FloridaPop. 55,200Smaller cities
Is Winter Haven a Good Place to Live? Winter Haven, Florida: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Winter Haven ranks #934 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #391 of 524 smaller cities and #48 of 80 in Florida. Against similar-size cities it stands out for fast population growth (+3.8%, #19 of 468), and trails on low household income ($59,648, #446 of 524) and high poverty (16.4%, #399 of 524).
Winter Haven by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Winter Haven's rank among the tracked cities and the US figure (or the similar-size median where there is no national figure).
What is the cost of living in Winter Haven?
Winter Haven's cost of living index is 97.1, 3% below the US level of 100 and #552 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,246/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $272,484, 27% below the typical Florida home ($375,470).
| Measure | Winter Haven | FloridaFL | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 102.4 · US 100 | 97.1#552 of 1,308 | 103 | 102.4 | 100 |
| Typical home value (Zillow)Zillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $431,438 · US $368,697 | $272,484#305 of 1,187 | $375,470 | $431,438 | $368,697 |
| Typical asking rent (Zillow)Zillow Observed Rent Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,884/mo · US $1,948/mo | $1,698/mo#500 of 1,115 | — | $1,884/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $401,950 | $269,800#446 of 1,309 | — | $401,950 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,633/mo | $1,246/mo#478 of 1,309 | — | $1,633/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.5x | 4.5x#721 of 1,309 | — | 4.5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 22.2% | 25.1%#1012 of 1,309 | — | 22.2% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). Florida is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. Zillow figures track homes and rentals on the market now; Census figures are survey medians of all homes and leases, so the two differ.
Winter Haven housing market · August
Typical home value is a monthly index of homes in the middle third of the market; the Census figures above are survey medians and will differ. Source in the data sources list below. Winter Haven is in the Lakeland-Winter Haven, FL metro.
Florida housing market →Is Winter Haven safe?
Winter Haven recorded 269 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 28% below the US rate of 373 and 30% below Florida's 384. That ranks #500 of 1,083 cities with data (1 = safest) and #226 of 442 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Winter Haven Police Department. Property crime runs 1,475 per 100,000 (US 2,083).
| Measure | Winter Haven | FloridaFL | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 264 · US 373 | 269#500 of 1,083 | 384 | 264 | 373 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,553 · US 2,083 | 1,475#462 of 1,083 | 1,954 | 1,553 | 2,083 |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). Florida is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. City rates come from each police agency's report to the FBI and are not strictly comparable across agencies.
What do people earn in Winter Haven?
The median household in Winter Haven earns $59,648, 22% below the US figure of $76,827 and 17% below Florida ($71,516). Unemployment is 5% (US 4.2%). 16.4% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 3.8% in the latest year (US +0.8%).
| Measure | Winter Haven | FloridaFL | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $83,646 · US $76,827 | $59,648#1053 of 1,312 | $71,516 | $83,646 | $76,827 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.2% · US 4.2% | 5%#832 of 1,058 | 4.3% | 4.2% | 4.2% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.8% | 16.4%#943 of 1,312 | — | 10.8% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.2% · US +0.8% | +3.8%#38 of 1,132 | +2% | +0.2% | +0.8% |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). Florida is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure.
Who lives in Winter Haven?
The median resident of Winter Haven is 40.1 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 22% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #1093 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 63.7% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Winter Haven | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 37.7 | 40.1 | 37.7 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 35.1% | 22%#1093 of 1,312 | 35.1% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 61.7% | 63.7% | 61.7% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure.
How are Winter Haven's schools and health?
Winter Haven's 13 public schools graduate 87% of students in four years (Florida 87%), with 19.4 students per teacher and $11,747 spent per pupil. 41.5% of adults are obese and 15.5% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 31.9% and 11%.
| Measure | Winter Haven | FloridaFL | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 89% | 87%#576 of 1,063 | 87% | 89% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 16.4 | 19.4#916 of 1,188 | — | 16.4 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $15,354 | $11,747#985 of 1,188 | — | $15,354 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 31.9% | 41.5%#1185 of 1,311 | — | 31.9% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11% | 15.5%#1191 of 1,311 | — | 11% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 16.7% | 18%#857 of 1,311 | — | 16.7% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.1% | 18.5%#1186 of 1,311 | — | 10.1% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). Florida is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. 9,472 students are enrolled in Winter Haven's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Winter Haven?
