Wauchula, Florida Demographics & Population 2026
During the 2020–2024 ACS period, Wauchula, Florida had a total population of 4,927, the 487th largest city in Florida, with a median household income of $53,013, which is 29% lower than the state average. The poverty rate is 38.1%.
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 (38.1%), well above the national average of 12.4%.
- Only 9.3% of adults have a bachelor's degree, well below the national average of 35.7%.
- Near full employment with an unemployment rate of just 0.2%.
Wauchula Quick Facts
How Wauchula 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 | 4,910 | 4,927 | +0.3% |
| Median household income | $36,324 | $53,013 | +45.9% |
| Median home value | $131,500 | $191,800 | +45.9% |
How Wauchula 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+)
Wauchula Rankings in Florida
Explore Florida Rankings
Other Cities in Hardee County
| City | Population | Median Income | Poverty | Home Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bowling Green | 2,226 | $45,357 | 29.0% | $116,800 |
| Zolfo Springs | 2,158 | $60,946 | 32.0% | $115,100 |
| Fort Green Springs | 762 | $81,042 | 13.0% | $76,900 |
| Lemon Grove | 547 | $26,971 | 39.9% | N/A |
| Gardner | 381 | N/A | 42.5% | $86,400 |
| Ona | 44 | N/A | 9.1% | N/A |
| Fort Green | 39 | N/A | 0.0% | N/A |
| Limestone | 25 | N/A | 28.0% | N/A |
Cities Similar to Wauchula
These cities in the same state have comparable population and economic profiles.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | Bachelor's+ | Poverty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brookridge | 4,923 | $53,989 | $156,600 | 20.5% | 8.1% |
| Fellsmere | 4,953 | $55,893 | $175,400 | 12.1% | 18.8% |
| Tice | 4,758 | $53,505 | $174,800 | 7.6% | 19.4% |
| Fort Pierce South | 5,028 | $50,503 | $224,100 | 17.2% | 29.8% |
| South Bay | 5,102 | $51,417 | $142,300 | 8.8% | 32.3% |
Population Overview
Wauchula is a small community located in Florida, within Hardee County. The total population is 4,927. It ranks as the 487th most populous out of 955 Census-designated places in Florida.
Age Demographics
The median age in Wauchula is 28.8 years. This is 32% lower than the state median of 42.6 years. With 39.3% of the population under 18, Wauchula has a notably young demographic profile, suggesting a family-oriented community.
Economy, Income & Housing
The median household income in Wauchula is $53,013. This is 29% lower than the state median of $74,568. It is also 34% lower than the national median of $80,734. The poverty rate stands at 38.1%. This is 203% 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 0.2%. This is 96% lower than the state rate of 4.8%. The median home value is $191,800. Housing costs are 47% lower than the state median of $359,000. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.6x. 43.2% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 36% lower than the state average of 67.6%.
Race & Ethnicity
The largest racial or ethnic group in Wauchula is Hispanic or Latino, making up 59.4% of the population. White (non-Hispanic) residents account for 36.5%. The Black or African American population (2.1%) is well below the state average of 14.6%. The Hispanic or Latino population is significantly higher than the state average (59.4% vs 27.4%).
Education
9.3% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is among the lowest rates in the state, which may correlate with employment and income patterns. This is 73% 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 80.5%.
Data Sources & Methodology
All demographic data for Wauchula, 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 Wauchula, Florida?
Wauchula, Florida has a population of 4,927 according to the most recent U.S. Census ACS 5-Year Estimates.
What is the median household income in Wauchula, FL?
The median household income in Wauchula is $53,013, which is 34% lower than the national median of $80,734.
What is the poverty rate in Wauchula, FL?
The poverty rate in Wauchula is 38.1%. This means approximately 1,788 residents live below the federal poverty line.
What is the racial makeup of Wauchula, Florida?
Wauchula's population is 36.5% White, 2.1% Black, 59.4% Hispanic/Latino, and 0.0% Asian.
What is the median home value in Wauchula, FL?
The median home value in Wauchula is $191,800. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.6x.
How educated is Wauchula, Florida?
9.3% of adults (25+) in Wauchula hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 1.7% hold a graduate or professional degree.