Lake Wales is in Polk County. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, it has about 18,000 residents, a median age of 40 and a median household income of $45,000. The figures below compare it on the same terms as every city on this site, each with its source, so you can check them yourself.
Population and income from the U.S. Census · housing from public listing data
| PopulationU.S. Census | 18,000 |
|---|---|
| Median AgeU.S. Census | 40 |
| Median Household IncomeU.S. Census | $45,000 |
| Median Home PricePublic listing data | $240,000 |
| Average Rent (2BR)Public listing data | $1,600 / month |
| Cost of LivingBEA regional price parities | 2% below U.S. average |
| Summer Avg TempNOAA climate normals | 92°F |
| Winter Avg TempNOAA climate normals | 63°F |
| Commute to Downtown Orlando | 60 minutes |
| Commute to Nearest BeachEstimated drive time | 80 minutes |
| County | Polk County |
| Flood riskFEMA flood maps | Check FEMA map ↗ |
| Unemployment 2024U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics | 4.2% |
| Cost of living 2024Bureau of Economic Analysis | 97 vs U.S. 100 |
3 areas people ask about in Lake Wales
School zoning is set by address, not by city. Sources: Florida Department of Education and NCES for schools; U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and Bureau of Economic Analysis for wages and cost of living.
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The comparisons buyers most often raise, with the figures behind them.
Scale differs too: 30,000 people in Haines City, 18,000 in Lake Wales. Beach access favours Haines City: 70 minutes rather than 80. Haines City skews younger, a median age of 35 against 40.
Read more about Haines City →Scale differs too: 58,000 people in Winter Haven, 18,000 in Lake Wales. Winter Haven reports a median household income of $55,000 against $45,000 in Lake Wales. On price, Lake Wales is the cheaper entry at a $240,000 median, against $270,000 in Winter Haven.
Read more about Winter Haven →Scale differs too: 125,000 people in Lakeland, 18,000 in Lake Wales. Lakeland reports a median household income of $55,000 against $45,000 in Lake Wales. On price, Lake Wales is the cheaper entry at a $240,000 median, against $290,000 in Lakeland.
Read more about Lakeland →Checked against the published source, not estimated