Median Income
$51,795
31% lower than US avg
Home Value
$70,900
75% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
623/100K
64% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
8.7%
74% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$971
17% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
47.6%
48% higher than US avg
Unemployment
1.9%
47% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
25.5%
106% higher than US avg
How Wahneta Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population4,464
Median Age39.6 yrs
Density1,967/mi²
Male / Female53% / 48%
Largest GroupWhite 51%
Veterans2.7%
Economy
B
Median Income$51,795
Per Capita$14,457
Unemployment1.9%
Poverty25.5%
County GDP$44,304M
Commute31 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$70,900
Rent$971
Ownership67.5%
Zillow$279,429
Housing Units1,330
Rent Burden30.1%
Crime
F
Violent623/100K
Property3,760/100K
Health
Obesity47.6%
Uninsured37.6%
Smoking22.4%
Depression20.9%
Heart Disease9.2%
Climate
Avg Temp74°F (23°C)
AQI41 (Good)
Rain52.8 in/yr
Sunny Days330/yr
Elevation132 ft (40 m)
Education
D
Bachelor's+8.7%
High School+65.2%
Graduate+0.0%
School Score5.14
Community
2024 VoteR 60% / D 39%
Commute31 min
Broadband74.9%
EV Stations1
Libraries19
Is Wahneta a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Wahneta receives an overall livability score of 2.7 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include low unemployment, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include elevated crime rates, an elevated poverty rate, a high uninsured rate. Wahneta has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Wahneta is $51,795, 31% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 1.9%. The poverty rate of 25.5% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 31 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Wahneta is $70,900, 75% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $971 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 1.4x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
With 623 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, public safety is a notable concern / this is significantly above the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,760 per 100,000, 92% above the national average.
Education
8.7% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 65.2% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.1/10.
Climate & Weather
Wahneta 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. With 330 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 52.8 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41.
Wahneta has a population of 4,464 with a density of 1,967 people per square mile, spread across 2.3 square miles. The median age is 39.6 years, 2% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 47.5% female and 52.5% male. The city is predominantly White (50.7%), with 1.7% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 39.8% of residents, while 60.2% speak Spanish. 2.7% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 6.2% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 64.6% have health insurance coverage.
Population
39.6yrs
Median Age
2% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
39.8%
49% below US avg
Spanish
60.2%
349% above US avg
The median household income in Wahneta is $51,795, which is 31% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $14,457 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,071, 25% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 1.9% (below the 3.6% US average). 25.5% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 17,281 business establishments, including 1,064 restaurants. The cost of living index is 103.4, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 31 minutes. 4.1% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $51,795 |
| 31% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $14,457 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,071 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $63,553 |
| Gini Index | 0.447 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 1.9% |
| 47% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 25.5% |
| 106% 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 |
| Cost of Living | 103.40 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 7.03% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 30.5 min |
