Palm Coast, Florida

{{Short description|City in Florida, United States}} {{Use American English|date=June 2025}} {{Use mdy dates|date=July 2023}} {{Infobox settlement   | name = Palm Coast, Florida | official_name = | settlement_type = | image_skyline = Palm Coast Sunset.jpg | imagesize = 250x200px | image_caption = | image_flag = | image_seal = Seal of Palm Coast, Florida.png | image_shield = | image_map = Flagler_County_Florida_Incorporated_and_Unincorporated_areas_Palm_Coast_Highlighted.svg | mapsize = 250x200px | map_caption = Location in Flagler County and the state of Florida  | subdivision_type = Country | subdivision_name = United States | subdivision_type1 = State | subdivision_name1 = Florida | subdivision_type2 = County | subdivision_name2 = Flagler  | established_title = Developed | established_date = 1969 | established_title3 = Incorporated (city) | established_date3 = December 31, 1999 | government_type = Council-Manager | leader_title = Mayor | leader_name = Mike Norris<ref name="askflagler.com">{{Cite web|date=19 November 2024|title= Norris, Miller, Stevens Join Palm Coast City Council, Pontieri Made Vice Mayor |url= https://askflagler.com/norris-miller-stevens-join-palm-coast-city-council-pontieri-made-vice-mayor/}}</ref> | leader_title1 = Vice Mayor | leader_name1 = Theresa Carli Pontieri <ref name="askflagler.com">{{Cite web|date=19 November 2024|title= Norris, Miller, Stevens Join Palm Coast City Council, Pontieri Made Vice Mayor |url= https://askflagler.com/norris-miller-stevens-join-palm-coast-city-council-pontieri-made-vice-mayor/}}</ref> | leader_title2 = Council Members | leader_name2 = Ty Miller, Theresa Carli Pontieri, David Sullivan, Charles A. Gambaro Jr.<ref name="askflagler.com">{{Cite web|date=19 November 2024|title= Norris, Miller, Stevens Join Palm Coast City Council, Pontieri Made Vice Mayor |url= https://askflagler.com/norris-miller-stevens-join-palm-coast-city-council-pontieri-made-vice-mayor/}}</ref><ref name="palmcoast.gov">{{Cite web|date=15 April 2025|title= David Sullivan Appointed to Palm Coast City Council District 3 Seat |url= https://www.palmcoast.gov/newsroom/home/details/david-sullivan-appointed/}}</ref> | leader_title3 = Acting City Manager | leader_name3 = Lauren Johnston | leader_title4 = City Clerk | leader_name4 = Kaley Cook  | unit_pref = Imperial | area_footnotes = <ref name="CenPopGazetteer2020">{{cite web|title=2020 U.S. Gazetteer Files|url=https://www2.census.gov/geo/docs/maps-data/data/gazetteer/2020_Gazetteer/2020_gaz_place_12.txt|publisher=United States Census Bureau|accessdate=October 31, 2021}}</ref> | area_total_km2 = 250.12 | area_land_km2 = 247.00 | area_water_km2 = 3.12 | area_total_sq_mi = 96.57 | area_land_sq_mi = 95.37 | area_water_sq_mi = 1.20  | population_as_of = 2020 | population_total = 89258 | population_footnotes = | population_density_km2 = 361.36 | population_density_sq_mi = 935.92 | population_urban = 349064 (US: 109th) | population_metro = 99956  | timezone = Eastern (EST) | utc_offset = -5 | timezone_DST = EDT | utc_offset_DST = -4 | coordinates = {{coord|29|32|17|N|81|14|45|W|region:US-FL|display=inline,title}} | elevation_footnotes = <ref name=gnis/> | elevation_ft = 30  | postal_code_type = ZIP codes | postal_code = 32135, 32137, 32142, 32164 | area_code = 386 | blank_name = FIPS code | blank_info = 12-54200<ref name="GR2">{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov|publisher=United States Census Bureau|access-date=2008-01-31|title=U.S. Census website}}</ref> | blank1_name = GNIS feature ID | blank1_info = 2404465<ref name=gnis>{{GNIS|2404465}}</ref> | website = {{URL|www.palmcoast.gov}} }}

'''Palm Coast''' is a city in Flagler County, Florida, United States. As of the 2020 United States census, the population was 89,258, an increase of almost 200% since the 2000 count of 32,832. The population was estimated to be 98,411 as of July 1, 2022.<ref name="USCensusEst2019">{{cite web |title=QuickFacts: Palm Coast |url=https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/fact/table/palmcoastcityflorida |access-date=August 25, 2023}}</ref> The Daytona Beach News-Journal reported in May 2023 that the population of Palm Coast had surpassed Deltona, Florida as the most populous city in the Deltona–Daytona Beach–Ormond Beach, FL metropolitan statistical area.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Harper |first1=Mark |title=Palm Coast's growth aspirations boosted by expected $54 million in state budget projects |url=https://www.news-journalonline.com/story/news/local/flagler/2023/05/04/now-largest-city-in-volusia-flagler-palm-coast-projects-more-growth/70146671007/?gnt-cfr=1&gca-cat=p&gca-uir=true&gca-epti=z115420e008180v115420d--60--b--60--&gca-ft=177&gca-ds=sophi |website=news-journalonline.com |publisher=Daytona Beach News-Journal |access-date=25 April 2026 |ref=May 4, 2023}}</ref>

