With a population of over 87,000 residents as of 2020, Palm Coast is one of the largest cities in Florida. Located in Flagler County on the state’s eastern coast, about 60 miles south of Jacksonville and 20 miles north of Daytona Beach, Palm Coast offers residents and visitors alike a great quality of life, diverse economic opportunities, and natural scenic beauty.
Population and Demographics
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Palm Coast’s population as of 2020 was 87,743 people. The city has grown rapidly since its incorporation in 1999, when its population was just over 30,000. Palm Coast is now the most populous city in Flagler County. The city’s population is predominantly white, making up 82.5% of residents. Hispanic or Latino residents make up 11.6% of the population, Black or African American residents 5.3%, and Asian residents 2.6%.
Palm Coast has appeal as a retirement location, with the median age being 48.2 years old. 27.4% of the city’s population is age 65 or older. However, Palm Coast also draws many young families to the area, with 19.4% under the age of 18.
Economy and Major Employers
While Palm Coast does not have a dominant industry, the local economy features considerable employment diversity. According to the City of Palm Coast’s website, some of the top employers in the city include:
- Flagler County School District
- AdventHealth Palm Coast
- Publix Super Markets
- Hammock Beach Resort
- GE Hitachi Nuclear Energy
- Palm Coast Data
Other major private sector employers are in industries such as aerospace, financial services, healthcare, manufacturing, and technology. The local population also provides a skilled workforce, with 39.3% of residents age 25 and older holding an Associate’s degree or higher.
In addition to employment, the economy is driven by retail trade and construction. Major commercial corridors include State Road 100 and Palm Coast Parkway. Recent years have also seen growth in the city’s residential construction industry.
Parks, Recreation, and Famous Landmarks
Palm Coast boasts over 1,100 acres of beautiful parks and recreation facilities. One of the most iconic landmarks is Washington Oaks Gardens State Park, known for its scenic coquina rock formations on the beach. It is a popular spot for swimming, picnicking, bird watching, and nature trails. Other notable parks include St. Joe Walkway, Holland Park, Ralph Carter Park, and James F. Holland Memorial Park.
Outdoor recreation enthusiasts also enjoy assets like the Intracoastal Waterway for boating, hundreds of holes of golf, tennis courts, and miles of trails for walking and biking. The city’s Facebook page provides updates on local events and activities happening in these beautiful outdoor settings.
Local Sports
Although Palm Coast does not have any major professional sports teams, there are still plenty of options for spectators and participants alike. A minor league baseball team, the Palm Coast Pics, offers affordable family entertainment at Flagler Palm Coast High School’s Pirate Stadium.
On an amateur level, the city provides facilities and hosts events for sports like tennis, golf, soccer, softball, and basketball. The Palm Coast Sports Alliance promotes youth sports and hosts tournaments that bring visitors to the city. The Indian Trails Sports Complex includes basketball courts, baseball and softball fields, and a multipurpose field for soccer, lacrosse and football.
Tourism
Palm Coast enjoys a growing tourism industry, attracting over 640,000 visitors in 2021 according to a tourism impact study. Nature trails, beaches, fishing, boating, and golf courses draw visitors interested in outdoor recreation. Other attractions like the Palm Coast Arts Foundation, Lehigh Trail, and Flagler County Historical Museum provide cultural enrichment. Popular events that attract tourists include the Palm Coast Seafood & Music Festival, Palm Coast Arts Foundation’s Hot Summer Nights Music Series, and more.
Palm Coast’s location right off I-95 makes it easily accessible for visitors. Nearby Daytona Beach International Airport provides convenient access by air. Numerous hotels and restaurants cater to visitors, with additional new developments planned. With its natural scenic beauty and recreational opportunities, Palm Coast seems poised for continued tourism growth.