| Drive Alone | 76.0% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 4.1% |
The median home value in Wahneta is $70,900, 75% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $279,429, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $971 (17% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $1,296 for a one-bedroom to $1,526 for a two-bedroom apartment. 67.5% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 1,330 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1970. The average annual property tax is $4,985 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 30.1% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.4x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $70,900 |
| 75% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $279,429 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $971 |
| 17% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 30.1% |
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
| Homeownership | 67.5% |
| Owner-Occupied | 67.5% |
| Renter-Occupied | 32.5% |
| Housing Units | 1,330 |
| Median Year Built | 1970 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,985 |
| 42% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 7.03% |
In Wahneta, 47.6% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 17.9% have diabetes (above the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 9.2% of residents, above the national average. 37.3% have high blood pressure. 22.4% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 14.5% report binge drinking. 42.9% are physically inactive, above the national average. 20.9% report depression. 21.6% experience frequent mental distress. 37.6% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,172. The dentist ratio is 1:2,822. 69.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.1 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Wahneta vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 47.6% |
| 48% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 17.9% |
| Heart Disease | 9.2% |
| High Blood Pressure | 37.3% |
| Asthma | 10.4% |
| COPD | 11.4% |
| Cancer | 6.2% |
| Stroke | 5.0% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 22.4% |
| 60% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 14.5% |
| Physical Inactivity | 42.9% |
| Depression | 20.9% |
| Mental Distress | 21.6% |
| Physical Distress | 22.2% |
| Short Sleep | 46.9% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 64.6% |
| Uninsured | 37.6% |
| 337% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,172 |
| Dentists | 1:2,822 |
| Mental Health | 1:813 |
| Checkup Rate | 73.1% |
| Dental Visits | 31.9% |
| Premature Death | 9,798/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.1/10 |
| Exercise Access | 69.9% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 1,371 |
Wahneta has a violent crime rate of 623 per 100,000 residents, 64% above the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 3,760 per 100,000, 92% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 121 fatal traffic crashes. The area has experienced 91 federally declared disasters. Overall, Wahneta receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Wahneta vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 623.4/100K |
| 64% above US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 3,759.6/100K |
| 92% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 121 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
| FEMA Disasters | 91 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Wahneta has a warm climate with an average annual temperature of 74°F (23°C). Winters average 62°F in January while summers reach 83°F in July. The area gets 330 sunny days per year, well above the U.S. average of 205 / making it one of the sunnier locations in the country. Annual precipitation totals 52.8 inches (wetter than the 38-inch national average). Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41. The city sits at an elevation of 132 feet.
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) |
| Sunny Days | 330 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 132 ft (40 m) |
| Area | 2.3 sq mi (5.9 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,967/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 27.9587°N, 81.7288°W |
| Timezone | America/New_York |
| County | Polk County County |
| Nearest Airport | Winter Haven Regional (GIF) 7 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
52.8"
