Lely Resort, FL demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
8,582
3.5% year-over-year change
Median household income
$93,750/yr
-6.4% year-over-year change
Housing units
6,122
-0.4% year-over-year change

Lely Resort population

How many people live in Lely Resort

Lely Resort is home to 8,582 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 45.4% of Lely Resort locals are male, and 54.6% are female.

Total population
8,582
3.5% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
45.4%
3,896
Female
54.6%
4,686
Value Percent YoY change
Male 3,896 45.4% -0.7%
Female 4,686 54.6% 7.1%
A higher population often means more rental variety and livelier areas. The gender balance—how many men live here compared to women—can reveal a lot about the community and the lifestyles of its residents. Use this info to get a sense of the area's pace and personality.

Age demographics

The median age in Lely Resort is 60, with the population distributed as follows: about 12.1% are children under 15, then 2.9% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 19.8% of the population, while another 24% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 41.1% are 65 or older.

Median age
59.9
Age breakdown
Under 15
12.1%
15 to 24
2.9%
25 to 44
19.8%
45 to 64
24%
Over 65
41.1%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 1,042 12.1% -11.0%
15 to 24 248 2.9% -50.8%
25 to 44 1,701 19.8% 24.5%
45 to 64 2,061 24% 5.6%
Over 65 3,530 41.1% 6.9%
The age composition helps you get insight into who lives in the area. A younger population might mean a more active, fast-paced vibe, while an older one could suggest a quieter, slower lifestyle. If there's a balanced makeup, you’re likely to find a variety of services, housing types, and community spaces that cater to different life stages.

Racial makeup

In Lely Resort, 72.2% of the population are US-born citizens, while 16.4% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 11.4% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 67.2% of locals are Caucasian, 18.8% are African American and 3% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 8% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
72.2%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
16.4%
Non-citizens
11.4%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 6,195 72.2% 4.7%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 1,406 16.4% 16.2%
Non-citizens 981 11.4% -16.1%
Racial breakdown
White
67.2%
Black or African American
18.8%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0%
Asian
3%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
8%
Other
3%
Value Percent
White 5,763 67.2%
Black or African American 1,612 18.8%
American Indian and Alaska Native 1 0%
Asian 260 3%
Two or more races 690 8%
Other 256 3%

Households in Lely Resort

A peek inside Lely Resort households

Lely Resort has 4,025 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 66.3% are families, while the remaining 33.7% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
4,025
5.7% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
1,355
Family households
2,670
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 1,355 33.7% 17.3%
Family households 2,670 66.3% 0.7%
The mix between family and non-family households gives a glimpse into daily life. A higher percentage of families might mean more parks and schools, while more non-family setups can mean flexible housing and diverse living styles. For renters, this can signal what kinds of homes are common and can help you figure out if the area matches your lifestyle.

Housing in Lely Resort

The housing landscape of Lely Resort

Lely Resort's housing consists of 6,122 units, with 29.6% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 6.8% and offer a more compact, shared living style. Then there are the multifamily buildings in the area, and for those seeking flexibility, non-traditional options like mobile homes account for 1.2% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
6,122
-0.4% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 1,809 29.6%
1 unit, attached 413 6.8%
2 units 495 8.1%
3 or 4 units 733 12%
5 to 9 units 591 9.6%
10 to 19 units 761 12.4%
20 to 49 units 506 8.3%
50 or more units 743 12.1%
Mobile home 71 1.2%
Homes built since 2020
74
0.0% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Lely Resort

In Lely Resort, the median construction year is 2007. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 39.7% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 37.5% between 2010 and 2019, and 1.2% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built between 1940 and 1949 145 2.4% -31.3%
Built between 1950 and 1959 22 0.4% 10.0%
Built between 1960 and 1969 24 0.4% N/A
Built between 1970 and 1979 44 0.7% 15.8%
Built between 1980 and 1989 383 6.3% 173.6%
Built between 1990 and 1999 704 11.5% -16.2%
Built between 2000 and 2009 2,433 39.7% -7.8%
Built between 2010 and 2019 2,293 37.5% 5.0%
Built in 2020 or later 74 1.2% 0.0%
As a renter, knowing when homes were built helps you understand the potential condition and design of rental units. Newer builds may have more contemporary layouts, while older homes can offer character or larger lots, depending on the area.

Lely Resort occupancy rates

Out of the 4,025 occupied housing units in Lely Resort, 58.1% are owner-occupied, while 41.9% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 34.3% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
4,025
5.7% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
1,685
Owner occupied
2,340
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 1,685 41.9% 8.7%
Owner occupied 2,340 58.1% 3.7%
Unoccupied housing units
34.3%
Unoccupied housing units refer to homes that are currently without residents—whether they're waiting for renters or owners, used seasonally, or simply unclaimed. A higher share of empty homes may mean more housing availability, while a low number can reflect a tighter market with more competition. This, along with the renter-vs.-owner mix, helps paint a clearer picture of what types of housing and services are likely to be available in the area.

Lely Resort housing costs

Housing costs in Lely Resort come to a median of $1,751 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $2,078.

Median housing costs per month
$1,751/month
This figure sums up typical monthly housing costs for all households in the area. If you own, it includes mortgage payments in addition to property taxes, insurance and HOA fees. If you rent, it accounts for rent plus extras like utilities. It’s useful for seeing how local living expenses stack up compared to other places.
Median gross rent in Lely Resort
$2,078/month
Gross rent gives a more complete look at what renters actually pay, including not just base rent, but also utilities and fees. It’s a key number for evaluating rental affordability in your area of interest and understanding how it compares to nearby locations.

