Palm Beach Gardens is weirdly quiet for a city that’s basically the "golf capital" of the world. It’s not flashy like Miami or high-octane like Fort Lauderdale. It’s a place where people come to exhale. But lately, that quiet is getting a bit louder.
If you’re looking at the population of palm beach gardens florida right now, you’re seeing a city in the middle of a serious growth spurt.
Honestly, it’s not just about more people moving here; it’s about who is moving here. We’re talking about a shift from a classic retirement haven to a "Wall Street South" hub that still keeps its manicured, green soul.
The Latest Numbers: How Many People Actually Live Here?
As of early 2026, the population of palm beach gardens florida is hovering right around 64,500.
That might not sound like a lot compared to big metropolitan areas, but context is everything. Back in 2020, the census had the city at 59,182. That is a solid 9% jump in just a few years. Most experts, including those looking at Florida’s Demographic Estimating Conference data, see the city continuing to grow at about 1.8% to 2% annually.
It’s a steady climb.
Unlike some Florida cities that exploded overnight and then struggled with infrastructure, "The Gardens" (as locals call it) has been pretty strategic about its sprawl. You’ve got a land area of about 59 square miles, which keeps the density around 1,000 people per square mile. It feels roomy.
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Why the sudden surge?
People are basically chasing three things:
- Space: You get more backyard here than in Boca or Miami.
- Safety: Crime rates here consistently stay well below the national average.
- The "Work-from-Anywhere" Effect: A huge chunk of the new residents are remote executives who realized they’d rather take Zoom calls from a patio near PGA National than a high-rise in Manhattan.
Who is Moving to Palm Beach Gardens?
The "old Florida" stereotype of everyone being 80 years old and wearing beige is dead.
The median age in Palm Beach Gardens is currently around 50.1 years.
Sure, that’s older than the national average, but it’s actually dropping in certain pockets of the city. We’re seeing a massive influx of "younger" retirees—the 55+ crowd who are still very active—and families attracted by the A-rated schools like Marsh Pointe Elementary and William T. Dwyer High.
Diversity is actually ticking up
While the city is still predominantly White (about 76-79%), the Hispanic and Latino community now makes up nearly 11% of the population. The Asian community is also a growing slice of the pie at roughly 4%. It’s becoming a more interesting place to live, frankly. You can see it in the food scene. Ten years ago, it was all steakhouses; now you’ve got high-end sushi and authentic Oaxacan spots popping up near the Gardens Mall.
The Money Talk: Wealth and Income Trends
If you're looking at the population of palm beach gardens florida, you have to look at the wallets. This is an affluent community. Period.
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The median household income is sitting north of $110,500.
But that number is a bit deceptive because it's an average of a very wide range. In neighborhoods like Old Marsh or BallenIsles, the net worth is astronomical. Then you have more modest, established areas where long-time residents are living on fixed pensions.
What’s wild is the income disparity. The top 5% of households in Palm Beach Gardens have a mean income that clears $1 million annually. That’s "private jet out of North County Airport" money.
Real Estate Realities
The median home value is now pushing past $554,000, and in many gated communities, you won’t find anything under a million. This has created a bit of a squeeze for the people who actually work in the city—the teachers, cops, and nurses. The city is currently working on "Action Plans" for 2025-2026 to address affordable housing, because you can't have a functioning city if the people who run it can't afford to live in it.
The Infrastructure Struggle: Can the City Handle More?
Growth is great for property values, but it's a headache for the 5:00 PM commute.
If you’ve driven down PGA Boulevard lately, you know exactly what I’m talking about. The city wasn't necessarily built for 65,000 people and their SUVs.
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Traffic and Commutes
Most residents have an average commute of about 23 minutes. That’s actually not bad for Florida. Most of that traffic is just the "school run" or people heading over to the Scripps Research Institute or United Technologies.
What Most People Get Wrong About PBG
People think Palm Beach Gardens is just a suburb of West Palm Beach.
It’s not.
It’s its own ecosystem. It was founded by John D. MacArthur (the billionaire insurance guy) with a "garden city" philosophy. He wanted every street to be lined with trees and every neighborhood to feel tucked away. Even with the population of palm beach gardens florida growing, the city enforces strict rules on "green space." You won't see giant neon signs or strip malls that look like every other part of the US.
The Golf Factor
You can't talk about the people here without mentioning golf. This city is the headquarters of the PGA of America. When the Cognizant Classic (the old Honda Classic) rolls into town at PGA National, the population basically doubles for a week.
Actionable Steps for Future Residents or Investors
If you're looking at these population trends and thinking about making a move or buying property, here is the ground-level advice:
- Watch the North: The growth is moving North and West. Look at the new developments near the Acoria and Panther National areas. That’s where the "new" population is settling.
- Check the Flood Maps: Not all of PBG is created equal. With the population density increasing, drainage is a frequent topic at city council meetings. Make sure your potential spot isn't in a low-lying zone.
- Invest in "Lifestyle" Services: With a median age of 50 and high disposable income, the city is starving for high-end wellness, boutique fitness, and luxury home services.
- Monitor the 2026 Action Plan: The city is currently allocating millions (around $6.6 million in CDBG funds) for infrastructure and public facilities. If you want to know where the next "hot" park or library will be, follow the money in the city's fiscal budget.
The population of palm beach gardens florida isn't just a stat on a spreadsheet; it’s a reflection of a city that is finally figuring out how to grow up without losing its "Signature City" charm. It’s wealthier, slightly more diverse, and definitely busier than it used to be. Whether that’s a good thing depends on how much you like waiting for a table at the Cooper on a Friday night.