39% above US avg
Wettest Month (Jul)
7.87"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 41.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
| Ozone (O₃) | 0.0411 ppm |
| SO₂ (Sulfur Dioxide) | 1.03 ppb |
| PM2.5 (Fine Particles) | 6.6 μg/m³ |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively High |
| Risk Score | 96.5 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 49.8 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 27.4 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively High |
| Hurricane |
Very High |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Moderate |
| Flood |
Relatively High |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Very High |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Winter Weather |
No Rating |
| Lightning |
Very High |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Hurricane History
21 hurricanes (Cat 1+) within 500 km since 1980.
Strongest: Category 5. Most recent: Milton (2024, Cat 4).
| Year |
Name |
Category |
Closest |
| 2024 |
Milton |
Category 4 |
41 km |
| 2024 |
Helene |
Category 4 |
265 km |
| 2024 |
Debby |
Category 1 |
236 km |
| 2023 |
Idalia |
Category 4 |
264 km |
| 2022 |
Ian |
Category 5 |
60 km |
| 2022 |
Nicole |
Category 1 |
146 km |
| 2021 |
Elsa |
Category 1 |
210 km |
| 2019 |
Dorian |
Category 3 |
265 km |
| 2017 |
Irma |
Category 3 |
54 km |
| 2016 |
Matthew |
Category 4 |
174 km |
| 2005 |
Wilma |
Category 3 |
208 km |
| 2005 |
Ophelia |
Category 1 |
248 km |
| 2005 |
Katrina |
Category 1 |
268 km |
| 2004 |
Charley |
Category 4 |
20 km |
| 2004 |
Jeanne |
Category 3 |
27 km |
| 2004 |
Frances |
Category 2 |
66 km |
| 2000 |
Gordon |
Category 1 |
203 km |
| 1999 |
Irene |
Category 1 |
161 km |
| 1995 |
Erin |
Category 1 |
134 km |
| 1992 |
Andrew |
Category 5 |
254 km |
Source: NOAA IBTrACS (Cat 1+, 1980–2026)
Tornado History
796 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 56 fatalities, 855 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Apr 15, 1958 |
EF4 |
93 km |
0 |
| Feb 22, 1998 |
EF3 |
58 km |
3 |
| Feb 22, 1998 |
EF3 |
39 km |
25 |
| Feb 22, 1998 |
EF3 |
90 km |
13 |
| Oct 3, 1992 |
EF3 |
97 km |
3 |
| Mar 19, 1981 |
EF3 |
67 km |
0 |
| May 4, 1978 |
EF3 |
96 km |
3 |
| Oct 9, 2024 |
EF2 |
82 km |
0 |
| Oct 9, 2024 |
EF2 |
96 km |
0 |
| Oct 18, 2019 |
EF2 |
31 km |
0 |
| Sep 10, 2017 |
EF2 |
26 km |
0 |
| Apr 6, 2017 |
EF2 |
98 km |
0 |
| Jan 17, 2016 |
EF2 |
67 km |
2 |
| Jun 24, 2012 |
EF2 |
5 km |
0 |
| Dec 25, 2006 |
EF2 |
71 km |
0 |
| Mar 9, 1998 |
EF2 |
27 km |
0 |
| Dec 27, 1997 |
EF2 |
14 km |
0 |
| Dec 7, 1996 |
EF2 |
58 km |
1 |
| Mar 12, 1993 |
EF2 |
80 km |
1 |
| Apr 15, 1987 |
EF2 |
83 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: STAGECOACH COMPLEX (14,079 ac, 2001).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2001 |
STAGECOACH COMPLEX |
14,079 |
33 km |
| 2021 |
KISSIMMEE BEND NORTH |
13,782 |
75 km |
| 2006 |
UNNAMED |
12,050 |
60 km |
| 1992 |
UNNAMED |
11,488 |
74 km |
| 1996 |
UNNAMED |
9,427 |
78 km |
| 2024 |
APQ RECREATION AREA RX 0506 |
8,901 |
75 km |
| 1998 |
UNNAMED |
8,794 |
51 km |
| 2017 |
ECHO SPRINGS |
8,640 |
64 km |
| 1984 |
UNNAMED |
7,765 |
69 km |
| 2004 |
UNNAMED |
7,670 |
51 km |
| 2021 |
AREA 11 |
7,140 |
62 km |
| 1989 |
UNNAMED |
6,985 |
95 km |
| 2011 |
UNNAMED |
6,616 |
83 km |
| 1994 |
UNNAMED |
6,243 |
74 km |
| 1993 |
UNNAMED |
6,236 |
94 km |
| 1992 |
UNNAMED |
6,228 |
66 km |
| 1991 |
UNNAMED |
5,871 |
75 km |
| 1994 |
UNNAMED |
5,815 |
60 km |
| 1993 |
UNNAMED |
5,799 |
90 km |
| 2017 |
THREE FORKS #8 |
5,522 |
94 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
62°F (17°C) |
2.3 in |
Coldest |
| February |
63°F (17°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| March |
67°F (20°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| April |
71°F (22°C) |
1.9 in |
Driest |
| May |
77°F (25°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| June |
81°F (27°C) |
7.3 in |
|
| July |
83°F (28°C) |
7.9 in |
Warmest, Wettest |
| August |
82°F (28°C) |
7.1 in |
|
| September |
81°F (27°C) |
6.2 in |
|
| October |
75°F (24°C) |
2.5 in |
|
| November |
68°F (20°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| December |
63°F (17°C) |
2.1 in |
|
Wahneta has a seasonal temperature swing of 21°F / from 62°F in January to 83°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 49.6 inches, with July being the wettest month (7.9") and April the driest (1.9").
