Tavares, FL
Population 19,738 · Florida
About Tavares, FL
Tavares is a mid-sized city located in Florida with a population of 19,738 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $57,644 per year, which is 23% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 54.6 years is notably older the US median age of 38.9 years, suggesting a more established community with a higher proportion of long-term residents.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Tavares features a median home value of $225,500, which is 8% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Tavares in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $1,409, 21% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 10,242 total housing units, 75% are owner-occupied (6,664 units) and 25% are renter-occupied (2,202 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Tavares shows an unemployment rate of 3.7%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 8.7%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Tavares have an average one-way commute time of 26 minutes.
Education & Demographics
24.8% of Tavares residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This is in line with national trends in educational attainment. The community's demographic composition includes 1.0% White, 0.9% Hispanic or Latino, 7.6% Black or African American, and 3.7% Asian residents, with 9.7% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Tavares, FL
Compared to national averages, Tavares has a median household income of $57,644 (23% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $225,500, which is 8% below the national median. Monthly rent at $1,409 is 21% above the US average of $1,163. Within Florida, Tavares's income is 24% below the state average of $75,893, and home values are 36% below the state median of $353,675.
Why Live in Tavares, FL?
Tavares offers affordable housing with a median home value of $225,500, below the US average of $244,900, and a low poverty rate of 8.7%, better than the national average.
Potential considerations include median household income ($57,644) that falls below the national average. However, Tavares’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Tavares has a population of 19,738 with a median age of 54.6 years. Compare Tavares with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Florida.
Similar Cities Near Tavares
Cities in Florida with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Palm Valley | 19,775 | $118,280 | $646,200 | Compare |
| Bartow | 19,801 | $66,944 | $210,400 | 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 Tavares With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Tavares
What is the population of Tavares, FL?
The population of Tavares, FL is 19,738 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 Tavares?
The median household income in Tavares, FL is $57,644 per year, which is 23% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Tavares?
The median home value in Tavares, FL is $225,500, which is 8% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Tavares?
The median monthly rent in Tavares, FL is $1,409, which is 21% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Tavares?
The unemployment rate in Tavares, 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 Tavares, FL a good place to live?
Tavares offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 19,738 and a median age of 54.6, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Tavares, FL?
24.8% of residents in Tavares 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 Tavares?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Tavares, FL: median home value is $225,500 (8% below national), median rent is $1,409/month, and median household income is $57,644. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.9x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Tavares?
The poverty rate in Tavares, FL is 8.7%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Tavares, FL?
Tavares's population is 1.0% White, 0.9% Hispanic or Latino, 7.6% Black or African American, 3.7% Asian, and 9.3% two or more races. 9.7% of residents are foreign-born.