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Arcadia, Florida Population, Hospitals, Airports, and Schools

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The current estimated population of Arcadia, Florida, is 7,928, with approximately 49% male and 51% female. The population has grown moderately, reflecting the town’s role as a regional center in southwestern Florida.

City Facts

  • Year Founded: 1886
  • County Affiliated: DeSoto County
  • Land Area: 4.4 square miles
  • Population Density: 1,802 people per square mile
  • Area Code: 863
  • Zip Codes: 34266

Geography and Location

Arcadia, Florida, is located in southwestern Florida, within DeSoto County, and serves as the county seat. The town is situated about 50 miles east of Sarasota and 70 miles south of Tampa, providing access to larger metropolitan areas. Arcadia experiences a humid subtropical climate, with hot, humid summers and mild winters, common to much of Florida. The town is located along the Peace River, a popular destination for canoeing, kayaking, and fossil hunting. The surrounding geography is flat and includes a mix of farmland, forests, and wetlands, contributing to the region’s agricultural economy, which includes cattle ranching and citrus production. Arcadia is known for its historic downtown, featuring antique shops and the Arcadia All-Florida Championship Rodeo, one of the oldest rodeos in the state. The town’s small size, rich history, and connection to Florida’s agricultural heritage make it a unique and charming place to live or visit.

Demographics

Median resident age: 32.4 years
Median household income: $25,025
Median house value: $57,600

Population by Race

Races in Arcadia:

  • White Non-Hispanic (50.2%)
  • Black (28.1%)
  • Hispanic (20.0%)
  • Other race (7.2%)
  • Two or more races (1.4%)
  • American Indian (0.7%)

(Total can be greater than 100% because Hispanics could be counted in other races)

Ancestries: United States (11.9%), English (8.6%), German (6.3%), Irish (6.0%), French (2.0%), Italian (1.6%).

Elevation: 57 feet

Land area: 4.0 square miles

Map of Arcadia, FL

Population by Education

For population 25 years and over in Arcadia

  • High school or higher: 64.2%
  • Bachelor’s degree or higher: 10.1%
  • Graduate or professional degree: 3.5%
  • Unemployed: 4.9%
  • Mean travel time to work: 23.2 minutes

For population 15 years and over in Arcadia city

  • Never married: 31.5%
  • Now married: 46.7%
  • Separated: 4.0%
  • Widowed: 6.1%
  • Divorced: 11.7%

16.2% Foreign born (14.9% Latin America).

Population change in the 1990s: +91 (+1.4%).

Hospitals

Hospital/medical center in Arcadia:

  • DESOTO MEMORIAL HOSPITAL (N ROBERTS AVE)

Other hospitals/medical centers near Arcadia:

Airports

Airports certified for carrier operations nearest to Arcadia:

  • CHARLOTTE COUNTY (about 23 miles; PUNTA GORDA, FL; Abbreviation: PGD)
  • SOUTHWEST FLORIDA INTL (about 48 miles; FORT MYERS, FL; Abbreviation: RSW)
  • SARASOTA/BRADENTON INTL (about 50 miles; SARASOTA/BRADENTON, FL; Abbreviation: SRQ)

Other public-use airports nearest to Arcadia:

  • ARCADIA MUNI (about 3 miles; ARCADIA, FL; Abbreviation: X06)
  • SHELL CREEK AIRPARK (about 18 miles; PUNTA GORDA, FL; Abbreviation: F13)
  • WAUCHULA MUNI (about 20 miles; WAUCHULA, FL; Abbreviation: CHN)

Amtrak station near Arcadia:

  • 20 miles: PORT CHARLOTTE (909 KINGS HWY.) – Bus Station. Services: public payphones.

Colleges and Universities

Colleges/universities with over 2000 students nearest to Arcadia:

  • EDISON COMMUNITY COLLEGE (about 46 miles; FT MYERS, FL; Full-time enrollment: 5,032)
  • FLORIDA GULF COAST UNIVERSITY (about 47 miles; FT MYERS, FL; Full-time enrollment: 2,466)
  • MANATEE COMMUNITY COLLEGE (about 52 miles; BRADENTON, FL; Full-time enrollment: 4,539)
  • TRAVIS TECHNICAL CENTER (about 56 miles; LAKELAND, FL; Full-time enrollment: 2,057)
  • POLK COMMUNITY COLLEGE (about 59 miles; WINTER HAVEN, FL; Full-time enrollment: 3,028)
  • HILLSBOROUGH COMMUNITY COLLEGE (about 65 miles; TAMPA, FL; Full-time enrollment: 9,630)
  • UNIVERSITY OF TAMPA (about 65 miles; TAMPA, FL; Full-time enrollment: 2,963)

Schools

Public high school in Arcadia:

  • DESOTO HIGH SCHOOL (Students: 1,207; Location: 1710 E GIBSON STREET; Grades: 09 – 12)

Private high school in Arcadia:

  • PEACE RIVER VALLEY CHURCH ACADEMY (Students: 19; Location: 309 N MONROE AVE; Grades: 1 – 12)

Biggest public primary/middle schools in Arcadia:

  • DESOTO MIDDLE SCHOOL (Students: 1,052; Location: 420 E GIBSON STREET; Grades: 06 – 08)
  • MEMORIAL ELEMENTARY SCHOOL (Students: 886; Location: 851 E HICKORY STREET; Grades: KG – 05)
  • WEST ELEMENTARY SCHOOL (Students: 722; Location: 304 W IMOGENE STREET; Grades: KG – 05)
  • JOSHUA CREEK CENTER (FORMERLY DESOTO (Students: 121; Location: 310 WHIDDEN STREET; Grades: 04 – 12)
  • CARLSTROM CENTER (FORMERLY DESOTO DUAL DIAGN (Students: 118; Location: 530 LASOLONA AVENUE; Grades: 04 – 12)
  • EARLY EDUCATION CENTER (Students: 110; Location: 530 LASOLANA AVENUE; Grades: PK – PK)
  • KINGSLEY CENTER (Students: 78; Location: 530 LASOLONA AVENUE; Grades: 04 – 12)
  • DESOTO OUTWARD BOUND CENTER (Students: 24; Location: 530 LASALONA AVENUE; Grades: 04 – 12)
  • HOSPITAL AND HOMEBOUND (Students: 7; Location: 530 LASALONA AVENUE; Grades: PK – 12)
  • REDUCED SERVICES (Students: 6; Location: 530 LASOLONA AVENUE; Grades: 03 – 10)

Private primary/middle schools in Arcadia:

  • FIRST ASSEMBLY CHRISTIAN ACADE (Students: 33; Location: 201 N 11TH AVE; Grades: PK – 2)
  • LIFE CHRISTIAN ACADEMY (Students: 8; Location: 205 SOUTH LUTHER AVENUE; Grades: UG – UG)

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