Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Bartow, FL
Planning a move to Bartow, FL? With a friendly population of about 20,200, Bartow offers affordable living—a median home price around $240,000 and average rents near $1,120. Residents enjoy warm weather year-round, low commute times of just 24 minutes, and a strong sense of community. Crime rates are moderate for the region, schools are solid, and cost of living is well below the national average. Explore Bartow’s charming lifestyle, sunny climate, and local amenities as you consider your next home.
Demographics - Bartow, FL
Demographics - Bartow, FL
Bartow is home to approximately 20,200 residents, featuring a balanced gender ratio and a median age of 38.1. The city is diverse, with a majority White population (62%), a significant Black community (27.5%), and over 12% of residents speaking a language other than English at home. Its moderate population density supports a close-knit, community-oriented atmosphere.
Population:
20,200
Density:
1,300 per sq mi
Median Age:
38.1
Gender Ratio:
97 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
12.5%
Ethnic Composition
White:
62.0%
Black:
27.5%
Asian:
1.2%
Others:
9.3%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Bartow, FL?
Bartow offers an affordable lifestyle, with a median home value of $240,000 and average rents around $1,120 per month. Living costs are well below the national average, aided by Florida’s lack of state income tax and lower-than-average housing expenses. Utilities and groceries are moderately priced, making Bartow an attractive choice for budget-conscious families.
Median House Value:
$240,000
Gross Rent:
$1,120
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$145
Auto Insurance:
$2,440
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,370
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$420
State Taxes:
Low:
0% (no state income tax)
|
High:
0% (no state income tax)
Cost Of Living Index:
88.0
Grocery:
96.0
Housing:
74.0
Utilities:
106.0
Transportation:
95.0
Health Care:
97.0
Miscellaneous:
92.0
Crime
Is Bartow, FL a safe place to live?
Bartow experiences moderate crime levels typical for its region, with a violent crime rate of 226 per 100,000 residents and a property crime rate of 1,220 per 100,000. Residents have a 1 in 442 chance of being affected by violent crime, indicating a community that is generally safe but mindful of local crime trends. Overall, Bartow maintains a sense of security for families and newcomers.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
226
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,220
Crime Index:
1,446
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 442
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 82
Weather
What is the weather like in Bartow, FL year-round?
Bartow enjoys a sunny climate with mild winters (lows around 51°F) and hot, humid summers reaching up to 92°F. The area receives about 51 inches of rainfall annually and boasts sunshine roughly 68% of the year. Residents can expect pleasant springs and falls, ideal for outdoor activities year-round.
Winter
Min:
51°F
Max:
74°F
Spring
Min:
61°F
Max:
84°F
Summer
Min:
73°F
Max:
92°F
Fall
Min:
65°F
Max:
85°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
51.0 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
68%
Neighbors
Bartow’s households typically earn a median income of $54,400, with 86.5% of adults holding at least a high school diploma. The area has an 18.6% poverty rate and a low unemployment rate of 4.2%, offering reasonable commute times around 24 minutes. Bartow’s diverse community values education and affordability, supporting a comfortable suburban lifestyle.
Median Income:
$27,300
Household Income:
$54,400
Family Income:
$60,800
Per Capita Income:
$23,400
Income Male:
$34,800
Income Female:
$28,100
Poverty Rate:
18.6%
Non English Speakers:
12.5%
Rent:
$1,120
Unemployment Rate:
4.2%
Public Transport Usage:
0.6%
Commute Time:
24.1 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
86.5%
Bachelors or More:
19.8%
Education
How are the schools in Bartow, FL?
Bartow offers a solid educational environment, including public schools like Bartow Senior High and Bartow Middle, and private options such as First Methodist School. The city is also home to Polk State College and is near other higher education institutions, providing ample opportunities for lifelong learning. Student-teacher ratios are typical for the state, supporting a supportive atmosphere for students.
Public Schools
Name:
Bartow Senior High School
Street:
1270 S Broadway Ave
Phone:
863-534-7400
Students:
2,000
Student Teacher Ratio:
22.0
Name:
Bartow Middle School
Street:
550 E Clower St
Phone:
863-534-7415
Students:
1,025
Student Teacher Ratio:
18.5
Private Schools
Name:
First Methodist School
Street:
455 S Broadway Ave
Phone:
863-533-0904
Students:
320
Colleges
Name:
Polk State College
City:
Bartow
State:
FL
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
10,800
Name:
Florida Southern College
City:
Lakeland
State:
FL
Distance:
12 miles
Students:
3,300
Healthcare
Healthcare in Bartow is anchored by Bartow Regional Medical Center, offering general and emergency services to residents. With about 2.4 physicians per 1,000 people and nearly 86% health insurance coverage, locals have good access to medical care. The city’s healthcare index reflects reliable services for both families and seniors.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Bartow Regional Medical Center
Address:
2200 Osprey Blvd, Bartow, FL 33830
Phone:
(863) 533-8111
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.4
Health Insurance Coverage:
85.7%
Health Care Index:
73.0
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Bartow, FL?
The Bartow housing market features a median home price of $240,000 and average two-bedroom rents at $1,120, making it accessible for both buyers and renters. About 62% of homes are owner-occupied, and the area has seen a healthy home appreciation rate of 7.4% over the past year. Vacancy and foreclosure rates remain low, reflecting a stable and growing market.
Median Home Price:
$240,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,120
Owner Occupied Rate:
62.3%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
7.2%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
7.4%
New Construction Rate:
2.7%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.7%
DMV Information
Local DMV services in Bartow are provided by the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles at 1835 US Hwy 17 S. Residents can access driver licensing, vehicle registration, and other essential services conveniently within the city. Information and appointments are available through the state DMV website or by phone.
State:
Florida
Department:
Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles
Address:
1835 US Hwy 17 S, Bartow, FL 33830
Phone:
(863) 534-4700
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.