Median Income
$55,799
26% lower than US avg
Home Value
$225,900
20% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
444/100K
17% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
22.0%
35% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$1,060
9% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
43.9%
37% higher than US avg
Unemployment
2.8%
22% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
19.6%
58% higher than US avg
How Lake Wales Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population16,365
Median Age41.1 yrs
Density806/mi²
Male / Female48% / 52%
Largest GroupWhite 55%
Economy
B
Median Income$55,799
Per Capita$27,794
Unemployment2.8%
Poverty19.6%
County GDP$44,304M
Commute26 min
Housing
A
Home Value$225,900
Rent$1,060
OwnershipN/A
Zillow$245,696
Crime
F
Violent444/100K
Property4,433/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault298/100K
Burglary1,252/100K
Health
Obesity43.9%
UninsuredN/A
Depression20.6%
Heart Disease6.8%
Climate
Avg Temp74°F
AQI41 (Good)
Rain52.8 in/yr
Elevation133 ft
Education
C+
Bachelor's+22.0%
High School+87.5%
School Score5.60
Community
2024 VoteR 60% / D 39%
Commute26 min
EV Stations5
Libraries19
Is Lake Wales a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Lake Wales receives an overall livability score of 2.9 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include low unemployment, affordable housing. Areas to be aware of include an elevated poverty rate, below-average incomes, high obesity rates. Lake Wales has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Lake Wales is $55,799, 26% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 2.8%. The poverty rate of 19.6% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 26 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Lake Wales is $225,900, 20% below the national median — offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $1,060 per month. A price-to-income ratio of 4x indicates a reasonably affordable housing market.
Safety & Crime
The violent crime rate of 444 per 100,000 is above the national average of 380 — something for prospective residents to consider. Property crime occurs at a rate of 4,433 per 100,000, 126% above the national average.
Education
22.0% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 87.5% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.6/10.
Climate & Weather
Lake Wales has a warm climate with an average annual temperature of 74°F. Winters average 62°F in January while summers reach 83°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 52.8 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41.
Lake Wales has a population of 16,365 with a density of 806 people per square mile. The median age is 41.1 years, 6% older than the national median of 38.9. The city is predominantly White (55.3%), with 19.2% Black.
Population
41.1yrs
Median Age
6% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Lake Wales vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
| English Only | 77.5% |
| 1% below US avg |
| Spanish | 22.5% |
| 68% above US avg |
Social Characteristics
Lake Wales vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Lake Wales is $55,799, which is 26% below the national average of $75,149. The unemployment rate is 2.8% (below the 3.6% US average). 19.6% of residents live below the poverty line. Workers commute an average of 26 minutes.
Income: Lake Wales vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $55,799 |
| 26% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $27,794 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,071 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $63,553 |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 2.8% |
| 22% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 19.6% |
| 58% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 17,281 |
| County GDP | $44,304M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 1,064 |
| Healthcare | 1,371 |
| Retail | 1,926 |
| Manufacturing | 425 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,985 |
| 42% above US avg |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.21% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 26.4 min |
| Work from Home | 6.5% |
The median home value in Lake Wales is $225,900, 20% below the national average. Monthly rent averages $1,060 (9% below US avg). Zillow estimates the typical home value at $245,696.
Home Values
| Census Median | $225,900 |
| 20% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $245,696 |
| Median List Price | $272,990 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median List Price | $272,990 |
| $/Sq Ft | $163 |
| Homes Sold | 25 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 96.1% |
| Price Drops | 33.3% |
| Inventory | 150 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $1,060 |
| 9% below US avg |
| Zillow Rent (ZORI) | $1,467 |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $1,212 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,296 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,526 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,971 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,261 |
Ownership & Property
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,985 |
| 42% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.21% |
In Lake Wales, 43.9% of adults are obese (above the 32.1% national rate). 20.6% report depression. 31.7% are physically inactive.
Health Metrics: Lake Wales vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 43.9% |
| 37% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 13.5% |
| Heart Disease | 6.8% |
| High Blood Pressure | 35.6% |
| Asthma | 11.0% |
| COPD | 8.4% |
| Stroke | 4.0% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| |
| Binge Drinking | 15.1% |
| Physical Inactivity | 31.7% |
| Depression | 20.6% |
| Mental Distress | 20.6% |
| Physical Distress | 17.0% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 89.9% |
| |
| Checkup Rate | 76.2% |
| Premature Death | 9,798/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.1/10 |
| Exercise Access | 69.9% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 1,371 |
Lake Wales has a violent crime rate of 444 per 100,000 residents, 17% above the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 4,433 per 100,000 (126% above US avg). The murder rate is 0.0 per 100,000.
Crime Rates: Lake Wales vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 443.9/100K |
| 17% above US avg |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Rape | 13.3/100K |
| Robbery | 132.5/100K |
| Assault | 298.2/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 4,432.8/100K |
| 126% above US avg |
| Burglary | 1,252.3/100K |
| Theft | 3,001.6/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 178.9/100K |
| Arson | 6.6/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 121 |
| FEMA Disasters | 91 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Lake Wales has an average annual temperature of 74°F (23°C). Winters average 62°F in January while summers reach 83°F in July. Annual precipitation is 52.8 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41.
Temperature
62°F Jan (17°C)
83°F Jul (28°C)
| Annual Average | 73.9°F |
| 37% above US avg |
| January Average | 62°F (17°C) |
| July Average | 83°F (28°C) |
Precipitation & Snow
| Annual Rainfall | 52.8 inches |
| 39% above US avg |
| Snowfall | 0.0 inches/yr |
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 41.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Geography
| Elevation | 133 ft (41 m) |
| Area | 20.3 sq mi (52.6 km²) |
| Population Density | 806/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 27.9207°N, 81.5995°W |
| County FIPS | 12105 |