Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Lake Wales, FL
Thinking about moving to Lake Wales, FL? With a population of about 17,800, this friendly city features a low cost of living and median home prices around $240,000. Residents enjoy affordable rents, a short average commute of 24 minutes, and lots of sunshine—about 70% of days per year. Crime rates are moderate, and local schools and colleges provide quality educational options. Lake Wales is a great choice for those seeking a relaxed pace, warm climate, and Florida’s tax-friendly living.
Demographics - Lake Wales, FL
Demographics - Lake Wales, FL
Lake Wales has a population of approximately 17,800 and features a diverse community, with over half identifying as White, nearly 30% as Black, and around 13% as Hispanic. The median age is 41.5, reflecting a mix of families and retirees, while about 14% of residents speak a language other than English at home.
Population:
17,800
Density:
1,070 per sq mi
Median Age:
41.5
Gender Ratio:
94 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
14.2%
Ethnic Composition
White:
56.5%
Black:
29.1%
Others:
1.5%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Lake Wales, FL?
Lake Wales offers a low cost of living, with a median home value around $240,000 and average rent at $1,200 per month. The overall cost of living index is below the national average, and Florida’s lack of state income tax adds to the city’s affordability.
Median House Value:
$240,000
Gross Rent:
$1,200
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$145
Auto Insurance:
$2,150
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,420
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$440
State Taxes:
Low:
0% (no state income tax)
|
High:
0% (no state income tax)
Cost Of Living Index:
89.8
Grocery:
95.2
Housing:
82.1
Utilities:
97.5
Transportation:
101.6
Health Care:
98.3
Miscellaneous:
93.7
Crime
Is Lake Wales, FL a safe place to live?
Crime rates in Lake Wales are moderate, with the chance of experiencing a property crime about 1 in 42 and a violent crime about 1 in 345. While property crime is somewhat higher than national averages, most residents find the community generally safe with practical precautions.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
290
Property Crimes Per 100k:
2,400
Crime Index:
2,690
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 345
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 42
Weather
What is the weather like in Lake Wales, FL year-round?
Residents in Lake Wales enjoy a warm subtropical climate, with winter highs in the mid-70s and summer temperatures reaching the low 90s. The city experiences around 70% sunny days each year and receives just over 52 inches of rainfall annually, making it ideal for outdoor activities.
Winter
Min:
49°F
Max:
74°F
Spring
Min:
61°F
Max:
86°F
Summer
Min:
72°F
Max:
92°F
Fall
Min:
62°F
Max:
86°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
52.3 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
70%
Neighbors
Typical households in Lake Wales have a median income of about $47,200, and the area has a 20% poverty rate. Most adults have completed high school, and the average commute is a manageable 24 minutes, reflecting a relaxed, small-city pace.
Median Income:
$36,400
Household Income:
$47,200
Family Income:
$57,800
Per Capita Income:
$23,200
Income Male:
$29,800
Income Female:
$25,700
Poverty Rate:
20.3%
Non English Speakers:
14.2%
Rent:
$1,200
Unemployment Rate:
5.2%
Public Transport Usage:
0.4%
Commute Time:
24.3 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
80.1%
Bachelors or More:
16.9%
Education
How are the schools in Lake Wales, FL?
Lake Wales provides a range of educational opportunities, including several public and private schools as well as higher education options like Warner University and Polk State College. Public schools offer student-to-teacher ratios in the 16–20 range, supporting both academic and extracurricular growth.
Public Schools
Name:
Lake Wales Senior High School
Street:
1 Highlander Way
Phone:
863-678-4222
Students:
1,500
Student Teacher Ratio:
20.2
Name:
Hillcrest Elementary School
Street:
605 S. Central Ave
Phone:
863-678-4216
Students:
690
Student Teacher Ratio:
15.7
Private Schools
Name:
Victory Ridge Academy
Street:
4730 Executive Dr
Phone:
863-679-3338
Students:
180
Colleges
Name:
Warner University
City:
Lake Wales
State:
FL
Distance:
6 miles
Students:
1,300
Name:
Polk State College - JD Alexander Center
City:
Lake Wales
State:
FL
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
800
Healthcare
Lake Wales is served by AdventHealth Lake Wales, a full-service hospital offering emergency care and general medical services. The community has about 1.8 physicians per 1,000 residents, and over 85% of people have health insurance coverage.
Major Hospitals
Name:
AdventHealth Lake Wales
Address:
410 S 11th St, Lake Wales, FL 33853
Phone:
(863) 676-1433
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.8
Health Insurance Coverage:
85.5%
Health Care Index:
73.9
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Lake Wales, FL?
The housing market in Lake Wales remains accessible, with a median home price of $240,000 and average rent for a two-bedroom apartment at $1,200. Homeownership is common, with about 60% of residents owning their homes, and recent property values have appreciated by over 7% in the past year.
Median Home Price:
$240,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,200
Owner Occupied Rate:
60.5%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
9.8%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
7.3%
New Construction Rate:
1.5%
Foreclosure Rate:
1.1%
DMV Information
Lake Wales residents can access vehicle and licensing services at the local branch of the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, conveniently located on Highway 60 W. The Florida DMV offers comprehensive online and in-person services for registration, licensing, and more.
State:
Florida
Department:
Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles
Address:
658 Highway 60 W, Lake Wales, FL 33853
Phone:
(863) 678-4182
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.