==History== In the late 1950s, most of the land that would become Palm Coast consisted of swamp and pine forest, with only a few farms and beach houses as well as a turpentine distillery.<ref name="dycke-palmcoasthistorian">{{cite journal|last=Dycke|first=Arthur E.|date=2015|title=Through the years in Palm Coast 1968-2014|journal=The Palm Coast Historian|url=http://palmcoasthistory.org/PDFs/PC_Historian_36.pdf|access-date=March 22, 2021}}</ref> Business activity was concentrated along Florida State Road 100.<ref name="dycke-palmcoasthistorian"/> Tourists paid fees to hunt and fish in the area.<ref name="dycke-palmcoasthistorian"/>

Developed by ITT Community Development Corporation in 1969, the original development plan encompassed 48,000 home sites on approximately {{convert|42000|acre}} of the {{convert|68000|acre}} owned by ITT. Paved streets and central water and sewer served all lots developed within the plan. An extensive water management system was designed to replenish the area's water table,<ref>{{cite web |title=Reclaimed Water Customer Information – Fact Sheet |url=https://dunescdd.org/news-posts/reclaimed-water-customer-information-fact-sheet/ |website=dunescdd.org |publisher=Dunes Community Development District |access-date=12 April 2026}}</ref> which includes {{convert|46|mi}} of freshwater canals and {{convert|23|mi}} of saltwater canals. On October 29, 1970, ITT opened Palm Coast's welcome center. This date is now celebrated as Founder's Day.<ref name="observer-foundersday">{{cite news|last=Observer Staff|date=October 29, 2020|title=Palm Coast marks its 50th anniversary|newspaper=Pal Coast Observer|url=https://www.palmcoastobserver.com/article/palm-coast-marks-its-50th-anniversary|access-date=March 11, 2021}}</ref>

In 1975, the Flagler County Board of County Commissioners established Palm Coast Service District, which included almost {{convert|40000|acre}}. Funds for the district were derived primarily from ''ad valorem'' taxes and were used to provide fire services, fire hydrants, street lighting, animal control and emergency services.

Florida had its first serious wildland–urban interface fire in 1985 with the Palm Coast Fire, which burned 131 homes.<ref>{{cite web| url=https://www.usfa.fema.gov/downloads/pdf/publications/tr-126.pdf | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111019202920/http://www.usfa.fema.gov/downloads/pdf/publications/tr-126.pdf | url-status=dead | archive-date=October 19, 2011 |title= FEMA PDF}}</ref> Research on this fire indicated that the most important factor was the proximity of heavy ground vegetation to the structures. Thirteen years later, fires struck the same Palm Coast subdivision. The 1998 fires were national news because the whole county was ordered to evacuate, and 45,000 people were displaced. Fire suppression organizations responded from 44 states, and Florida hosted the largest aerial suppression operation ever conducted in the United States. Because of the massive effort, only 71 homes were destroyed.<ref>{{cite web| url=http://www.floridadisaster.org/brm/Wildfire/wildfire_page_2.htm |title=History |publisher=Florida Division of Emergency Management |access-date=August 20, 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090217114128/http://floridadisaster.org/BRM/Wildfire/wildfire_page_2.htm |archive-date=February 17, 2009 }}</ref>

In September 1999, the citizenry of Palm Coast voted by a margin of two to one to incorporate as a council/manager form of government. On December 31, 1999, the '''City of Palm Coast''' was officially incorporated. On October 1, 2000, all services were officially transferred from the former Service District to the city of Palm Coast. The five-member City Council is elected at large and serves staggered four-year terms. One member is elected as mayor; the first was Jim Canfield.<ref name=PAR/> The promulgation and adoption of policy are the responsibility of the council and the execution of such policy is the responsibility of the council-appointed city manager. The city hired its first city manager, Dick Kelton, on April 17, 2000.<ref name="PAR">{{cite web |last1=London |first1=Aaron |title=Palm Coast has party to honor city's first mayor |url=https://www.news-journalonline.com/story/news/local/flagler/2018/09/25/palm-coast-has-party-to-honor-citys-first-mayor/10114520007/?gnt-cfr=1&gca-cat=p&gca-uir=true&gca-epti=z114031e117980v114031d--45--b--45--&gca-ft=207&gca-ds=sophi |website=news-journalonline.com |publisher=Daytona Beach News-Journal |access-date=11 April 2026}}</ref> In 2015, the City of Palm Coast completed and opened a new City Hall as part of its ongoing efforts to centralize municipal services and support long-term civic development.<ref>{{Cite web |last=FlaglerLive |date=2015-10-21 |title=Palm Coast's Years in Sinai End as It Moves Into Long-Sought City Hall in Town Center |url=https://flaglerlive.com/palm-coast-city-hall-move/?utm_source=chatgpt.com |access-date=2025-05-19 |website=FlaglerLive |language=en-US}}</ref>{{AI-retrieved source|date=March 2026|checked=no}}

