Median Income
$71,858
4% lower than US avg
Home Value
$419,700
49% higher than US avg
Violent Crime
112/100K
71% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
38.0%
13% higher than US avg
Median Rent
$1,578
36% higher than US avg
Obesity Rate
32.1%
0% lower than US avg
Unemployment
7.9%
119% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
10.5%
15% lower than US avg
How Wildwood Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population16,739
Median Age62.2 yrs
Density287/mi²
Male / Female44% / 57%
Largest GroupWhite 79%
Veterans10.8%
Economy
B
Median Income$71,858
Per Capita$49,348
Unemployment7.9%
Poverty10.5%
County GDP$7,559M
Commute23 min
Housing
B
Home Value$419,700
Rent$1,578
Ownership73.9%
Zillow$297,939
Housing Units9,161
Rent Burden43.5%
Crime
F
Violent112/100K
Property535/100K
Health
Obesity32.1%
Uninsured5.4%
Smoking12.3%
Depression18.1%
Heart Disease5.1%
Climate
Avg Temp73°F (23°C)
Rain43.8 in/yr
Elevation58 ft (18 m)
Education
A
Bachelor's+38.0%
High School+93.7%
Graduate+12.4%
School Score6.23
Community
2024 VoteR 69% / D 31%
Commute23 min
Broadband90.7%
EV Stations8
Libraries5
Is Wildwood a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Wildwood receives an overall livability score of 2.9 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include low crime rates, a highly educated population, high health insurance coverage. Areas to be aware of include high housing costs, above-average unemployment. Wildwood has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Wildwood is $71,858, roughly in line with the national average of $75,149. The unemployment rate of 7.9% is somewhat elevated compared to the national rate of 3.6%. 10.5% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 23 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Wildwood is $419,700, 49% above the national median. Renters pay a median of $1,578 per month, significantly above the national average of $1,163. The price-to-income ratio of 5.8x means housing costs are stretched relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Wildwood is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 112 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 535 per 100,000, 73% below the national average.
Education
Educational attainment is solid, with 38.0% holding a bachelor's degree or higher, near the national average. 93.7% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.2/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Wildwood has a warm climate with an average annual temperature of 73°F. Winters average 59°F in January while summers reach 83°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 43.8 inches.
Wildwood has a population of 16,739 with a density of 287 people per square mile, spread across 40.0 square miles. The median age is 62.2 years, 60% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 56.5% female and 43.5% male. The city is predominantly White (79.2%), with 4.7% Hispanic, 12.7% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 94.8% of residents, while 6.4% speak Spanish. 10.8% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 13.7% of residents have a disability. 94.6% have health insurance coverage.
Population
16,739
Total Population
2023 Census
62.2yrs
Median Age
60% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
94.8%
21% above US avg
Spanish
6.4%
52% below US avg
The median household income in Wildwood is $71,858, which is 4% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $49,348 (above the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,113, 22% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 7.9% (above the 3.6% US average). 10.5% of residents live below the poverty line. The area has 2,697 business establishments, including 191 restaurants. The cost of living index is 103.4, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 23 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 13.5% of workers work from home.
Income
| Median HH Income | $71,858 |
| 4% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $49,348 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,113 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $94,619 |
| Gini Index | 0.423 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 7.9% |
| 119% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 10.5% |
| 15% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 2,697 |
| County GDP | $7,559M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 191 |
| Healthcare | 271 |
| Retail | 282 |
| Manufacturing | 46 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $6,495 |
| 86% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 103.40 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 1.55% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 22.6 min |
| Drive Alone | 67.6% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 13.5% |
The median home value in Wildwood is $419,700, 49% above the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $297,939, lower than the Census estimate. According to Redfin, the median sale price is $365,000 with homes selling in an average of 55 days. Homes sell for 97.3% of their list price. Monthly rent averages $1,578 (36% above 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. 73.9% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 9,161 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 2013. The average annual property tax is $6,495 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 43.5% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing, indicating a significant affordability challenge for renters. The home price-to-income ratio is 5.8x, above the traditionally affordable threshold of 3-4x.
Home Values
| Census Median | $419,700 |
| 49% above US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $297,939 |
| Redfin Median Sale | $365,000 |
| Median List Price | $369,000 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median Sale Price | $365,000 |
| Median List Price | $369,000 |
| $/Sq Ft | $233 |
| Homes Sold | 35 |
| Days on Market | 55 days |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 97.3% |
| Price Drops | 35.9% |
| Inventory | 231 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $1,578 |
| 36% above US avg |
| Zillow Rent (ZORI) | $1,571 |
| Rent Burden | 43.5% |
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 | 73.9% |
| Owner-Occupied | 73.9% |
| Renter-Occupied | 26.1% |
| Housing Units | 9,161 |
| Median Year Built | 2013 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $6,495 |
| 86% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 1.55% |
In Wildwood, 32.1% of adults are obese, below the national rate of 32.1%. 9.2% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.1% of residents. 29.6% have high blood pressure. 12.3% are current smokers. 17.1% report binge drinking. 21.2% are physically inactive. 18.1% report depression. 17.5% experience frequent mental distress. 5.4% of residents lack health insurance (below the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,299. The dentist ratio is 1:2,843. 89.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.1 out of 10.
