Bartow, Florida Demographics & Population 2026
During the 2020–2024 ACS period, Bartow, Florida had a total population of 20,438, the 203rd largest city in Florida, with a median household income of $68,178, which is 9% lower than the state average. The poverty rate is 18.1%.
Data vintage: U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2020–2024 5-Year Estimates · refreshed July 2026 · Methodology & source notes
Bartow Quick Facts
How Bartow Changed
Change from the 2019–2023 ACS period to 2020–2024. These are rolling five-year estimates, not year-over-year measurements.
| Metric | 2019–2023 | 2020–2024 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Population | 19,801 | 20,438 | +3.2% |
| Median household income | $66,944 | $68,178 | +1.8% |
| Median home value | $210,400 | $234,100 | +11.3% |
How Bartow Compares
Median Household Income
Median Home Value
Economy & Housing
Household Income Distribution
Detailed income brackets
Employment
Housing Overview
People & Demographics
Age Distribution
Race & Ethnicity
Diversity Index
A diverse community with significant representation from multiple racial and ethnic groups.
State average: 65 | National average: 61
Education
Educational Attainment (Adults 25+)
Bartow Rankings in Florida
Explore Florida Rankings
Other Cities in Polk County
| City | Population | Median Income | Poverty | Home Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lakeland | 119,961 | $64,185 | 13.2% | $249,400 |
| Poinciana | 75,068 | $68,015 | 14.9% | $290,700 |
| Winter Haven | 55,200 | $59,648 | 16.4% | $269,800 |
| Haines City | 34,234 | $65,975 | 16.1% | $288,900 |
| Auburndale | 18,530 | $77,911 | 9.6% | $296,200 |
| Lake Wales | 16,785 | $56,347 | 22.4% | $239,300 |
| Highland City | 13,276 | $90,947 | 5.9% | $347,100 |
| Davenport | 13,238 | $73,685 | 14.1% | $333,300 |
| Lakeland Highlands | 12,102 | $108,263 | 2.7% | $385,000 |
| Medulla | 10,985 | $70,802 | 8.8% | $319,800 |
Cities Similar to Bartow
These cities in the same state have comparable population and economic profiles.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | Bachelor's+ | Poverty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Englewood | 20,091 | $69,222 | $339,900 | 33.9% | 8.5% |
| Fort Walton Beach | 21,025 | $68,538 | $321,800 | 29.6% | 13.3% |
| Florida Ridge | 20,889 | $66,625 | $287,900 | 28.5% | 11.3% |
| Ojus | 19,198 | $68,644 | $337,500 | 42.2% | 12.5% |
| Tavares | 20,463 | $58,886 | $254,500 | 25.9% | 9.3% |
Population Overview
Bartow is a small city located in Florida, within Polk County. The total population is 20,438. It ranks as the 203rd most populous out of 955 Census-designated places in Florida.
Age Demographics
The median age in Bartow is 36.5 years. This is 14% lower than the state median of 42.6 years.
Economy, Income & Housing
The median household income in Bartow is $68,178. This is 9% lower than the state median of $74,568. It is also 16% lower than the national median of $80,734. The poverty rate stands at 18.1%. This is 44% higher than the state poverty rate of 12.6%. The unemployment rate is 4.4%. This is 8% lower than the state rate of 4.8%. The median home value is $234,100. Housing costs are 35% lower than the state median of $359,000. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.4x. 65.9% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 3% lower than the state average of 67.6%.
Race & Ethnicity
The largest racial or ethnic group in Bartow is White (non-Hispanic), making up 55.8% of the population. Black or African American residents account for 22.0%. The Black or African American population is significantly higher than the state average (22.0% vs 14.6%).
Education
22.8% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 33% lower than the state rate of 34.2%. Nationally, 35.7% of adults hold at least a bachelor's degree. The high school graduation rate (or equivalent) is 91.7%.
Data Sources & Methodology
All demographic data for Bartow, Florida is sourced from the U.S. Census Bureau's American Community Survey (ACS) 2020–2024 5-Year Estimates. The ACS collects data from approximately 3.5 million households annually and pools five years of responses so that even small communities can be measured, though the margin of error widens as the population falls. Comparisons are made against Florida state averages and national averages calculated from the same dataset. Rankings reflect the city's position among all 955 Census-designated places in Florida. Read more about how these figures are produced on our methodology page, or visit data.census.gov for official data.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of Bartow, Florida?
Bartow, Florida has a population of 20,438 according to the most recent U.S. Census ACS 5-Year Estimates.
What is the median household income in Bartow, FL?
The median household income in Bartow is $68,178, which is 16% lower than the national median of $80,734.
What is the poverty rate in Bartow, FL?
The poverty rate in Bartow is 18.1%. This means approximately 3,505 residents live below the federal poverty line.
What is the racial makeup of Bartow, Florida?
Bartow's population is 55.8% White, 22.0% Black, 15.9% Hispanic/Latino, and 2.7% Asian.
What is the median home value in Bartow, FL?
The median home value in Bartow is $234,100. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.4x.
How educated is Bartow, Florida?
22.8% of adults (25+) in Bartow hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 6.4% hold a graduate or professional degree.