Lakeland is in Polk County. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, it has about 125,000 residents, a median age of 38 and a median household income of $55,000. The figures below compare it on the same terms as every city on this site, each with its source, so you can check them yourself.
Population and income from the U.S. Census · housing from public listing data
| PopulationU.S. Census | 125,000 |
|---|---|
| Median AgeU.S. Census | 38 |
| Median Household IncomeU.S. Census | $55,000 |
| Median Home PricePublic listing data | $290,000 |
| Average Rent (2BR)Public listing data | $1,800 / month |
| Cost of LivingBEA regional price parities | 3% above U.S. average |
| Summer Avg TempNOAA climate normals | 92°F |
| Winter Avg TempNOAA climate normals | 63°F |
| Commute to Downtown Orlando | 55 minutes |
| Commute to Nearest BeachEstimated drive time | 80 minutes |
| County | Polk County |
| Flood riskFEMA flood maps | Check FEMA map ↗ |
| Unemployment 2024U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics | 4.2% |
| Cost of living 2024Bureau of Economic Analysis | 97 vs U.S. 100 |
4 areas people ask about in Lakeland
School zoning is set by address, not by city. Sources: Florida Department of Education and NCES for schools; U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and Bureau of Economic Analysis for wages and cost of living.
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The comparisons buyers most often raise, with the figures behind them.
Winter Haven is much the smaller, 58,000 residents against 125,000. Expect to pay around $290,000 in Lakeland and $270,000 in Winter Haven at the median. The beach is 75 minutes from Winter Haven and 80 from Lakeland.
Read more about Winter Haven →Haines City is much the smaller, 30,000 residents against 125,000. The beach is 70 minutes from Haines City and 80 from Lakeland. Incomes run $55,000 in Lakeland and $50,000 in Haines City.
Read more about Haines City →Lake Wales is much the smaller, 18,000 residents against 125,000. Incomes run $55,000 in Lakeland and $45,000 in Lake Wales. Expect to pay around $290,000 in Lakeland and $240,000 in Lake Wales at the median.
Read more about Lake Wales →Checked against the published source, not estimated