pace. The influx of new residents is largely attributed to the presence of major military installations, such as Eglin Air Force Base, which influences local demographics. Cities like Crestview and Niceville have seen notable increases in population, driven by both in-state and out-of-state migration. 
