Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Welaka, FL
Considering a move to Welaka, FL? This quiet riverside town of just 687 residents offers affordable living, with median home prices around $215,000 and average rents at $870. You'll enjoy a warm, sunny climate with 66% sunny days per year, and average commute times of 27.5 minutes. While crime rates are moderate for the region, Welaka boasts a high rate of homeownership and easy access to outdoor activities along the St. Johns River. Access to healthcare and schools is found nearby, making it an appealing option for those seeking a laid-back, small-town lifestyle.
Demographics - Welaka, FL
Demographics - Welaka, FL
Welaka is a small, close-knit community with a population of 687 and a median age of 54.1, reflecting its appeal to retirees and those seeking a slower pace of life. The town is predominantly White, with modest diversity and a nearly even gender ratio. Only a small portion of residents speak a language other than English at home, highlighting its traditional character.
Population:
687
Density:
500 per sq mi
Median Age:
54.1
Gender Ratio:
97 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
4.2%

Ethnic Composition
White:
85.0%
Black:
9.5%
Asian:
0.5%
Others:
5.0%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Welaka, FL?
Welaka offers a notably affordable cost of living, with median home values around $215,000 and average rents at $870, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious movers. State income taxes are nonexistent in Florida, helping residents keep more of their earnings. Everyday expenses, from groceries to utilities, remain below the national average, further enhancing Welaka’s affordability.
Median House Value:
$215,000
Gross Rent:
$870
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$125
Auto Insurance:
$2,050
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,130
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$420
State Taxes:
Low:
0%
|
High:
0%
Cost Of Living Index:
89.5
Grocery:
94.0
Housing:
77.5
Utilities:
95.2
Transportation:
97.1
Health Care:
98.7
Miscellaneous:
92.0
Crime
Is Welaka, FL a safe place to live?
Crime rates in Welaka are moderate for the region, with a chance of property crime at 1 in 59 and violent crime at 1 in 370. Residents generally experience a sense of safety, though it's wise to remain aware of property-related incidents. Overall, the community maintains a secure, small-town environment.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
270
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,690
Crime Index:
1,960
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 370
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 59
Weather
What is the weather like in Welaka, FL year-round?
Welaka boasts a warm and sunny climate, experiencing mild winters with average lows of 46°F and hot summers reaching 91°F. The town enjoys about 66% sunny days annually and receives over 51 inches of rainfall, ideal for those who appreciate outdoor activities and a lush environment. Seasonal changes are gentle, making year-round living comfortable.

Winter
Min:
46°F
Max:
68°F

Spring
Min:
58°F
Max:
80°F

Summer
Min:
72°F
Max:
91°F

Fall
Min:
61°F
Max:
81°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
51.2 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
66%
Neighbors
Welaka's residents enjoy a median household income of $41,200 and a family income of $48,100, with a poverty rate of 19%. Most neighbors have completed high school, and the average commute time is around 27.5 minutes. The community is primarily car-dependent, with public transportation usage being very low.
Median Income:
$34,200
Household Income:
$41,200
Family Income:
$48,100
Per Capita Income:
$24,800
Income Male:
$31,500
Income Female:
$27,300
Poverty Rate:
19.0%
Non English Speakers:
4.2%
Rent:
$870
Unemployment Rate:
5.3%
Public Transport Usage:
0.5%
Commute Time:
27.5 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
81.0%
Bachelors or More:
12.0%
Education
How are the schools in Welaka, FL?
Welaka families have access to local public schools such as Middleton-Burney Elementary, which features a student-teacher ratio of 16.5 and serves over 1,000 students. Higher education options are within reach at St. Johns River State College, located 15 miles away in Palatka. The area emphasizes a foundational education, supported by nearby colleges for additional learning opportunities.

Public Schools
Name:
Middleton-Burney Elementary School
Street:
1020 Huntington Rd, Crescent City, FL 32112
Phone:
386-698-1238
Students:
1,020
Student Teacher Ratio:
16.5

Colleges
Name:
St. Johns River State College
City:
Palatka
State:
FL
Distance:
15 miles
Students:
8,500
Healthcare
Welaka residents have access to healthcare services nearby, including the Putnam Community Medical Center in Palatka, offering emergency and general care. There are about 1.7 physicians per 1,000 people, and roughly 84% of locals have health insurance coverage. The healthcare environment is accessible for a small town, supporting both routine and urgent needs.

Major Hospitals
Name:
Putnam Community Medical Center
Address:
611 Zeagler Dr, Palatka, FL 32177
Phone:
(386) 328-5711
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.7
Health Insurance Coverage:
84.2%
Health Care Index:
68.3
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Welaka, FL?
The housing market in Welaka is accessible, with median home prices at $215,000 and a high homeownership rate of 74.4%. The area has seen a healthy home appreciation rate of 7.4% over the past year, indicating a stable investment. Rental opportunities remain available, with average rents for a two-bedroom at $870 and a moderate vacancy rate.
Median Home Price:
$215,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$870
Owner Occupied Rate:
74.4%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
7.2%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
7.4%
New Construction Rate:
1.3%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.8%
DMV Information
Welaka residents can access DMV services through the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, located in nearby Palatka. This office provides essential services such as licensing and registration, and is easily reachable for local drivers. For more information, residents can visit the official website or call the Palatka office.
State:
Florida
Department:
Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles
Address:
206 S 1st St, Palatka, FL 32177
Phone:
1-850-617-2000
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.