Can A Firefighter Afford Rent in Winter Haven, FL?
Stretched but workable — rent takes 36.1% of gross income.
Winter Haven rent: June 2026. Salary: BLS OEWS May 2024 (Florida state estimate).
About rent and a firefighter salary
Firefighter base pay plus typical overtime sits modestly above the US median household income, but local rent levels determine whether that translates into affordability or rent burden. At the national-average firefighter base salary, the 30% rule supports about $1,570 a month in rent. The per-city pages compare local rent against local firefighter-pay estimates so renters can see where rent stays in range.
Cheaper rent nearby
These Florida cities have lower median rent than Winter Haven, which improves the affordability math on a firefighter salary:
Compare with full rent data for Winter Haven
View full rent data for Winter Haven, FL →Frequently asked questions
Can a firefighter afford rent in Winter Haven, FL?
Median rent in Winter Haven is $1,756 a month. A typical firefighter in Florida earns about $58,413 a year, which makes that rent 36.1% of gross monthly income. Under the 30% rule, the answer is no — rent exceeds the 30% threshold.
How much rent can a firefighter afford in Winter Haven?
Using the 30% rule, a firefighter salary in Florida (~$58,413/yr) supports up to $1,460 a month in rent. Winter Haven's current median rent is $1,756/mo, which is $296/mo over the affordability threshold.
How many hours does a firefighter work to cover rent in Winter Haven?
At an hourly equivalent of about $28 an hour, a firefighter in Florida works roughly 62.5 hours a month to cover Winter Haven's median rent of $1,756.
Where is rent cheaper than Winter Haven for a firefighter?
Nearby Florida cities with lower median rent include Mulberry ($1,755/mo), Wesley Chapel ($1,754/mo), Mulberry ($1,754/mo). Each shifts the affordability math materially on a firefighter salary.