Winter Haven is a city in Polk County, Florida, located in the central part of the state, about 50 miles southwest of Orlando. The city has a population of around 55,000 people and is known for its many lakes, which have earned it the nickname “Chain of Lakes City.”

One of the most popular attractions in Winter Haven is LEGOLAND Florida, a theme park that is dedicated to the iconic plastic building blocks. The park has rides, shows, and exhibits that are all made out of LEGO bricks, as well as a water park and a hotel.

Another popular attraction in Winter Haven is the Cypress Gardens Adventure Park, which features botanical gardens, water skiing shows, and a range of rides and attractions. Other local attractions include the Chain of Lakes Park, which has baseball fields, soccer fields, and a skate park, and the Lake Wales Ridge National Wildlife Refuge, which is a protected area that is home to a variety of plants and animals.

In addition to its attractions, Winter Haven is known for its mild, subtropical climate, with warm temperatures and plenty of sunshine throughout the year. The city also has a variety of restaurants, shops, and cultural events, making it a popular destination for both tourists and residents alike.

Population:

• Population (2023): 57,109
• Median Age (2022): 40.6
• Residents under 18 (2023): 21.8%
• Residents over 65 (2023): 22.6%
• Population by Sex (2023): Male – 48%, Female – 52%
• Homeowners and Renters (2022): Homeowners – 63%, Renters – 37%
• Married population (2023): 53%
• Population change (2010-2020): Appx. 20% Increase
• Poverty Rate compared to the US national average (2022): 15.9% vs US National average of 11.5%

Demographics (2022):

• White Non Hispanic – 47.3%
• Black Non Hispanic – 25.5%
• Multiracial Hispanic – 8%
• White Hispanic – 5.87%
• Other Hispanic 6.9%
• Asian – 2.35%,

*Prices shown are based only on activity for the dates specified

Income:

• Median Household Income (2022): $56,425
• Avg. per capita Income (2022): $28,967

Tax:

• County Property Tax Rate: .91% of a property’s assessed fair market value (2023)
• Combined State and County Sales Tax Rate: 7.5% (2023)

Cost of Living:

• Average Cost of Living compared to the US national average (2023): Slightly Lower
• Cost of Housing compared to the Florida average (2023): Lower
• Cost of Food compared to the US national average (2023): Appx. same
• Cost of Healthcare compared to the US national average (2023): 8% Lower
• Cost of Utilities compared to the US national average (2023): 10% Lower
• Cost of Transportation compared to the US national average (2023): 5% Lower

Political Affiliation based on the 2024 Election results ( Broward County ):

• Republican – 60%
• Democrat – 39.2%

Largest 3 Employers: Legoland Florida, Polk State College, Baycare Health System (2020)

School Ratings: Winter Haven has an overall rating of 6 out of 10 on GreatSchools (2020)

Coastal: No

Average Low and High Temperature: Low 17.75 °C, High 28 °C

Fun Facts: Winter Haven was the location of the first Publix supermarket

Location and Amenities:

 

Highways:

• Interstate 4 (I-4): Winter Haven is located along I-4, so there is convenient access to this major highway.

International Airports:

• Orlando International Airport (MCO): Approximately 57 miles (92 kilometers) northeast of Winter Haven, Florida. The travel time by car can be appx. 1 hour, depending on traffic conditions.
• Tampa International Airport (TPA): Approximately 63 miles (101 kilometers) southwest of Winter Haven, Florida. The travel time by car can be appx. 1 , depending on traffi c conditions.

Universities and Colleges:

• Polk State College (Winter Haven Campus): Located in Winter Haven, Florida.
• Florida Southern College: Approximately 20 miles (32 kilometers) west of Winter Haven, Florida, in Lakeland. The travel time by car is typically around 30 minutes.

Hospitals:

• Winter Haven Hospital: Located in Winter Haven, Florida.
• Lakeland Regional Health Medical Center: Approximately 17 miles (27 kilometers) west of Winter Haven, Florida, in Lakeland. The travel time by car is typically around 30 minutes.

Shopping Malls:

• Eagle Ridge Mall: Located in Lake Wales, approximately 10 miles (16 kilometers) south of Winter Haven, Florida. The travel time by car is typically around 15-20 minutes.
• Lakeland Square Mall: Approximately 18 miles (29 kilometers) west of Winter Haven, Florida, in Lakeland. The travel time by car is typically around 25-30 minutes.

Major Cities:

• Tampa is approximately 60 – 70 miles west.
• Orlando is approximately 60 – 70 miles to the northeast.

Amenities/Attractions:

• Legoland Florida, Chain of Lakes Park, Winter Haven Trail, Cypress Gardens Adventure Park

Short Term Rental Regulations:

** All short term rental operations in Florida must obtain a business license from the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation ( DBPR ) and a Florida Department of Revenue Certificate of Sales and Use. ** Short term rental regulations can be subject to change and should always be confirmed with city / towns or county departments.

Restrictions: N/A

For details visit – mywinterhaven.com