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ZIP Code · FL

ZIP 33853

Pop. 12,674·Polk County·647th most expensive ZIP in Florida
Median rent (all units)
$1,396/mo
Year-over-Year
Stable
Month-over-Month
+11.9%
vs US Median
-$569
Rising (Monthly)
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Most AffordableMost Expensive
ZIP 33853 · $1,396
More affordable than 81% of US ZIP codes · National median $1,965/mo
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Medians by bedroom

Rent by unit size

Studio
$1,000
1 BR
$1,000
2 BR
$1,220
3 BR
$1,650
4 BR+
$2,050
Research median
$1,220/mo

Bedroom estimates are gross rents that include essential utilities (electricity, water, gas, sewer, trash).

Rent trends

12-month history

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Last updated: July 20, 2026

Annual cost
$16,752/yr
At $1,396/mo median
Location
StateFL
CountyPolk County
Rent Market Meter
Strong Landlord's Market
Renter's MarketBalancedLandlord's Market
Rents are up 0.0% year-over-year. Expect competition, and move quickly to lock in terms.
Based on rent-price momentum (+0.0% YoY, +11.9% MoM), not inventory.
Demographics

Who lives here

ZIP 33853 (Lake Wales, FL) is roughly split between renters and owners, has a median income below the national average, 16.3% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher.

Population
12,674
Median income
$44,474
Median age
37.6
Renters
47%
Age distribution
22.8%
21.7%
24.2%
13.5%
17.8%
Under 1822.8%
18–3421.7%
35–5424.2%
55–6413.5%
65+17.8%
Gender
45.6%
54.4%
Male45.6%
Female54.4%
Race & ethnicity
44.7%
22.3%
37.2%
White44.7%
Black22.3%
Hispanic37.2%
Asian1%
Education (25+)
15.2%
36.5%
32%
16.3%
No HS diploma15.2%
HS diploma36.5%
Some college32%
Bachelor's+16.3%
Housing tenure
53%
47%
Owner53%
Renter47%

Source: U.S. Census Bureau · ACS 2024 5-Year Estimates

2021 vs 2026

How ZIP 33853 in Lake Wales, FL has changed in 5 years

Income
$40,423 → $44,474
up 10.0%
Population
11,530 → 12,674
up 9.9%
Renter share
46.9% → 47%
+0.1 pts
Bachelor's+
18% → 16.3%
-1.7 pts
Median age
39.8 → 37.6
-2.2 yrs

On the earnings side, the typical household in ZIP 33853 in Lake Wales, FL now reports about $44,474, up from $40,423 in 2021. The population has grown by 9.9% since 2021, moving from about 11,530 residents to roughly 12,674.

Community

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Local insights

Tips for renters in ZIP 33853

About renting in ZIP 33853

Last updated: July 20, 2026

ZIP code 33853 covers Lake Wales, FL. The median rent here is $1,396/mo as of July 2026. A 1-bedroom rents for a median of $1,000/mo. A 2-bedroom rents for a median of $1,220/mo.

At 38% of local median household income ($44,474/yr), ZIP 33853 ranks as moderate compared to the national benchmark of 30%. Rent prices have stayed steady over the past year.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

How much is rent in ZIP code 33853?

As of July 20, 2026, the median monthly rent in ZIP 33853 (Lake Wales, FL) is $1,396. This is based on aggregated data from public sources and community submissions.

How does ZIP 33853 rent compare to the US average?

ZIP 33853's median rent of $1,396/mo is $569 (29%) below the US national median of $1,965/mo.

How does ZIP 33853 compare to other ZIPs in Florida?

ZIP 33853 is among the more affordable ZIP codes in Florida, ranking #647 out of 662 ZIPs at $1,396/mo.

How much income do you need to rent in ZIP 33853?

To keep rent at or below 30% of gross income, you would need to earn at least $56,000/year (~$27/hour full-time) to afford the median rent of $1,396/mo in ZIP 33853. The local median household income is $44,474/yr, meaning the typical household falls short of that threshold.

Is rent going up or down in ZIP 33853?

Rent in ZIP 33853 has been relatively stable over the past year, with a 0.0% change year over year as of July 20, 2026.

Is ZIP 33853 an affordable place to rent?

ZIP 33853 is considered moderate for renters. At $1,396/mo, rent takes approximately 38% of the local median household income ($44,474/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%. ZIP 33853 slightly exceeds that threshold, so budgeting carefully matters here.

What percentage of ZIP 33853 residents rent vs. own?

According to Census data, approximately 47% of ZIP 33853 households are renters, while 53% are owner-occupied. ZIP 33853 leans toward homeownership, which can mean a smaller rental inventory.

How does ZIP 33853 compare to the rest of Lake Wales?

ZIP 33853 is more affordable than Lake Wales overall. At $1,396/mo, it's $190 below the Lake Wales citywide median of $1,586/mo.

When was rent data for ZIP 33853 last updated?

Rent data for ZIP 33853 reflects July 20, 2026. RentDataNow refreshes all data monthly using public and private datasets.
Income Affordability
38%
MODERATE

At $1,396/mo, rent takes ~38% of ZIP 33853's median household income ($44,474/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%.

ZIP 33853 38%Benchmark 30%
State income taxNone
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Schools nearby

Public schools near ZIP 33853 (Lake Wales, FL)

Recent submissions

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