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Lakeland city, Florida Demographics & Population 2026

As of 2026, Lakeland city, Florida has a total population of 117,030, the 21st largest city in Florida, with a median household income of $60,947, which is 15% lower than the state average. The poverty rate is 14.5%.

Lakeland city Quick Facts

Population 117,030
Median Household Income $60,947
Median Home Value $229,100
Poverty Rate 14.5%
Unemployment Rate 5.1%
Median Age 39.9 years
Homeownership Rate 56.1%
Affordability Ratio 3.8x
Bachelor's Degree or Higher 27.7%
High School Graduation Rate 90.6%
Diversity Index 60/100
Population 117,030 21st of 953
Median Income $60,947 below average
Poverty Rate 14.5% 16% higher national
Median Home Value $229,100 below average

How Lakeland city Compares

Economy & Housing

Employment

5.1% Unemployment Rate State: 4.8% | National: 5.2%
55.7% Labor Force Participation

Housing Overview

Owner 56.1%
Renter 43.9%
Affordability Index Affordable
3.8x home value to income ratio

People & Demographics

Diversity Index

60out of 100
High Diversity

A diverse community with significant representation from multiple racial and ethnic groups.

State average: 64 | National average: 60

Education

Lakeland city Rankings in Florida

#21 Population of 953
#591 Median Income of 953
#479 Education of 953
#629 Home Value of 953

Explore Florida Rankings

Cities by Population All cities ranked by size Richest Cities Ranked by median income Most Educated By bachelor's degree rate Most Affordable By housing affordability

Cities Similar to Lakeland city

These cities in the same state have comparable population and economic profiles.

CityPopulationMedian IncomeHome ValueBachelor's+Poverty
Clearwater city117,075$64,440$326,10032.5%15.4%
Miami Gardens city111,264$60,979$337,20017.6%13.6%
Spring Hill CDP118,814$66,557$248,40019.7%11.5%
Pompano Beach city112,212$63,832$321,90031.1%15.3%
West Palm Beach city119,508$69,261$369,80037.6%14.8%

Population Overview

Lakeland city is a major urban center located in Florida. The total population is 117,030. It ranks as the 21st most populous out of 953 cities and towns in Florida.

Age Demographics

The median age in Lakeland city is 39.9 years. This is 6% lower than the state median of 42.6 years. 10.5% of residents are 75 or older, suggesting a significant retirement-age population with implications for healthcare services and senior housing.

Economy, Income & Housing

The median household income in Lakeland city is $60,947. This is 15% lower than the state median of $71,711. Compared to the national median of $78,538, household income here is 22% lower. The poverty rate stands at 14.5%. This is 15% higher than the state poverty rate of 12.6%. The unemployment rate is 5.1%. This is 5% higher than the state rate of 4.8%. The median home value is $229,100. Housing costs are 30% lower than the state median of $325,000. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.8x. 56.1% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 17% lower than the state average of 67.3%.

Race & Ethnicity

The largest racial or ethnic group in Lakeland city is White (non-Hispanic), making up 57.0% of the population. Hispanic or Latino residents account for 19.2%.

Education

27.7% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 17% lower than the state rate of 33.2%. Nationally, 35.0% of adults hold at least a bachelor's degree. The high school graduation rate (or equivalent) is 90.6%.

Data Sources & Methodology

All demographic data for Lakeland city, Florida is sourced from the U.S. Census Bureau's American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023). The ACS collects data from approximately 3.5 million households annually, providing reliable estimates for communities of all sizes. Comparisons are made against Florida state averages and national averages calculated from the same dataset. Rankings reflect the city's position among all 953 Census-designated places in Florida. For official data, visit data.census.gov.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the population of Lakeland city, Florida?

Lakeland city, Florida has a population of 117,030 according to the most recent U.S. Census ACS 5-Year Estimates.

What is the median household income in Lakeland city, FL?

The median household income in Lakeland city is $60,947, which is 22% lower the national median of $78,538.

What is the poverty rate in Lakeland city, FL?

The poverty rate in Lakeland city is 14.5%. This means approximately 15,844 residents live below the federal poverty line.

What is the racial makeup of Lakeland city, Florida?

Lakeland city's population is 57.0% White, 17.7% Black, 19.2% Hispanic/Latino, and 2.2% Asian.

What is the median home value in Lakeland city, FL?

The median home value in Lakeland city is $229,100. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.8x.

How educated is Lakeland city, Florida?

27.7% of adults (25+) in Lakeland city hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 9.9% hold a graduate or professional degree.