Is Fort Meade Safe, Pros and cons of living in Fort Meade
Fort Meade, Florida, situated in Polk County, presents a unique blend of small-town charm and developing opportunities. This community, with a population hovering around 5,000 residents, offers a distinct pace of life, appealing to those seeking a quieter existence within the Sunshine State. Its location provides a balance between rural tranquility and proximity to larger urban centers, making it a consideration for a diverse range of individuals and families.
The cost of living in Fort Meade is notably lower than the national average, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious individuals and families. Housing, in particular, stands out as an area of significant affordability. This economic accessibility, combined with a strong sense of community, forms the foundation of Fort Meade’s appeal to potential residents.
Is it Safe to Live in Fort Meade?
Fort Meade demonstrates a crime rate that is lower than the national average (as reported by AreaVibes). Violent crimes specifically are also lower than the national average (as reported by AreaVibes). This suggests that for many, Fort Meade offers a relatively safe environment for its residents.
While the overall crime rate is favorable, crime can vary by neighborhood. Some areas within Fort Meade experience a higher incidence of crime than others. Residents generally consider the southwest part of the city to be the safest (as reported by CrimeGrade.org). Your chance of being a victim of crime in Fort Meade varies by neighborhood, ranging from 1 in 43 in the north neighborhoods to 1 in 93 in the southwest (as reported by CrimeGrade.org).
Cost of Living and Housing in Fort Meade
The cost of living in Fort Meade is approximately 10% lower than the national average (as reported by AreaVibes). This affordability extends to housing, which is about 40% lower than the national average (as reported by AreaVibes). The median home value in Fort Meade was approximately $175,900 in 2024 (as reported by Data USA). This median home value is significantly lower than the Florida median of $369,200 (as reported by Florida State Authority).
The homeownership rate in Fort Meade is around 70%, which is higher than the national average (as reported by Data USA). Median rents in Fort Meade are also competitive, with a median rental price of $1,200 per month (as reported by Florida State Authority). This makes Fort Meade an accessible market for both homeowners and renters.
Job Market and Economy
The economy of Fort Meade employs approximately 1,930 people (as reported by Data USA). The largest industries in Fort Meade include construction, health care and social assistance, and retail trade (as reported by Data USA). The average annual salary in Fort Meade is approximately $51,497 per year (as reported by ZipRecruiter).
While specific major employers within Fort Meade are not extensively detailed in the provided data, the broader Polk County region lists major employers such as Publix Super Markets, Polk County School Board, Lakeland Regional Health, Walmart, and Amazon (as reported by Central Florida Development Council). These large organizations in the surrounding area likely provide significant employment opportunities for Fort Meade residents.
Climate and Weather
Fort Meade experiences a climate characterized by long, hot, and humid summers, with winters that are short, cool, and partly cloudy (as reported by myPerfectWeather). Throughout the year, temperatures typically range from 50°F to 90°F, rarely dropping below 36°F or exceeding 94°F (as reported by myPerfectWeather). The average annual precipitation is around 53 inches (as reported by myPerfectWeather).
The hottest month in Fort Meade is typically July, with average high temperatures around 92°F and lows near 73°F (as reported by myPerfectWeather). January sees the coolest temperatures, with average highs around 73°F and lows near 50°F (as reported by myPerfectWeather). Rainfall is most abundant in June, while November is the driest month (as reported by myPerfectWeather).
Education in Fort Meade
Fort Meade is served by the Polk school district, which includes Fort Meade Middle-Senior High School. This school serves grades 6-12 and has a graduation rate of approximately 85% (as reported by Florida). School ratings in Fort Meade average around a 5 out of 10 (as reported by Florida).
Educational attainment in Fort Meade shows that about 10% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, which is below the national average (as reported by Florida). The schools offer programs including Advanced Placement and vocational tracks, with some adult education options available nearby (as reported by Florida).
Demographics
Fort Meade has a population of approximately 5,100 residents as of the 2020 census (as reported by Wikipedia). The city’s population is roughly evenly split between females and males, with a median age of around 40.2 years (as reported by Wikipedia). The racial makeup of Fort Meade is predominantly White, with significant Black or African American and Hispanic or Latino populations (as reported by Wikipedia).
In terms of household composition, about 24.1% of residents are under the age of 18, and 22.3% are 65 years of age or older (as reported by Wikipedia). The median household income in Fort Meade is around $36,657 (as reported by Data USA). The poverty rate is 21.9%, which is higher than the national average (as reported by Data USA).