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 115,425 residents offers a blend of suburban charm and convenience, with median home prices around $265,000 and average rents near $1,420. Commute times average 23 minutes and public transport is accessible, making it great for professionals. The area boasts low violent crime, strong schools, and plenty of sunny days (65% 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 115,425 residents, offering a diverse community with a median age of nearly 41 and a balanced gender ratio. The area features a strong blend of backgrounds, with about 60% White, 21% Black, and 3% Asian residents, and over 13% speaking a language other than English at home. Its high population density contributes to a lively suburban atmosphere.

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?

The cost of living in Lakeland is higher than the national average, with a cost of living index of 89.7. Median home values are around $265,000 and average rents for a two-bedroom apartment are approximately $1,420. Utilities, groceries, and transportation costs are also elevated, reflecting the area's desirable location and amenities.

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 is considered a safe community, with a low violent crime rate of 436 incidents per 100,000 residents and a property crime chance of 1 in 36. 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
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 experiences four distinct seasons, with warm summers reaching highs of 92°F and cold winters dipping to 51°F. The area receives about 52 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine on 65% of days. This climate offers residents a balanced mix of outdoor opportunities year-round.

Winter

Min
51°F
Max
72°F

Summer

Min
72°F
Max
92°F

Spring

Min
59°F
Max
85°F

Fall

Min
62°F
Max
86°F
Average Rainfall Inches
51.7 inches
Sunny Days Percentage
65%

Neighbors

The neighborhood boasts a healthy median household income of $55,159 and a low poverty rate of 17.5%. Over 88% of residents have at least a high school diploma, and nearly 25% hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Commute times average 23 minutes, and almost 1% use public transportation, reflecting the area's accessibility and educated population.

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 offers quality education options, with public schools like Lakeland Senior High School and Southwest Middle 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
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 residents have access to quality healthcare, with major hospitals like Lakeland Regional Health Medical Center and Watson Clinic nearby. The community benefits from a high physician-to-resident ratio of 2.3 per 1,000 people and 86.2% 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
Watson Clinic
Address
1600 Lakeland Hills Blvd, Lakeland, FL 33805
Phone
(863) 680-7000
Type
Multi-specialty
Emergency Services
No

Healthcare Access

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 local housing market is strong, with a median home price of $265,000 and an owner-occupied rate of nearly 56%. The market has seen a 3.6% appreciation over the past year, and rental vacancy rates remain moderate at 7.2%. Lakeland offers a mix of stability and opportunity 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

Residents of Lakeland handle vehicle services through the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, conveniently located in Lakeland. 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
3247 US-98 N, Lakeland, FL 33805
Phone
(863) 499-2323

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 115,425, median home value $265,000, average rent for 2 bedroom $1,420, commute time 22.6 minutes, and sunny days percentage 65%.

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