Lakeland, Florida
Lakeland: The most populous city in Polk County, Florida.
About
Lakeland is a city located in the county of Polk in the U.S. state of Florida. Its population at the 2010 census was 97,422 and a population density of 502 people per km². After 10 years in 2020 city had an estimated population of 115,283 inhabitants.
The city was created 151 years ago in 1874.
Lakeland is a city located in Polk County, Florida along Interstate 4 between Tampa and Orlando. With over 115,000 residents, it is the largest inland city between Orlando and Tampa.
History
Lakeland was first settled in the 1870s during the citrus boom era when rail lines connected central Florida. It was incorporated as a city in 1914.
Citrus and phosphate mining fueled the early economy alongside lumbering and cattle industries. Lakeland later became a popular tourist destination and cultural hub in central Florida.
Today it provides easy access to Tampa metro while retaining its small town charm.
Economy
Major employers are Publix Super Markets, Lakeland Regional Health, Southeastern University, Polk County Schools, and City of Lakeland.
Logistics, healthcare, education, and manufacturing are also strong sectors. Housing costs are lower than the Orlando and Tampa areas.
Attractions
Popular sites include charming downtown, Florida Southern College campus, Hollis Gardens, Circle B Bar Reserve, Lake Mirror Park, and Joker Marchant Stadium for spring training.
The Sun 'n Fun Aerospace Expo is a major annual event alongside theater, arts, and regular festivals that celebrate Lakeland's culture.
Conclusion
Offering natural beauty, lower costs of living, employment opportunities, and proximity to Tampa and Orlando, Lakeland provides an excellent lifestyle choice in Central Florida.
Quick Facts about Lakeland
| Population | 115,283 (2020) |
| Country | United States of America |
| State | Florida (United States) |
| County | Polk County |
| Postal code | 33801–33815 |
| Phone Area Codes | 863 |
| Area | 194.06 km2 |
| Latitude & Longitude | 28.0395,-81.9498 |
| Altitude | 463 feet / 141 meters |
| Establishment | January 01, 1875 (151 years ago) |
| Time Zone | UTC−04:00, UTC−05:00 |
| Local time | 17:49:26 (22nd April 2026) |
| Density | 594 Pop. per km² as of 2020 |
| Population growth | 15.49% (2010-2020) |
| Weather | 82℉ Partly Sunny 7-days weather |
Geography
Lakeland is located at 28°2'22"N 81°56'59"W (28.0394700, -81.9498000).
Lakeland map
icon to open full mode. View satellite images
Weather
Partly sunny, with a high near 82. East northeast wind 3 to 10 mph.
7-Day ForecastOfficial website of Lakeland
Official WebsiteDemographics
The population of Lakeland increased by 15.49% in 10 years.
| Year | Population | % Change | Method |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2010 | 97,422 | - | census |
| 2011 | 98,834 | 1.43% | estimation process |
| 2012 | 99,000 | 0.17% | estimation process |
| 2013 | 100,326 | 1.32% | estimation process |
| 2014 | 102,034 | 1.67% | estimation process |
| 2015 | 103,550 | 1.46% | estimation process |
| 2016 | 105,837 | 2.16% | estimation process |
| 2017 | 107,712 | 1.74% | estimation process |
| 2018 | 110,421 | 2.45% | estimation process |
| 2019 | 112,136 | 1.53% | estimation process |
| 2020 | 115,283 | 2.73% | estimation process |
Best Things to Do in Lakeland
1Common Ground Playground
Veterans Park, 1000 E Edgewood Dr, Lakeland, FL 33803, United States View details
Phone: +18638342280 | Website available
2RP FUNDING CENTER
701 W Lime St, Lakeland, FL 33815, United States View details
Phone: +18638348100 | Website available
3Munn Park
210 E Main St, Lakeland, FL 33801, United States View details
Phone: +18638342233 | Website available
4Hollis Garden
702 E Orange St, Lakeland, FL 33801, United States View details
Phone: +18638342280 | Website available
5Family Fun Center
4825 Florida Ave S, Lakeland, FL 33813, United States View details
Phone: +18636441728 | Website available
Where to Eat in Lakeland
1Cracker Barrel Old Country Store
4343 Lakeland Park Dr, Lakeland, FL 33809, United States View details
Phone: +18638535405 | Website available
2Steak 'n Shake
3509 US Hwy 98 N, Lakeland, FL 33809, United States View details
Phone: +18638589797 | Website available
3Texas Roadhouse
3621 Florida Ave S, Lakeland, FL 33803, United States View details
Phone: +18636037427 | Website available
4Abuelo's Mexican Restaurant
3700 Lakeside Village Blvd, Lakeland, FL 33803, United States View details
Phone: +18636867500 | Website available
5Cheddar's Scratch Kitchen
3411 Florida Ave S, Lakeland, FL 33803, United States View details
Phone: +18636472170 | Website available
Where to Stay in Lakeland
1Hyatt Place Lakeland Center
525 W Orange St, Lakeland, FL 33815, United States View details
Phone: +18634131122 | Website available
2Days Inn & Suites by Wyndham Lakeland
4502 N Socrum Loop Rd, Lakeland, FL 33809, United States View details
Phone: +18637974606 | Website available
3Courtyard by Marriott Lakeland
3725 Harden Blvd, Lakeland, FL 33803, United States View details
Phone: +18638029000 | Website available
4Lakeland RV Resort
900 Old Combee Rd, Lakeland, FL 33805, United States View details
Phone: +18636876146 | Website available
Services and Civic Places in Lakeland
1City of Lakeland
228 S Massachusetts Ave, Lakeland, FL 33801 View details
Phone: +18638346000 | Website available
2Code Enforcement Office
1104 Martin L King Jr Ave, Lakeland, FL 33805 View details
Phone: +18638346251 | Website available
3Florida Forest Service
5745 Florida Ave S, Lakeland, FL 33813, United States View details
Phone: +18639406701 | Website available
4Lakeland City Commission at City Hall
228 S Massachusetts Ave, Lakeland, FL 33801 View details
Phone: +18638346210 | Website available
5Lakeland Sister Cities
228 S Massachusetts Ave, Lakeland, FL 33801 View details
Phone: +18638346005 | Website available
People born in Lakeland (124)
People born in Lakeland, including recording artist; singer Faith Evans, model Kara Monaco, politician and judge Charles T. Canady, .
