Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Winter Haven, FL
Considering a move to Winter Haven, FL? This vibrant city of 52,710 residents is known for its sunny weather—enjoying 63% sunny days each year—and affordable living, with median home prices around $285,000 and average rents at $1,320. Commute times average just 25 minutes, and residents benefit from a variety of healthcare options and access to local colleges. While property crime rates are above the national average, Winter Haven's lakes, mild winters, and family-friendly amenities make it a great choice for those seeking warmth and community in Central Florida.
Demographics - Winter Haven, FL
Demographics - Winter Haven, FL
Winter Haven is home to about 52,700 residents, offering a diverse community where the median age is 43.5 and non-English speakers make up 13% of the population. The city features a mix of ethnic backgrounds, with a majority White population and significant Black and Hispanic communities. Its moderate population density and balanced gender ratio create a welcoming environment for newcomers.
Population:
52,710
Density:
2,000 per sq mi
Median Age:
43.5
Gender Ratio:
92 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
13.0%
Ethnic Composition
White:
63.0%
Black:
24.0%
Asian:
1.5%
Others:
11.5%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Winter Haven, FL?
Winter Haven offers a cost of living below the national average, with a median home value of $285,000 and average rent around $1,320. State taxes are nonexistent, making it an attractive option for those seeking affordability, especially in housing and groceries. Utilities and transportation costs are slightly above average, but overall expenses remain manageable for most households.
Median House Value:
$285,000
Gross Rent:
$1,320
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$145
Auto Insurance:
$2,200
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,650
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$550
State Taxes:
Low:
0.0%
|
High:
0.0%
Cost Of Living Index:
92.4
Grocery:
96.8
Housing:
88.5
Utilities:
104.2
Transportation:
105.5
Health Care:
97.6
Miscellaneous:
91.0
Crime
Is Winter Haven, FL a safe place to live?
While Winter Haven enjoys a relatively low violent crime rate of 245 incidents per 100,000 people, property crime is more prevalent, with a 1 in 39 chance of being affected. Residents should be aware of these risks and take standard safety precautions. The city’s overall crime index reflects a higher rate of property-related incidents compared to national averages.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
245
Property Crimes Per 100k:
2,535
Crime Index:
2,780
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 408
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 39
Weather
What is the weather like in Winter Haven, FL year-round?
Residents of Winter Haven enjoy a mild, sunny climate, with summer highs reaching the low 90s and winter temperatures rarely dipping below 50°F. The city experiences about 63% sunny days each year and receives roughly 51 inches of annual rainfall. This pleasant weather makes it ideal for outdoor activities and enjoying the area’s many lakes.
Winter
Min:
50°F
Max:
73°F
Spring
Min:
60°F
Max:
83°F
Summer
Min:
73°F
Max:
92°F
Fall
Min:
62°F
Max:
85°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
51.0 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
63%
Neighbors
Winter Haven’s neighborhoods offer a mix of incomes, with a median household income of $55,000 and a poverty rate of 17.4%. Most residents drive to work, facing an average commute of about 25 minutes, and only a small percentage use public transportation. The community is largely educated, with nearly 87% holding a high school diploma or higher.
Median Income:
$28,900
Household Income:
$55,000
Family Income:
$62,000
Per Capita Income:
$26,800
Income Male:
$34,000
Income Female:
$28,000
Poverty Rate:
17.4%
Non English Speakers:
13.0%
Rent:
$1,320
Unemployment Rate:
4.5%
Public Transport Usage:
0.6%
Commute Time:
25.4 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
86.9%
Bachelors or More:
19.3%
Education
How are the schools in Winter Haven, FL?
Winter Haven features a variety of educational options, including public schools like Winter Haven Senior High and Elbert Elementary, as well as private and collegiate choices such as Chain of Lakes Collegiate High School and Polk State College. Class sizes are moderate, and higher education is easily accessible within the city. This makes Winter Haven a solid choice for families and students seeking quality learning opportunities.
Public Schools
Name:
Winter Haven Senior High School
Street:
600 6th St SE
Phone:
863-291-5330
Students:
2,100
Student Teacher Ratio:
20.1
Name:
Elbert Elementary School
Street:
205 15th St NE
Phone:
863-291-5364
Students:
700
Student Teacher Ratio:
16.8
Private Schools
Name:
Chain of Lakes Collegiate High School
Street:
999 Ave H NE
Phone:
863-298-6800
Students:
350
Colleges
Name:
Polk State College
City:
Winter Haven
State:
FL
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
9,000
Name:
Florida Southern College
City:
Lakeland
State:
FL
Distance:
14 miles
Students:
3,400
Healthcare
Winter Haven provides residents with solid healthcare options, including access to Winter Haven Hospital and BayCare Urgent Care. The city has about 2.1 physicians per 1,000 residents and nearly 90% of people have health insurance coverage. These resources ensure that both routine and emergency medical needs are well met locally.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Winter Haven Hospital
Address:
200 Ave F NE, Winter Haven, FL 33881
Phone:
(863) 293-1121
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
BayCare Urgent Care
Address:
400 1st St N, Winter Haven, FL 33881
Phone:
(863) 656-1234
Type:
Urgent Care
Emergency Services:
No
Physicians Per 1000:
2.1
Health Insurance Coverage:
89.8%
Health Care Index:
72.5
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Winter Haven, FL?
The housing market in Winter Haven remains accessible, with a median home price of $285,000 and average two-bedroom rents at $1,320. Homeownership is common, with nearly 61% of residents owning their homes, and the area has seen a healthy 9.8% home appreciation rate in the past year. Rental vacancies and foreclosure rates are low, indicating a stable and growing market.
Median Home Price:
$285,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,320
Owner Occupied Rate:
60.7%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
7.2%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
9.8%
New Construction Rate:
2.4%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.6%
DMV Information
Winter Haven residents are served by the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, conveniently located in nearby Lakeland. The DMV offers essential services such as driver licensing, vehicle registration, and title transfers. For more information or to schedule appointments, residents can visit the Florida DMV website or call the main office.
State:
Florida
Department:
Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles
Address:
3249 US Hwy 98 N, Lakeland, FL 33809
Phone:
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.