Winter Haven, FL
Population 52,846 · Florida
About Winter Haven, FL
Winter Haven is a mid-sized city located in Florida with a population of 52,846 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $59,604 per year, which is 21% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 40.6 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Winter Haven features a median home value of $248,200, which is 1% above the national median of $244,900. This positions Winter Haven in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $1,200, 3% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 22,944 total housing units, 62% are owner-occupied (12,267 units) and 38% are renter-occupied (7,424 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Winter Haven shows an unemployment rate of 4.4%, 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 Winter Haven have an average one-way commute time of 28.3 minutes.
Education & Demographics
22.2% of Winter Haven 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 3.7% White, 1.0% Hispanic or Latino, 13.8% Black or African American, and 5.1% Asian residents, with 11.8% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Winter Haven, FL
Compared to national averages, Winter Haven has a median household income of $59,604 (21% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $248,200, which is 1% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,200 is 3% above the US average of $1,163. Within Florida, Winter Haven's income is 21% below the state average of $75,893, and home values are 30% below the state median of $353,675.
Why Live in Winter Haven, FL?
Potential considerations include median household income ($59,604) that falls below the national average. However, as a mid-sized city, Winter Haven provides access to a wide range of amenities and services.
Winter Haven has a population of 52,846 with a median age of 40.6 years. Compare Winter Haven with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Florida.
Similar Cities Near Winter Haven
Cities in Florida with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Westchester | 53,082 | $75,905 | $473,300 | Compare |
| Pinellas Park | 53,423 | $62,043 | $251,900 | Compare |
| Kendale Lakes | 52,141 | $69,150 | $378,100 | Compare |
| Pensacola | 54,011 | $72,699 | $276,500 | Compare |
| Tamiami | 51,201 | $78,916 | $451,400 | Compare |
| Country Club | 51,000 | $70,974 | $340,900 | Compare |
| Bonita Springs | 54,830 | $90,486 | $460,600 | Compare |
| Apopka | 56,202 | $95,703 | $364,300 | 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 Winter Haven With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Winter Haven
What is the population of Winter Haven, FL?
The population of Winter Haven, FL is 52,846 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 Winter Haven?
The median household income in Winter Haven, FL is $59,604 per year, which is 21% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Winter Haven?
The median home value in Winter Haven, FL is $248,200, which is 1% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Winter Haven?
The median monthly rent in Winter Haven, FL is $1,200, which is 3% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Winter Haven?
The unemployment rate in Winter Haven, FL is 4.4%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Winter Haven, FL a good place to live?
Winter Haven offers a moderate cost of living, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 52,846 and a median age of 40.6, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Winter Haven, FL?
22.2% of residents in Winter Haven 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 Winter Haven?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Winter Haven, FL: median home value is $248,200 (1% above national), median rent is $1,200/month, and median household income is $59,604. The home-value-to-income ratio is 4.2x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Winter Haven?
The poverty rate in Winter Haven, 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 Winter Haven, FL?
Winter Haven's population is 3.7% White, 1.0% Hispanic or Latino, 13.8% Black or African American, 5.1% Asian, and 25.7% two or more races. 11.8% of residents are foreign-born.