Median Age
39 Years
Largest Age Group
25-34 Years
Approximately 15% of Residents
Under 20
23%
Over 65
21%
Avg Rent
$1,335
Population
121,426
Renter Mix
45% Rent
Located in central Florida between Tampa and Orlando, Lakeland features 38 lakes throughout the city, including Lake Morton, where visitors can spot swans descended from a 1957 gift from Queen Elizabeth II. Downtown Lakeland preserves its historic character, highlighted by Florida Southern College's collection of Frank Lloyd Wright-designed buildings - the largest single-site collection of his work worldwide. The rental market offers various housing options, with one-bedroom apartments averaging $1,309, reflecting a 0.37% decrease from the previous year.
The Lake-to-Lakes Trail system and 1,267-acre Circle B Bar Reserve provide outdoor recreation opportunities. Cultural attractions include the Polk Museum of Art and the restored Polk Theatre. The city's location along I-4 provides convenient access to both Tampa and Orlando. Historic areas include the Dixieland and South Lake Morton districts, characterized by oak-canopied streets. Florida Southern College and Florida Polytechnic University contribute to the local educational landscape. Major employers include Publix Super Markets' corporate headquarters, Amazon, and GEICO. Two-bedroom apartments currently average $1,565, representing competitive rates for the region.
Play a round at Highland Fairways Golf & Country Club.
Walking Trails at Aerial of Douglas M. Cook Park
Horse farmers enjoy the wide open and spacious lots in the City of Lakeland neighborhood.
Cyclists cruise along the path around Lake Hollingsworth.
The Famous Majestic Swans of Lake Morton are Lakelands most Iconic Symbol.
Lakeland's seven historic districts, are flanked by canopies of mature Camphor trees.
Median Household Income
$54,511
Average: $73,663
Education
26,772
Residents Have a Degree
Job Market
53,201
Workers Employed
Median Age
39 Years
Largest Age Group
25-34 Years
Approximately 15% of Residents
Under 20
23%
Over 65
21%
Housing Distribution
Lakeland has more homeowners than renters.
Education Distribution
Review this city's overall education levels.
As of May 2026, the average apartment rent in Lakeland, FL is $1,045 for a studio, $1,338 for one bedroom, $1,569 for two bedrooms, and $1,843 for three bedrooms. Apartment rent in Lakeland has increased by 0.3% in the past year.
Explore how walkable, bikeable, drivable, and transit-friendly Lakeland, FL is for everyday living.
Fairly Walkable
Walkability
Limited Public Transit
Transit
Exceptionally Drivable
Drivability
Fairly Bikeable
Bikeability
Public
Grades PK-5
610 Students
Public
Grades K-5
526 Students
Cleveland Court Elementary School
Public
Grades K-5
393 Students
Public
Grades K-8
171 Students
Lakeland Montessori School House
Public
Grades K-5
110 Students
Public
Grades K-8
171 Students
Public
Grades 6-12
1,727 Students
Public
Grades 6-8
649 Students
Public
Grades PK-8
803 Students
Lakeland Highlands Middle School
Public
Grades 6-8
1,265 Students
Polk State College Collegiate High School
Public
Grades 9-12
353 Students
Public
Grades 6-12
1,727 Students
Public
Grades 9-12
2,451 Students
Public
Grades 9-12
2,043 Students
Polk State Lakeland Gateway To College Charter High School
Public
Grades 9-12
255 Students
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
Data provided by
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† Our analysis of utilities, groceries, transportation, healthcare, home prices, and other goods and services is sourced from the Cost of Living Index, a respected benchmark published by the Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER) that provides a thorough overview of living expenses across different regions.
Rent data is provided by CoStar Group’s Market Trend reports. As the industry leader in commercial real estate information, analytics, and news, CoStar conducts extensive research to produce and maintain a comprehensive database of commercial real estate information. We combine this data with public record to provide the most up-to-date rental information available.
Consumer goods, services, and home prices are sourced from the Cost of Living Index published by the Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER). The data on this page is updated quarterly. It was last published in February 2026.
Demographic information comes from Neustar and combines detailed address data with U.S. Census and American Community Survey statistics to produce reliable local estimates.