Lakeland, FL demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
119,961
2.5% year-over-year change
Median household income
$64,185/yr
5.3% year-over-year change
Housing units
54,896
1.8% year-over-year change

Lakeland population

How many people live in Lakeland

Lakeland is home to 119,961 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 48.7% of Lakeland locals are male, and 51.3% are female.

Total population
119,961
2.5% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
48.7%
58,395
Female
51.3%
61,566
Value Percent YoY change
Male 58,395 48.7% 0.8%
Female 61,566 51.3% 4.2%
A higher population often means more rental variety and livelier areas. The gender balance—how many men live here compared to women—can reveal a lot about the community and the lifestyles of its residents. Use this info to get a sense of the area's pace and personality.

Age demographics

The median age in Lakeland is 39, with the population distributed as follows: about 15.7% are children under 15, then 15.8% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 25.1% of the population, while another 21.8% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 21.5% are 65 or older.

Median age
38.9
Age breakdown
Under 15
15.7%
15 to 24
15.8%
25 to 44
25.1%
45 to 64
21.8%
Over 65
21.5%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 18,860 15.7% 2.9%
15 to 24 18,960 15.8% 6.8%
25 to 44 30,149 25.1% 3.0%
45 to 64 26,199 21.8% 0.1%
Over 65 25,793 21.5% 1.2%
The age composition helps you get insight into who lives in the area. A younger population might mean a more active, fast-paced vibe, while an older one could suggest a quieter, slower lifestyle. If there's a balanced makeup, you’re likely to find a variety of services, housing types, and community spaces that cater to different life stages.

Racial makeup

In Lakeland, 83.5% of the population are US-born citizens, while 12% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 4.5% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 58.9% of locals are Caucasian, 18.5% are African American and 2.6% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 11.2% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
83.5%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
12%
Non-citizens
4.5%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 100,182 83.5% 1.5%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 14,402 12% 17.8%
Non-citizens 5,377 4.5% -12.1%
Racial breakdown
White
58.9%
Black or African American
18.5%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.1%
Asian
2.6%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
11.2%
Other
8.6%
Value Percent
White 70,621 58.9%
Black or African American 22,164 18.5%
American Indian and Alaska Native 171 0.1%
Asian 3,074 2.6%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 58 0%
Two or more races 13,493 11.2%
Other 10,380 8.6%

Households in Lakeland

A peek inside Lakeland households

Lakeland has 47,816 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 58.2% are families, while the remaining 41.8% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
47,816
3.2% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
19,983
Family households
27,833
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 19,983 41.8% 4.0%
Family households 27,833 58.2% 2.6%
The mix between family and non-family households gives a glimpse into daily life. A higher percentage of families might mean more parks and schools, while more non-family setups can mean flexible housing and diverse living styles. For renters, this can signal what kinds of homes are common and can help you figure out if the area matches your lifestyle.

Housing in Lakeland

The housing landscape of Lakeland

Lakeland's housing consists of 54,896 units, with 49.3% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 4.3% and offer a more compact, shared living style. Then there are the multifamily buildings in the area, and for those seeking flexibility, non-traditional options like mobile homes account for 15% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
54,896
1.8% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 27,069 49.3%
1 unit, attached 2,360 4.3%
2 units 2,276 4.2%
3 or 4 units 2,737 5%
5 to 9 units 2,577 4.7%
10 to 19 units 4,003 7.3%
20 to 49 units 2,144 3.9%
50 or more units 3,399 6.2%
Mobile home 8,229 15%
Boat, RV, van, etc. 102 0.2%
Homes built since 2020
1,604
102.0% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Lakeland

In Lakeland, the median construction year is 1983. About 5.6% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 3% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 14.2% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 9.5% between 2010 and 2019, and 2.9% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 3,061 5.6% -7.7%
Built between 1940 and 1949 1,630 3% -4.2%
Built between 1950 and 1959 4,644 8.5% -9.9%
Built between 1960 and 1969 5,276 9.6% -4.1%
Built between 1970 and 1979 10,065 18.3% 0.6%
Built between 1980 and 1989 9,800 17.8% 6.5%
Built between 1990 and 1999 5,783 10.5% -3.7%
Built between 2000 and 2009 7,811 14.2% 1.9%
Built between 2010 and 2019 5,222 9.5% 13.8%
Built in 2020 or later 1,604 2.9% 102.0%
As a renter, knowing when homes were built helps you understand the potential condition and design of rental units. Newer builds may have more contemporary layouts, while older homes can offer character or larger lots, depending on the area.

