Is Pace Safe, Pros and cons of living in Pace
Pace, Florida, offers a unique blend of suburban tranquility and convenient access to coastal amenities, making it an attractive option for those seeking a balanced lifestyle. This Santa Rosa County community is known for its family-friendly atmosphere and a cost of living that, while varying by source, generally presents as more affordable than many larger Florida cities. Residents can enjoy a slower pace of life while still being within reach of Pensacola and the Gulf Coast beaches.
The demographic makeup of Pace reveals a community with a median age of approximately 37.7 years, indicating a significant adult population alongside younger families. The population is predominantly White, with smaller percentages identifying as Hispanic, Black or African American, Asian, and multiracial. This composition contributes to the town’s distinct character, with a strong sense of local identity and community engagement. The population has seen steady growth, reflecting its appeal as a place to settle down.
Is it Safe to Live in Pace?
Pace, Florida, generally presents a favorable safety profile, with crime rates reported as lower than both national and state averages. The overall crime rate is estimated at 8.000 per 1,000 residents annually (according to CrimeGrade.org), which is significantly lower than many other U.S. cities. This figure suggests a relatively secure environment for its residents, contributing to its reputation as a safe place to live and raise a family.
Violent crime rates are particularly low, reported at 1.441 per 1,000 residents in a typical year (according to CrimeGrade.org). Property crime rates also tend to be lower than the national average. While crime can vary by neighborhood, with some areas experiencing slightly higher incidents than others, the overall trend indicates a community that prioritizes safety and well-being for its inhabitants.
Housing Costs and Real Estate Trends
The housing market in Pace, FL, offers a range of options, with varying data points on median home values and prices. One report indicates a median home value of $123,400 (according to Kurby AI), while another cites a median listing price of $350,000 (according to Zumper). Recent data shows a median sale price of $300,633 as of February 2026 (according to Zillow), with an average home value around $322,546, showing a slight decrease over the past year (according to Zillow).
Rental costs in Pace also show some variation. The median monthly rent is reported as $1,027 (according to Livability.com), with other sources suggesting a median gross rent of $1,282 per month (according to Point2Homes). More recent data from April 2026 places the median rent for all bedroom counts and property types at $2,125, which is 9% higher than the national average (according to Zumper). This indicates a dynamic rental market with a range of affordability.
Job Market and Economic Outlook
The job market in Pace, FL, is supported by several key industries, with Health Care & Social Assistance, Retail Trade, and Construction being prominent sectors for residents (according to Data USA). Major employment sectors for those living in Pace include Office & Administrative Support Occupations, Sales & Related Occupations, and Management Occupations (according to Data USA).
The unemployment rate in Pace stands at 5.6% (according to Point2Homes), which is higher than the state unemployment rate of 4.6% as of February 2026 (according to USAFacts). The average annual household income in Pace was reported as $111,306 in 2024, though a different source indicates a median household income of $80,701 (according to Point2Homes). Another report places the median income at $85,883 (according to Livability.com).
Climate and Weather Patterns
Pace, Florida, experiences a warm subtropical climate characterized by hot, humid summers and mild winters. The average high temperature in July, the hottest month, can reach up to 91°F (33°C), while January sees average lows around 44°F (7°C) (according to Time and Date). Snowfall is virtually nonexistent in Pace, making for a climate free of harsh winter conditions.
The area receives significant annual precipitation, with approximately 69 inches of rain (according to myPerfectWeather). July is typically the wettest month, with about 8 inches of rainfall. Humidity levels tend to rise in the late spring and summer, with muggy conditions often present from April through October, particularly in July (according to myPerfectWeather and Wanderlog).
Education and School System
Pace is part of the Santa Rosa County School District, which serves the community with several public schools. Notable institutions include Pace High School, which generally receives positive ratings, with a 3.77 out of 5 stars based on numerous reviews (according to Niche). The high school is ranked among the top public high schools in Florida and is noted for its higher-than-average graduation rate (according to SchoolDigger.com).
Other schools in Pace include S.S. Dixon Intermediate School, Thomas L. Sims Middle School, and Berryhill Elementary School, among others. While most schools in Pace tend to outperform district and state averages, there can be variations in elementary school performance. The district’s chronic absenteeism rate is an area of concern that may affect student learning across all schools (according to SchoolDigger.com).
Demographics and Community Profile
Pace is home to approximately 26,282 residents as of the most recent data (according to Point2Homes and Data USA), with a projected population of 26,920 by 2026 (according to World Population Review). The population is relatively evenly split between males and females, with a median age of 37.7 years (according to Data USA and World Population Review). A significant portion of the population falls within the 25 to 64 age brackets, indicating a strong working-age demographic.
The racial composition is predominantly White, making up about 83.6% of the population, followed by Hispanic (5.7%), Multiracial (5.3%), Black or African American (2.9%), and Asian (2.4%) residents (according to Census Dots). The majority of residents are U.S. citizens, with a strong homeownership rate reported at 83% (according to Data USA).