Average costs for common services in Wahneta. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$259 ($155–$414) |
| Specialist Visit |
$362 ($207–$569) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$207 ($103–$362) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,275 ($827–$5,170) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$134 ($78–$207) |
| Dental Filling |
$259 ($155–$414) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$47 ($26–$78) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$78 ($52–$124) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$310 ($155–$517) |
| Tire Rotation |
$41 ($21–$78) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$620 ($414–$1,034) |
| Battery Replacement |
$207 ($103–$362) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$103 ($62–$155) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$93 ($52–$145) |
| HVAC Repair |
$414 ($155–$827) |
| HVAC System Install |
$7,238 ($4,136–$12,408) |
| Roof Repair |
$1,034 ($414–$2,068) |
| Roof Replacement |
$9,306 ($5,687–$15,510) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,551 ($517–$3,619) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$15,510 ($5,170–$31,020) |
| DUI Defense |
$5,170 ($2,068–$10,340) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,551 ($827–$3,102) |
| Will Preparation |
$517 ($207–$1,034) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,585 ($1,034–$5,170) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$26 ($16–$47) |
| Women's Haircut |
$57 ($31–$103) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$155 ($78–$259) |
| Manicure |
$26 ($16–$47) |
| Pedicure |
$41 ($26–$67) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$83 ($52–$134) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$4.24 ($3.10–$5.69) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.62 ($2.59–$5.17) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.93 ($2.59–$5.69) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.65 ($3.10–$6.72) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.69 ($4.14–$7.76) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$1.03 ($0.62–$1.86) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$145 ($83–$259) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$72 ($31–$155) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$72 ($41–$124) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$72 ($41–$103) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$67 ($31–$103) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$88 ($52–$155) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$207 ($78–$517) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$2,068 ($1,241–$3,619) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$72 ($31–$134) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$16 ($8.27–$26) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$103 ($31–$259) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$31 ($16–$78) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,241 ($620–$2,585) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$1,034 ($517–$2,068) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$414 ($207–$724) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$52 ($26–$103) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$1,034 ($414–$2,585) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$12,925 ($5,170–$31,020) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$62 ($31–$103) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$103 ($52–$207) |
| Dog Grooming |
$62 ($31–$103) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$41 ($21–$78) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$310 ($155–$517) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$207 ($103–$414) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $996 |
| Toddler | $671 |
| Preschool | $606 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $866 |
| Toddler | $714 |
| Preschool | $628 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Wahneta
What is the population of Wahneta?
Wahneta has a population of 4,464 residents and is located in Florida. The population density is 1,967 people per square mile, spread across 2.3 square miles. The median age of residents is 39.6 years. The population is 47.5% female and 52.5% male.
Is Wahneta expensive to live in?
Wahneta has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 103.4 (baseline: 100). The median household income is $51,795, 31% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $70,900 (75% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $971 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.4x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Wahneta safe?
Public safety is a concern in Wahneta, with a violent crime rate of 623 per 100,000 / significantly above the national average of 380. However, crime tends to concentrate in certain areas, and many neighborhoods remain relatively safe. Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,760 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Wahneta receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Wahneta?
Wahneta has a warm climate with an average annual temperature of 74°F (23°C). Winter temperatures average 62°F in January, while summers reach an average of 83°F in July. The area receives 330 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 52.8 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 41.
How is the job market in Wahneta?
The job market in Wahneta is very strong, with unemployment at just 1.9% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,071. There are 17,281 business establishments in the area, including 1,064 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 31 minutes, and 4.1% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Wahneta?
The median home value in Wahneta is $70,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $279,429. For renters, the median monthly rent is $971. Fair market rent is $1,296 for a 1-bedroom and $1,526 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 67.5%. The average annual property tax is $4,985.
How are the schools in Wahneta?
Schools in Wahneta score 5.1 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 8.7% of adults in Wahneta hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 65.2% have completed high school. 0.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Wahneta?
The obesity rate in Wahneta is 47.6% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 22.4% of adults are smokers. 42.9% are physically inactive. 20.9% of residents report depression. 37.6% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 69.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,172.
What is transportation like in Wahneta?
The average commute in Wahneta is 31 minutes, longer than the national average of 28 minutes. 76% of workers drive alone to work, and 4.1% work from home.
What are the demographics of Wahneta?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Wahneta is 50.7% White, 1.7% Black or African American. 39.8% of residents speak only English at home, while 60.2% speak Spanish. 2.7% of the population are military veterans. 6.2% of residents have a disability. 64.6% have health insurance coverage.