==Geography== Palm Coast is located in northeastern Flagler County. According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of {{convert|235.3|km2|order=flip}}, of which {{convert|232.8|km2|order=flip}} is land and {{convert|2.5|km2|order=flip}}, or 1.06%, is water.<ref name="Census 2010">{{cite web |title=QuickFacts: Palm Coast |url=https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/palmcoastcityflorida |access-date=August 25, 2023 |work=U.S. Census Bureau |publisher=U.S. Census Bureau}}</ref> Interstate 95 effectively splits Palm Coast into two parts, with crossings at three interchanges: Exit 293 (Matanzas Woods Parkway), Exit 289 (Palm Coast Parkway), and Exit 284 (Florida State Road 100). U.S. Route 1 is on the western side of I-95 leading into Bunnell. The city extends north to the Flagler County line, southwest to the Bunnell city limits, and southeast to touch the city of Flagler Beach. The Intracoastal Waterway (ICW) is the eastern border of Palm Coast. The land east of the ICW is the Hammock, an unincorporated community on the Atlantic Ocean.<ref>{{cite web |title=Hammock Dunes |url=https://hammockdunes.com/island-estates.html |website=hammockdunes.com |publisher=Hammock Dunes Owners' Association |access-date=7 May 2026}}</ref>

===Bridges=== The Hammock Dunes Bridge, completed in 1988, is a 65-foot-high, privately operated toll bridge in Palm Coast that connects the Hammock, a highly populated barrier island, to the mainland. Built to facilitate development of the area, it provides convenient access to the beach and is an essential evacuation and emergency access over the ICW.<ref>{{cite web |title=Bridge Division |url=https://dunescdd.org/bridge-division-2/ |website=dunescdd.org |publisher=Dunes Community Development District |access-date=7 May 2026}}</ref> The only other ICW crossing in Flagler County is the Flagler Beach Bridge on Florida State Road 100.

===Storms=== The area around Palm Coast last saw a direct hit from a tropical cyclone in 2004 when Hurricane Charley passed directly over the area.<ref>{{Cite web |date=August 2004 |title=Hurricane Charley, August 9-15, 2004 |url=https://www.weather.gov/media/publications/assessments/Charley06.pdf |access-date=13 June 2024 |website=weather.gov}}</ref> Hurricane Floyd (1999), Hurricane Jeanne (2004), Tropical Storm Fay (2008), Hurricane Matthew (2016), Hurricane Irma (2017), and 2022 Hurricane Ian and Hurricane Nicole caused major damage in Flagler County.<ref name="HAZ">{{cite web |title=Flood Hazard |url=https://www.cityofflaglerbeach.com/250/Flood-Hazard |website=cityofflaglerbeach.com |publisher=City of Flagler Beach |access-date=11 April 2026}}</ref> Statistically, the area experiences the effects of a tropical storm or hurricane every 2.73 years.<ref name=HAZ/>

Palm Coast has become a bedroom community for St. Augustine, {{convert|25|mi}} to the north, and Daytona Beach, {{convert|30|mi}} to the south, while some residents also work in Orlando, {{convert|86|mi}}<ref>{{cite web |title=Distance from Palm Coast to Orlando |url=https://www.travelmath.com/distance/from/Palm+Coast,+FL/to/Orlando,+FL |website=travelmath.com |publisher=TravelMath |access-date=12 April 2026}}</ref> and Jacksonville, {{convert|62|mi}}.<ref>{{cite web |title=Palm Coast Real Estate Guide |url=https://welchteam.com/areas-in-northeast-florida-we-serve/palm-coast-real-estate/ |website=Palm Coast Real Estate Guide |publisher=Welch Team Real Estate |access-date=11 April 2026}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Distance from Palm Coast to Jacksonville |url=https://www.travelmath.com/distance/from/Palm+Coast,+FL/to/Jacksonville,+FL |website=travelmath.com |publisher=TravelMath |access-date=12 April 2026}}</ref>

===Climate=== Palm Coast has a humid subtropical climate (''Cfa''), similar to other cities in North Florida.

