Florida / Polk County

Moving to Lakeland, FL

Thinking of making a move to Lakeland, FL? Get helpful local information about living costs, neighborhoods, schools, weather, housing, DMV details, and practical relocation details before you plan your move.

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Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Lakeland, FL

Considering a move to Lakeland, FL? This welcoming community of 115,685 residents offers a blend of suburban charm and convenience, with median home prices around $295,000 and average rents near $1,520. Commute times average 25 minutes and public transport is accessible, making it great for professionals. The area boasts low violent crime, strong schools, and plenty of sunny days (66% annually), ideal for families and commuters alike. Explore Lakeland's cost of living, education, and friendly neighborhoods to see if it's the right fit for your next move.

Demographics - Lakeland, FL

Lakeland has a population of 115,685 residents, offering a diverse community with a median age of nearly 39 and a balanced gender ratio. The area features a strong blend of backgrounds, with about 62% White, 19% Black, and 3% Asian residents, and over 19% speaking a language other than English at home. Its high population density contributes to a lively suburban atmosphere.

Population
115,685
Density
1,900 per sq mi
Median Age
39.2
Gender Ratio
93 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage
18.8%

Ethnic Composition

White
62.0%
Black
18.5%
Asian
3.0%
Others
16.5%

Cost Of Living

What is the average cost of living in Lakeland, FL?

The cost of living in Lakeland is higher than the national average, with a cost of living index of 95.8. Median home values are around $295,000 and average rents for a two-bedroom apartment are approximately $1,520. Utilities, groceries, and transportation costs are also elevated, reflecting the area's desirable location and amenities.

Median House Value
$295,000
Gross Rent
$1,520
Monthly Electricity Charges
$165
Auto Insurance
$2,780
House Owner Cost With Mortgage
$1,980
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage
$640
State Taxes
Low: 0.0%| High: 0.0%
Cost Of Living Index
95.8
Grocery
98.5
Housing
92.6
Utilities
101.8
Transportation
96.4
Health Care
97.9
Miscellaneous
94.7

Crime

Is Lakeland, FL a safe place to live?

Lakeland is considered a safe community, with a low violent crime rate of 512 incidents per 100,000 residents and a property crime chance of 1 in 35. Most residents enjoy peace of mind, making it an attractive choice for families. The crime index remains below many urban areas in Florida.

Violent Crimes Per 100k
512
Property Crimes Per 100k
2,870
Crime Index
3,382
Chance Of Violent Crime
1 in 195
Chance Of Property Crime
1 in 35

Weather

What is the weather like in Lakeland, FL year-round?

Lakeland experiences four distinct seasons, with warm summers reaching highs of 92°F and cold winters dipping to 49°F. The area receives about 54 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine on 66% of days. This climate offers residents a balanced mix of outdoor opportunities year-round.

Winter

Min
49°F
Max
72°F

Summer

Min
74°F
Max
92°F

Spring

Min
61°F
Max
86°F

Fall

Min
62°F
Max
85°F
Average Rainfall Inches
53.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage
66%

Neighbors

The neighborhood boasts a healthy median household income of $61,500 and a low poverty rate of 16.8%. Over 89% of residents have at least a high school diploma, and nearly 23% hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Commute times average 25 minutes, and almost 2% use public transportation, reflecting the area's accessibility and educated population.

Median Income
$33,500
Household Income
$61,500
Family Income
$72,400
Per Capita Income
$28,900
Income Male
$37,600
Income Female
$31,200
Poverty Rate
16.8%
Non English Speakers
26.9%
Rent
$1,520
Unemployment Rate
4.7%
Public Transport Usage
2.4%
Commute Time
24.8 minutes

Education

High School or Higher
89.1%
Bachelors or More
22.8%

Education

How are the schools in Lakeland, FL?

Lakeland offers quality education options, with public schools like Lakeland Senior High School and Crystal Lake Elementary School known for favorable student-to-teacher ratios. Families also have access to private schools and several nearby colleges, including Florida Southern College and Polk State College. The community is committed to educational excellence for all age groups.

Public Schools

Name
Lakeland Senior High School
Street
726 Hollingsworth Rd
Phone
863-499-2900
Students
2,000
Student Teacher Ratio
18.1
Name
Crystal Lake Elementary School
Street
919 Crystal Lake Dr
Phone
863-499-3020
Students
700
Student Teacher Ratio
16.3

Private Schools

Name
Santa Fe Catholic High School
Street
3110 S Fl Ave
Phone
863-646-3511
Students
420

Colleges

Name
Florida Southern College
City
Lakeland
State
FL
Distance
2 miles
Students
2,800
Name
Polk State College
City
Lakeland
State
FL
Distance
4 miles
Students
11,500

Healthcare

Lakeland residents have access to quality healthcare, with major hospitals like Lakeland Regional Health Medical Center and Bartow Regional Medical Center nearby. The community benefits from a high physician-to-resident ratio of 2.1 per 1,000 people and 87.5% health insurance coverage. Local healthcare services are reliable and comprehensive.

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
Bartow Regional Medical Center
Address
2200 Osprey Blvd, Bartow, FL 33830
Phone
(863) 533-9171
Type
General & Surgical
Emergency Services
Yes

Healthcare Access

Physicians Per 1000
2.1
Health Insurance Coverage
87.5%
Health Care Index
72.4

Housing Market

What is the housing market like in Lakeland, FL?

The local housing market is strong, with a median home price of $295,000 and an owner-occupied rate of nearly 64%. The market has seen a 4.6% appreciation over the past year, and rental vacancy rates remain moderate at 7.0%. Lakeland offers a mix of stability and opportunity for both buyers and renters.

Median Home Price
$295,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom
$1,520
Owner Occupied Rate
63.8%
Rental Vacancy Rate
7.0%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr)
4.6%
New Construction Rate
2.8%
Foreclosure Rate
0.4%

DMV Information

Residents of Lakeland handle vehicle services through the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, conveniently located in Tallahassee. The state DMV provides driver licensing, vehicle registration, and other essential services both in person and online. Information and resources are easily accessible for new and existing residents.

State
Florida
Department
Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles
Address
2900 Apalachee Parkway, Tallahassee, FL 32399
Phone
1-850-617-2000

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.

FAQs About Moving to Lakeland, FL

Answers use the same city data shown on this page, including costs, housing, schools, safety, weather, healthcare, and DMV details.

Before moving to Lakeland, review the core fields on this page: population 115,685, median home value $295,000, average rent for 2 bedroom $1,520, commute time 24.8 minutes, and sunny days percentage 66%.

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