Panama City had an estimated 37,806 residents on July 1, 2025, up 14.8% from the 2020 census count of 32,939, the Census Bureau says.
Last checked Oct. 9, 2026. Every figure on this page comes from the U.S. Census Bureau: the Vintage 2025 population estimates, the 2020 and 2010 census counts and the American Community Survey 2020-2024 five-year estimates. See also the city’s QuickFacts. Census customer line: 1-800-923-8282.
Panama City had an estimated 37,806 residents on July 1, 2025, according to the Census Bureau. That is 4,867 more people, or 14.8%, than the 32,939 counted in the 2020 census, and about 3.6% more than the 36,484 counted in 2010.
What this means for you
- The city has added people every year since 2020, after losing nearly 10% between the 2010 and 2020 counts.
- Bay County is growing a little faster, led by Lynn Haven.
- About 44% of Panama City households rent; see home prices.
Growth since 2020
| Year | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|
| April 1, 2010 | 36,484 | 2010 census |
| April 1, 2020 | 32,939 | 2020 census |
| July 1, 2021 | 34,218 | estimate |
| July 1, 2022 | 34,991 | estimate |
| July 1, 2023 | 36,156 | estimate |
| July 1, 2024 | 37,224 | estimate |
| July 1, 2025 | 37,806 | estimate |
The census count fell 9.7% between 2010 and 2020. The 2020 count was taken 18 months after Hurricane Michael made landfall near Mexico Beach as a Category 5 storm in October 2018, the city notes, causing historic damage across the region. The estimates since then show the city regaining residents each year, with the largest gain, 1,336, in 2021.
How Panama City compares
The Census Bureau’s estimates start from an April 1, 2020, base for every city. Growth from that base to July 1, 2025:
| Place | 2020 base | July 1, 2025 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bay County | 175,226 | 204,479 | 16.7% |
| Panama City | 33,065 | 37,806 | 14.3% |
| Lynn Haven | 18,704 | 22,479 | 20.2% |
| Panama City Beach | 18,080 | 20,375 | 12.7% |
| Callaway | 13,061 | 14,369 | 10.0% |
| Springfield | 8,096 | 8,551 | 5.6% |
Panama City is still the largest city in Bay County. The bureau does not publish yearly estimates for unincorporated places such as Upper Grand Lagoon.
Who lives here
From the Census Bureau’s American Community Survey 2020-2024 five-year estimates, which average five years of survey responses and carry margins of error:
| Measure | Panama City | Bay County |
|---|---|---|
| Median age | 39.5 | 41.0 |
| Median household income | $62,265 | $73,533 |
| Median value, owner-occupied homes | $268,900 | $310,500 |
- Age: about 21.7% of residents are under 18 and 17.8% are 65 or older.
- Households: 15,169, of which 8,535 (56%) own their home and 6,634 (44%) rent.
- Rent: the median gross rent is $1,327 a month.
- Education: 26.4% of adults 25 and older hold a bachelor’s degree or higher.
- Poverty: 17.6% of residents for whom poverty status is measured live below the poverty line.
Where to find more
- QuickFacts for Panama City puts the main figures on one page.
- data.census.gov has every table, including by ZIP code and census tract.
Related: home prices, schools, history and landmarks and Panama City, Bay County and the neighbors.
Frequently asked questions
What is the population of Panama City, Florida?
37,806 as of July 1, 2025, according to the U.S. Census Bureau’s latest estimates. The 2020 census counted 32,939 people in the city.
Is Panama City growing?
Yes. The population has grown every year since 2020, by 14.8% from the 2020 census count to the 2025 estimate. Bay County grew 16.7% over a similar period.
Why did Panama City’s population drop between 2010 and 2020?
The census count fell from 36,484 in 2010 to 32,939 in 2020, a drop of 9.7%. The 2020 count came 18 months after Hurricane Michael, a Category 5 storm that the city says caused historic damage across the region in October 2018.
What is the median household income in Panama City?
$62,265, in the Census Bureau’s American Community Survey estimates for 2020-2024. Bay County’s median was $73,533.
What is the population of Bay County, Florida?
204,479 as of July 1, 2025, up from 175,216 in the 2020 census, according to the Census Bureau.
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