{{Weather box|width=auto |location = Palm Coast, Florida, 1991–2020 normals, extremes 1999–present |single line = Y |collapsed = Y |Jan record high F = 87 |Feb record high F = 89 |Mar record high F = 92 |Apr record high F = 94 |May record high F = 102 |Jun record high F = 100 |Jul record high F = 101 |Aug record high F = 99 |Sep record high F = 97 |Oct record high F = 92 |Nov record high F = 89 |Dec record high F = 87

|precipitation colour = green | Jan precipitation inch = 3.34 | Feb precipitation inch = 3.60 | Mar precipitation inch = 3.09 | Apr precipitation inch = 2.51 | May precipitation inch = 2.79 | Jun precipitation inch = 5.92 | Jul precipitation inch = 6.27 | Aug precipitation inch = 6.41 | Sep precipitation inch = 7.67 | Oct precipitation inch = 4.45 | Nov precipitation inch = 2.46 | Dec precipitation inch = 2.93 |year precipitation inch = 51.44 | unit precipitation days = 0.01 in | Jan precipitation days = 10.3 | Feb precipitation days = 9.8 | Mar precipitation days = 9.3 | Apr precipitation days = 6.9 | May precipitation days = 6.8 | Jun precipitation days = 13.2 | Jul precipitation days = 13.4 | Aug precipitation days = 14.8 | Sep precipitation days = 13.8 | Oct precipitation days = 10.5 | Nov precipitation days = 8.9 | Dec precipitation days = 9.5 | year precipitation days = 127.2 |Jan snow inch = |Feb snow inch = |Mar snow inch = |Apr snow inch = |May snow inch = |Jun snow inch = |Jul snow inch = |Aug snow inch = |Sep snow inch = |Oct snow inch = |Nov snow inch = |Dec snow inch = |year snow inch = |unit snow days = 0.1 in |Jan snow days = |Feb snow days = |Mar snow days = |Apr snow days = |May snow days = |Jun snow days = |Jul snow days = |Aug snow days = |Sep snow days = |Oct snow days = |Nov snow days = |Dec snow days = |year snow days = |source 1 = NOAA (mean maxima/minima 2006–2020)<ref>{{cite web | url = https://w2.weather.gov/climate/xmacis.php?wfo=jax | title = NOWData - NOAA Online Weather Data | publisher = National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration | accessdate = June 2, 2021 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/access/services/data/v1?dataset=normals-monthly-1991-2020&startDate=0001-01-01&endDate=9996-12-31&stations=USC00086767&format=pdf | title = Summary of Monthly Normals 1991-2020 | publisher = National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration | accessdate = June 2, 2021 }}</ref> }}

===Parks=== There are more than 130 miles of trails in the city, interconnected with parks and preserves:<ref name="PARK">{{cite web |title=Parks and Trails |url=https://www.palmcoast.gov/parks-and-trails |website=palmcoast.gov |publisher=City of Palm Coast, Florida |access-date=9 May 2026}}</ref> {| |valign="top"| * Belle Terre Park * Bird of Paradise Nature Reserve * Central Park in Town Center * Community Center & Park * Heroes Memorial Park * Indian Trails Sports Complex |width="60"|  |valign="top"|‎ * James F. Holland Memorial Park * Lehigh Trailhead * Linear Park * Long Creek Nature Preserve * Palm Coast Aquatics Center |width="60"|  |valign="top"|‎ * Palm Harbor Golf Club * Ralph Carter Park * Seminole Woods Neighborhood Park * Southern Recreation Center * The Stage At Town Center * Waterfront Park |}

==Economy== {{As of|2012}}, industrial parks within the town housed more than 30 mid-size businesses, with the largest one, the "Palm Coast Data" company, employing close to 1,000 people before closing August 15, 2020.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Park |first1=Clayton |title=Palm Coast Data planning 80-100 layoffs |url=https://www.news-journalonline.com/story/news/coronavirus/2020/05/20/palm-coast-data-planning-80-100-layoffs/1171287007/ |website=news-journalonline.com |publisher=Daytona Beach News-Journal |access-date=20 May 2026}}</ref> Flagler County has had one of the highest rates of population growth in the United States since 1990, according to the U.S. Bureau of the Census. However, the area was hit extremely hard by the housing bust's recession. In December 2009, it had the worst unemployment rate of the state of Florida's largest metropolitan areas, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The unemployment rate at that time was 16.9 percent.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.bls.gov/news.release/metro.t01.htm|title=Table 1. Civilian labor force and unemployment by state and metropolitan area - 2022 M06 Results|website=www.bls.gov}}</ref> Palm Coast is the economic center of the county. In 2025, the top employers were Flagler County are schools, followed by full-service restaurants, medical & hospitals, landscaping services, limited-service restaurants, government offices, supermarkets & grocery stores, hotels & motels, retail superstores and department stores.<ref>{{cite web |title=Top Employers Flagler County 2024 |url=https://www.visitflagler.com/economic-development/work/major-employers/ |website=visitflagler.com |publisher=Flagler Tourism Bureau |access-date=20 May 2026}}</ref>

