Lakeland is a city located in central Florida, in the United States. It is the largest city in Polk County and has a population of approximately 120,000 people.

Lakeland was founded in the 1870s as a railroad town and was named after the many lakes in the area. Today, the city is known for its beautiful lakes, historic downtown, and vibrant cultural scene.

One of the most notable landmarks in Lakeland is the Frank Lloyd Wright-designed Florida Southern College campus, which is home to the largest collection of Wright’s architecture in the world. Other popular attractions in Lakeland include the Polk Museum of Art, the historic Polk Theatre, and the Hollis Garden, a beautiful botanical garden located downtown.

Lakeland is also known for its numerous parks and recreational opportunities. The city boasts over 40 parks and playgrounds, as well as several lakes for boating and fishing. Additionally, the city is home to several sports teams, including the Lakeland Magic basketball team and the Lakeland Flying Tigers minor league baseball team.

Overall, Lakeland is a charming and lively city with much to offer residents and visitors alike.

Population:

• Population (2023): 122,264
• Median age (2022): 40.6
• Residents under 18 (2023): 18.8%
• Residents over 65 (2023): 21.7%
• Population by sex (2023): Female – 51%, Male – 49%
• Homeowners and renters (2022): Homeowners – 54.7%, Renters – 45.3%
• Married population (2022): 50%
• Population change (2010-2020): Appx. 10% Increase
• Poverty rate compared to the US national average (2022): 14.1% vs the average of 11.5%

Demographics (2022):

• White Non Hispanic – 57.7%
• Black Non Hispanic – 19.2%
• White Hispanic – 7.45%
• Other Hispanic – 5.38%
• Asian – 2%
• Multiracial Hispanic – 4%
• Other Hispanic – 5.38%

*Prices shown are based only on activity for the dates specified

Income:

• Median Household Income (2022): $58,290
• Avg. per capita Income (2022): $33,154

Tax:

• County Property Tax Rate: .91% of a property’s assessed fair market value (2023)
• Combined State and County Sales Tax Rate: 7.5% (2023)

Political Affiliation based on the 2024 Election results ( Polk County ):

• Republican – 60%
• Democratic – 39.2%

Largest 3 employers: Publix Super Markets, Lakeland Regional Health, Geico (2021)

School ratings: B+ (Niche.com, 2023)

Coastal: No

Average low and high temperature: Low 16.9 °C, High 27.75 °C

Cost of Living:

• Average Cost of Living compared to the US national average (2023): Slightly Lower
• Cost of Housing compared to the Florida average (2023): Lower
• Cost of Food compared to the US national average (2023): Appx. same
• Cost of Healthcare compared to the US national average (2023): 8% Lower
• Cost of Utilities compared to the US national average (2023): Appx. same
• Cost of Transportation compared to the US national average (2023): Appx. same

Location and Amenities:

 

Highways:

• Interstate 4 (I-4): The closest section of I-4 passes through Lakeland itself, providing easy access to other major cities in Florida, such as Orlando and Tampa.
• Polk Parkway (SR 570): This toll road circles around Lakeland, providing convenient access to various areas within the city and connecting with other major highways.

International Airports:

• Tampa International Airport (TPA): Located approximately 40 miles west of Lakeland, TPA is the closest major international airport serving the region.
• Orlando International Airport (MCO): Situated approximately 60 miles east of Lakeland, MCO is another major international airport in the area.

Universities and Colleges:

• Florida Southern College: Located in Lakeland, this private liberal arts college is known for its Frank Lloyd Wright-designed architecture.
• Southeastern University: Also situated in Lakeland, this private Christian university offers various undergraduate and graduate programs.

Hospitals:

• Lakeland Regional Health Medical Center: The largest hospital in Lakeland, providing comprehensive medical services.
• AdventHealth Heart of Florida: Located in nearby Davenport, this hospital is about 20 miles northeast of Lakeland.

Shopping Malls:

• Lakeland Square Mall: Situated in northern Lakeland, this enclosed shopping mall features a variety of stores and dining options.
• Lakeside Village: Located in southern Lakeland, this open-air lifestyle center offers a mix of retail shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues.

Major Cities:

• Tampa is approximately 35 miles west
• Orlando is approximately 60 miles northeast

Amenities/Attractions:

• Polk Museum of Art, Hollis Garden, Lake Mirror, Lake Parker, Sun ‘n Fun Aerospace Expo (2023)
• Fun facts: Lakeland is the largest city in Polk County, Florida and is home to Florida Southern College, which has the largest collection of Frank Lloyd Wright architecture in the world..

Short Term Rental Regulations:

** All short term rental operations in Florida must obtain a business license from the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation ( DBPR ) and a Florida Department of Revenue Certificate of Sales and Use. ** Short term rental regulations can be subject to change and should always be confirmed with city / towns or county departments.

Restrictions: N/A

For details visit – polktaxes.com or lakelandgov.net