Our Community

Nestled along the Florida Panhandle, Panama City Beach stretches 13 miles of breathtaking coastline along the Gulf of Mexico. Renowned for its sugar-white sandy beaches, emerald-green waters, and laid-back charm, Panama City Beach (PCB) is a small but bustling community - celebrated worldwide as a premier beachside destination. Covering 19.5 square miles, the city offers residents and visitors an array of entertainment, shopping, dining, and outdoor recreation options.

Outdoor enthusiasts have plenty to enjoy in Panama City Beach. Frank Brown Park, a 100+-acre recreational hub, is a centerpiece of the community, offering athletic fields, playgrounds, picnic pavilions, and walking trails. The park also features a state-of-the-art aquatics center with an Olympic-sized swimming pool, a kids’ splash zone, and year-round programming for all ages. From organized sports and family outings to festivals and tournaments, Frank Brown Park provides something for everyone.

Just outside the city limits, St. Andrews State Park to the east and Camp Helen State Park to the west offer additional opportunities to explore nature and unwind. Conservation Park, the City owned and operated natural wetland preserve, spans an impressive 2,900 acres and plays a vital role in rehydrating local wetlands with the City’s reclaimed water.   

Getting around PCB can be easy for pedestrians and cyclists.  Residents and visitors alike enjoy a multimodal connected trail system that covers approximately 40-miles of the city. 

Both the City pier and County pier are big destinations for those who love to fish.  Anglers come to PCB from all over the world to enjoy PCB’s rich marine life, with species like Blue Marlin, Red Snapper, Grouper, and Pompano populating the waters. The area is also famous for one of the world’s largest concentrations of bottlenose dolphins.

To preserve its iconic shoreline, Panama City Beach operates a robust beach re-nourishment program and ensures safety through lifeguard and beach patrol services.

The community’s appeal spans generations, attracting young families, early retirees, and seniors. As of 2024, more than 19,000 residents call Panama City Beach home, and its population is projected to grow by nearly 16% by 2030, making it the fastest-growing area in Bay County.

Panama City Beach residents enjoy access to quality education, with local elementary, middle, and high schools serving the community. Higher education opportunities are available through nearby community colleges and a state university, with 33.6% of residents holding a bachelor’s degree or higher.

Notably, Panama City Beach has no ad valorem property taxes and relies on its Business Tax Receipt (BTR) for revenue. Tourism drives the local economy, supported by the city’s proximity to Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport (ECP).

Retail trade is the top industry, contributing to a 64% employment rate and a median household income of $76,091.  Recent developments highlight the city’s growth and promise, including the addition of a new medical center, expanded housing options, and new entertainment venues.

Whether it’s the pristine beaches, abundant recreational opportunities, or thriving community spirit, Panama City Beach continues to be a destination where residents and visitors alike find endless reasons to love life by the Gulf.