FloridaPop. 119,961Mid-size cities
Is Lakeland a Good Place to Live? Lakeland, Florida: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Lakeland ranks #848 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #149 of 256 mid-size cities and #40 of 80 in Florida. Against similar-size cities it stands out for affordable homes ($249,400, #59 of 256), and trails on low household income ($64,185, #197 of 256).
Lakeland by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Lakeland's rank among the tracked cities and the US figure (or the similar-size median where there is no national figure).
What is the cost of living in Lakeland?
Lakeland's cost of living index is 97.1, 3% below the US level of 100 and #552 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,395/mo against $1,641/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $309,954, 17% below the typical Florida home ($375,470).
| Measure | Lakeland | FloridaFL | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 101.8 · US 100 | 97.1#552 of 1,308 | 103.4 | 101.8 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $439,863 · US $368,697 | $309,954#405 of 1,187 | $375,470 | $439,863 | $368,697 |
| Typical asking rentZillow Observed Rent Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,871/mo · US $1,948/mo | $1,722/mo#529 of 1,115 | — | $1,871/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $405,750 | $249,400#394 of 1,309 | — | $405,750 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,641/mo | $1,395/mo#634 of 1,309 | — | $1,641/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 5x | 3.9x#548 of 1,309 | — | 5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 23.9% | 26.1%#1094 of 1,309 | — | 23.9% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). Florida is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. Zillow figures track homes and rentals on the market now; Census figures are survey medians of all homes and leases, so the two differ.
Lakeland housing market · August
Typical home value is a monthly index of homes in the middle third of the market; the Census figures above are survey medians and will differ. Source in the data sources list below. Lakeland is in the Lakeland-Winter Haven, FL metro.
Florida housing market →Is Lakeland safe?
Lakeland recorded 370 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 13% above the US rate of 328 and 34% above Florida's 275. That ranks #680 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #132 of 235 mid-size cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Lakeland Police Department. Property crime runs 1,540 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Lakeland | FloridaFL | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 352 · US 328 | 370#680 of 1,085 | 275 | 352 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,730 · US 1,548 | 1,540#497 of 1,085 | 1,402 | 1,730 | 1,548 |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). Florida is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. City rates come from each police agency's report to the FBI and are not strictly comparable across agencies.
What do people earn in Lakeland?
The median household in Lakeland earns $64,185, 23% below the US figure of $83,163 and 17% below Florida ($77,735). Unemployment is 4.8% (US 4.3%). 13.2% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.5% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Lakeland | FloridaFL | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $80,112 · US $83,163 | $64,185#945 of 1,312 | $77,735 | $80,112 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.2% · US 4.3% | 4.8%#780 of 1,058 | 3.9% | 4.2% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 12.6% | 13.2%#752 of 1,312 | — | 12.6% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.3% · US +0.5% | +0.5%#391 of 1,132 | +0.9% | +0.3% | +0.5% |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). Florida is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure.
Who lives in Lakeland?
The median resident of Lakeland is 38.9 years old, against 36.7 in similar-size cities. 29.4% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #815 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 56.4% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Lakeland | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 36.7 | 38.9 | 36.7 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 34% | 29.4%#815 of 1,312 | 34% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 56.7% | 56.4% | 56.7% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure.
How are Lakeland's schools and health?
Lakeland's 34 public schools graduate 87% of students in four years (Florida 87.3%), with 17.6 students per teacher and $11,747 spent per pupil. 38.9% of adults are obese and 13.3% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 33.3% and 11.5%.
| Measure | Lakeland | FloridaFL | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 88% | 87%#576 of 1,063 | 87.3% | 88% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 17.4 | 17.6#798 of 1,188 | — | 17.4 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $14,993 | $11,747#985 of 1,188 | — | $14,993 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 33.3% | 38.9%#1061 of 1,311 | — | 33.3% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.5% | 13.3%#997 of 1,311 | — | 11.5% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 17.5% | 18.3%#915 of 1,311 | — | 17.5% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.1% | 16.4%#1128 of 1,311 | — | 11.1% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). Florida is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. 24,208 students are enrolled in Lakeland's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Lakeland?
The average commute in Lakeland is 23.1 minutes (Florida 28.9); 0.8% of workers take transit and 14.4% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Lakeland scores 11.3 of 20 (above average walkable), #557 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 82.8°F and winters 64°F, with 56.8 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Lakeland | FloridaFL | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 24.6 min | 23.1 min#615 of 1,312 | 28.9 min | 24.6 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 6% | 7.1%#843 of 1,312 | 9.6% | 6% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 70.7% | 70.4% | 69% | 70.7% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.1% | 0.8% | 1.3% | 1.1% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.6% | 3.1% | 1.4% | 1.6% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.3% | 1.1% | 0.5% | 0.3% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 13.3% | 14.4% | 15.5% | 13.3% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 11.6 | 11.3#557 of 1,312 | — | 11.6 | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). Florida is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. The walkability index is the EPA's, averaged over the city's neighborhoods by population.