The average commute in Winter Haven is 28.4 minutes (Florida 24.6); 0.1% of workers take transit and 9.7% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Winter Haven scores 8.8 of 20 (below average walkable), #866 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 83.7°F and winters 64°F, with 46.1 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Winter Haven | FloridaFL | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 25.1 min | 28.4 min#1022 of 1,312 | 24.6 min | 25.1 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 6.5% | 9.7%#1042 of 1,312 | 8.5% | 6.5% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 70.8% | 80.2% | 74.1% | 70.8% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.1% | 0.1% | 1.3% | 1.1% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.4% | 1.2% | 1.4% | 1.4% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.2% | 0.3% | 0.5% | 0.2% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 13.7% | 9.7% | 11.9% | 13.7% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 11.1 | 8.8#866 of 1,312 | — | 11.1 | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). Florida is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. The walkability index is the EPA's, averaged over the city's neighborhoods by population.
| Month | Average high (°F) | Average low (°F) | Precipitation (inches) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 72.5 | 51.9 | 2.5 |
| Feb | 75.6 | 54.6 | 2.4 |
| Mar | 79.7 | 58.5 | 3 |
| Apr | 84.6 | 63.1 | 2.5 |
| May | 89.7 | 69 | 2.7 |
| Jun | 92.2 | 73.8 | 7.4 |
| Jul | 92.9 | 75.4 | 7.4 |
| Aug | 92.7 | 75.6 | 6.5 |
| Sep | 90.8 | 74.1 | 5.3 |
| Oct | 86.1 | 68 | 2.2 |
| Nov | 79.5 | 60 | 1.5 |
| Dec | 74.4 | 54.8 | 2.7 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Winter Haven Gilbert Airport.
| Measure | Winter Haven | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 58.1°F | 74.6°F | 58.1°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 74.2°F | 83.7°F | 74.2°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 40.8°F | 64°F | 40.8°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 38.3 in | 46.1 in | 38.3 in | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Winter Haven Gilbert Airport.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Winter Haven?
Polk County's air had a median air quality index of 34, and 96% of measured days were rated good; 0 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from ozone. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Polk County's biggest natural hazard losses in strong wind, hurricane, and wildfire, with expected yearly losses of 0.18% of building value, higher than 66% of US counties.
| Measure | Winter Haven | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 44 | 34#119 of 1,138 | 44 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 3 | 0#1 of 1,138 | 3 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.15% | 0.18%#857 of 1,312 | 0.15% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. County figures for Polk County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Polk County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Strong wind | 0.019% | 98% of counties |
| Hurricane | 0.074% | 89% of counties |
| Wildfire | 0.0051% | 78% of counties |
| Tornado | 0.0055% | 39% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.057% | 19% of counties |
FEMA National Risk Index: expected yearly building losses from each hazard as a share of the county's building value, compared with every US county exposed to that hazard. Loss rates, unlike FEMA's risk ratings, do not rise just because a county has more property.
How does Winter Haven compare with similar-size cities?