===Village=== The ''European Village'' is a mixed-use development in the Palm Harbor neighborhood near the Hammock Dunes Bridge that replicates the "live-work-play" environment of a traditional European-style town center. The architecture looks "old world" with an open-air plaza and a Center Stage playing live music on weekends and community events. There are almost 100 residential condos above {{convert|36,000|ft2|m2}} of commercial space. Since opening February 21, 2006 it now has over a dozen restaurants and bars plus boutiques, salons and a Sunday farmers market.<ref>{{cite web |title=Shop Local, Eat Local at European Village |url=https://www.visitflagler.com/blog/post/shop-local-eat-local-at-european-village/ |website=visitflagler.com |publisher=Palm Coast and the Flagler Beaches |access-date=20 May 2026}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Peters |first1=Terri |title=I visited a beach town in Florida's 'Hamptons of the South.' It felt charmingly European, but I found better spots nearby. |url=https://www.businessinsider.com/30a-florida-rosemary-beach-european-recommendations-best-towns-2024-11 |website=businessinsider.com |publisher=Business Insider |access-date=20 May 2026}}</ref>

==Local government== Palm Coast is under a council-manager form of government, meaning its ordinances are considered by a City Council with the Mayor as the chair. A Vice Mayor is appointed by the council on an annual basis.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-11-07 |title=City Council reelects Ed Danko to vice mayor position |url=https://www.observerlocalnews.com/news/2023/nov/07/city-council-reelects-ed-danko-to-vice-mayor-position/ |access-date=2025-07-08 |website=Observer Local News |language=en}}</ref> The Palm Coast City Council has five seats, four of which are for Council members elected to represent geographic districts, and one at-large seat for the Mayor. Registered voters from anywhere in the city can vote for each of the five Council seats. As of July 2025, the Palm Coast City Council is occupied by the following Council members:<ref>{{Cite web |title=Elected Officials |url=https://www.palmcoast.gov/council |access-date=2023-07-06 |website=Official Website for the City of Palm Coast |language=en}}</ref> {| class="wikitable" !Position !Name |- |Mayor of Palm Coast |Mike Norris |- |City Council Member, District 1 |Ty Miller |- |City Council Member, District 2 |Theresa Carli Pontieri (Vice Mayor) |- |City Council Member, District 3 |David Sullivan |- |City Council Member, District 4 |Charles A. Gambaro Jr. |} Pontieri is the longest serving on the council, having been elected in 2022.<ref>{{Cite web |date=8 November 2022 |title=2022 general election results |url=https://www.flaglerelections.com/Election-Info/Election-Results/2022-General-Election-Results}}</ref> Norris and Miller were elected in 2024.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-11-06 |title=Flagler County 2024 General Election Results |url=https://askflagler.com/flagler-county-2024-general-election-results/ |access-date=2024-11-19 |website=AskFlagler |language=en-US}}</ref> Former Councilwoman Cathy Heighter resigned her seat in August 2024, leading to the appointment of Gambaro to serve out the remaining two years of her term.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Gollon |first=Chris |date=2024-08-19 |title=Cathy Heighter Resigns from Palm Coast City Council |url=https://askflagler.com/cathy-heighter-resigns-from-palm-coast-city-council/ |website=AskFlagler}}</ref> Former Councilman Ray Stevens vacated his seat on February 28, 2025,<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |last=Gollon |first=Chris |date=2025-03-01 |title=Ray Stevens Resigns from Palm Coast City Council Amid Health Concerns |url=https://askflagler.com/ray-stevens-resigns-from-palm-coast-city-council-amid-health-concerns/ |access-date=2025-03-01 |website=AskFlagler |language=en-US}}</ref> leading to the appointment of David Sullivan by the remaining four Council members on April 15.

The Palm Coast City Council has a two-term limit instituted by the City Charter, with the exception of those members serving a partial term from a special election. Those members may serve two four-year terms along with the duration of the partial term, as decided by the voters. Palm Coast City Council races are nonpartisan, though members' political affiliation is often available to residents in public registration data.

