Key West, at the southern tip of the Florida Keys, combines tropical island charm, history, nightlife and water-based recreation.
The visitor economy remains a primary pillar for the region. According to recent Monroe County data, tourists spent about $3.5 billion in the Florida Keys in 2023, generating nearly $400 million in tax revenue and supporting more than 24,000 jobs.
Key stats: Key West Tourism
- About 1 million tourists visit Key West annually — it remains a major draw within the Florida Keys region.
- Visitors to the region stay an average of 4.9 nights, with short-term rentals showing stays of around 4.0 days.
- On the short-term rental market, guests in Key West pay about $404 per night on average (Oct 2023 – Sep 2024).
- Key West International Airport posted a strong +11% growth in passenger enplanements in Q4 2024, outpacing many other Florida airports.
- Nearly 46.5% of all overnight trips to the Florida Keys region go to Key West — the island captures nearly half of the region’s tourism traffic.
- The target visitor segment is affluent: about 30% of households staying in the area earn over $150 000 annually, with many over $120 000.
- Monroe County’s tourism tax revenue rose +1.2% by June 2025, signalling that demand remains resilient despite market ups and downs.
How Much Do Visitors to Key West Spend?
In 2023, the average visitor to the Florida Keys region (including Key West) spent approximately $1,667 per person per trip, with lodging accounting for 47 % of that spend and food & beverage another 33 %. The typical stay lasted about 6.0 nights.
Who Visits Key West and Where Are They From?
About 87 % of visitors to the Florida Keys region in 2023 came from within the United States, with Canadians representing 3.7 % and all other international visitors 8.9 %. Among U.S. states, Florida residents made up about 26 % of the visitors.
What Are the Accommodation Rates and Visitor Length of Stay?
The average length of stay in the Florida Keys region was 6.0 nights in 2023; 57 % stayed 4–7 nights, 32 % 1–3 nights, and 11 % stayed 8 nights or more.
What Are Key West’s Most Visited Attractions?
Key West’s appeal spans historic sites, beaches, marine activities and nightlife. Among notable draws:
- The Ernest Hemingway House in downtown Key West draws an estimated 600–800 visitors daily.
- Water-based recreation (fishing, diving, boating) is very popular among visitors.
When Is the Best Time to Visit Key West?
Key West is relatively busy year-round thanks to its subtropical climate and proximity to the mainland, but visitor volumes still rise during peak winter months and holiday periods. Recent commentary suggests that occupancy trends began to soften in 2024 and may continue into 2025.
What Are Some Challenges Facing Key West Tourism?
- Infrastructure and housing pressures due to high tourist volume in a small island environment.
- Potential flattening or decline in growth suggested by local industry commentary for the 2025 season.
- Balancing tourism with community quality-of-life and environmental concerns in a sensitive ecosystem.
FAQ – Key West Tourism Insights
How much do visitors spend in Key West?
Visitors to the Florida Keys region, including Key West, spent roughly $1,667 per person per trip in 2023.
How many jobs does tourism support in Key West’s region?
In Monroe County (which includes Key West), tourism supports over 24,000 jobs according to 2023 figures.
Where do most visitors to Key West come from?
Most visitors to Key West region are from within the United States (about 87 % in 2023), with smaller shares from Canada (~3.7 %) and other international markets.
What is the average length of stay?
The average stay for visitors in the Keys region was approximately 6.0 nights in 2023.
Is the best time to visit Key West clear?
While there isn’t a dramatic “off-season”, peak traffic tends to occur in winter months and during special events; visitors seeking fewer crowds might consider shoulder periods.
Sources
- Monroe County Tourism / Rockport Analytics — Monroe County TDC – Annual Visitor Profile Report
- Visit Florida Keys — Value of Tourism in the Florida Keys & Key West (Official Economic Impact Data)
- RoadGenius — Key West Tourism Statistics (Spending, Cruise Arrivals, Visitor Trends)
- Key West Island News — Key West Season Trends & Visitor Behavior Analysis
- Key West Travel Guide — Key West Tourism Statistics (Airport Traffic, ADR, Hotel Occupancy)
- Keys Weekly — Florida Keys Tourism Economic Performance
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