Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Arcadia, FL
Considering a move to Arcadia, FL? This friendly small city of 7,786 offers affordable living, with a median home price of $162,000 and average rents around $920. Residents enjoy warm, sunny weather year-round and a manageable 27.5-minute average commute. While property crime rates are higher than average, the city features accessible healthcare and schools, plus a close-knit community with a diverse population. Arcadia is perfect for those seeking a relaxed lifestyle in Florida’s heartland.
Demographics - Arcadia, FL
Demographics - Arcadia, FL
Arcadia is a small city with a population of 7,786 and a median age of 37.5, reflecting a blend of families and working adults. Its diverse community includes a mix of ethnic backgrounds and a significant portion of non-English speakers, creating a vibrant, multicultural atmosphere. The moderate population density offers a comfortable balance between community feel and personal space.
Population:
7,786
Density:
1,810 per sq mi
Median Age:
37.5
Gender Ratio:
104 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
32.4%
Ethnic Composition
White:
52.1%
Black:
18.2%
Asian:
1.1%
Others:
28.6%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Arcadia, FL?
Arcadia's cost of living is notably affordable, with a median home value of $162,000 and average rents around $920. Essential expenses like utilities and groceries are close to or below the national average, making it an attractive choice for budget-conscious residents. With Florida's 0% state income tax, living here provides additional financial advantages.
Median House Value:
$162,000
Gross Rent:
$920
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$140
Auto Insurance:
$2,130
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,220
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$370
State Taxes:
Low:
0%
|
High:
0%
Cost Of Living Index:
84.0
Grocery:
98.9
Housing:
66.2
Utilities:
103.0
Transportation:
92.7
Health Care:
97.3
Miscellaneous:
95.8
Crime
Is Arcadia, FL a safe place to live?
While Arcadia offers a welcoming community, it has higher-than-average property crime rates, with a 1 in 27 chance of experiencing property crime. Violent crime is less common, occurring at a rate of 510 incidents per 100,000 residents. Newcomers should take standard safety precautions and stay connected with local resources.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
510
Property Crimes Per 100k:
3,675
Crime Index:
4,185
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 196
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 27
Weather
What is the weather like in Arcadia, FL year-round?
Residents enjoy Arcadia’s warm climate, with mild winters averaging from 50°F to 74°F and hot summers peaking near 92°F. The city experiences about 70% sunny days each year and receives an average of 52 inches of rainfall, making it ideal for those who appreciate abundant sunshine and outdoor activities.
Winter
Min:
50°F
Max:
74°F
Spring
Min:
59°F
Max:
87°F
Summer
Min:
72°F
Max:
92°F
Fall
Min:
63°F
Max:
85°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
52 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
70%
Neighbors
Arcadia’s neighborhoods are characterized by modest incomes, with a median household income of $36,800 and a poverty rate of nearly 30%. Educational attainment is moderate, as about 71% of adults hold a high school diploma or higher. The area offers a tight-knit, diverse community with average commute times of 27.5 minutes.
Median Income:
$27,900
Household Income:
$36,800
Family Income:
$41,500
Per Capita Income:
$17,500
Income Male:
$27,700
Income Female:
$22,200
Poverty Rate:
29.6%
Non English Speakers:
32.4%
Rent:
$920
Unemployment Rate:
6.0%
Public Transport Usage:
0.9%
Commute Time:
27.5 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
70.5%
Bachelors or More:
10.8%
Education
How are the schools in Arcadia, FL?
Arcadia’s educational options include several public and private schools, such as Memorial Elementary and Desoto Middle, both with manageable student-teacher ratios. While local higher education is limited, South Florida State College is located about 35 miles away, expanding opportunities for advanced study. The city’s schools support the community’s diverse student population.
Public Schools
Name:
Memorial Elementary School
Street:
851 E Hickory St
Phone:
863-494-2736
Students:
690
Student Teacher Ratio:
15.9
Name:
Desoto Middle School
Street:
420 E Gibson St
Phone:
863-494-4133
Students:
900
Student Teacher Ratio:
16.8
Private Schools
Name:
Peace River Christian Academy
Street:
5231 SE County Road 760
Phone:
863-494-1865
Students:
120
Colleges
Name:
South Florida State College
City:
Avon Park
State:
FL
Distance:
35 miles
Students:
2,800
Healthcare
Arcadia provides essential healthcare services through facilities like Desoto Memorial Hospital, ensuring residents have access to general and emergency care. There are about 1.2 physicians per 1,000 people, and over 83% of residents have health insurance coverage. The city’s healthcare index suggests services are accessible for most families.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Desoto Memorial Hospital
Address:
900 N Roberts Ave, Arcadia, FL 34266
Phone:
(863) 494-3535
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.2
Health Insurance Coverage:
83.7%
Health Care Index:
70.2
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Arcadia, FL?
The local housing market is affordable, with a median home price of $162,000 and average rent for a two-bedroom apartment at $950. More than half of residents own their homes, and the market has seen steady appreciation, with a 6.3% increase in home values over the past year. Rental vacancies are moderate, offering choices for both buyers and renters.
Median Home Price:
$162,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$950
Owner Occupied Rate:
54.8%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
7.1%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
6.3%
New Construction Rate:
1.2%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.9%
DMV Information
Residents handle vehicle and licensing needs through the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, with the nearest regional office in Lakeland. The DMV provides essential services such as registration, licensing, and title transfers, and offers online resources for convenience. For questions or appointments, residents can visit the website or call the state hotline.
State:
Florida
Department:
Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles
Address:
2018 E. Edgewood Dr., Lakeland, FL 33803 (nearest regional office)
Phone:
850-617-2000
Website:
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is based on publicly available sources including AccuWeather, U.S. Census Bureau, local government data, and third-party partners such as Neustar. While we strive to ensure accuracy, all data is provided “as is” and should be independently verified before making any decisions. Movers.com makes no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the information.