===Services=== * The Palm Coast Fire Department provides fire protection. * The city contracts with the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office for law enforcement. * The city's Community Development department manages planning, zoning, building permits, and code enforcement rather than the county.<ref>{{cite web |title=Government |url=https://www.palmcoast.gov/ |website=palmcoast.gov |publisher=City of Palm Coast, Florida |access-date=10 April 2026}}</ref> * The city contracts with FCC Environmental for refuse collection, recycling and yard waste.<ref>{{cite web |title=Garbage Collection |url=https://www.palmcoast.gov/public-works/garbage |website=palmcoast.gov |publisher=City of Palm Coast, Florida |access-date=11 April 2026}}</ref> * Water and Sewer lines were constructed and operated by ITT dba Florida Water Services until sold to Allete in 1996, then the City of Palm Coast in 2003.<ref>{{cite web |last1=London |first1=Aaron |title=Palm Coast Holdings closing up shop |url=https://www.news-journalonline.com/story/news/local/flagler/2017/02/03/palm-coast-holdings-closing-up-shop/22491516007/ |website=news-journalonline.com |publisher=Dayton Beach News-Journal |access-date=10 April 2026}}</ref> The Palm Coast Utility Department now has responsibility for water and sewer operation and maintenance.<ref>{{cite web |title=Palm Coast Utility Department |url=https://www.palmcoast.gov/utility-1 |website=palmcoast.gov |publisher=City of Palm Coast, Florida |access-date=11 April 2026}}</ref> * The Utilities Stormwater division is responsible for design and construction of canals, swales, culverts, ditches and retention ponds to control flooding, minimize erosion, and protect the quality of water.<ref>{{cite web |title=Stormwater 101 |url=https://www.palmcoast.gov/stormwater/stormwater-101 |website=palmcoast.gov |publisher=City of Palm Coast, Florida |access-date=11 April 2026}}</ref> * The Palm Coast City Council adopted the 2023 Parks & Recreation Master Plan, a joint venture between the city and county to define goals and responsibilities for recreational facilities, parks, services and programs in the city/county.<ref name="REC">{{cite web |title=City of Palm Coast Adopts Countywide Parks and Recreation Master Plan |url=https://palmcoast.gov/Newsroom/Home/Details/city-of-palm-coast-adopts-countywide-parks-and-recreation-master-plan |website=palmcoast.gov |publisher=City of Palm Coast, Florida |access-date=11 April 2026}}</ref> * The Palm Coast Public Works department is responsible for maintenance of non-state and non-county roads within the city limits.<ref>{{cite web |title=Road & Bridge |url=https://www.flaglercounty.gov/County-Services/Public-Works/Road-Bridge |website=flaglercounty.gov |publisher=Flagler County, Florida |access-date=11 April 2026}}</ref> * The Palm Coast Economic Development department promotes the area as business-friendly to attract new investment and retain existing business using an Economic Development website.<ref>{{cite web |title=Business & Growth |url=https://www.palmcoast.gov/business |website=palmcoast.gov |publisher=City of Palm Coast, Florida |access-date=12 April 2026}}</ref> * The Palm Coast Animal Control division enforces state laws and local ordinances for public health, the safety of pets and responsible ownership of pets.<ref>{{cite web |title=Animal Control |url=https://www.palmcoast.gov/animal-control |website=palmcoast.gov |publisher=City of Palm Coast, Florida |access-date=12 April 2026}}</ref> At the county level, schools are administered by the Flagler School Board; the East Flagler Mosquito Control District monitors and suppresses mosquito populations; the Elections Supervisor handles voter registration and elections; the Property Appraiser and Tax Collector deal with property and taxes; and the Clerk of Courts is the custodian of records and manages the administrative operations of the court system. The Flagler Board of County Commissioners oversees the administration of typical county services, such as roads, public safety, and land use planning, but the city of Palm Coast takes responsibility for most services within the city except the library.<ref>{{cite web |title=County Services |url=https://www.flaglercounty.gov/County-Services |website=flaglercounty.gov |publisher=Flagler County, Florida |access-date=11 April 2026}}</ref>

==Demographics== {{US Census population | 1980 = 2837 | 1990 = 14287 | 2000 = 32732 | 2010 = 75180 | 2020 = 89258 | estyear = 2024 | estimate = 106729 |estref={{increase}} | align-fn = center | footnote = U.S. Decennial Census<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov/programs-surveys/decennial-census.html|title=Census of Population and Housing|author=United States Census Bureau|author-link=United States Census Bureau|access-date=September 11, 2014}}</ref> | align = right }}

===Racial and ethnic composition===

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center;" |+Palm Coast, Florida – Racial and ethnic composition {{nobold|''Note: the US Census treats Hispanic/Latino as an ethnic category. This table excludes Latinos from the racial categories and assigns them to a separate category. Hispanics/Latinos may be of any race.''}} !Race / Ethnicity (''NH = Non-Hispanic'') !Pop 2000<ref name=2000CensusP004>{{Cite web|title=P004 Hispanic or Latino, and Not Hispanic or Latino by Race – 2000: DEC Summary File 1 – Palm Coast city, Florida|url=https://data.census.gov/table/DECENNIALSF12000.P004?g=160XX00US1254200|website=United States Census Bureau}}</ref> !Pop 2010<ref name=2010CensusP2>{{Cite web|title=P2: Hispanic or Latino, and Not Hispanic or Latino by Race – 2010: DEC Redistricting Data (PL 94-171) – Palm Coast city, Florida |url=https://data.census.gov/table?q=p2&g=160XX00US1254200&tid=DECENNIALPL2010.P2|publisher=United States Census Bureau|access-date=}}</ref> !{{partial|Pop 2020}}<ref name=2020CensusP2>{{Cite web|title=P2: Hispanic or Latino, and Not Hispanic or Latino by Race – 2020: DEC Redistricting Data (PL 94-171) – Palm Coast city, Florida|url=https://data.census.gov/cedsci/table?q=p2&g=160XX00US1254200&tid=DECENNIALPL2020.P2|publisher=United States Census Bureau|access-date=}}</ref> !% 2000 !% 2010 !{{partial|% 2020}} |- |White (NH) |26,217 |54,762 |style='background: #ffffe6; |62,158 |80.10% |72.84% |style='background: #ffffe6; |69.64% |- |Black or African American (NH) |3,261 |9,191 |style='background: #ffffe6; |9,249 |9.96% |12.23% |style='background: #ffffe6; |10.36% |- |Native American or Alaska Native (NH) |65 |155 |style='background: #ffffe6; |223 |0.20% |0.21% |style='background: #ffffe6; |0.25% |- |Asian (NH) |492 |1,878 |style='background: #ffffe6; |2,161 |1.50% |2.50% |style='background: #ffffe6; |2.42% |- |Pacific Islander or Native Hawaiian (NH) |10 |44 |style='background: #ffffe6; |55 |0.03% |0.06% |style='background: #ffffe6; |0.06% |- |Some other race (NH) |73 |270 |style='background: #ffffe6; |614 |0.22% |0.36% |style='background: #ffffe6; |0.69% |- |Mixed race or Multiracial (NH) |418 |1,328 |style='background: #ffffe6; |3,852 |1.28% |1.77% |style='background: #ffffe6; |4.32% |- |Hispanic or Latino (any race) |2,196 |7,552 |style='background: #ffffe6; |10,946 |6.71% |10.05% |style='background: #ffffe6; |12.26% |- |'''Total''' |'''32,732''' |'''75,180''' |style='background: #ffffe6; |'''89,258''' |'''100.00%''' |'''100.00%''' |style='background: #ffffe6; |'''100.00%''' |- |}

