| ZIP Code | 33853 |
|---|---|
| City | Lake Wales |
| State | Florida (FL) |
| County | Polk County |
| Area Code | 863 |
| Elevation | 122 ft |
| Latitude | 27.900772 |
|---|---|
| Longitude | -81.58567 |
| Timezone | New York (DST) |
| FIPS | 12105 |
| ZIP Type | Standard |
| Status | Active |
Race & Ethnicity
Age Breakdown
Key Indicators
| Median Age | 37.3 yrs |
|---|---|
| Avg Household Size | 2.57 |
| Below Poverty | 23.1% ▲ 131% above avg |
| College Grads | 29.1% ▼ 25% below avg |
| Unemployment | 7.3% ▲ 49% above avg |
| No HS Diploma | 241 (3.2%) |
| HS Graduate | 2,892 (38%) |
| Some College | 1,093 (14.4%) |
| Associates | 1,175 (15.4%) |
| Bachelors | 626 (8.2%) |
| Graduate Degree | 1,588 (20.9%) |
Education
Housing Tenure
Home Value Distribution
Financials
| Median HH Income | $40,938 ▼ 46% below avg ↑ 9% since 2019 |
|---|---|
| Median Home Value | $198,100 ▼ 29% below avg ↑ 32% since 2019 |
| Home/Income Ratio | 4.8x (nat avg ~3.5x) |
| Median Rent | $965/mo ↑ 28% since 2019 |
| Total Units | 5,483 |
| Vacant Units | 777 |
| Avg HH Size | 2.57 |
Income Distribution
How People Get to Work
Commute Time
Year Built
Summary
| Total Units | 5,483 |
|---|---|
| Vacant | 777 |
| Owner Occupied | 55.8% |
| Renter Occupied | 44.2% |
| Avg HH Size | 2.57 |
ZIP code 33853 is located in Lake Wales, Florida, within Polk County. With a population of 12,385, this is a lightly populated ZIP code with a relatively young community — the median age is 37.3 years. Economically, 33853 is a working-class ZIP code: the median household income of $40,938 is below the national average.
Real estate in ZIP code 33853 represents an affordable housing market. The median home value of $198,100 is below the national average. Renters can expect to pay around $965 per month in median rent. The area has a relatively balanced mix of owners (55.8%) and renters (44.2%). Median home values have increased by 32% since 2019.
The population of 33853 is racially diverse, with White as the largest group at 42.2%. Residents are moderately educated — 29.1% hold a bachelor's degree or higher, which is below the national average. Poverty affects a significant share of residents at 23.1%. Household income has grown by 9% since 2019.
The unemployment rate in 33853 stands at 7.3%, which is above the national average. As in most parts of the country, driving alone is the dominant commute mode at 79%.
Overall, ZIP code 33853 in Lake Wales, FL is characterized as working-class, moderately educated, and a relatively young community. With 12,385 residents, a median household income of $40,938, and a median home value of $198,100, it offers a clear picture of life in this part of Florida.