More notable people
- Rhea Durham (American model) she was born in 01/07/1978
- Frances Langford (Singer, actress (1913-2005)) she was born in 04/04/1913
- Andrew Reynolds (American skateboarder) he was born in 06/06/1978
- April Grace (American actress) she was born in 12/05/1962
- Chris Richard (American basketball player, NCAA Tournament champion) he was born in 25/12/1984
- Scott Kelby (American writer) he was born in 07/07/1960
- Lawton Chiles (Chairman of the Senate Special Committee on Aging (1930-1998)) he was born in 03/04/1930
- Joe Nemechek (American racing driver) he was born in 26/09/1963
- Alton R. Waldon (American politician) he was born in 21/12/1936
- Dennis A. Ross (US Congressman from Florida) he was born in 18/10/1959
- J. D. Sumner (American singer) he was born in 19/11/1924
- Marrese Crump (American actor) he was born in 04/01/1982
- Martha Munizzi (American actress and singer) she was born in 26/02/1968
- John Wood (Representative in the House of Representatives of the U.S. state of Florida) he was born in 07/12/1952
- Chris Sale (American baseball pitcher) he was born in 30/03/1989
- DeRon Hayes (French basketball player, played collegiately for Penn State Nittany Lions) he was born in 13/04/1970
- Drew Hutchison (American professional baseball player) he was born in 22/08/1990
- Lauren Miller (actress) she was born in 24/07/1982
Nearby Schools and Colleges
Schools and campuses linked to Lakeland, FL. Select a name to open its map and contact details.
| Code | Name | City | ZIP |
|---|---|---|---|
| 134079 | Florida Southern College | Lakeland (FL) | 33801-5698 |
| 460701 | Artistic Nails and Beauty Academy-Lakeland | Lakeland (FL) | 33801 |
| 137564 | Southeastern University | Lakeland (FL) | 33801-6034 |
| 135522 | Traviss Technical College | Lakeland (FL) | 33803 |
| 491145 | Empire Beauty School-Lakeland | Lakeland (FL) | 33809-0514 |
Nearby Transit Stations (16)
Rail and bus stations connected to Lakeland, FL. Select a station to open its map and address details.
| Code | Name | Address | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| LAK | Lakeland | 600 East Main Street | RAIL |
| LKL | Lakeland | 600 East Main Street | RAIL |
| WTH | Winter Haven | 1800 7th St SW | RAIL |
| DDE | Dade City, Florida | 14218 US Highway 98 | OTHER |
| TPA | Union Station | 601 North Nebraska Ave | RAIL |
Closest post offices linked to Lakeland.
| Post Office Name | City | ZIP |
|---|---|---|
| Dixieland Post Office | Lakeland (FL) | 33803 |
| Downtown Lakeland Post Office | Lakeland (FL) | 33815 |
| Lakeland Post Office | Lakeland (FL) | 33805 |
| Eaton Park Post Office | Eaton Park (FL) | 33840 |
| Southside Postal Stor Post Office | Lakeland (FL) | 33813 |
Other places with the same name (3)
- Lakeland, Tennessee city in Shelby County, Tennessee, United States with a population of 12,657 people.
- Lakeland, Georgia city in Lanier County, Georgia, United States with a population of 3,342 people.
- Lakeland, Minnesota city in Minnesota, United States with a population of 1,808 people.
Other cities in Polk County
Cities, towns, neighborhoods & other populated places in Polk County , FL. (more)
| City Name | Population | Title |
|---|---|---|
| Winter Haven | 46,578 | The most populous city in Polk County, Florida. |
| Haines City | 26,009 | City in Polk County, Florida, United States of America |
| Bartow | 20,201 | County seat of Polk County, Florida |
| Lake Wales | 17,693 | City in Polk County, Florida, United States |
| Auburndale | 17,204 | City in Polk County, Florida, United States |
| Citrus Ridge | 13,285 | Census designated place in Florida |
| Lakeland Highlands | 11,056 | Census-designated place in Polk County, Florida |
| Highland City | 10,834 | Census-designated place in Polk County, Florida |
| Cypress Gardens | 8,917 | Census-designated place in Polk County, Florida |
| Medulla | 8,892 | Census-designated place in Polk County, Florida |
| Davenport | 7,301 | City in Florida |
| Willow Oak | 6,732 | Census-designated place in Polk County, Florida |
| Kathleen | 6,332 | Census designated place |
| Lake Alfred | 6,331 | City in Polk County, Florida, United States of America |
| Fort Meade | 6,260 | City in Polk County, Florida, United States |
| Combee Settlement | 5,577 | Census-designated place in Polk County, Florida |
Distance to Other Cities
Lakeland distances to largest Florida cities