===2020 census===

As of the 2020 census, Palm Coast had a population of 89,258. The median age was 51.6 years. 17.7% of residents were under the age of 18 and 30.6% of residents were 65 years of age or older. For every 100 females there were 91.2 males, and for every 100 females age 18 and over there were 88.3 males age 18 and over.<ref name="Census2020DP">{{cite web|title=2020 Decennial Census Demographic Profile (DP1)|url=https://api.census.gov/data/2020/dec/dp?get=NAME%2CDP1_0021P%2CDP1_0024P%2CDP1_0025C%2CDP1_0049C%2CDP1_0045C%2CDP1_0069C%2CDP1_0073C%2CDP1_0125P%2CDP1_0126P%2CDP1_0129P%2CDP1_0133P%2CDP1_0137P%2CDP1_0138P%2CDP1_0139P%2CDP1_0141P%2CDP1_0142P%2CDP1_0143P%2CDP1_0145P%2CDP1_0146P%2CDP1_0147C%2CDP1_0148C%2CDP1_0149C%2CDP1_0156C%2CDP1_0157C%2CDP1_0158C%2CDP1_0159P%2CDP1_0160P&for=place%3A54200&in=state%3A12|website=United States Census Bureau|year=2021|access-date=April 3, 2026|df=mdy}}</ref><ref name="Census2020PL"/>

98.8% of residents lived in urban areas, while 1.2% lived in rural areas.<ref name="Census2020DHC">{{cite web|title=2020 Decennial Census Demographic and Housing Characteristics (DHC)|url=https://api.census.gov/data/2020/dec/dhc?get=NAME%2CP2_002N%2CP2_003N&for=place%3A54200&in=state%3A12|website=United States Census Bureau|year=2023|access-date=April 3, 2026|df=mdy}}</ref>

There were 36,279 households in Palm Coast, of which 24.0% had children under the age of 18 living in them. Of all households, 55.2% were married-couple households, 13.3% were households with a male householder and no spouse or partner present, and 24.9% were households with a female householder and no spouse or partner present. About 22.6% of all households were made up of individuals and 14.1% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. There were 24,478 families in the city.<ref name="Census2020DP"/>

There were 39,763 housing units, of which 8.8% were vacant. The homeowner vacancy rate was 1.8% and the rental vacancy rate was 7.9%.<ref name="Census2020DP"/>

{| class="wikitable" |+ Racial composition as of the 2020 census<ref name="Census2020PL">{{cite web|title=2020 Decennial Census Redistricting Data (Public Law 94-171)|url=https://api.census.gov/data/2020/dec/pl?get=NAME%2CP1_001N%2CP1_003N%2CP1_004N%2CP1_005N%2CP1_006N%2CP1_007N%2CP1_008N%2CP1_009N%2CP2_001N%2CP2_002N%2CH1_001N%2CH1_002N&for=place%3A54200&in=state%3A12|website=United States Census Bureau|year=2021|access-date=April 3, 2026|df=mdy}}</ref> ! Race !! Number !! Percent |- | White || 65,108 || 72.9% |- | Black or African American || 9,622 || 10.8% |- | American Indian and Alaska Native || 301 || 0.3% |- | Asian || 2,215 || 2.5% |- | Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander || 59 || 0.1% |- | Some other race || 3,141 || 3.5% |- | Two or more races || 8,812 || 9.9% |- | ''Hispanic or Latino (of any race)'' || 10,946 || 12.3% |}

===2010 census===

As of the 2010 United States census, there were 75,180 people, 27,184 households, and 19,862 families residing in the city.<ref>{{Cite web|title=S1101 Households and Families - 2010: Palm Coast city, Florida|url=https://data.census.gov/table?q=Palm+Coast+city;+Florida+&tid=ACSST5Y2010.S1101|website=United States Census Bureau}}</ref>

===2000 census===

As of 2000, 22.4% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 66.6% were married couples living together, 8.1% had a female householder with no husband present, and 22.7% were non-families. 18.6% of all households were made up of individuals, and 11.9% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.38 and the average family size was 2.68.

