Is Auburndale Safe, Pros and cons of living in Auburndale
Auburndale, Florida, offers a unique blend of suburban tranquility and convenient access to larger metropolitan areas. Nestled in Polk County, this city provides a distinct lifestyle for its residents, balancing a slower pace with the amenities of nearby urban centers. It presents an appealing option for those seeking a community feel within a dynamic region.
The city’s location in Central Florida places it within reach of major attractions and employment hubs, yet it maintains a character all its own. This balance is a key draw for individuals and families considering a move to the Sunshine State. Auburndale is a place where community ties can form, supported by local services and a growing population.
Is it Safe to Live in Auburndale?
Auburndale’s overall crime rate is reported as being higher than the national average. Specifically, the total crime rate is approximately 10% higher than the national average per 100,000 residents (as reported by AreaVibes). This translates to about 1.39 daily crimes per 100,000 people, including both violent and property offenses (as reported by AreaVibes).
When comparing Auburndale to other communities of similar population size, its combined violent and property crime rate is noted as being higher than average (as reported by NeighborhoodScout). The chance of becoming a victim of either violent or property crime in Auburndale is about 1 in 41 (as reported by NeighborhoodScout). This suggests that while not among the highest in the nation, the crime rates warrant attention and awareness for residents (as reported by NeighborhoodScout).
The violent crime rate in Auburndale is approximately 2 per 1,000 inhabitants, with a property crime rate of 22 per 1,000 population (as reported by NeighborhoodScout). Based on FBI crime data, Auburndale is not considered one of the safest communities in America when compared to all sizes of communities (as reported by NeighborhoodScout). Relative to Florida, Auburndale’s crime rate is higher than that of 85% of the state’s cities and towns (as reported by NeighborhoodScout).
Housing Costs and Availability
The housing market in Auburndale presents a range of options and price points. As of March 2026, the median listing price for homes in Auburndale was $359,000, showing a 3.0% increase compared to the previous year (as reported by Redfin). The median sale price in February 2026 was $288,300, with homes spending an average of 42 days on the market before pending (as reported by Zillow).
For those interested in renting, the average rent for an apartment in Auburndale is approximately $1,845 per month (as reported by Zillow). A one-bedroom apartment averages around $1,042 per month, while a two-bedroom unit typically costs about $1,360 per month (as reported by Zillow). Three-bedroom apartments average approximately $1,850 per month, with four-bedroom units averaging around $2,347 per month (as reported by Zillow).
The median home value in Auburndale is approximately $303,498, showing a decrease of 3.1% over the past year (as reported by Zillow). This indicates a fluctuating market where buyers might find opportunities. The median price per square foot for homes on the market is $175, down 1.7% from the previous year (as reported by Redfin).
The Job Market and Economy
Auburndale’s job market is supported by a workforce of approximately 8,773 residents, with an employment rate of 96.5% (as reported by Point2Homes). The majority of these workers, about 76.5%, are in white-collar positions, while 23.5% are in blue-collar roles (as reported by Point2Homes). Major employing sectors for residents include Health Care & Social Assistance, Retail Trade, and Construction (as reported by Data USA).
The average annual salary in Auburndale is around $38,000 per year, or $18.27 per hour (as reported by Zippia). However, other sources indicate a higher average salary, with one report stating $62,345 per year or $30 per hour (as reported by ERI SalaryExpert). The median household income in Auburndale is reported at $77,911 (as reported by Data USA; Florida State Authority). This figure is above the Florida median and the national average, suggesting a relatively strong earning potential for households.
The unemployment rate in Auburndale is around 3.5% (as reported by Point2Homes), which is lower than the national average of approximately 4% (as reported by Florida State Authority). This indicates a healthy job market with good opportunities for employment within the city and surrounding areas.
Climate and Weather Patterns
Auburndale experiences a climate characterized by hot summers and mild winters. The summers are long, hot, oppressive, and wet, with temperatures typically ranging from the 80s Fahrenheit (as reported by IDcide; WorldWeatherOnline). The hottest months are July and August, with average high temperatures reaching around 91°F to 93°F (as reported by WorldWeatherOnline; IDcide).
Winters in Auburndale are short, cool, and partly cloudy, with temperatures generally in the 60s Fahrenheit (as reported by IDcide; WorldWeatherOnline). The coldest month is January, with average low temperatures around 51°F to 52°F and average high temperatures around 69°F to 71°F (as reported by WorldWeatherOnline; IDcide).
The city receives an average annual precipitation of about 52 inches (as reported by WorldWeatherOnline). The wettest months are typically June, July, and August, with July often seeing the highest rainfall, around 8.12 inches (as reported by IDcide; WorldWeatherOnline). January and March are among the driest months, with around 0.91 inches of rain (as reported by WorldWeatherOnline).
Demographics and Community
Auburndale is home to a diverse population. As of recent data, the city has a population of approximately 18,530 residents (as reported by Data USA). The racial makeup includes a significant White population, estimated at 63.8%, followed by Hispanic residents at 22.9%, and Black or African American residents at 8.7% (as reported by Census Dots). Other racial groups, including Asian, Multiracial, and Native American/Other, make up the remaining percentage (as reported by Census Dots).
The median age in Auburndale is around 41.2 years, indicating a mix of age groups within the community (as reported by Data USA; Census Dots). The population is distributed with approximately 17.6% under 15 years old, and about 17.1% aged 65 or older (as reported by Point2Homes). Adults between 25 and 64 years old form a substantial portion of the demographic, suggesting a working-age population.
Citizenship in Auburndale is high, with about 93% of residents being citizens (as reported by Data USA). Approximately 11.1% of residents were born outside the country (as reported by Data USA). The primary language spoken in Auburndale is English, reflecting the dominant cultural influences in the area (as reported by NeighborhoodScout).
Cost of Living
The cost of living in Auburndale is generally considered to be slightly higher than the national average. The overall cost of living index is 102, meaning it is 2% higher than the national average (as reported by AreaVibes). However, this can vary by category, with housing costs being slightly lower than the national average.
Housing expenses in Auburndale are approximately 1% lower than the national average (as reported by AreaVibes). The median home price in Auburndale is around $359,000 (as reported by Redfin), and the median rent is approximately $1,845 per month (as reported by Zillow). These figures suggest that while overall living expenses might be slightly elevated, housing can be relatively affordable compared to other areas.
Other cost categories, such as utilities, groceries, and transportation, contribute to the overall cost of living. While specific figures vary, the general indication is that Auburndale offers a cost of living that is manageable, especially when considering its Florida location where state income tax is absent (as reported by Salary.com).
Education and School Ratings
Information regarding specific school ratings for Auburndale is not readily available in the provided search results. However, general educational attainment statistics can offer insight into the community’s academic landscape. Approximately 83% of residents have a high school diploma, with about 20% holding a bachelor’s degree or higher (as reported by Living in Auburndale FL Guide).
The educational profile suggests a community with a solid foundation in basic education, with a notable portion pursuing higher education. This indicates a commitment to learning and development within the resident population. Further research into specific school district performance would be necessary for a comprehensive understanding of the educational environment.
Major Employers
While specific names of major employers were not detailed in the provided search results, the economic character of Auburndale points to key sectors. The top employing sectors for residents are Health Care & Social Assistance, Retail Trade, and Construction (as reported by Data USA). These industries likely house the primary employers within the city and its immediate vicinity.
The City of Auburndale itself is an employer, with average annual salaries for its employees around $66,280 (as reported by City Of Auburndale Average Salary and Pay Ranges). This indicates a public sector presence that contributes to the local job market. The diversity of these sectors suggests a varied economic base supporting the community.