Panama City Beach, Florida

Encyclopedia : P : PA : PAN : Panama City Beach, Florida

Panama City Beach (PCB) is a suburb of Panama City, in Bay County, Florida, United States. The population was 7,671 at the 2000 census. According to the 2004 U.S. Census Bureau's Estimates, the beach area continues to grow very rapidly at 10,199. The beach is a popular year-round vacation destination, and the area is often nicknamed The Redneck Riviera for its many visitors from the southern states. During the winter months, Panama City Beach is a popular destination for Americans from the northern states as well as Canadians, or "Snowbirds." In the spring season, Panama City Beach turns into a spring break mecca, drawing high school and college students from all over the country, often in numbers that outstrip all other spring break destinations combined.

A section of the Beach

The summer is high season in Panama City Beach, drawing crowds of all kinds to enjoy its sugar-white beaches and warm, emerald waters. Recent hurricane damage and a new-construction boom are serving to raise the economic image of the area, as pricey high-rise condominiums and luxury homes replace older motels and homes. However, this is turning unobstructed beach views and affordable waterfront property into rarities. Panama City Beach's slogan is "The World's Most Beautiful Beaches."

Geography

Panama City Beach is located at [30°12′27″N, 85°51′5″W] (30.207362, -85.851485)^{[Geographic references#1GR1]}.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 7.0 square miles (18.2 km²)— 6.9 square miles (18.0 km²) of it is land and 0.1 square miles (0.3 km²) of it (1.42%) is water.

Demographics

As of the census^{[Geographic references#2GR2]} of 2000, there were 7,671 people, 3,529 households, and 2,219 families residing in the city. The population density was 1,104.9 persons per square mile (426.8/km²). There were 8,910 housing units at an average density of 1,283.4 houses per square mile (495.7/km²). The racial makeup of the city was 96.21% White, 0.87% African American, 0.53% Native American, 0.78% Asian, 0.34% from other races, and 1.26% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 2.20% of the population.

There were 3,529 households out of which 19.5% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 53.4% were married couples living together, 6.9% had a female householder with no husband present, and 37.1% were non-families. 29.1% of all households were made up of individuals and 10.5% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.17 and the average family size was 2.66.

In the city the population was spread out with 16.5% under the age of 18, 6.4% from 18 to 24, 28.1% from 25 to 44, 29.0% from 45 to 64, and 20.0% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 44 years. For every 100 females there were 100.5 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 98.7 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $41,198, and the median income for a family was $49,127. Males had a median income of $32,459 versus $22,358 for females. The per capita income for the city was $26,734. About 2.2% of families and 5.0% of the population were below the poverty line, including 3.9% of those under age 18 and 4.5% of those age 65 or over.

Major employers in Panama City Beach include the Coastal Systems Station-Naval Surface Warfare Center, St. Joe, Nextel as well as tourism and hospitality industries.

External links

[City of Panama City Beach] official site
[Panama City Beach Chamber of Commerce]
[Panama City Beach Florida] local guide
[Panama City Beach travel guide]
[USGS Data]

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