In 2000, the city's population was spread out, with 18.5% under the age of 18, 4.6% from 18 to 24, 19.7% from 25 to 44, 26.9% from 45 to 64, and 30.2% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 51 years. For every 100 females, there were 90.4 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 87.6 males.

In 2000, the median income for a household in the city was $41,570, and the median income for a family was $45,818. Males had a median income of $31,976 versus $24,637 for females. The per capita income for the city was $21,490. About 5.6% of families and 7.5% of the population were below the poverty line, including 14.3% of those under age 18 and 3.6% of those age 65 or over.

===Languages===

As of 2000, English spoken as a first language accounted for 87.66% of all residents, while 12.33% spoke other languages as their mother tongue. The most significant was Spanish speakers who made up 6.48% of the population, while German came up as the third most spoken language, which made up 1.18%, Italian was spoken by 1.02%, and Portuguese at 1.00% of the population.<ref>[http://www.mla.org/map_data_results&SRVY_YEAR=2000&geo=&state_id=12&county_id=&mode=place&lang_id=&zip=&place_id=54200&cty_id=&region_id=&division_id=&ll=&a=&ea=&order=r&pc=1 Modern Language Association Data Center Results of Palm Coast, Florida].</ref> ==Noted issues==

===Pedestrian fatalities===

On March 2, 2017, Michelle Taylor, a 16-year-old student of Matanzas High School was struck and killed by a car while walking home from school in an area with no sidewalks and few street lights.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.palmcoastobserver.com/article/palm-coast-resident-michelle-taylor-16-killed-in-car-crash-21-year-old-injured|title = Palm Coast resident Michelle Taylor, 16, killed in car crash; 21-year-old injured | Palm Coast|date = 3 March 2017}}</ref> In the following months, the people of the city petitioned to have more street lights and sidewalks installed throughout the entire city to reduce the number of pedestrian injuries and deaths. Students of Matanzas High School took charge of these efforts by creating committees and petitions to generate attention and pressure the local city council. Towards the end of 2016, Kevin Smith Jr, also a student of Matanzas, was injured in a hit and run under the same conditions.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://flaglerlive.com/103195/cycling-hit-and-run/|title=Kelvin Smith, 16, Killed in Hit-and-Run as He Was Cycling on Old Kings Road in F-Section|date=January 2017}}</ref>

==Healthcare== There are two hospitals in the city: AdventHealth Palm Coast and AdventHealth Palm Coast Parkway.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.news-journalonline.com/story/news/healthcare/2022/04/24/adventhealth-palm-coast-opens-training-center-nurses-students/7396336001/|title=AdventHealth Palm Coast opens news training simulation center for nurses, college students|last=Ross|first=Nikki|date=April 24, 2022|newspaper=The Daytona Beach News-Journal|access-date=August 3, 2023}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.al.com/news/2023/07/birminghams-robins-morton-completes-100-million-florida-hospital.html|title=Birmingham's Robins & Morton completes $167 million Florida hospital|date=July 31, 2023|website=AL.com|access-date=August 3, 2023}}</ref>

==Notable people== * Ray Black Jr., driver in the NASCAR Xfinity Series * Blackbear, singer of Hot Girl Bummer * Darryl Boyer, politician and activist * Caesar DePaço, Portuguese businessman and diplomat who served as the Portuguese Consul to Florida * Ron DeSantis, former U.S. Congressman and Governor of Florida * Louis Bernard Gaskin, "The Ninja Killer" who was executed by the state in 2023 * Eddie Money, singer of Two Tickets to Paradise * Reilly Opelka, tennis player * Leslie West, former lead singer of Mountain * Home Is Where, emo band * Rain City Drive, post-hardcore band

==References== {{Reflist}}

==External links== * {{wikivoyage inline|Palm Coast}} * [http://www.palmcoastgov.com/ City of Palm Coast official website]

{{Portal bar|North America|United States|Florida|Cities}} {{North Florida}} {{Flagler County, Florida}} {{Metro Orlando}}

Category:Palm Coast, Florida Category:Populated places on the Intracoastal Waterway in Florida Category:Cities in Flagler County, Florida Category:Planned communities in the United States Category:Populated places established in 1969 Category:Cities in Florida Category:Former census-designated places in Florida Category:Planned communities in Florida Category:1969 establishments in Florida