Air Quality (Open-Meteo CAMS - 2026-05-23)
PM2.5
9.0
μg/m³
Fine particulate
PM10
10.5
μg/m³
Coarse particulate
NO₂
3.8
μg/m³
Nitrogen dioxide
SO₂
0.5
μg/m³
Sulphur dioxide
CO
145.0
μg/m³
Carbon monoxide
Health Metrics: Wildwood vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 32.1% |
| 0% below US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.2% |
| Heart Disease | 5.1% |
| High Blood Pressure | 29.6% |
| Asthma | 10.0% |
| COPD | 5.7% |
| Cancer | 7.8% |
| Stroke | 2.7% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 12.3% |
| 12% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 17.1% |
| Physical Inactivity | 21.2% |
| Depression | 18.1% |
| Mental Distress | 17.5% |
| Physical Distress | 12.4% |
| Short Sleep | 36.6% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 94.6% |
| Uninsured | 5.4% |
| 37% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,299 |
| Dentists | 1:2,843 |
| Mental Health | 1:1,595 |
| Checkup Rate | 77.8% |
| Dental Visits | 59.2% |
| Premature Death | 10,415/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.1/10 |
| Exercise Access | 89.3% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 271 |
Wildwood has a violent crime rate of 112 per 100,000 residents, 71% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 535 per 100,000, 73% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 33 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Wildwood receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Wildwood vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 112.1/100K |
| 71% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 534.8/100K |
| 73% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 33 |
| Traffic Accidents | 1,515 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.3 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Wildwood has a warm climate with an average annual temperature of 73°F (23°C). Winters average 59°F in January while summers reach 83°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 43.8 inches. The city sits at an elevation of 58 feet.
Temperature
59°F Jan (15°C)
83°F Jul (28°C)
| Annual Average | 72.8°F |
| 35% above US avg |
| January Average | 59°F (15°C) |
| July Average | 83°F (28°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 58 ft (18 m) |
| Area | 40.0 sq mi (103.5 km²) |
| Population Density | 287/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 28.8058°N, 82.0073°W |
| Timezone | America/New_York |
| County | Sumter County County |
| Nearest Airport | Leesburg International (LEE) 12 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
43.8"
15% above US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
6.98"
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Moderate |
| Risk Score | 87.6 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 90.0 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 47.0 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively High |
| Hurricane |
Relatively High |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Moderate |
| Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hail |
Very Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively High |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
No Rating |
| Lightning |
Relatively High |
| Drought |
Very Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Hurricane History
22 hurricanes (Cat 1+) within 500 km since 1980.
Strongest: Category 5. Most recent: Helene (2024, Cat 4).
| Year |
Name |
Category |
Closest |
| 2024 |
Milton |
Category 4 |
105 km |
| 2024 |
Helene |
Category 4 |
204 km |
| 2024 |
Debby |
Category 1 |
176 km |
| 2023 |
Idalia |
Category 4 |
196 km |
| 2022 |
Ian |
Category 5 |
152 km |
| 2022 |
Nicole |
Category 1 |
214 km |
| 2021 |
Elsa |
Category 1 |
272 km |
| 2019 |
Dorian |
Category 3 |
246 km |
| 2017 |
Irma |
Category 2 |
70 km |
| 2016 |
Matthew |
Category 4 |
147 km |
| 2016 |
Hermine |
Category 1 |
249 km |
| 2005 |
Wilma |
Category 3 |
288 km |
| 2005 |
Ophelia |
Category 1 |
265 km |
| 2004 |
Charley |
Category 4 |
85 km |
| 2004 |
Jeanne |
Category 3 |
90 km |
| 2004 |
Frances |
Category 2 |
156 km |
| 2000 |
Gordon |
Category 1 |
197 km |
| 1999 |
Irene |
Category 1 |
207 km |
| 1995 |
Erin |
Category 1 |
200 km |
| 1985 |
Elena |
Category 3 |
175 km |
Source: NOAA IBTrACS (Cat 1+, 1980-2026)
Tornado History
686 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF3. Total: 73 fatalities, 792 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Feb 2, 2007 |
EF3 |
44 km |
13 |
| Feb 2, 2007 |
EF3 |
9 km |
8 |
| Feb 22, 1998 |
EF3 |
65 km |
13 |
| Feb 22, 1998 |
EF3 |
82 km |
25 |
| Feb 22, 1998 |
EF3 |
46 km |
3 |
| Apr 9, 1983 |
EF3 |
47 km |
3 |
| Mar 19, 1981 |
EF3 |
67 km |
0 |
| Dec 31, 1975 |
EF3 |
34 km |
1 |
| Oct 12, 2023 |
EF2 |
59 km |
0 |
| Aug 18, 2020 |
EF2 |
70 km |
0 |
| Oct 18, 2019 |
EF2 |
92 km |
0 |
| Sep 10, 2017 |
EF2 |
74 km |
0 |
| Dec 25, 2006 |
EF2 |
64 km |
0 |
| Dec 25, 2006 |
EF2 |
73 km |
0 |
| Mar 29, 2001 |
EF2 |
40 km |
0 |
| Sep 3, 1998 |
EF2 |
51 km |
0 |
| Feb 22, 1998 |
EF2 |
97 km |
1 |
| Dec 27, 1997 |
EF2 |
88 km |
0 |
| Apr 24, 1995 |
EF2 |
98 km |
0 |
| Jan 7, 1995 |
