Davenport vs. Haines City
Davenport and Haines City are neighbors in northeast Polk County, about 15 minutes apart. Davenport generally has higher home values and more resort and vacation-rental communities near I-4. Haines City is larger, with a historic downtown, lower median home values and a lot of new construction. Here's how they compare.
Side by side
| Davenport | Haines City | |
|---|---|---|
| Population, 2020 | 9,043 | 26,669 |
| Population, 2025 estimate | 18,110 | 45,973 |
| Median owner-occupied home value (2020–2024) | $333,300 | $288,900 |
| Owner-occupied homes (2020–2024) | 89.3% | 71.0% |
| Average commute (2020–2024) | 41.3 minutes | 35.5 minutes |
| Distance to I-4 | About 8 miles from the city center; much closer from US-27 communities | About 6 miles north on US-27 |
| Downtown | Small historic center on US-17/92 | Historic downtown and Lake Eva Park |
Source: U.S. Census Bureau QuickFacts. Census figures lag today's market; ask us for current Stellar MLS numbers.
Choose Davenport if…
- You want quick access to I-4 toward Orlando or Tampa
- You're considering a vacation-rental or resort community near ChampionsGate or Four Corners
- You prefer a master-planned community with amenities
Choose Haines City if…
- You want a lower purchase price for similar square footage
- You like having a downtown, a lakefront park and city services nearby
- You're open to new construction a little farther from I-4
What's the same
Both cities are in Polk County, so property taxes are set by Polk County plus each city's own millage. Both have many communities with HOA dues, and many newer ones have CDD assessments. Both are growing fast, so traffic on US-27 is part of daily life in either one.
Frequently asked questions
Which is cheaper? Haines City's median home value is lower, according to the Census. Prices overlap a lot by neighborhood, so compare specific homes.
Which has more new construction? Both have a lot. We can tour builders in both on the same day.
Do you work in both cities? Yes. We've helped clients buy in both, and Phillip Slaughter on our team focuses on Davenport and Haines City.
More: Davenport area · Haines City area · Moving to Davenport