Is Callaway Safe, Pros and cons of living in Callaway
Is it Safe to Live in Callaway?
Callaway, Florida, presents a mixed picture regarding safety. Property crime rates are noted to be lower than the national average, with an A- grade in this category (according to CrimeGrade.org). However, the overall crime rate in Callaway is higher than the national average, placing it below average in terms of safety compared to other U.S. cities (according to NeighborhoodScout).
Violent crime rates in Callaway are reported to be lower than the national average, with a chance of being a victim of violent crime at 1 in 240 (according to NeighborhoodScout). Despite this, Callaway’s crime rate, both violent and property combined, is higher than the average when compared to similarly sized communities (according to NeighborhoodScout). It is noted that the south part of the city is generally considered the safest for property crime (according to CrimeGrade.org).
Cost of Living and Housing
Callaway offers a cost of living that is approximately 5% less than the national average (according to ERI Economic Research Institute). This affordability extends to housing, with a median home value reported around $119,500 (according to Kurby AI) and a median listing price of $293,900 (according to Realtor.com® Research). The median rent in Callaway is approximately $1,189 per month (according to Kurby AI), with other sources indicating a median rental price of $1,800 (according to Realtor.com® Research) and an average rent of $1,439 per month as of 2025 (according to RentCafe).
The median home price in Callaway is $215,300 (according to ERI Economic Research Institute), while Zillow reports an average home value of $260,914 as of March 2026 (according to Zillow). Redfin indicates a median sale price of $270,000 in March 2026 (according to Redfin). Housing costs are considered very manageable relative to income, with an affordability index of 159 (according to Kurby AI).
Job Market and Economy
The average salary in Callaway, Florida, is approximately $46,714 annually, or about $22.46 per hour, as of April 2026 (according to ZipRecruiter). Other sources suggest an average salary of $61,520 per year or $29.58 per hour (according to ERI SalaryExpert) and an average annual pay for “Employment” specifically at $81,868 as of April 2026 (according to ZipRecruiter). The median household income in Callaway is reported as $65,609 (according to World Population Review and CUBIT).
Employment in Callaway grew by 3.26% from 2023 to 2024, with the most common employment sectors being Retail Trade, Health Care & Social Assistance, and Accommodation & Food Services (according to Data USA). The unemployment rate in Florida was 4.7% in March 2026 (according to FloridaJobs.org and Moody’s Analytics).
Climate and Environment
Callaway experiences a climate characterized by long, hot, and oppressive summers, with winters that are short, cool, and windy. The temperature typically ranges from 45°F to 89°F throughout the year, rarely dropping below 32°F or exceeding 92°F (according to Weather Spark). The warmest month is July, with average highs around 89°F, while January is the coldest, with average lows around 45°F (according to Weather Spark).
The area receives an annual average precipitation of approximately 9.99 inches, with summer months being wetter than winter months. July is typically the wettest month, averaging about 8.74 inches of rainfall (according to IDcide). Callaway can experience uncomfortable humidity during the summer months, from May to September (according to myPerfectWeather). The city offers about 176 days per year with comfortable weather (according to myPerfectWeather).
Demographics and Diversity
Callaway is home to approximately 13,496 residents, with a projected population of 12,968 for 2026 (according to World Population Review and CUBIT). The median age in Callaway is 35.2 years (according to World Population Review and CUBIT), with a slightly higher male population at 112.4 males for every 100 females (according to World Population Review). The racial composition of Callaway is predominantly White (59.23%), followed by Black or African American (20.47%), and Hispanic (13.73%) (according to World Population Review and CUBIT).
Regarding citizenship, 96.8% of Callaway residents are U.S. citizens, which is higher than the national average (according to Data USA). A significant portion of the population, about 19%, are children under 15, with 11.9% being 65 or older (according to Point2Homes). The poverty rate in Callaway is 9.56% (according to World Population Review).
Education System
Callaway Elementary School serves students in pre-kindergarten through fifth grade and has a student-teacher ratio of 16:1 (according to Niche). State test scores indicate that 63% of students are proficient in math and 53% in reading (according to Niche). However, Callaway Elementary School has consistently ranked in the bottom half of Florida elementary schools, receiving a D grade in 2019 from the Florida Department of Education (according to SchoolDigger and Florida School Grades).
The school faces challenges with high chronic absenteeism rates, significantly above district and state averages (according to SchoolDigger). Test scores also lag behind the district and state, with projected proficiency rates in English Language Arts and Math being lower than the surrounding area (according to SchoolDigger). Nearby charter schools, such as North Bay Haven and Bay Haven, significantly outperform Callaway Elementary on test scores and other metrics (according to SchoolDigger). Bay District Schools, which serves Callaway, holds a B+ rating as a school district in Florida (according to Niche).
Major Employers and Economic Drivers
Callaway’s economy benefits from its proximity to Tyndall Air Force Base, which is a significant economic driver and employer in the region (according to the City of Callaway Official Website). The city also has two strong commercial corridors and convenient access to major highways, contributing to its economic development potential (according to the City of Callaway Official Website). Major employers in Callaway include large retail chains like Walmart, McDonald’s, and Dollar Tree, as well as service-oriented businesses (according to Indeed.com).
The job market in Callaway is diverse, with common employment sectors including Retail Trade, Health Care & Social Assistance, and Accommodation & Food Services (according to Data USA). The city is actively seeking initiatives to improve infrastructure, public safety, and parks, while also fostering ways to attract new businesses and jobs (according to the City of Callaway Official Website).
Pros and Cons of Living in Callaway
Callaway offers a compelling proposition for those seeking an affordable lifestyle in Florida. The cost of living is lower than the national average, and housing prices, both for purchase and rent, are notably more accessible than in many other areas (according to ERI Economic Research Institute, Kurby AI, and RentCafe). This affordability allows for more disposable income to enjoy local amenities and a relaxed pace of life (according to Kurby AI).
However, Callaway faces challenges, particularly with its public school system, where Callaway Elementary School has shown consistently low performance and high absenteeism rates (according to SchoolDigger and Florida School Grades). While overall crime rates are higher than the national average, property crime rates are lower, and specific neighborhoods are considered safer (according to NeighborhoodScout and CrimeGrade.org). The city is car-dependent, with low walk and bike scores, reflecting a need for personal transportation (according to Kurby AI).