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 17,800 residents offers a blend of suburban charm and convenience, with median home prices around $240,000 and average rents near $1,200. Commute times average 24 minutes and public transport is accessible, making it great for professionals. The area boasts low violent crime, strong schools, and plenty of sunny days (70% 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 17,800 residents, offering a diverse community with a median age of nearly 42 and a balanced gender ratio. The area features a strong blend of backgrounds, with about 57% White, 29% Black, and % Asian residents, and over 14% speaking a language other than English at home. Its high population density contributes to a lively suburban atmosphere.

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?

The cost of living in Lake Wales is higher than the national average, with a cost of living index of 89.8. Median home values are around $240,000 and average rents for a two-bedroom apartment are approximately $1,200. Utilities, groceries, and transportation costs are also elevated, reflecting the area's desirable location and amenities.

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?

Lake Wales is considered a safe community, with a low violent crime rate of 290 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
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?

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 70% of days. This climate offers residents a balanced mix of outdoor opportunities year-round.

Winter

Min
49°F
Max
74°F

Summer

Min
72°F
Max
92°F

Spring

Min
61°F
Max
86°F

Fall

Min
62°F
Max
86°F
Average Rainfall Inches
52.3 inches
Sunny Days Percentage
70%

Neighbors

The neighborhood boasts a healthy median household income of $47,200 and a low poverty rate of 20.3%. Over 80% of residents have at least a high school diploma, and nearly 17% hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Commute times average 24 minutes, and almost 0% use public transportation, reflecting the area's accessibility and educated population.

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

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 residents have access to quality healthcare, with major hospitals like AdventHealth Lake Wales nearby. The community benefits from a high physician-to-resident ratio of 1.8 per 1,000 people and 85.5% health insurance coverage. Local healthcare services are reliable and comprehensive.

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

Healthcare Access

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 local housing market is strong, with a median home price of $240,000 and an owner-occupied rate of nearly 61%. The market has seen a 7.3% appreciation over the past year, and rental vacancy rates remain moderate at 9.8%. Lake Wales offers a mix of stability and opportunity for both buyers and renters.

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

Residents of Lake Wales handle vehicle services through the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, conveniently located in Lake Wales. 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
658 Highway 60 W, Lake Wales, FL 33853
Phone
(863) 678-4182

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 17,800, median home value $240,000, average rent for 2 bedroom $1,200, commute time 24.3 minutes, and sunny days percentage 70%.

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