EF2 |
24 km |
1 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNNAMED (121,213 ac, 1998).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 1998 |
UNNAMED |
121,213 |
90 km |
| 1985 |
UNNAMED |
19,129 |
93 km |
| 2001 |
STAGECOACH COMPLEX |
14,079 |
67 km |
| 2006 |
JUNIPER |
11,998 |
56 km |
| 1998 |
UNNAMED |
9,972 |
97 km |
| 1998 |
UNNAMED |
9,705 |
68 km |
| 1985 |
UNNAMED |
8,382 |
99 km |
| 2009 |
JUNIPER SPRINGS |
8,363 |
56 km |
| 2007 |
UNNAMED |
6,345 |
94 km |
| 1995 |
UNNAMED |
5,474 |
51 km |
| 2012 |
UNNAMED |
5,431 |
48 km |
| 1991 |
UNNAMED |
4,948 |
95 km |
| 2009 |
ORLANDO-VOLUSIA COMPLEX |
4,618 |
100 km |
| 2019 |
C236/238/239/305 BOWERS ALEX SPRINGS N |
4,561 |
57 km |
| 1998 |
UNNAMED |
4,421 |
75 km |
| 1998 |
UNNAMED |
4,344 |
94 km |
| 2006 |
UNNAMED |
4,336 |
83 km |
| 2006 |
UNNAMED |
4,231 |
71 km |
| 1996 |
MAJOR 1 |
4,067 |
59 km |
| 1985 |
UNNAMED |
3,966 |
96 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
59°F (15°C) |
2.5 in |
Coldest |
| February |
63°F (17°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| March |
67°F (19°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| April |
72°F (22°C) |
2.0 in |
|
| May |
78°F (26°C) |
2.7 in |
|
| June |
82°F (28°C) |
7.0 in |
Wettest |
| July |
83°F (28°C) |
5.9 in |
|
| August |
83°F (29°C) |
6.6 in |
Warmest |
| September |
81°F (27°C) |
5.2 in |
|
| October |
75°F (24°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| November |
67°F (20°C) |
1.8 in |
Driest |
| December |
62°F (17°C) |
2.2 in |
|
Wildwood has a seasonal temperature swing of 24°F / from 59°F in January to 83°F in August. Total annual precipitation is 43.8 inches, with June being the wettest month (7.0") and November the driest (1.8").
Average costs for common services in Wildwood. 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 | $974 |
| Toddler | $801 |
| Preschool | $758 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Wildwood
What is the population of Wildwood?
Wildwood has a population of 16,739 residents and is located in Florida. The population density is 287 people per square mile, spread across 40.0 square miles. The median age of residents is 62.2 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 56.5% female and 43.5% male.
Is Wildwood expensive to live in?
Wildwood 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 $71,858, 4% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $419,700 (49% above the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $1,578 per month, above the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 5.8x, which means housing is a stretch relative to local earnings.
Is Wildwood safe?
Wildwood is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 112 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 535 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Wildwood receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Wildwood?
Wildwood has a warm climate with an average annual temperature of 73°F (23°C). Winter temperatures average 59°F in January, while summers reach an average of 83°F in July. Annual rainfall totals 43.8 inches.
How is the job market in Wildwood?
The unemployment rate in Wildwood is 7.9%, somewhat above the national average of 3.6%. Job seekers may face moderate competition. The average weekly wage is $1,113. There are 2,697 business establishments in the area, including 191 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 23 minutes, and 13.5% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Wildwood?
The median home value in Wildwood is $419,700. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $297,939. According to Redfin, the median sale price is $365,000, with homes typically selling within 55 days. For renters, the median monthly rent is $1,578. Fair market rent is $1,296 for a 1-bedroom and $1,526 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 73.9%. The average annual property tax is $6,495.
How are the schools in Wildwood?
Schools in Wildwood score 6.2 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 38.0% of adults in Wildwood hold a bachelor's degree or higher, above the national average of 33.7%. 93.7% have completed high school. 12.4% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Wildwood?
The obesity rate in Wildwood is 32.1% (below the national rate of 32.1%). 12.3% of adults are smokers. 21.2% are physically inactive. 18.1% of residents report depression. 5.4% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 89.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,299.
What is transportation like in Wildwood?
The average commute in Wildwood is 23 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 67.6% of workers drive alone to work, and 13.5% work from home.
What are the demographics of Wildwood?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Wildwood is 79.2% White, 12.7% Black or African American, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 0.6% Asian. 94.8% of residents speak only English at home, while 6.4% speak Spanish. 10.8% of the population are military veterans. 13.7% of residents have a disability. 94.6% have health insurance coverage.