Bartow, FL
Population 19,801 · Florida
About Bartow, FL
Bartow is a mid-sized city located in Florida with a population of 19,801 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $66,944 per year, which is 11% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 36.1 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Bartow features a median home value of $210,400, which is 14% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Bartow in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $1,073, 8% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 7,635 total housing units, 66% are owner-occupied (4,622 units) and 34% are renter-occupied (2,334 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Bartow shows an unemployment rate of 3.7%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 16.5%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Bartow have an average one-way commute time of 24.6 minutes.
Education & Demographics
22.3% of Bartow residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The lower educational attainment rate may reflect the area's industry mix, with more employment in trades, manufacturing, or agricultural sectors. The community's demographic composition includes 6.5% White, 0.9% Hispanic or Latino, 5.1% Black or African American, and 3.4% Asian residents, with 5.7% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Bartow, FL
Compared to national averages, Bartow has a median household income of $66,944 (11% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $210,400, which is 14% below the national median. Monthly rent at $1,073 is 8% below the US average of $1,163. Within Florida, Bartow's income is 12% below the state average of $75,893, and home values are 41% below the state median of $353,675.
Why Live in Bartow, FL?
Bartow offers affordable housing with a median home value of $210,400, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $1,073/month, and short commute times averaging just 24.6 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($66,944) that falls below the national average. However, Bartow’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Bartow has a population of 19,801 with a median age of 36.1 years. Compare Bartow with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Florida.
Similar Cities Near Bartow
Cities in Florida with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Palm Valley | 19,775 | $118,280 | $646,200 | Compare |
| Tavares | 19,738 | $57,644 | $225,500 | Compare |
| Punta Gorda | 19,886 | $79,291 | $482,300 | Compare |
| Bradfordville | 19,548 | $129,276 | $358,400 | Compare |
| Sweetwater | 19,544 | $55,154 | $251,000 | Compare |
| Lynn Haven | 19,451 | $83,093 | $286,700 | Compare |
| Naples | 19,421 | $140,833 | $1,254,200 | Compare |
| Englewood | 19,385 | $65,557 | $295,600 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Florida
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Bartow With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Bartow
What is the population of Bartow, FL?
The population of Bartow, FL is 19,801 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a mid-sized city in Florida.
What is the median household income in Bartow?
The median household income in Bartow, FL is $66,944 per year, which is 11% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Bartow?
The median home value in Bartow, FL is $210,400, which is 14% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Bartow?
The median monthly rent in Bartow, FL is $1,073, which is 8% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Bartow?
The unemployment rate in Bartow, FL is 3.7%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Bartow, FL a good place to live?
Bartow offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 19,801 and a median age of 36.1, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Bartow, FL?
22.3% of residents in Bartow aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The educational profile reflects the area's industry mix and employment landscape.
What is the cost of living in Bartow?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Bartow, FL: median home value is $210,400 (14% below national), median rent is $1,073/month, and median household income is $66,944. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.1x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Bartow?
The poverty rate in Bartow, FL is 16.5%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. Residents and prospective movers should be aware of the economic challenges facing parts of this community.
How diverse is Bartow, FL?
Bartow's population is 6.5% White, 0.9% Hispanic or Latino, 5.1% Black or African American, 3.4% Asian, and 22.3% two or more races. 5.7% of residents are foreign-born.