| Statistic | Lake Wales | Florida | National |
| Population | 16,515 | 21,477,737 | 328,239,523 |
| Population density (sq mi) | 876 | 410 | 91 |
| Median age | 38.9 | 41.6 | 37.7 |
| Male/Female ratio | 0.9:1 | 1.0:1 | 1.0:1 |
| Married (15yrs & older) | 53% | 54% | 55% |
| Families w/ Kids under 18 | 42% | 38% | 43% |
| Speak English | 80% | 72% | 79% |
| Speak Spanish | 18% | 21% | 13% |
Lake Wales demographics provide invaluable insights into the composition, dynamics and needs of urban and rural areas, enabling them to plan, develop, and govern in ways that promote prosperity, equity and well-being for all residents. The Lake Wales population is 16,515 and has a population density of 876 people per square mile, compared to the national average of 91. The median age of all residents is 38.9, 53% of people 15 years of age or older are married and 42% have kids under the age of 18. In Lake Wales, 25% of households have a median income that is below $25,000 and 7% of households report a median income above $150,000.
The 5 largest ethnic groups in Lake Wales are 62.6% White, 23.4% Black or African American, 0.3% Asian, 0.1% American Indian and 0% Native Hawaiian, with 23.8% of the population identifying as Hispanic or Latino. Of note, 80.1% of households reported speaking English only, while 18.2% reported speaking Spanish only. Additionally, 8.2% of residents were classified as foreign-born. The Lake Wales racial demographics and ethnicity breakdown are essential for comprehending and addressing systemic inequities, advancing social justice and inclusion and cultivating resilient communities.
Areas like Lake Wales that have a higher than average population density tend to support environmental sustainability by reducing per capita energy consumption, greenhouse gas emissions and land use. Compact urban development encourages energy-efficient buildings, walking, cycling and the use of public transit, promoting sustainable lifestyles and reducing environmental impact. Densely populated areas also tend to have more vibrant social and cultural scenes, with a diverse population contributing to a wide array of cultural events, festivals and community activities. This diversity fosters creativity, innovation and cross-cultural exchange, enriching the social fabric of the community. The Lake Wales population density is higher than average and comes in at 876 people per square mile (compared to the nationwide average of 91), putting it in a position to take advantage of all the benefits of a densely populated area.
Healthcare Planning: Analyzing the demographic data in Lake Wales has the potential to inform healthcare planning and delivery by identifying population health needs, disparities and risk factors. Healthcare providers and policymakers can allocate resources more effectively, develop prevention and intervention programs and address health inequities within communities by understanding demographic trends. Leveraging demographic statistics can enable healthcare providers and policymakers to strive for equitable, accessible and high-quality healthcare for all individuals and communities. This proactive healthcare planning approach ensures targeted interventions, efficient resource allocation and tailored healthcare services to meet diverse population needs.
Social Cohesion: Reporting and analyzing demographics can play a crucial role in fostering social cohesion and understanding among diverse communities. By recognizing and appreciating differences in Lake Wales demographics, societies can promote inclusivity, diversity and social harmony, while addressing social disparities and promoting equal opportunities for all individuals. Racial demographics reflect the diversity of a population and contribute to fostering inclusive and welcoming communities. Embracing diversity strengthens social cohesion, promotes cultural understanding and enriches the fabric of society by celebrating the contributions of individuals from different racial and ethnic backgrounds.
Understanding Populations: By reporting and analyzing Lake Wales demographics, we can acquire valuable insights into the makeup and traits of populations, encompassing age, gender, race, ethnicity, income, education and various socio-economic factors. This comprehension is vital for tackling the varied needs, preferences, and obstacles encountered by different demographic groups within communities. Demographics serve a pivotal role in comprehending populations, guiding decision-making processes and advancing equity, inclusion and overall well-being for all individuals and communities. The Lake Wales population data serves as a cornerstone for addressing social, economic and environmental challenges, while also fostering the well-being and strength of communities.
| Race | Lake Wales | Florida | National |
| White | 62.61% | 75.90% | 73.35% |
| Black | 23.39% | 16.14% | 12.63% |
| Asian | 0.27% | 2.61% | 5.22% |
| American Indian | 0.13% | 0.27% | 0.82% |
| Native Hawaiian | 0.04% | 0.06% | 0.18% |
| Mixed race | 8.68% | 2.48% | 3.06% |
| Other race | 4.87% | 2.54% | 4.75% |
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