| Month | Average high (°F) | Average low (°F) | Precipitation (inches) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 73.7 | 50.6 | 3 |
| Feb | 76.7 | 53.3 | 2.3 |
| Mar | 80.2 | 56.5 | 3.1 |
| Apr | 85.1 | 61.4 | 2.8 |
| May | 89.5 | 66.9 | 3.8 |
| Jun | 91.3 | 72.3 | 8.7 |
| Jul | 92.1 | 74.2 | 8.9 |
| Aug | 92.2 | 74.4 | 9.1 |
| Sep | 90.3 | 73.1 | 7.6 |
| Oct | 85.9 | 66.9 | 3 |
| Nov | 79.8 | 58.6 | 1.9 |
| Dec | 75.6 | 53.9 | 2.6 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Lakeland 2.
| Measure | Lakeland | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 62.1°F | 73.9°F | 62.1°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 76.9°F | 82.8°F | 76.9°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 47.7°F | 64°F | 47.7°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 36.8 in | 56.8 in | 36.8 in | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Lakeland 2.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Lakeland?
Polk County's air had a median air quality index of 34, and 96% of measured days were rated good; 0 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from ozone. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Polk County's biggest natural hazard losses in strong wind, hurricane, and wildfire, with expected yearly losses of 0.18% of building value, higher than 66% of US counties.
| Measure | Lakeland | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 46 | 34#119 of 1,138 | 46 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4 | 0#1 of 1,138 | 4 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.16% | 0.18%#857 of 1,312 | 0.16% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. County figures for Polk County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Polk County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Strong wind | 0.019% | 98% of counties |
| Hurricane | 0.074% | 89% of counties |
| Wildfire | 0.0051% | 78% of counties |
| Tornado | 0.0055% | 39% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.057% | 19% of counties |
FEMA National Risk Index: expected yearly building losses from each hazard as a share of the county's building value, compared with every US county exposed to that hazard. Loss rates, unlike FEMA's risk ratings, do not rise just because a county has more property.
How does Lakeland compare with similar-size cities?
Lakeland is one of 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track and ranks #149 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 119,961.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lakeland, FLPop. 119,961 | #848 | 52.5 | $64,185 | $1,395/mo | 370 | 23.1 min |
| Lafayette, LAPop. 121,715 | #1195 | 45.2 | $61,915 | $1,100/mo | 1,131 | 20 min |
| Hartford, CTPop. 121,127 | #1090 | 48.0 | $46,411 | $1,269/mo | 459 | 23.1 min |
| The Woodlands, TXPop. 121,002 | #233 | 63.6 | $140,701 | $1,822/mo | no data | 27 min |
| Wilmington, NCPop. 120,805 | #656 | 55.7 | $66,738 | $1,395/mo | 406 | 18.5 min |
| Berkeley, CAPop. 120,257 | #564 | 57.1 | $108,092 | $2,133/mo | 639 | 27.8 min |
| North Charleston, SCPop. 119,913 | #978 | 50.4 | $62,956 | $1,430/mo | 668 | 24.5 min |
| Billings, MTPop. 119,434 | #825 | 52.8 | $73,712 | $1,138/mo | 763 | 16.5 min |
| Cambridge, MAPop. 118,796 | #57 | 70.4 | $130,748 | $2,787/mo | 436 | 25.8 min |
Rank is overall rank of 1,312. Income is median household income; rent is Census median rent; violent crime is per 100,000 residents as reported to the FBI ("no data" and "incomplete" are explained on each city's page).
How does Lakeland compare with the rest of Florida?
Lakeland ranks #40 of the 80 Florida cities we track, with a score of 52.5 against Florida's statewide 59.9. Its households earn 17% below the Florida median. Violent crime is 34% above the statewide rate. Homes are 17% below the typical Florida home.
| City | Rank in FL | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Palm Beach Gardens, FLPop. 60,959 | #1 | 64.8 | $106,947 | $2,417/mo | 72 |
| Horizon West, FLPop. 67,416 | #2 | 64.0 | $127,335 | $2,464/mo | no data |
| Jupiter, FLPop. 61,883 | #3 | 62.6 | $110,240 | $2,381/mo | 126 |
| Doral, FLPop. 79,216 | #4 | 61.5 | $94,164 | $2,669/mo | 79 |
| North Port, FLPop. 84,605 | #5 | 61.2 | $84,049 | $1,894/mo | 102 |
| Wellington, FLPop. 62,146 | #6 | 61.1 | $115,632 | $2,562/mo | 90 |
| Boca Raton, FLPop. 100,234 | #7 | 61.0 | $106,273 | $2,508/mo | 113 |
| Apopka, FLPop. 58,232 | #8 | 59.4 | $96,884 | $1,969/mo | 408 |
| St. Cloud, FLPop. 65,130 | #9 | 58.8 | $83,174 | $1,683/mo | 141 |
| Delray Beach, FLPop. 67,979 | #10 | 58.5 | $82,041 | $1,961/mo | 292 |
| Kendall, FLPop. 79,562 | … #36 | 53.2 | $87,325 | $1,905/mo | no data |
| Palm Coast, FLPop. 98,258 | #37 | 52.8 | $77,350 | $1,782/mo | no data |
| Pensacola, FLPop. 54,036 | #38 | 52.7 | $74,212 | $1,322/mo | part year |
| Palm Harbor, FLPop. 61,512 | #39 | 52.6 | $78,935 | $1,806/mo | no data |
| Lakeland, FLPop. 119,961 | #40 | 52.5 | $64,185 | $1,395/mo | 370 |
| Melbourne, FLPop. 86,576 | #41 | 52.2 | $66,991 | $1,525/mo | 452 |
| Davie, FLPop. 108,346 | #42 | 51.6 | $87,250 | $2,066/mo | part year |
| Fort Myers, FLPop. 95,051 | #43 | 51.5 | $63,732 | $1,580/mo | 444 |
| Homestead, FLPop. 82,807 | #44 | 51.4 | $65,423 | $1,674/mo | 442 |
The top 10 of the 80 and the cities ranked either side of Lakeland among the Florida cities we track, by overall score. Florida statewide: median income $77,735, violent crime 275.2 per 100,000.
