Lakeland, FL Census Data
The 21st largest city in Florida by population · 80 cities ranked
Lakeland is the 21st largest city in Florida by population and ranks 64th of 80 for median household income. With 117,030 residents, its poverty rate of 14.5% ranks among the higher rates in Florida. This snapshot draws from the 2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates.
Updated: 2026-04-13 · Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 2023
Population
117,030
49.5% male · 50.5% female
Median Age
39.9
1.2 above the national average (38.7 yrs)
Median Household Income
$60,947
$17,591 below the national average ($78,538)
Bachelor's Degree or Higher
27.7%
7.3% below the national average (35.0%)
HS diploma or higher: 90.6%
Poverty Rate
14.5%
2.1% above the national average (12.4%)
Uninsured: 11.3%
Broadband Access
93.8%
4.1% above the national average (89.7%)
Median Home Value
$229,100
Median rent: $1,299 · 56% owner-occupied
Unemployment Rate
5.1%
Labor force participation: 52.7%
Per Capita Income
$36,805
Individual average income (not household)
Veteran Population
8.5%
Disability rate: 15.6%
How Lakeland Compares to Other Florida Cities
Rankings among all 80 Florida cities tracked in the 2023 ACS.
| Ranking | Position | Tier |
|---|---|---|
| Largest by Population | 21st of 80 | Top half |
| Highest Median Income | 64th of 80 | Bottom 25% |
| Lowest Poverty Rate | 57th of 80 | Bottom half |
| Highest Bachelor's Attainment | 58th of 80 | Bottom half |
| Highest Home Value | 78th of 80 | Bottom 25% |
Demographics
Race & Ethnicity
Age Distribution
Commute to Work
Lakeland, FL Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of Lakeland, FL?
The population of Lakeland, FL is 117,030 according to the 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates. The median age is 39.9 years.
What is the median household income in Lakeland?
The median household income in Lakeland, FL is $60,947, below the national average of $78,538. Per capita income is $36,805.
What is the poverty rate in Lakeland?
The poverty rate in Lakeland, FL is 14.5%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. About 11.3% of residents lack health insurance.
What percentage of Lakeland residents have a college degree?
27.7% of adults (25+) in Lakeland hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 90.6% have at least a high school diploma. The national average for bachelor's degree holders is 35.0%.
What is the median home value in Lakeland?
The median home value in Lakeland, FL is $229,100. Median rent is $1,299 per month, with 56% of housing units owner-occupied.
What is the racial makeup of Lakeland?
Lakeland's population is 62.7% White, 18.3% Black, 19.2% Hispanic or Latino, and 2.2% Asian (source: 2023 ACS).
How does Lakeland rank among Florida cities?
Lakeland is the 21st largest city in Florida by population, the 64th highest for median household income, the 57th lowest for poverty rate, the 58th highest for bachelor's degree attainment among 80 ranked Florida cities.
What is the unemployment rate in Lakeland?
The unemployment rate in Lakeland, FL is 5.1%, with a labor force participation rate of 52.7%. Per capita income is $36,805.
Cities Similar to Lakeland
Other Florida cities with comparable population and income levels.