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Lake Wales, Florida

city · Polk County

At a glance

16,785
Population
$239,300
Median home value (all homes)
21% below U.S. median
$241,881
Typical market value
Zillow, 2026-07
$1,110/mo
Median rent
18% below U.S. median
$56,347
Median household income
28% below U.S. median
23.9 min
Average commute
85.6%
Homes with broadband
59.78%
Locations with fiber available
5.9%
Unemployment

Cost of living (Clay Affordability Index)

CAI 95 — 5% below the national average. how it's computed

Housing3% below
Goods & services2% below
Utilities8% above
Taxes63% below
Insurance49% above
Commute cost13% below
No natural gas service in this area — most homes heat with electricity or propane.
For business: Florida is CBII band 2/5 · time to build band 1/5. See state page for the breakdown.

Living here

Colleges in town:
Warner University Graduate degrees
Nearest 4-year college5 mi
Nearest community college39 mi
Nearest technical college13 mi
High school graduates87.5%
College graduates20.8%

Doing business here

Economic development contacts, most local first:

city Lake Wales
The Lake Wales Area Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development Council serves as a chamber of commerce and economic development organization for Lake Wales, promoting a strong business climate and quality of life by providing training, networking opportunities, and information to current and future entrepreneurs.
state Enterprise Florida
Florida-based economic development organization page offering business development, export resources, and international trade information, with contact details for a regional business development team.
state Florida Economic Development Council
Florida Economic Development Council is a Florida-based economic development organization with a board of directors and staff, offering membership, advocacy, events, and professional development for Florida's economic development professionals.
State sales taxYes
State income taxNone
Right-to-work stateYes

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