At a glance
| Typical home value | $302,700 (−1.4% in a year, Zillow, Aug 2026) |
|---|---|
| County | Polk County |
| Typical home value | $302,746 (Zillow, August 2026, down 1.4%) |
| Population | 15,616 at the 2020 Census; the city now reports 21,759 residents |
| Main roads | I-4, US 92 and the Polk Parkway (SR 570) |
| ZIP code | 33823 (about 34.9 square miles; 33,733 residents in 2020) |
| Utilities | City of Auburndale water, sewer and utility billing |
| Schools | Polk County Public Schools, including Auburndale High School |
Where Auburndale is
Auburndale sits in central Polk County, east of Lakeland, with I-4, US 92 and the Polk Parkway (SR 570) running through or beside it. Two CSX rail lines cross the area, but Amtrak does not stop in Auburndale. The city describes itself as having 10 community parks, including Lake Ariana Park, along with a tennis center and community center.
The town was founded in 1880 as Sanatoria and renamed Auburndale when the railroad arrived, at the suggestion of settlers from Auburndale, Massachusetts.
The Auburndale ZIP, 33823, is much bigger than the city itself. It covers about 34.9 square miles and had 33,733 residents in 2020, more than twice the city's 2020 count of 15,616. So an Auburndale address may be inside city limits or in unincorporated Polk County, which affects your tax rate and utility provider.
Homes and prices in Auburndale
Zillow's typical Auburndale home value was $302,746 in August 2026, down 1.4% on the year. That is about $7,200 below Lakeland's $309,954, and well below Lakeland's south-side ZIPs such as 33813 ($369,661). The 33823 ZIP is mostly owner-occupied (about 75%) and about 70% of housing units are single-family.
At the Freddie Mac average of 7.03% (week of September 24, 2026), principal and interest on $302,746 is about $1,818 a month with 10% down and $1,616 with 20% down, before tax, insurance and any HOA or CDD charge.
New construction is part of the picture. Lakeland-based Highland Homes lists Auburndale communities including Bellaviva, Otter Woods Estates and Summerlake Estates. Compare builder pricing, CDD status and incentives with the options in our Lakeland new construction guide.
Commuting from Auburndale
Auburndale's main advantage is road access. I-4 and the Polk Parkway connect it to Lakeland, and I-4 continues west to Tampa and east toward Orlando. US 92 is the local route into Lakeland and Winter Haven.
We do not quote drive times, because they change with traffic, construction and the part of town you live in. Drive your actual route at your actual commute times before you commit, and check where the nearest I-4 or Polk Parkway interchange is from the specific home.
What to check before you buy in Auburndale
- City or county. Check the parcel on the Polk County Property Appraiser site. City parcels pay city millage and generally get city water and sewer; county parcels may have different providers or a private well and septic. See Polk County property tax.
- CDD and HOA. Newer subdivisions may carry CDD assessments. Read the current tax bill.
- Schools. Use the Polk County Public Schools School Zone Search for the exact address.
- Flood zone. Check the flood map and drainage, especially for lakefront or low-lying lots.
- Insurance. Get a quote during your inspection period, especially for older roofs.
Auburndale or Lakeland
Auburndale suits buyers who want a smaller city with Lakeland's job base and I-4 nearby, and slightly lower typical prices. Lakeland offers more neighborhoods, historic districts, colleges and an Amtrak station. Read is Lakeland a good place to live, browse Lakeland neighborhoods or see the Lakeland housing market for comparison.
Common questions
Is Auburndale, FL cheaper than Lakeland?+
Slightly. Zillow's typical Auburndale home value was $302,746 in August 2026, compared with $309,954 in Lakeland, a gap of about $7,200. Both fell over the year, by 1.4% and 1.3%. Compare specific homes on total monthly cost, including tax, insurance and any HOA or CDD.
What county is Auburndale, FL in?+
Auburndale is in Polk County, in the Lakeland metro area. It sits east of Lakeland with access to I-4, US 92 and the Polk Parkway. Public schools are run by Polk County Public Schools, and the city provides water and sewer service to properties within its service area.
What is the population of Auburndale, FL?+
Auburndale had 15,616 residents at the 2020 Census. The city's website now cites 21,759 residents. The 33823 ZIP code, which includes surrounding unincorporated areas, had 33,733 residents in 2020. The city grew by several thousand residents after 2020, so check how new subdivisions near a home may change traffic and services.
Are there new construction homes in Auburndale?+
Yes. Highland Homes, which is based in Lakeland, lists Auburndale communities including Bellaviva, Otter Woods Estates and Summerlake Estates. Ask each builder about current pricing, CDD and HOA fees, and incentives, and compare them with resale homes nearby. Ask each builder for an estimate of the first full tax bill on the specific lot.