Where is Lake Wales, Florida Located in the United States? Lake Wales is a city located in the Polk County of Florida, United States. Lake Wales lies between 27.9014 Degrees North latitudes and -81.5859 Degrees West longitudes.
Location Map of Lake Wales in Polk County, Florida
About Map: The map shows the location of Lake Wales in the state of Florida, United States. Lake Wales is a city in Polk County, Florida.
Lake Wales Map, Florida, USA
About Lake Wales Map: This interactive Google Map shows the exact location of Lake Wales in Florida, United States. You can zoom in or out, switch to satellite view, and explore nearby cities, roads, and local landmarks around Lake Wales.
About Lake Wales, Polk County, Florida
Lake Wales is a city located in Polk County in the U.S. state of Florida, United States. The city was established in 1911 during the expansion of the railroad and citrus industries in central Florida and was incorporated in 1917. Lake Wales developed historically as an agricultural and tourism center known for its scenic hills and chain of lakes. Today the city is recognized for its historic landmarks, cultural attractions, and its role as a residential and commercial community within Polk County.
Population
According to the United States Census Bureau, the population of Lake Wales is 16,361 as recorded in the 2020 Census, and the population density is approximately 1,200 people per square mile.
Area and Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, Lake Wales covers a total area of approximately 20.6 square miles (about 53.4 square kilometers), including about 17.2 square miles (44.6 square kilometers) of land and 3.4 square miles (8.8 square kilometers) of water.
Location and Surroundings
Lake Wales is located in the central part of Polk County in central Florida south of Winter Haven and east of Bartow. The city lies within the Lake Wales Ridge region, known for its rolling hills and numerous lakes including Lake Wailes. Major roadways such as U.S. Route 27 and State Road 60 connect Lake Wales with surrounding communities across central Florida.
Attractions & Popular Destinations
Lake Wales offers numerous cultural and recreational attractions that highlight the city’s historic and natural landscape. Popular destinations include Bok Tower Gardens, a historic landscaped garden and landmark tower, as well as Lake Wailes Park and several nearby nature preserves. The city also hosts community festivals, cultural programs, and recreational events throughout the year.
Transportation
Lake Wales is served by major transportation routes including U.S. Route 27 and State Road 60, which provide connections to Orlando, Tampa, and other communities across central Florida. Local road networks link residential neighborhoods with parks, lakes, and commercial districts. The nearest major airport providing commercial air service is Orlando International Airport, located within driving distance to the northeast.
Explore more counties in Florida Counties or view the complete USA States Map section for additional geographic information.
Sources:
Population and area data sourced from the United States Census Bureau (2020 Census). General city information referenced from the Official City of Lake Wales Website.
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Lake Wales, Florida City Facts
| City | Lake Wales |
| State | Florida |
| County | Polk County |
| Country | United States |
| Region | Central Florida – Lakeland–Winter Haven Metropolitan Area |
| Founded | 1879 |
| Incorporated | 1911 |
| Total Area | Approx. 20.4 sq mi (52.8 km2) |
| Land Area | Approx. 17.2 sq mi (44.6 km2) |
| Water Area | Approx. 3.2 sq mi (8.2 km2) |
| Elevation | Approx. 127 ft (39 m) |
| Population (2023 estimate) | Approx. 17,000+ |
| Population (2020 Census) | 16,361 |
| Population Density | Approx. 950 people per sq mi |
| Time Zone | Eastern Time (UTC−5 / UTC−4 DST) |
| ZIP Codes | 33853, 33859, 33898 |
| Area Codes | 863 |
| Major Highways | U.S. Highway 27, State Road 60, State Road 17 |
| Public Transit | Citrus Connection bus service (Polk County Transit) |
| Major Attractions | Bok Tower Gardens, Lake Wales Ridge State Forest nearby, historic downtown Lake Wales |
| Official Website | https://www.lakewalesfl.gov/ |
Distance from Lake Wales in Polk County, Florida to Other Cities in Florida
- Winter Haven, FL – 15 miles (24 km)
- Haines City, FL – 20 miles (32 km)
- Lakeland, FL – 35 miles (56 km)
- Davenport, FL – 30 miles (48 km)
- Kissimmee, FL – 45 miles (72 km)
- Orlando, FL – 60 miles (97 km)
- Tampa, FL – 70 miles (113 km)
- St. Petersburg, FL – 85 miles (137 km)
- Clearwater, FL – 90 miles (145 km)
- Sarasota, FL – 95 miles (153 km)
- Bradenton, FL – 90 miles (145 km)
- Ocala, FL – 105 miles (169 km)
- Gainesville, FL – 130 miles (209 km)
- Daytona Beach, FL – 110 miles (177 km)
- Melbourne, FL – 95 miles (153 km)
- Fort Myers, FL – 120 miles (193 km)
- Naples, FL – 150 miles (241 km)
- West Palm Beach, FL – 145 miles (233 km)
- Miami, FL – 215 miles (346 km)
- Jacksonville, FL – 180 miles (290 km)
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