Winter Haven is one of 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track and ranks #391 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 55,200.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Winter Haven, FLPop. 55,200 | #934 | 51.2 | $59,648 | $1,246/mo | 269 | 28.4 min |
| Mount Prospect, ILPop. 55,472 | #75 | 69.2 | $101,720 | $1,502/mo | 56 | 25.9 min |
| Anderson, INPop. 55,367 | #980 | 50.4 | $46,909 | $925/mo | 410 | 24.7 min |
| Texas City, TXPop. 55,364 | #861 | 52.3 | $68,776 | $1,307/mo | 249 | 25.7 min |
| West Haven, CTPop. 55,351 | #435 | 59.4 | $74,382 | $1,442/mo | 65 | 22.9 min |
| Chicopee, MAPop. 55,295 | #690 | 55.1 | $62,615 | $1,157/mo | 482 | 21.3 min |
| Valdosta, GAPop. 55,252 | #1150 | 46.6 | $45,925 | $1,054/mo | 477 | 16.1 min |
| Plainfield, NJPop. 55,236 | #966 | 50.7 | $85,908 | $1,767/mo | 411 | 29.5 min |
| San Jacinto, CAPop. 55,180 | #1162 | 46.4 | $80,647 | $1,615/mo | 319 | 40.5 min |
Rank is overall rank of 1,312. Income is median household income; rent is Census median rent; violent crime is per 100,000 residents as reported to the FBI ("no data" and "incomplete" are explained on each city's page).
How does Winter Haven compare with the rest of Florida?
Winter Haven ranks #48 of the 80 Florida cities we track, with a score of 51.2 against Florida's statewide 52.8. Its households earn 17% below the Florida median. Violent crime is 30% below the statewide rate. Homes are 27% below the typical Florida home.
| City | Rank in FL | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Palm Beach Gardens, FLPop. 60,959 | #1 | 64.8 | $106,947 | $2,417/mo | 72 |
| Horizon West, FLPop. 67,416 | #2 | 64.0 | $127,335 | $2,464/mo | no data |
| Jupiter, FLPop. 61,883 | #3 | 62.6 | $110,240 | $2,381/mo | 126 |
| Doral, FLPop. 79,216 | #4 | 61.5 | $94,164 | $2,669/mo | 79 |
| North Port, FLPop. 84,605 | #5 | 61.2 | $84,049 | $1,894/mo | 102 |
| Wellington, FLPop. 62,146 | #6 | 61.1 | $115,632 | $2,562/mo | 90 |
| Boca Raton, FLPop. 100,234 | #7 | 61.0 | $106,273 | $2,508/mo | 113 |
| Apopka, FLPop. 58,232 | #8 | 59.4 | $96,884 | $1,969/mo | 408 |
| St. Cloud, FLPop. 65,130 | #9 | 58.8 | $83,174 | $1,683/mo | 141 |
| Delray Beach, FLPop. 67,979 | #10 | 58.5 | $82,041 | $1,961/mo | 292 |
| Homestead, FLPop. 82,807 | … #44 | 51.4 | $65,423 | $1,674/mo | 442 |
| Port Orange, FLPop. 64,767 | #45 | 51.4 | $74,426 | $1,634/mo | part year |
| Bradenton, FLPop. 57,014 | #46 | 51.4 | $60,822 | $1,618/mo | 400 |
| Fort Lauderdale, FLPop. 185,604 | #47 | 51.2 | $83,130 | $1,854/mo | 673 |
| Winter Haven, FLPop. 55,200 | #48 | 51.2 | $59,648 | $1,246/mo | 269 |
| Sunrise, FLPop. 97,918 | #49 | 51.0 | $77,652 | $2,140/mo | part year |
| Jacksonville, FLPop. 977,670 | #50 | 50.9 | $69,872 | $1,465/mo | 519 |
| Coconut Creek, FLPop. 58,330 | #51 | 50.9 | $75,014 | $2,102/mo | part year |
| Ocala, FLPop. 66,584 | #52 | 50.7 | $56,376 | $1,359/mo | 393 |
The top 10 of the 80 and the cities ranked either side of Winter Haven among the Florida cities we track, by overall score. Florida statewide: median income $71,516, violent crime 384 per 100,000.
How is Winter Haven's score calculated?
Winter Haven scores 51.2 out of 100, #934 of 1,312 (grade C, which follows rank). It is scored on the 10 of 11 categories with local data; outdoor access is left out rather than filled with Florida's statewide figure, and the other weights are scaled up to fill the gap. Each score is compared with the median of similar-size cities, which are scored the same way.