How is Lakeland's score calculated?
Lakeland scores 52.5 out of 100, #848 of 1,312 (grade C+, which follows rank). It is scored on the 10 of 11 categories with local data; outdoor access is left out rather than filled with Florida's statewide figure, and the other weights are scaled up to fill the gap. Each score is compared with the median of similar-size cities, which are scored the same way.
- EconomyCity data · 16% of score
Median household income and unemployment in Lakeland. Similar-size median 52.9.
43.3 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Lakeland's police agency. Similar-size median 70.6.
72.2 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Lakeland. Similar-size median 53.8.
41.6 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Lakeland's public schools. Similar-size median 52.1.
49.1 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Lakeland's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 59.1.
72.1 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Lakeland. Similar-size median 51.2.
43.8 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Lakeland. Similar-size median 42.1.
43.4 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Lakeland. Similar-size median 50.1.
52.5 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Lakeland's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 56.1.
54.2 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 45.9.
52.8 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Lakeland's category score out of 100. Tick: median of the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track. Shares of score are the category weights rescaled over the categories Lakeland has data for. City scores use city formulas and are not on the same scale as state scores. Grades follow rank among the 1,312 cities. Methodology
Frequently asked questions about living in Lakeland
Is Lakeland, FL a good place to live?
Lakeland ranks #848 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #149 of 256 mid-size cities and #40 of 80 in Florida. Against similar-size cities it stands out for affordable homes ($249,400, #59 of 256), and trails on low household income ($64,185, #197 of 256).
What is the cost of living in Lakeland?
Lakeland's cost of living index is 97.1, 3% below the US level of 100 and #552 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,395/mo against $1,641/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $309,954, 17% below the typical Florida home ($375,470).
What is the crime rate in Lakeland?
Lakeland recorded 370 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 13% above the US rate of 328 and 34% above Florida's 275. That ranks #680 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #132 of 235 mid-size cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Lakeland Police Department. Property crime runs 1,540 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Lakeland?
The median household in Lakeland earns $64,185, 23% below the US figure of $83,163 and 17% below Florida ($77,735). Unemployment is 4.8% (US 4.3%). 13.2% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.5% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Lakeland?
Median rent in Lakeland is $1,395/mo (Census), #634 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $1,722/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 26.1% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Lakeland?
The typical home value in Lakeland is $309,954, down 1.3% in a year, against $375,470 for Florida and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $249,400.
How are the public schools in Lakeland?
Lakeland's 34 public schools graduate 87% of students in four years (Florida 87.3%), with 17.6 students per teacher and $11,747 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Lakeland?
The average commute is 23.1 minutes, #615 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 28.9 minutes across Florida. 7.1% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Lakeland?
Lakeland averages 73.9°F over the year, 82.8°F in summer and 64°F in winter, with 56.8 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Lakeland walkable?
Lakeland scores 11.3 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (above average walkable), #557 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). The index weighs street intersection density, distance to transit and the mix of homes and jobs in each neighborhood.
What natural disasters is Lakeland at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Polk County's biggest natural hazard losses in strong wind, hurricane, and wildfire, with expected yearly losses of 0.18% of building value, higher than 66% of US counties.
How is the air quality in Lakeland?
Polk County's air had a median air quality index of 34, and 96% of measured days were rated good; 0 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from ozone.
Who lives in Lakeland?
Lakeland has 119,961 residents. The median resident of Lakeland is 38.9 years old, against 36.7 in similar-size cities. 29.4% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #815 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 56.4% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Lakeland compare with the rest of Florida?
Lakeland ranks #40 of the 80 Florida cities we track, with a score of 52.5 against Florida's statewide 59.9. Its households earn 17% below the Florida median. Violent crime is 34% above the statewide rate. Homes are 17% below the typical Florida home.
What cities are similar in size to Lakeland?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Lakeland's population of 119,961 are Lafayette, LA (#1195 overall), Hartford, CT (#1090 overall), The Woodlands, TX (#233 overall), Wilmington, NC (#656 overall), and Berkeley, CA (#564 overall). Lakeland is #848.