St. Cloud
citySt. 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
- Classification
- City
- FIPS Code
- 12-62625
- Country
- United States
- County
- Osceola County
- 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
- 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.
- 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





























- Unemployment Rate
- 5.8%
- Economic Profile
- Residential/suburban · Commercial growth
- Employment Sectors
- Retail Trade · Educational Services · Health Care & Social Assistance
- Major Employers
- AdventHealth
- Schools
- 18
- Students
- 17,749
- School Districts
- Osceola County School District
- Transportation
- U.S. Route 192 · Florida's Turnpike · Local bus transit
- Utilities
- Municipal water · Power · Broadband/Fiber
- Major Facilities
- Hospitals · Nearby Orlando International Airport
- 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
- 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
