Lake Wales, Florida Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates
The population of Lake Wales, Florida is 16,365 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 242nd-largest city in Florida. The median household income is $55,799, the median home value is $225,900, and the median age is 41.1.
The population has grown 25.6% since 2010 (14,168 → 17,798).
16,365
Population
806
People / sq mi
$55,799
Median Income
$225,900
Median Home Value
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Lake Wales covers 20.3 sq mi of land at 806 people per square mile.
About Lake Wales, FL
The poverty rate is what most separates Lake Wales from the typical city: 19.6% of residents live below the federal poverty line, against 12.4% nationally. Lake Wales is a city in Florida with a population of 16,365.
The typical household earns $55,799, below the US median of $78,538. Hardship is pronounced — at 19.6%, poverty is near the top of the range for US cities, above the national 12.4%. Homes are comparatively cheap — a median value of $225,900, with typical rent around $1,060.
Degree attainment is on the lower side for US cities: 22.0% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree, below the national 35.0%. Just 6.5% of workers are home-based, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 26 minutes each way.
The elevated poverty rate is the context for the rest of the profile in Lake Wales: it pulls on median income, housing tenure, and the share of residents with a college degree.
Lake Wales city Population History (2010-2024)
The city of Lake Wales city had a population of 14,168 in 2010 and 17,798 in 2024, a 25.6% growth over 14 years. The peak was 17,798 in 2024. Average annual growth rate: 1.66%.
17,798
Population (2024)
14,168
Population (2010)
17,798
Peak (2024)
1.66%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 14,168 |
| 2011 | 14,308 |
| 2012 | 14,582 |
| 2013 | 14,715 |
| 2014 | 14,959 |
| 2015 | 15,305 |
| 2016 | 15,623 |
| 2017 | 15,971 |
| 2018 | 16,486 |
| 2019 | 16,759 |
| 2020 | 16,290 |
| 2021 | 16,419 |
| 2022 | 16,572 |
| 2023 | 16,808 |
| 2024 | 17,798 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 55.3% |
| Black or African American | 19.2% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 0.9% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Economy & Income
$55,799
Median Household Income
$27,794
Per Capita Income
19.6%
Poverty Rate
2.8%
Unemployment Rate
Housing
$225,900
Median Home Value
$1,060
Median Rent
61.0%
Owner-Occupied
Education
87.5%
High School+
22.0%
Bachelor's+
Commute
0.1%
Drive Alone
79.3%
Public Transit
6.5%
Work From Home
26.4 min
Avg Commute
Community Profile
43.4%
Foreign Born
75.4%
Non-English at Home
9.5%
Veterans
17.8%
With Disability
91.3%
Health Insurance
91.3%
Internet Access
Employment by Industry
| Professional, Scientific & Management | 24.0% |
| Retail Trade | 12.6% |
| Construction | 9.2% |
| Manufacturing | 8.9% |
| Education, Health Care & Social Services | 8.0% |
| Arts, Entertainment & Food Services | 6.4% |
| Information | 5.6% |
| Finance, Insurance & Real Estate | 5.4% |
| Public Administration | 5.0% |
| Agriculture & Mining | 1.5% |
| Transportation & Warehousing | 0.2% |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Lake Wales, Florida has a population of 16,365 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 242nd-largest city in Florida.
The median household income in Lake Wales, Florida is $55,799, with 19.6% of residents living below the federal poverty level.
The median home value in Lake Wales, Florida is $225,900, with median monthly rent at $1,060 and a homeownership rate of 61.0%.
The median age in Lake Wales, Florida is 41.1 years. The population is 47.6% male and 52.4% female.
The population has grown 25.6% since 2010 (14,168 → 17,798).
Where to stay in Lake Wales
Visiting or relocating to Lake Wales, FL? Compare hotels and short-term rentals across the metro — live availability and prices.
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.