| ZIP Code | 33859 |
|---|---|
| City | Lake Wales |
| State | Florida (FL) |
| County | Polk County |
| Area Code | 863 |
| Elevation | 117 ft |
| Latitude | 27.885222 |
|---|---|
| Longitude | -81.628206 |
| Timezone | New York (DST) |
| FIPS | 12105 |
| ZIP Type | Standard |
| Status | Active |
Race & Ethnicity
Age Breakdown
Key Indicators
| Median Age | 50.2 yrs ↑ 4% since 2019 |
|---|---|
| Avg Household Size | 2.36 |
| Below Poverty | 21.6% ▲ 116% above avg |
| College Grads | 37.6% ≈ Avg |
| Unemployment | 3.8% ▼ 23% below avg |
| No HS Diploma | 177 (2.4%) |
| HS Graduate | 2,163 (28.7%) |
| Some College | 1,165 (15.5%) |
| Associates | 1,191 (15.8%) |
| Bachelors | 969 (12.9%) |
| Graduate Degree | 1,861 (24.7%) |
Education
Housing Tenure
Home Value Distribution
Financials
| Median HH Income | $61,871 ▼ 19% below avg ↑ 42% since 2019 |
|---|---|
| Median Home Value | $200,300 ▼ 28% below avg ↑ 69% since 2019 |
| Home/Income Ratio | 3.2x (nat avg ~3.5x) |
| Median Rent | $1,232/mo ↑ 35% since 2019 |
| Total Units | 5,739 |
| Vacant Units | 1,309 |
| Avg HH Size | 2.36 |
Income Distribution
How People Get to Work
Commute Time
Year Built
Summary
| Total Units | 5,739 |
|---|---|
| Vacant | 1,309 |
| Owner Occupied | 75.6% |
| Renter Occupied | 24.4% |
| Avg HH Size | 2.36 |
ZIP code 33859 is located in Lake Wales, Florida, within Polk County. With a population of 10,827, this is a lightly populated ZIP code with a mature community — the median age is 50.2 years. Economically, 33859 is a solidly middle-class ZIP code: the median household income of $61,871 is below the national average.
Real estate in ZIP code 33859 represents an affordable housing market. The median home value of $200,300 is below the national average. Renters can expect to pay around $1,232 per month in median rent. Homeownership is strong here — 75.6% of occupied units are owner-occupied, suggesting an established, stable residential community. Median home values have increased by 69% since 2019.
The population of 33859 is majority White (61.24%). Residents are moderately educated — 37.6% hold a bachelor's degree or higher, which is near the national average. Poverty affects a significant share of residents at 21.6%. Household income has grown by 42% since 2019.
The unemployment rate in 33859 stands at 3.8%, which is below the national average. As in most parts of the country, driving alone is the dominant commute mode at 82%.
Overall, ZIP code 33859 in Lake Wales, FL is characterized as solidly middle-class, moderately educated, a mature community, and predominantly owner-occupied. With 10,827 residents, a median household income of $61,871, and a median home value of $200,300, it offers a clear picture of life in this part of Florida.