Education in Lely Resort

Lely Resort education at a glance

About 20% of the population in Lely Resort went to high school, while 18.6% pursued college studies. Another 5.8% earned an associate degree and 29.6% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 19.9% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 457 6.2% 25.9%
High school diploma 1,488 20% 30.9%
College diploma 1,380 18.6% 61.6%
Associate degree 427 5.8% -17.1%
Bachelor's degree 2,198 29.6% -9.7%
Graduate degree 1,476 19.9% -0.7%
A community’s education mix can offer insights into the local economy and housing market. Higher levels of education often align with more job opportunities and stable incomes, which can increase demand for homes and influence both rent prices and rental availability.

Income in Lely Resort

How much people earn in Lely Resort

The average annual household income in Lely Resort was $143,802 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +2.6% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $93,750, reflecting a -6.4% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Lely Resort
$143,802/year
2.6% year-over-year change
Median household income in Lely Resort
$93,750/year
-6.4% year-over-year change

Lely Resort income by age

In Lely Resort, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $69,260. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $90,842 overall. Overall, 90.2% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
25 - 44 $69,260 -7.7%
45 - 64 $90,842 30.1%
Over 65 $104,879 -18.8%
Above poverty level
7,637
Below poverty level
834
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 7,637 90.2% 0.6%
Below poverty level 834 9.8% 37.6%

Average renter income in Lely Resort

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Lely Resort, their median household income was $55,818 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 44.7%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$55,818
Rent-to-income ratio
44.7%
Understanding the rent-to-income ratio can help renters gauge if local housing costs align with their earnings. A ratio under 30% usually signals affordability, while exceeding this mark means rent is taking a larger-than-recommended bite out of income. That could make it harder for you to cover other costs like transportation, healthcare, or child care.

Employment in Lely Resort

Workforce and job types in Lely Resort

The job market in Lely Resort is powered by 3,229 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 95% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 5% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 13.9% run their own businesses, 72.4% are employed by private companies, and 7.4% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
3,229
12.8% year-over-year change
White collar
3,067
Blue collar
162
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 3,067 95% 16.9%
Blue collar 162 5% -32.5%
Employer type
Self employees
13.9%
Private companies
72.4%
Governmental workers
7.4%
Not for profit companies
6.3%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 450 13.9% 42.9%
Private companies 2,337 72.4% 15.9%
Governmental workers 240 7.4% -1.2%
Not for profit companies 202 6.3% -30.1%
Unemployment rate
3.1%
112.2% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Lely Resort stands at 3.1%, representing the share of the workforce currently without a job and actively looking for one.

For renters, the unemployment rate helps paint a picture of job security and financial stability in the area. Rates around 4% to 5% are considered typical. A lower-than-average rate might suggest strong job prospects and a thriving local economy, while a higher rate could hint at fewer opportunities—both useful to consider when planning a move.

Transportation in Lely Resort

How people get around in Lely Resort

In Lely Resort, the average commute time is 24 minutes.

Commute time
24 min
5.2% year-over-year change
Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 2,446 75.9% 1.4%
Understanding how locals get to work can help you plan your own routine. High car usage might mean you’ll need a vehicle, while strong public transit or walkability could save you the hassle. Commute times also play a big role in quality of life—shorter trips can give you more time for the things you enjoy.

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FAQs about Lely Resort demographics 

What is the total population of Lely Resort?

Lely Resort has a total population of 8,582 residents, according to the latest release from the U.S. Census Bureau: the 2019-2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates. This figure changed by +3.5% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Lely Resort?

The gender ratio in Lely Resort is as follows:
  • 45.4% males (3,896 residents)
  • 54.6% females (4,686 residents)

What is the median age in Lely Resort?

The median age in Lely Resort is 59.9.

What is the age distribution of the population in Lely Resort?

The age distribution in Lely Resort is as follows:
  • Under 15: 12.1% (1,042 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 2.9% (248 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 19.8% (1,701 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 24% (2,061 residents)
  • Over 65: 41.1% (3,530 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Lely Resort?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Lely Resort is as follows:
  • White: 67.2% (5,763 residents)
  • Black or African American: 18.8% (1,612 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0% (1 residents)
  • Asian: 3% (260 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 8% (690 residents)
  • Other: 3% (256 residents)

What percentage of the population in Lely Resort are U.S.-born citizens?

U.S.-born citizens represent 72.2% of the population in Lely Resort.

How many housing units are there in Lely Resort?

There are 6,122 housing units in Lely Resort, reflecting a -0.4% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

How many households are in Lely Resort and what is the average household size?

Lely Resort has a total of 4,025 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Lely Resort?

Lely Resort has a median household income of $93,750, representing a -6.4% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for Lely Resort?

The employment rate is 96.9% in Lely Resort, with a workforce of 3,229 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 95% (3,067 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 5% (162 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 13.9% (450 residents)
  • Private companies: 72.4% (2,337 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 7.4% (240 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 6.3% (202 residents)

Data source & methodology

The demographic data on this page was sourced from the latest U.S. Census Bureau release—the 2019–2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates.

The information, issued annually, is compiled and published by the Point2Homes Research Team as soon as new data becomes available.

No representation, guarantee, or warranty is made concerning the accuracy or completeness of modified or aggregated information for particular areas.

Page last updated: September 2025