Tavares, FL Utility & Living Guide

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Tavares, FL Utility & Living Guide

Tavares is a city and the county seat of Lake County, Florida. Its population at the 2020 census was 19,003.

Last updated: July 9, 2026
Total Utilities$305/mo
1BR Rent$1071/mo
Sales Tax7.5%
COL Index105 (+5% above national average)
Family Score6/10
Median Home$200,500
📷 Live Cameras — Tavares
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🌤️ Live Weather — Tavares
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Living in Tavares, summers are hot, with Aug highs around 89.0°F, while winters stay mild, with Jan lows rarely below 52.3°F. At just 203 heating degree days per year, home heating costs are minimal. The area receives 51.3 inches of rainfall per year. Within 5 miles: 26 parks, 3 groceries, 15 dining spots and 6 schools. One hospital serves the immediate area. Median household income: $54,271. With a 10.4% poverty rate and 73.5% homeownership, the community reflects a stable residential mix. Air quality is Good — avg AQI 45 over the past week.
📍 City Briefing
Living in Tavares, summers are hot, with Aug highs around 89.0°F, while winters stay mild, with Jan lows rarely below 52.3°F. At just 203 heating degree days per year, home heating costs are minimal. The area receives 51.3 inches of rainfall per year. Within 5 miles: 26 parks, 3 groceries, 15 dining spots and 6 schools. One hospital serves the immediate area. Median household income: $54,271. With a 10.4% poverty rate and 73.5% homeownership, the community reflects a stable residential mix. Air quality is Good — avg AQI 45 over the past week.
⚠️ Natural Hazard History — Tavares
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🔌 Utilities
🏠 Housing
📊 Cost of Living
💰 Taxes
👨‍👩‍👧 Families
🧮 Tools

Monthly Utility Costs

⚡ Electric

$120/mo

Duke Energy Florida
🔥 Gas

$50/mo

N/A - Electric only
💧 Water

$45/mo

City of Tavares Utilities
🗑️ Garbage

$25/mo

Waste Management
📶 Internet

$65/mo

Combined Average Overhead$305/month

Housing Market

Rent & Property
1 Bedroom$1071/mo
2 Bedrooms$1191/mo
3 Bedrooms$1488/mo
Median Home Price$200,500
Property Tax Rate1.2%
Avg Childcare/mo$1000

The Tavares housing market is competitive, with steady demand for waterfront properties. Prices have risen moderately over the past few years, making it a good time for sellers.

Cost of Living

Overall COL Index

105

US national avg = 100
vs National Avg

+5% above national average

Groceries

102

Transportation

98

Healthcare

100

Childcare/mo

$1000

Tax Rates

Tax Overview
Total Sales Tax7.5%
Property Tax Rate1.2%
<p>State 6% + County 1% + City 0.5%</p>

Florida has no state income tax.

Family & Relocation

Family Vibe Score
6/10
Safety Index

50

Higher = safer
School Rating

6.5/10

GreatSchools avg
Avg Childcare

$1000/mo

City Pulse

Population Trend
+8% (growing)
Political Climate
Purple description
Business Momentum
Moderate with key industries in healthcare, tourism, and retail.
Top Local Concerns
Traffic congestion, rising home prices, water quality
🚌 Transit for Families

Public transit is limited, but sidewalks and parks are generally accessible for strollers.

🎡 Top Kid Attractions
  • 🎯
    Wooton Park
  • 🎯
    Tavares Splash Park
  • 🎯
    Tavares Seaplane Base

Best Neighborhoods for Families

The downtown area and neighborhoods near Lake Dora are popular for families, offering good schools and amenities. Waterfront properties are highly sought after.

Household Budget Calculator

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📊 Tavares — Census & Demographic Data

Official data from the US Census Bureau, American Community Survey.

💰 Median Household Income
$54,271
👤 Median Age
54.1
🏠 Homeownership Rate
73.5%
🔑 Renter Rate
26.5%
📉 Poverty Rate
10.4%
💼 Unemployment Rate
4.9%
📡 Internet Access
83.8%
🎓 College Educated
23.7%

☀️ Seasonal Utility Costs

Utility costs peak in summer due to high AC usage. Winter months see lower bills as heating demand is minimal.

🏛️ Local Tax Details

Key ZIP code level tax info: property tax millage rates vary by district, with no local surtaxes specific to Tavares county.

👶 Family & Stroller Friendliness

7/10 with explanation: good sidewalk quality, ample park access, but limited elevator access in transit.

📍 Tavares City Stories

Tavares, Florida — City Overview

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