Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Lake City, FL
Lake City, FL, is a friendly small city with about 12,500 residents, offering an affordable lifestyle and low housing costs—median home prices are around $177,000, and average rents are $1,040. Commute times are short at just over 20 minutes, and the city enjoys a warm, sunny climate with 62% sunny days each year. While property crime rates are higher than average, Lake City features accessible healthcare, local schools, and nearby outdoor recreation, making it inviting for those seeking value and a relaxed pace.
Demographics - Lake City, FL
Demographics - Lake City, FL
Lake City is home to about 12,500 residents, with a median age of 38.6 and a population density of 1,130 people per square mile. The community is predominantly White (56.1%) and Black (37.3%), with a small but diverse mix of other groups, and 5.5% of residents speak a language other than English at home.
Population:
12,497
Density:
1,130 per sq mi
Median Age:
38.6
Gender Ratio:
94 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
5.5%

Ethnic Composition
White:
56.1%
Black:
37.3%
Asian:
1.3%
Others:
5.3%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Lake City, FL?
Lake City offers an affordable cost of living, with a median home value of $177,000 and typical rents around $1,040 per month. The overall cost of living index is 85.3, well below the national average, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious families or retirees.
Median House Value:
$177,000
Gross Rent:
$1,040
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$140
Auto Insurance:
$2,040
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,225
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$415
State Taxes:
Low:
0%
|
High:
0%
Cost Of Living Index:
85.3
Grocery:
93.0
Housing:
68.5
Utilities:
101.2
Transportation:
89.5
Health Care:
97.8
Miscellaneous:
94.0
Crime
Is Lake City, FL a safe place to live?
Crime rates in Lake City are higher than average, with about 602 violent crimes and 3,010 property crimes per 100,000 residents. Residents have a 1 in 166 chance of experiencing violent crime, so it's important to consider neighborhood safety when moving here.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
602
Property Crimes Per 100k:
3,010
Crime Index:
3,612
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 166
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 33
Weather
What is the weather like in Lake City, FL year-round?
Lake City enjoys a warm, humid climate with mild winters (lows around 43°F) and hot summers (highs up to 92°F). The city receives about 52.5 inches of rainfall annually and boasts 62% sunny days, making it appealing for those who love the outdoors.

Winter
Min:
43°F
Max:
67°F

Spring
Min:
54°F
Max:
80°F

Summer
Min:
71°F
Max:
92°F

Fall
Min:
56°F
Max:
82°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
52.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
62%
Neighbors
The median household income in Lake City is $42,000, with a poverty rate of 24.2% and an unemployment rate of 5.2%. Most residents commute about 20 minutes to work, and over 86% have at least a high school diploma, reflecting a working-class, family-oriented community.
Median Income:
$31,200
Household Income:
$42,000
Family Income:
$51,800
Per Capita Income:
$21,700
Income Male:
$38,400
Income Female:
$29,100
Poverty Rate:
24.2%
Non English Speakers:
5.5%
Rent:
$1,040
Unemployment Rate:
5.2%
Public Transport Usage:
0.6%
Commute Time:
20.3 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
86.9%
Bachelors or More:
16.4%
Education
How are the schools in Lake City, FL?
Education in Lake City is supported by local public schools, such as Columbia High School and Westside Elementary, as well as private and higher education options like Florida Gateway College. Class sizes and resources reflect the city's small-town atmosphere, with opportunities for both young students and adult learners.

Public Schools
Name:
Columbia High School
Street:
469 SE Fighting Tiger Dr
Phone:
386-755-8080
Students:
1,950
Student Teacher Ratio:
23.4
Name:
Westside Elementary School
Street:
1956 County Road 252B
Phone:
386-755-8280
Students:
750
Student Teacher Ratio:
16.9

Private Schools
Name:
Lake City Christian Academy
Street:
2600 SW Main Blvd
Phone:
386-758-0055
Students:
210

Colleges
Name:
Florida Gateway College
City:
Lake City
State:
FL
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
3,700
Healthcare
Lake City provides accessible healthcare with two major hospitals, including a VA medical center, and about 2.1 physicians per 1,000 residents. Approximately 83.9% of people have health insurance, offering peace of mind for families and seniors alike.

Major Hospitals
Name:
HCA Florida Lake City Hospital
Address:
340 NW Commerce Dr, Lake City, FL 32055
Phone:
(386) 719-9000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Lake City VA Medical Center
Address:
619 S Marion Ave, Lake City, FL 32025
Phone:
(386) 755-3016
Type:
Veterans/General
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.1
Health Insurance Coverage:
83.9%
Health Care Index:
67.8
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Lake City, FL?
The housing market in Lake City is affordable, with a median home price of $177,000 and a one-year appreciation rate of 6.3%. Nearly half of the homes are owner-occupied, and rental options remain plentiful due to a relatively high vacancy rate.
Median Home Price:
$177,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,040
Owner Occupied Rate:
49.7%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
11.9%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
6.3%
New Construction Rate:
0.8%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.7%
DMV Information
Lake City residents can access DMV services through the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles at a local office on SE Hernando Ave. The office provides driver's licenses, vehicle registrations, and other essential services for Florida drivers.
State:
Florida
Department:
Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles
Address:
285 SE Hernando Ave, Lake City, FL 32025
Phone:
(386) 758-1077
Website:
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is based on publicly available sources including AccuWeather, U.S. Census Bureau, local government data, and third-party partners such as Neustar. While we strive to ensure accuracy, all data is provided “as is” and should be independently verified before making any decisions. Movers.com makes no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the information.