- EconomyCity data · 16% of score
Median household income and unemployment in Winter Haven. Similar-size median 55.5.
40.1 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Winter Haven's police agency. Similar-size median 77.6.
79.1 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Winter Haven. Similar-size median 58.9.
34.3 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Winter Haven's public schools. Similar-size median 55.2.
45.5 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Winter Haven's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 59.3.
73.0 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Winter Haven. Similar-size median 56.1.
35.9 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Winter Haven. Similar-size median 42.4.
75.6 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Winter Haven. Similar-size median 50.0.
37.0 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Winter Haven's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 53.2.
41.1 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 50.8.
52.8 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Winter Haven's category score out of 100. Tick: median of the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track. Shares of score are the category weights rescaled over the categories Winter Haven has data for. City scores use city formulas and are not on the same scale as state scores. Grades follow rank among the 1,312 cities. Methodology
Frequently asked questions about living in Winter Haven
Is Winter Haven, FL a good place to live?
Winter Haven ranks #934 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #391 of 524 smaller cities and #48 of 80 in Florida. Against similar-size cities it stands out for fast population growth (+3.8%, #19 of 468), and trails on low household income ($59,648, #446 of 524) and high poverty (16.4%, #399 of 524).
What is the cost of living in Winter Haven?
Winter Haven's cost of living index is 97.1, 3% below the US level of 100 and #552 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,246/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $272,484, 27% below the typical Florida home ($375,470).
What is the crime rate in Winter Haven?
Winter Haven recorded 269 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 28% below the US rate of 373 and 30% below Florida's 384. That ranks #500 of 1,083 cities with data (1 = safest) and #226 of 442 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Winter Haven Police Department. Property crime runs 1,475 per 100,000 (US 2,083).
What is the median household income in Winter Haven?
The median household in Winter Haven earns $59,648, 22% below the US figure of $76,827 and 17% below Florida ($71,516). Unemployment is 5% (US 4.2%). 16.4% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 3.8% in the latest year (US +0.8%).
How much is rent in Winter Haven?
Median rent in Winter Haven is $1,246/mo (Census), #478 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Zillow's typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $1,698/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 25.1% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Winter Haven?
Zillow's typical home value in Winter Haven is $272,484, down 2.7% in a year, against $375,470 for Florida and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $269,800.
How are the public schools in Winter Haven?
Winter Haven's 13 public schools graduate 87% of students in four years (Florida 87%), with 19.4 students per teacher and $11,747 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Winter Haven?
The average commute is 28.4 minutes, #1022 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 24.6 minutes across Florida. 9.7% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Winter Haven?
Winter Haven averages 74.6°F over the year, 83.7°F in summer and 64°F in winter, with 46.1 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Winter Haven walkable?
Winter Haven scores 8.8 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (below average walkable), #866 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). The index weighs street intersection density, distance to transit and the mix of homes and jobs in each neighborhood.
What natural disasters is Winter Haven at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Polk County's biggest natural hazard losses in strong wind, hurricane, and wildfire, with expected yearly losses of 0.18% of building value, higher than 66% of US counties.
How is the air quality in Winter Haven?
Polk County's air had a median air quality index of 34, and 96% of measured days were rated good; 0 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from ozone.
Who lives in Winter Haven?
Winter Haven has 55,200 residents. The median resident of Winter Haven is 40.1 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 22% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #1093 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 63.7% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Winter Haven compare with the rest of Florida?
Winter Haven ranks #48 of the 80 Florida cities we track, with a score of 51.2 against Florida's statewide 52.8. Its households earn 17% below the Florida median. Violent crime is 30% below the statewide rate. Homes are 27% below the typical Florida home.
What cities are similar in size to Winter Haven?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Winter Haven's population of 55,200 are Mount Prospect, IL (#75 overall), Anderson, IN (#980 overall), Texas City, TX (#861 overall), West Haven, CT (#435 overall), and Chicopee, MA (#690 overall). Winter Haven is #934.