Is Navarre Safe, Pros and cons of living in Navarre
Navarre, Florida, nestled in the Florida Panhandle, offers a unique blend of coastal charm and community living. Its proximity to pristine beaches and natural landscapes makes it an attractive destination for those seeking a relaxed lifestyle. The area is a significant bedroom community, largely influenced by its military presence and federal civil servants.
The community’s growth has been substantial, transforming from a small settlement into a burgeoning town. This expansion is evident in its developing commercial centers and residential areas. Navarre’s strategic location between Pensacola and Fort Walton Beach positions it as a convenient hub for residents working in various sectors.
Is it Safe to Live in Navarre?
Navarre generally presents a safe environment for its residents. The overall crime rates in Navarre are notably lower than both the national and state averages. This suggests a community where residents can feel secure in their daily lives.
Violent crime rates are also significantly below the national average, contributing to the town’s peaceful atmosphere. With a lower chance of becoming a victim of crime compared to many other U.S. cities, Navarre offers a sense of security. Year-over-year crime has seen a decrease, further enhancing its reputation as a safe place to live.
Crime Statistics
Navarre’s crime rates are considerably lower than national benchmarks. The total crime rate is 42% lower than the national average, with violent crimes being 46% lower (as reported by AreaVibes). Property crime rates also follow this trend, being 42% below the national average.
Your likelihood of becoming a victim of crime in Navarre is approximately one in 194, a figure substantially lower than the national average of one in 47 (as reported by NeighborhoodScout). This statistic underscores the community’s low crime environment. Furthermore, Navarre is considered safer than 65% of communities in Florida and ranks in the 98th percentile for safety, indicating it is safer than 98% of U.S. cities (as reported by CrimeGrade.org and NeighborhoodScout).
Pros and Cons of Living in Navarre
Navarre offers a compelling lifestyle with numerous advantages, particularly for those drawn to coastal living and a strong sense of community. However, like any location, it also presents certain drawbacks that prospective residents should consider.
The town boasts a high homeownership rate and a stable housing market, appealing to those looking to settle down. Its natural beauty and recreational opportunities are significant draws. However, the cost of living, particularly housing, can be higher than the national average, and the job market, while growing, may be more limited in certain specialized sectors.
Housing Market
The housing market in Navarre is characterized by a high homeownership rate, standing at 82.1% (as reported by Zillow). The median property value in Navarre was approximately $414,946 as of March 2026 (as reported by Zillow). This value has seen a slight increase of 0.2% over the past year.
While housing costs can be higher than the national average, the market offers a range of options. The median sale price for homes was around $388,083 in February 2026 (as reported by Zillow). Rental prices also reflect a competitive market, with the average rent for a one-bedroom apartment being around $1,634 per month (as reported by Apartments.com).
Job Market and Economy
Navarre’s economy is diverse, with key sectors including healthcare and social assistance, retail trade, and public administration. The area also benefits from its proximity to significant military installations, contributing to a strong defense and aerospace presence.
Employment in Navarre has seen growth, with a 6.53% increase from 2023 to 2024. The average salary in Navarre, FL is approximately $45,852 per year, though this can vary significantly by industry and experience (as reported by ReadySetHire). The unemployment rate in Navarre is generally on par with the national average.
Cost of Living
The overall cost of living in Navarre is generally considered to be slightly higher than the national average, largely influenced by housing expenses. However, Florida’s lack of state income tax can offset some of these costs for residents.
Housing costs in Navarre are notably higher than the national average, with the median home price being around $414,946 (as reported by Zillow). Other expenses such as groceries and utilities are more in line with national averages, with some categories being slightly lower (as reported by Payscale and AreaVibes).
Navarre’s Demographics and Community
Navarre is a community with a significant population, characterized by a diverse demographic makeup. The area is a popular choice for military families, federal employees, and retirees, contributing to its unique community feel.
The population is predominantly White, with smaller percentages of Black or African American and other racial groups. The median age in Navarre is around 39 years, indicating a mix of younger families and a mature population.
Population and Diversity
Navarre is home to a population of approximately 39,838 people (as reported by Point2Homes). The racial composition is largely White, making up about 76.4% of the population, followed by African Americans at 7.1% (as reported by Point2Homes). A significant portion of the population consists of U.S.-born citizens, with a smaller percentage of naturalized citizens and non-citizens.
The gender distribution is nearly balanced, with slightly more males than females. The median age of residents is around 39 years, with a notable presence of individuals between the ages of 25 and 64 (as reported by Point2Homes and World Population Review). Navarre is home to a substantial number of veterans, particularly those who served in the Gulf War era (as reported by Data USA).
Climate in Navarre
Navarre experiences a humid subtropical climate, characterized by hot, humid summers and mild winters. The area’s weather is influenced by its proximity to the Gulf of Mexico, which contributes to its generally warm temperatures year-round.
The town sees a significant amount of rainfall throughout the year, with summer months being the wettest. Temperatures typically range from the mid-40s in winter to the high-80s in summer, rarely experiencing extreme cold or heat.
Temperature and Precipitation
Summers in Navarre are long, hot, and humid, typically lasting from May to September, with average daily high temperatures above 84°F. July is the hottest month, with highs around 89°F and lows of 76°F (as reported by Time and Date). Winters are cool and windy, with the coolest month being January, having an average low of 46°F and a high of 62°F.
Navarre receives substantial annual precipitation, averaging around 66 inches per year (as reported by Livability.com and Time and Date). August typically sees the most rainfall, while May and November tend to be the driest months. The water temperature in the Gulf of Mexico is warm for a significant portion of the year, averaging above 80°F from June to October (as reported by Time and Date).
Education in Navarre
Navarre is served by the Santa Rosa County School District, which offers a range of public educational institutions. The schools in the area generally receive positive ratings, reflecting a commitment to academic quality.
Navarre High School, a public institution, holds a notable overall Niche grade of A-minus. The school demonstrates strong performance in various metrics, including student proficiency in math and reading.
School Ratings and Performance
Navarre High School has an overall Niche grade of A-minus, with specific rankings such as #229 out of 731 for Best Public High Schools in Florida (as reported by Niche). The student-teacher ratio at Navarre High School is 26 to 1, with 59% of students proficient in math and 66% in reading according to state test scores (as reported by Niche).
Other schools in the area also receive strong evaluations. West Navarre Intermediate School, for instance, is rated A-minus and recognized among the top public elementary schools in Florida (as reported by Niche). The Santa Rosa County School District is noted for its commitment to providing quality education, with many of its schools earning high marks for academics and student well-being.
Major Employers and Job Opportunities
Navarre’s economy is bolstered by a mix of local businesses and larger regional employers, with a significant influence from the military and related industries. The healthcare sector and retail trade are also substantial contributors to employment in the area.
The presence of major military installations nearby provides a stable base of employment for many residents. Additionally, the service and tourism industries are growing, offering opportunities for those in hospitality and customer-facing roles.
Key Industries and Employers
The primary employment sectors in Navarre include Health Care & Social Assistance, Retail Trade, and Public Administration (as reported by Data USA). Given its location in Florida’s aerospace and defense corridor, industries related to these fields are also significant employers.
Major employers in the broader Santa Rosa County area include those associated with the military, such as Naval Air Station Whiting Field and Eglin Air Force Base. The region also hosts medical facilities and technology-based industries, contributing to a diverse job market. Businesses like Adams Sanitation and the Navarre Area Board of Realtors are also part of the local economic landscape (as reported by Navarre Press).