Wildwood, FL
Population 16,739 · Florida
About Wildwood, FL
Wildwood is a mid-sized city located in Florida with a population of 16,739 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $71,858 per year, which is 4% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 62.2 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 Wildwood features a median home value of $419,700, which is 71% above the national median of $244,900. This places Wildwood in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $1,578, 36% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 10,080 total housing units, 74% are owner-occupied (6,177 units) and 26% are renter-occupied (2,185 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Wildwood shows an unemployment rate of 7.9%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 13.3%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Wildwood have an average one-way commute time of 22.6 minutes.
Education & Demographics
38.0% of Wildwood 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 1.3% White, 0.3% Hispanic or Latino, 1.3% Black or African American, and 1.7% Asian residents, with 6.9% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Wildwood, FL
Compared to national averages, Wildwood has a median household income of $71,858 (4% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $419,700, which is 71% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,578 is 36% above the US average of $1,163. Within Florida, Wildwood's income is 5% below the state average of $75,893, and home values are 19% above the state median of $353,675.
Why Live in Wildwood, FL?
Wildwood offers a well-educated community where 38.0% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, and short commute times averaging just 22.6 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($71,858) that falls below the national average, and a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $419,700. However, Wildwood’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Wildwood has a population of 16,739 with a median age of 62.2 years. Compare Wildwood with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Florida.
Similar Cities Near Wildwood
Cities in Florida with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lake Mary | 16,724 | $116,944 | $462,200 | Compare |
| Vero Beach | 16,785 | $67,351 | $392,500 | Compare |
| Mount Dora | 16,812 | $69,931 | $316,100 | Compare |
| Belle Glade | 16,818 | $47,191 | $141,100 | Compare |
| Myrtle Grove | 16,637 | $63,011 | $182,600 | Compare |
| Palmetto Estates | 16,587 | $82,199 | $412,200 | Compare |
| Safety Harbor | 17,040 | $105,813 | $433,300 | Compare |
| Three Lakes | 16,426 | $91,364 | $434,800 | 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 Wildwood With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Wildwood
What is the population of Wildwood, FL?
The population of Wildwood, FL is 16,739 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 Wildwood?
The median household income in Wildwood, FL is $71,858 per year, which is 4% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Wildwood?
The median home value in Wildwood, FL is $419,700, which is 71% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Wildwood?
The median monthly rent in Wildwood, FL is $1,578, which is 36% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Wildwood?
The unemployment rate in Wildwood, FL is 7.9%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Wildwood, FL a good place to live?
Wildwood offers a moderate cost of living, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 16,739 and a median age of 62.2, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Wildwood, FL?
38.0% of residents in Wildwood aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This above-average educational attainment often reflects a knowledge-based local economy.
What is the cost of living in Wildwood?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Wildwood, FL: median home value is $419,700 (71% above national), median rent is $1,578/month, and median household income is $71,858. The home-value-to-income ratio is 5.8x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Wildwood?
The poverty rate in Wildwood, FL is 13.3%, 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 Wildwood, FL?
Wildwood's population is 1.3% White, 0.3% Hispanic or Latino, 1.3% Black or African American, 1.7% Asian, and 12.7% two or more races. 6.9% of residents are foreign-born.