Lakeland occupancy rates

Out of the 47,816 occupied housing units in Lakeland, 56.4% are owner-occupied, while 43.6% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 12.9% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
47,816
3.2% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
20,860
Owner occupied
26,956
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 20,860 43.6% 2.5%
Owner occupied 26,956 56.4% 3.7%
Unoccupied housing units
12.9%
Unoccupied housing units refer to homes that are currently without residents—whether they're waiting for renters or owners, used seasonally, or simply unclaimed. A higher share of empty homes may mean more housing availability, while a low number can reflect a tighter market with more competition. This, along with the renter-vs.-owner mix, helps paint a clearer picture of what types of housing and services are likely to be available in the area.

Lakeland housing costs

Housing costs in Lakeland come to a median of $1,225 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,395.

Median housing costs per month
$1,225/month
This figure sums up typical monthly housing costs for all households in the area. If you own, it includes mortgage payments in addition to property taxes, insurance and HOA fees. If you rent, it accounts for rent plus extras like utilities. It’s useful for seeing how local living expenses stack up compared to other places.
Median gross rent in Lakeland
$1,395/month
Gross rent gives a more complete look at what renters actually pay, including not just base rent, but also utilities and fees. It’s a key number for evaluating rental affordability in your area of interest and understanding how it compares to nearby locations.

Education in Lakeland

Lakeland education at a glance

About 37.2% of the population in Lakeland went to high school, while 24.3% pursued college studies. Another 9.2% earned an associate degree and 17.2% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 9.5% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 2,475 2.6% -0.8%
High school diploma 36,156 37.2% -0.9%
College diploma 23,606 24.3% 0.7%
Associate degree 8,985 9.2% 5.4%
Bachelor's degree 16,683 17.2% 5.9%
Graduate degree 9,246 9.5% 12.8%
A community’s education mix can offer insights into the local economy and housing market. Higher levels of education often align with more job opportunities and stable incomes, which can increase demand for homes and influence both rent prices and rental availability.

Income in Lakeland

How much people earn in Lakeland

The average annual household income in Lakeland was $86,244 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +4.6% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $64,185, reflecting a +5.3% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Lakeland
$86,244/year
4.6% year-over-year change
Median household income in Lakeland
$64,185/year
5.3% year-over-year change

Lakeland income by age

In Lakeland, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $75,954. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $68,138 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $47,700, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $48,328 in earnings. Overall, 86.8% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $47,700 6.4%
25 - 44 $75,954 8.4%
45 - 64 $68,138 5.5%
Over 65 $48,328 2.7%
Above poverty level
96,265
Below poverty level
14,663
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 96,265 86.8% 4.1%
Below poverty level 14,663 13.2% -6.5%

Average renter income in Lakeland

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Lakeland, their median household income was $48,717 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 34.4%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$48,717
Rent-to-income ratio
34.4%
Understanding the rent-to-income ratio can help renters gauge if local housing costs align with their earnings. A ratio under 30% usually signals affordability, while exceeding this mark means rent is taking a larger-than-recommended bite out of income. That could make it harder for you to cover other costs like transportation, healthcare, or child care.

