History of Mexico Beach, Florida in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: October 28, 2025

Mexico Beach is a city in Bay County, Florida, situated on the Florida Panhandle, approximately 25 miles southeast of Panama City. As part of the Panama City-Panama City Beach Metropolitan Statistical Area in North Florida, the city had a population of 916 in the 2020 census. This figure represents a decrease from the 1,072 residents recorded in the 2010 census.

1946: Real Estate Development Begins

In 1946, real estate development commenced in the area that would become Mexico Beach.

1967: Incorporation as a Municipality

In 1967, Mexico Beach was officially incorporated as a municipality.

November 22, 1985: Hurricane Kate's Impact

On November 22, 1985, Hurricane Kate's eye passed over Mexico Beach, resulting in Category 2 winds and tides that destroyed beachfront homes and businesses.

1992: Hurricane Andrew

In 1992, Hurricane Andrew was the last Category 5 hurricane to make landfall in the United States before Hurricane Michael in 2018.

2000: 2000 Census Data

According to the census of 2000, Mexico Beach had 1,017 residents, 526 households, and 319 families. The population density was 299.7 people per square kilometer.

2000: Household Composition in 2000

In 2000, 11.8% of households had children under 18, 53.4% were married couples, 5.3% had a female householder with no husband present, and 39.2% were non-families. The average household size was 1.93 and the average family size was 2.42.

2000: Income and Poverty Levels in 2000

In 2000, the median household income in Mexico Beach was $31,950, and the median family income was $40,163. About 8.1% of families and 11.5% of the population were below the poverty line.

2000: Age and Sex Distribution in 2000

In 2000, the population distribution in Mexico Beach was 11.1% under 18, 3.9% from 18 to 24, 19.8% from 25 to 44, 34.8% from 45 to 64, and 30.4% who were 65 or older. The median age was 54 years, and for every 100 females, there were 97.5 males.

2010: 2010 Census Data

As of the 2010 United States census, there were 1,072 people, 599 households, and 325 families residing in Mexico Beach.

2010: Household Characteristics in 2010

In 2010, 11.4% of households had children under 18, 47.8% were married couples, 6.7% had a female householder with no husband present, and 43.2% were non-families. The average household size was 1.90, and the average family size was 2.43.

2010: Age and Sex Distribution in 2010

In 2010, Mexico Beach's population distribution was 11.3% under 18, 5.4% from 18 to 24, 16.7% from 25 to 44, 35.5% from 45 to 64, and 31.2% who were 65 or older. The median age was 55.1 years. For every 100 females, there were 94.2 males.

2010: Population Density in 2010

In 2010, the population density of Mexico Beach was 595.6 inhabitants per square mile, with 1,852 housing units at an average density of 1,028.9 units per square mile.

October 10, 2018: Hurricane Michael Damage

On October 10, 2018, Hurricane Michael extensively damaged Mexico Beach, leading FEMA to declare the community "wiped out." The city has since been rebuilt.