Florida / County

Moving to Lake Wales, FL

Thinking of making a move to Lake Wales, FL? Get helpful local information about living costs, neighborhoods, schools, weather, housing, DMV details, and practical relocation details before you plan your move.

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Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Lake Wales, FL

Considering a move to Lake Wales, FL? This welcoming community of 15,700 residents offers a blend of suburban charm and convenience, with median home prices around $245,000 and average rents near $1,290. Commute times average 27 minutes and public transport is accessible, making it great for professionals. The area boasts low violent crime, strong schools, and plenty of sunny days (66% annually), ideal for families and commuters alike. Explore Lake Wales's cost of living, education, and friendly neighborhoods to see if it's the right fit for your next move.

Demographics - Lake Wales, FL

Lake Wales has a population of 15,700 residents, offering a diverse community with a median age of nearly 41 and a balanced gender ratio. The area features a strong blend of backgrounds, with about 51% White, 23% Black, and 2% Asian residents, and over 18% speaking a language other than English at home. Its high population density contributes to a lively suburban atmosphere.

Population
15,700
Density
1,050 per sq mi
Median Age
41.2
Gender Ratio
92 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage
18.4%

Ethnic Composition

White
51.0%
Black
22.5%
Asian
1.8%
Others
24.7%

Cost Of Living

What is the average cost of living in Lake Wales, FL?

The cost of living in Lake Wales is higher than the national average, with a cost of living index of 94.8. Median home values are around $245,000 and average rents for a two-bedroom apartment are approximately $1,290. Utilities, groceries, and transportation costs are also elevated, reflecting the area's desirable location and amenities.

Median House Value
$245,000
Gross Rent
$1,290
Monthly Electricity Charges
$155
Auto Insurance
$2,650
House Owner Cost With Mortgage
$1,620
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage
$560
State Taxes
Low: 0.0%| High: 0.0%
Cost Of Living Index
94.8
Grocery
97.5
Housing
88.9
Utilities
101.8
Transportation
101.2
Health Care
96.4
Miscellaneous
94.1

Crime

Is Lake Wales, FL a safe place to live?

Lake Wales is considered a safe community, with a low violent crime rate of 420 incidents per 100,000 residents and a property crime chance of 1 in 42. Most residents enjoy peace of mind, making it an attractive choice for families. The crime index remains below many urban areas in Florida.

Violent Crimes Per 100k
420
Property Crimes Per 100k
2,380
Crime Index
2,800
Chance Of Violent Crime
1 in 238
Chance Of Property Crime
1 in 42

Weather

What is the weather like in Lake Wales, FL year-round?

Lake Wales experiences four distinct seasons, with warm summers reaching highs of 92°F and cold winters dipping to 49°F. The area receives about 52 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine on 66% of days. This climate offers residents a balanced mix of outdoor opportunities year-round.

Winter

Min
49°F
Max
72°F

Summer

Min
74°F
Max
92°F

Spring

Min
59°F
Max
84°F

Fall

Min
61°F
Max
82°F
Average Rainfall Inches
51.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage
66%

Neighbors

The neighborhood boasts a healthy median household income of $57,500 and a low poverty rate of 20.8%. Over 85% of residents have at least a high school diploma, and nearly 19% hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Commute times average 27 minutes, and almost 2% use public transportation, reflecting the area's accessibility and educated population.

Median Income
$41,000
Household Income
$57,500
Family Income
$66,000
Per Capita Income
$27,500
Income Male
$36,500
Income Female
$31,500
Poverty Rate
20.8%
Non English Speakers
22.6%
Rent
$1,290
Unemployment Rate
4.9%
Public Transport Usage
2.1%
Commute Time
26.8 minutes

Education

High School or Higher
84.5%
Bachelors or More
18.9%

Education

How are the schools in Lake Wales, FL?

Lake Wales offers quality education options, with public schools like Lake Wales High School and Lake Wales Charter School known for favorable student-to-teacher ratios. Families also have access to private schools and several nearby colleges, including Polk State College - Lake Wales Center and Warner University. The community is committed to educational excellence for all age groups.

Public Schools

Name
Lake Wales High School
Street
1 Highlander Way
Phone
863-678-4222
Students
1,350
Student Teacher Ratio
17.0
Name
Lake Wales Charter School
Street
930 Johnson Ave
Phone
863-676-7511
Students
1,100
Student Teacher Ratio
15.6

Private Schools

Name
All Saints Academy
Street
5001 State Road 540 E
Phone
863-679-6565
Students
520
Name
St. Joseph Catholic School
Street
2020 State Road 60 E
Phone
863-676-1660
Students
280

Colleges

Name
Polk State College - Lake Wales Center
City
Lake Wales
State
FL
Distance
2 miles
Students
1,200
Name
Warner University
City
Lake Wales
State
FL
Distance
8 miles
Students
1,000

Healthcare

Lake Wales residents have access to quality healthcare, with major hospitals like Winter Haven Hospital and AdventHealth Lake Wales nearby. The community benefits from a high physician-to-resident ratio of 1.9 per 1,000 people and 86.8% health insurance coverage. Local healthcare services are reliable and comprehensive.

Major Hospitals

Name
Winter Haven Hospital
Address
200 Avenue F NE, Winter Haven, FL 33881
Phone
(863) 293-1121
Type
General & Surgical
Emergency Services
Yes
Name
AdventHealth Lake Wales
Address
410 S 11th St, Lake Wales, FL 33853
Phone
(863) 676-1433
Type
General Medical & Surgical
Emergency Services
Yes

Healthcare Access

Physicians Per 1000
1.9
Health Insurance Coverage
86.8%
Health Care Index
69.4

Housing Market

What is the housing market like in Lake Wales, FL?

The local housing market is strong, with a median home price of $245,000 and an owner-occupied rate of nearly 62%. The market has seen a 3.9% appreciation over the past year, and rental vacancy rates remain moderate at 7.1%. Lake Wales offers a mix of stability and opportunity for both buyers and renters.

Median Home Price
$245,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom
$1,290
Owner Occupied Rate
62.4%
Rental Vacancy Rate
7.1%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr)
3.9%
New Construction Rate
1.4%
Foreclosure Rate
0.7%

DMV Information

Residents of Lake Wales handle vehicle services through the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, conveniently located in Tallahassee. The state DMV provides driver licensing, vehicle registration, and other essential services both in person and online. Information and resources are easily accessible for new and existing residents.

State
Florida
Department
Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles
Address
2900 Apalachee Parkway, Tallahassee, FL 32399
Phone
1-850-617-2000

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.

FAQs About Moving to Lake Wales, FL

Answers use the same city data shown on this page, including costs, housing, schools, safety, weather, healthcare, and DMV details.

Before moving to Lake Wales, review the core fields on this page: population 15,700, median home value $245,000, average rent for 2 bedroom $1,290, commute time 26.8 minutes, and sunny days percentage 66%.

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