Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Lakeland, FL
Thinking of moving to Lakeland, FL? With a population of about 115,000 and a median home price of $265,000, Lakeland offers affordable housing and a lower-than-average cost of living. Residents enjoy quick commutes averaging 23 minutes, a warm climate with 65% sunny days, and access to major hospitals and local colleges. While property crime rates are above national averages, the city provides a friendly atmosphere, diverse schools, and plenty of outdoor activities to help you feel right at home.
Demographics - Lakeland, FL
Demographics - Lakeland, FL
Lakeland is home to approximately 115,425 residents, with a median age of 41.1 years and a balanced gender ratio. The city’s population is predominantly White (59.5%), with significant Black (20.8%) and Hispanic communities, and about 12.7% of residents speak a language other than English at home. This diverse makeup contributes to a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere for newcomers.
Population:
115,425
Density:
1,650 per sq mi
Median Age:
41.1
Gender Ratio:
91 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
12.7%
Ethnic Composition
White:
59.5%
Black:
20.8%
Asian:
2.5%
Others:
17.2%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Lakeland, FL?
Lakeland boasts a cost of living index of 89.7, making it more affordable than the national average, with a median home value of $265,000 and average rent around $1,420. Utilities and transportation costs are close to typical U.S. rates, while Florida's 0% state income tax adds to the city’s financial appeal. Residents enjoy reasonably priced groceries, healthcare, and housing, making Lakeland an attractive option for budget-conscious families and retirees.
Median House Value:
$265,000
Gross Rent:
$1,420
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$145
Auto Insurance:
$2,220
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,570
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$475
State Taxes:
Low:
0%
|
High:
0%
Cost Of Living Index:
89.7
Grocery:
97.1
Housing:
76.4
Utilities:
101.2
Transportation:
98.5
Health Care:
98.7
Miscellaneous:
96.8
Crime
Is Lakeland, FL a safe place to live?
Lakeland experiences a higher-than-average property crime rate, with about 2,814 incidents per 100,000 people, and a violent crime rate of 436 per 100,000. While the chance of experiencing violent crime is 1 in 229, most residents find the city’s neighborhoods to be friendly and safe with proper precautions. Community involvement and local policing efforts contribute to maintaining safety across the city.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
436
Property Crimes Per 100k:
2,814
Crime Index:
3,250
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 229
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 36
Weather
What is the weather like in Lakeland, FL year-round?
Lakeland offers a warm, subtropical climate with mild winters (lows in the 50s, highs in the 70s) and hot, humid summers reaching into the low 90s. The city receives around 52 inches of annual rainfall and enjoys sunshine about 65% of the year, perfect for year-round outdoor activities. Seasonal changes are gentle, making Lakeland ideal for those who prefer consistent, pleasant weather.
Winter
Min:
51°F
Max:
72°F
Spring
Min:
59°F
Max:
85°F
Summer
Min:
72°F
Max:
92°F
Fall
Min:
62°F
Max:
86°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
51.7 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
65%
Neighbors
Residents in Lakeland enjoy a median household income of $55,159, with about 87.5% holding a high school diploma or higher. The city has a moderate poverty rate of 17.5% and a low unemployment rate of 4.1%, with most commutes averaging just under 23 minutes. The community is diverse and welcoming, offering a range of cultural backgrounds and a neighborly atmosphere.
Median Income:
$29,000
Household Income:
$55,159
Family Income:
$67,800
Per Capita Income:
$29,500
Income Male:
$38,200
Income Female:
$31,400
Poverty Rate:
17.5%
Non English Speakers:
12.7%
Rent:
$1,420
Unemployment Rate:
4.1%
Public Transport Usage:
0.7%
Commute Time:
22.6 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
87.5%
Bachelors or More:
25.4%
Education
How are the schools in Lakeland, FL?
Lakeland’s education options include a mix of public and private schools, such as Lakeland Senior High School and Lakeland Christian School, as well as higher education institutions like Florida Southern College and Polk State College. The city’s schools serve diverse student populations and offer strong academic and extracurricular programs. Families and students benefit from a range of educational choices within close proximity.
Public Schools
Name:
Lakeland Senior High School
Street:
726 Hollingsworth Rd
Phone:
863-499-2900
Students:
1,900
Student Teacher Ratio:
20.6
Name:
Southwest Middle School
Street:
2815 Eden Pkwy
Phone:
863-499-2890
Students:
1,100
Student Teacher Ratio:
18.2
Private Schools
Name:
Lakeland Christian School
Street:
1111 Forest Park St
Phone:
863-688-2771
Students:
1,000
Colleges
Name:
Florida Southern College
City:
Lakeland
State:
FL
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
3,500
Name:
Polk State College
City:
Lakeland
State:
FL
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
10,000
Healthcare
Lakeland provides strong healthcare access through facilities like Lakeland Regional Health Medical Center and Watson Clinic, with 2.3 physicians per 1,000 residents. About 86% of the population has health insurance coverage, and emergency services are readily available. The city’s healthcare index of 71.3 reflects reliable and comprehensive medical care for families and individuals.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Lakeland Regional Health Medical Center
Address:
1324 Lakeland Hills Blvd, Lakeland, FL 33805
Phone:
(863) 687-1100
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Watson Clinic
Address:
1600 Lakeland Hills Blvd, Lakeland, FL 33805
Phone:
(863) 680-7000
Type:
Multi-specialty
Emergency Services:
No
Physicians Per 1000:
2.3
Health Insurance Coverage:
86.2%
Health Care Index:
71.3
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Lakeland, FL?
The housing market in Lakeland is accessible, with a median home price of $265,000 and average two-bedroom rents at $1,420. Homeownership is common, with 56.1% of residents owning their homes, and the area sees a stable appreciation rate of 3.6% annually. Rental choices are readily available, making Lakeland suitable for both buyers and renters.
Median Home Price:
$265,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,420
Owner Occupied Rate:
56.1%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
7.2%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
3.6%
New Construction Rate:
1.5%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.8%
DMV Information
DMV services in Lakeland are provided by the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, conveniently located on US-98 N. Residents can access driver licensing, vehicle registration, and other services, with additional information available online at the state DMV website. Friendly staff and a central location make handling vehicle needs straightforward.
State:
Florida
Department:
Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles
Address:
3247 US-98 N, Lakeland, FL 33805
Phone:
(863) 499-2323
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.