Citizen Portal
Sign In
Back to St. Cloud Feed

St. Cloud

city

St. Cloud, Florida, is located in northern Osceola County, nestled on the southern shore of East Lake Tohopekaliga in Central Florida, approximately 26 miles southeast of Orlando. Known as "The Friendly Soldier City," St. Cloud was originally founded as a retirement community for Union Army veterans of the Civil War. In 2020, the city's population was 58,964, and recent estimates place it at over 71,000. St. Cloud is part of the Orlando–Kissimmee–Sanford metropolitan area. St. Cloud's economy is diverse, with major employment sectors including retail trade, education, and healthcare. While it retains a sense of small-town charm, St. Cloud is experiencing commercial growth and is strategically located near major transportation corridors, Orlando, the Orlando International Airport, and the Medical City at Lake Nona. This location provides access to key industries and markets, fostering business and economic development. What makes St. Cloud distinctive is its unique history as a Union Army veteran settlement, reflected in its street names and historical landmarks. Today, St. Cloud blends its historical roots with modern growth, offering a mix of residential communities, commercial development, and access to outdoor recreation, contributing to its appeal as a desirable place to live and work.

St. Cloud, Florida

Overview
Classification
City
FIPS Code
12-62625
Country
United States
County
Osceola County
Geography
Region
Central Florida
Elevation
69 ft
Total Area
25.53 sq mi
Land Area
25.49 sq mi
Water Area
0.035 sq mi
Latitude
28.23056
Longitude
-81.28528
Climate
St. Cloud has a humid subtropical climate, typical of central Florida.
Notable Features
East Lake Tohopekaliga
Neighboring Areas
Kissimmee · Orlando
Demographics
Population (2020)
58,964
Est. Population (2024)
71,036
Median Age
39
Median Income
$88,970
Poverty Rate
10.09%
Family Households
76%
Owner-Occupied
72.5%
Racial & Ethnic Composition
The racial composition of St. Cloud includes approximately 47.12% White, 19.32% Other Race, 6.46% Black or African American, and smaller percentages for Asian, Native American, Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander and multiracial populations. A significant portion of the population identifies as Hispanic or Latino.
Governance
Government Type
Council–Manager
Governing Body
City Council
Body Size
5 members
School District
Osceola County School District
Municipal Services
Police · Fire · Public Works · Parks & Recreation · Library
Economy
Unemployment Rate
5.8%
Economic Profile
Residential/suburban · Commercial growth
Employment Sectors
Retail Trade · Educational Services · Health Care & Social Assistance
Major Employers
AdventHealth
Education
Schools
18
Students
17,749
School Districts
Osceola County School District
Infrastructure
Transportation
U.S. Route 192 · Florida's Turnpike · Local bus transit
Utilities
Municipal water · Power · Broadband/Fiber
Major Facilities
Hospitals · Nearby Orlando International Airport
Recreation
Outdoor Access
Yes
Major Recreation Areas
East Lake Tohopekaliga · Lakefront Park · Peghorn Nature Park
Parks & Trails
Lakefront Park · Peghorn Nature Park and Trails · Various community parks
History
Founded
1909
Incorporated
1911
Named After
Likely named after St. Cloud, Minnesota, or Saint-Cloud, France
Historical Significance
St. Cloud is significant for its unique origins as a settlement for Civil War veterans, its well-preserved historical architecture, and its blend of small-town character with modern growth.
Key Events
Founded as a retirement community for Union Army veterans · Became known as "The Friendly Soldier City" · Early 20th-century development spurred by the Grand Army of the Republic (GAR) · Incorporated as a city in 1915