Kathleen, Florida Demographics & Population 2026
During the 2020–2024 ACS period, Kathleen, Florida had a total population of 7,201, the 406th largest community in Florida, with a median household income of $57,097, which is 23% lower than the state average. The poverty rate is 31.8%.
Data vintage: U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2020–2024 5-Year Estimates · refreshed July 2026 · Methodology & source notes
Key Takeaways
- More than 1 in 4 residents live below the poverty line (31.8%), well above the national average of 12.4%.
Kathleen Quick Facts
How Kathleen 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 | 6,527 | 7,201 | +10.3% |
| Median household income | $57,302 | $57,097 | -0.4% |
| Median home value | $180,900 | $203,500 | +12.5% |
How Kathleen 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
Moderate diversity with one or two groups making up the majority.
State average: 65 | National average: 61
Education
Educational Attainment (Adults 25+)
Kathleen 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 |
| Bartow | 20,438 | $68,178 | 18.1% | $234,100 |
| 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 |
Cities Similar to Kathleen
These cities in the same state have comparable population and economic profiles.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | Bachelor's+ | Poverty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Clewiston | 7,348 | $57,222 | $239,200 | 17.4% | 16.4% |
| Lecanto | 7,398 | $56,215 | $316,900 | 21.5% | 5.8% |
| West Miami | 7,162 | $61,274 | $488,800 | 40.0% | 12.9% |
| South Apopka | 7,300 | $61,151 | $280,500 | 18.7% | 28.1% |
| Live Oak | 6,985 | $59,375 | $160,300 | 11.0% | 16.3% |
Population Overview
Kathleen is a small city located in Florida, within Polk County. The total population is 7,201. It ranks as the 406th most populous out of 955 Census-designated places in Florida.
Age Demographics
The median age in Kathleen is 35.6 years. This is 16% lower than the state median of 42.6 years. With 28.6% of the population under 18, Kathleen has a notably young demographic profile, suggesting a family-oriented community.
Economy, Income & Housing
The median household income in Kathleen is $57,097. This is 23% lower than the state median of $74,568. It is also 29% lower than the national median of $80,734. The poverty rate stands at 31.8%. This is 153% higher than the state poverty rate of 12.6%. With more than one in five residents living below the poverty line, economic hardship is a significant challenge for the community. The unemployment rate is 4.5%. This is 7% lower than the state rate of 4.8%. The median home value is $203,500. Housing costs are 43% lower than the state median of $359,000. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.6x. 79.6% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 18% higher than the state average of 67.6%.
Race & Ethnicity
The largest racial or ethnic group in Kathleen is White (non-Hispanic), making up 57.9% of the population. Hispanic or Latino residents account for 36.1%. The Black or African American population (0.8%) is well below the state average of 14.6%. The Asian population (0.4%) is well below the state average of 2.9%.
Education
11.4% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 67% 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 73.8%.
Data Sources & Methodology
All demographic data for Kathleen, 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 Kathleen, Florida?
Kathleen, Florida has a population of 7,201 according to the most recent U.S. Census ACS 5-Year Estimates.
What is the median household income in Kathleen, FL?
The median household income in Kathleen is $57,097, which is 29% lower than the national median of $80,734.
What is the poverty rate in Kathleen, FL?
The poverty rate in Kathleen is 31.8%. This means approximately 2,293 residents live below the federal poverty line.
What is the racial makeup of Kathleen, Florida?
Kathleen's population is 57.9% White, 0.8% Black, 36.1% Hispanic/Latino, and 0.4% Asian.
What is the median home value in Kathleen, FL?
The median home value in Kathleen is $203,500. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.6x.
How educated is Kathleen, Florida?
11.4% of adults (25+) in Kathleen hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 1.9% hold a graduate or professional degree.