Winter Springs
cityWinter Springs is a city located in Seminole County, Florida, and is part of the Orlando–Kissimmee–Sanford Metropolitan Statistical Area. It offers a blend of suburban living with convenient access to the amenities of the greater Orlando area. The city is known for its family-friendly environment, parks, and commitment to environmental preservation. In 2020, the population was 38,342, and recent estimates place it around 40,542 in 2026. Winter Springs has a growing economy with major employment sectors including healthcare, education, and retail. The city benefits from its proximity to Orlando and the presence of a small-business incubator operated by the University of Central Florida (UCF). It operates under a Commission/Manager form of government, focusing on effective governance and community engagement. Winter Springs distinguishes itself with a rich history, originally settled as Tuskawilla around 1865 and later incorporated as the City of North Orlando in 1959 before being renamed Winter Springs in 1972. The city has been recognized for its quality of life, having been ranked among the best places to live in the United States by Money Magazine.
Winter Springs, Florida
- Classification
- City
- FIPS Code
- 12-78325
- Country
- United States
- County
- Seminole County
- Region
- Central Florida
- Elevation
- 52 ft
- Total Area
- 14.99 sq mi
- Land Area
- 14.86 sq mi
- Water Area
- 0.13 sq mi
- Latitude
- 28.6989
- Longitude
- -81.3081
- Climate
- Winter Springs has a humid subtropical climate, characterized by hot, humid summers and mild, relatively dry winters. The temperature typically varies from 51°F to 91°F throughout the year.
- Notable Features
- Lake Jesup
- Neighboring Areas
- Oviedo · Casselberry · Longwood · Sanford
- Population (2020)
- 38,342
- Est. Population (2026)
- 40,542
- Median Age
- 40.2
- Median Income
- $92,574
- Poverty Rate
- 6.8%
- Owner-Occupied
- 76.1%
- Racial & Ethnic Composition
- The racial composition of Winter Springs is approximately 64.2% White, 21.4% Hispanic, 5.2% Black or African American, 4.1% Asian, and 4.3% Multiracial.
- Government Type
- Commission–Manager
- Governing Body
- City Commission
- Body Size
- 5 members
- School District
- Seminole County Public Schools
- Municipal Services
- Police · Fire · Public Works · Parks & Recreation
- Unemployment Rate
- 4.3%
- Economic Profile
- Residential · Suburban · Commercial
- Employment Sectors
- Health Care & Social Assistance · Educational Services · Retail Trade
- Schools
- 7
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 19:1
- School Districts
- Seminole County Public Schools
- Colleges & Universities
- Seminole State College (nearby) · University of Central Florida (nearby) · Rollins College (nearby) · Full Sail University (nearby)
- Transportation
- State Road 417 · State Road 434 · LYNX bus service · SunRail (via nearby Longwood station)
- Utilities
- Municipal water · Municipal sewer · Fiber/broadband
- Major Facilities
- Central Winds Park (event venue) · Orlando Sanford International Airport (SFB) (nearby)
- Outdoor Access
- Yes
- Major Recreation Areas
- Central Winds Park · Trotwood Park · Bear Creek Nature Trail
- Parks & Trails
- Central Winds Park · Trotwood Park · Sunshine Park · Moss Park · Bear Creek Nature Trail
- Founded
- 1865
- Incorporated
- 1959
- Named After
- The Winter Springs Development Corporation and the area's natural springs
- Historical Significance
- From a small village, Winter Springs has grown into a thriving suburban city in Seminole County. Its development reflects the growth of the Central Florida region.
- Key Events
- Settled as Tuskawilla around 1865 · Incorporated as the City of North Orlando in 1959 · Renamed the City of Winter Springs in 1972 · Winter Springs Town Center opened in 2002