Employment in Lakeland

Workforce and job types in Lakeland

The job market in Lakeland is powered by 54,111 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 79.9% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 20.1% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 9.2% run their own businesses, 70.2% are employed by private companies, and 10.1% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
54,111
5.2% year-over-year change
White collar
43,255
Blue collar
10,856
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 43,255 79.9% 6.5%
Blue collar 10,856 20.1% 0.3%
Employer type
Self employees
9.2%
Private companies
70.2%
Governmental workers
10.1%
Not for profit companies
10.5%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 4,955 9.2% 4.1%
Private companies 37,992 70.2% 3.6%
Governmental workers 5,488 10.1% 9.5%
Not for profit companies 5,676 10.5% 13.8%
Unemployment rate
4.5%
-6.5% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Lakeland stands at 4.5%, representing the share of the workforce currently without a job and actively looking for one.

For renters, the unemployment rate helps paint a picture of job security and financial stability in the area. Rates around 4% to 5% are considered typical. A lower-than-average rate might suggest strong job prospects and a thriving local economy, while a higher rate could hint at fewer opportunities—both useful to consider when planning a move.

Transportation in Lakeland

How people get around in Lakeland

In Lakeland, the average commute time is 23 minutes. Commuting methods vary: 78.5% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 3.1% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Commute time
23 min
-1.7% year-over-year change
Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 41,932 78.5% 0.7%
Taxicab 246 0.5% 30.2%
Bus or trolleybus 418 0.8% 69.9%
Motorcycle 57 0.1% -26.9%
Bicycle 611 1.1% -3.2%
Walk 1,644 3.1% 21.5%
Understanding how locals get to work can help you plan your own routine. High car usage might mean you’ll need a vehicle, while strong public transit or walkability could save you the hassle. Commute times also play a big role in quality of life—shorter trips can give you more time for the things you enjoy.

What is the median and average household income in Lakeland by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
33801 35,394 12,704 $53,061 $62,026
33803 29,321 12,953 $65,807 $99,325
33805 28,751 10,635 $62,661 $72,264
33809 30,797 11,684 $70,066 $91,417
33810 55,137 20,330 $69,986 $92,317
33811 29,472 10,521 $90,263 $107,200
33812 16,169 5,327 $103,052 $129,931
33813 38,674 13,976 $99,497 $131,263
33815 13,975 6,180 $37,487 $53,638

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FAQs about Lakeland demographics 

What is the total population of Lakeland?

Lakeland has a total population of 119,961 residents, according to the latest release from the U.S. Census Bureau: the 2019-2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates. This figure changed by +2.5% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Lakeland?

The gender ratio in Lakeland is as follows:
  • 48.7% males (58,395 residents)
  • 51.3% females (61,566 residents)

What is the median age in Lakeland?

The median age in Lakeland is 38.9.

What is the age distribution of the population in Lakeland?

The age distribution in Lakeland is as follows:
  • Under 15: 15.7% (18,860 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 15.8% (18,960 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 25.1% (30,149 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 21.8% (26,199 residents)
  • Over 65: 21.5% (25,793 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Lakeland?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Lakeland is as follows:
  • White: 58.9% (70,621 residents)
  • Black or African American: 18.5% (22,164 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.1% (171 residents)
  • Asian: 2.6% (3,074 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (58 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 11.2% (13,493 residents)
  • Other: 8.6% (10,380 residents)

What percentage of the population in Lakeland are U.S.-born citizens?

U.S.-born citizens represent 83.5% of the population in Lakeland.

How many housing units are there in Lakeland?

There are 54,896 housing units in Lakeland, reflecting a +1.8% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

How many households are in Lakeland and what is the average household size?

Lakeland has a total of 47,816 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Lakeland?

Lakeland has a median household income of $64,185, representing a +5.3% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for Lakeland?

The employment rate is 95.5% in Lakeland, with a workforce of 54,111 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 79.9% (43,255 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 20.1% (10,856 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 9.2% (4,955 residents)
  • Private companies: 70.2% (37,992 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 10.1% (5,488 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 10.5% (5,676 residents)

Data source & methodology

The demographic data on this page was sourced from the latest U.S. Census Bureau release—the 2019–2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates.

The information, issued annually, is compiled and published by the Point2Homes Research Team as soon as new data becomes available.

No representation, guarantee, or warranty is made concerning the accuracy or completeness of modified or aggregated information for particular areas.

Page last updated: September 2025