Is Lakewood Park Safe, Pros and cons of living in Lakewood Park

Lakewood Park, a census-designated place in St. Lucie County, Florida, offers a unique blend of suburban and rural characteristics. It is a community that has seen steady growth, with a population that is aging, contributing to a distinct demographic profile. The area provides a variety of housing options, from single-family homes to smaller apartment buildings, with a high rate of owner occupancy. This established yet not overly aged residential landscape is a key feature for those considering a move to this part of Florida.

The community boasts a significant number of retirees, and residents generally hold conservative political views. Lakewood Park provides numerous parks, contributing to its appeal for those seeking outdoor recreation and a peaceful environment. The public schools in the area are considered above average, adding to its attractiveness for families. Overall, Lakewood Park presents itself as a stable and developing community with a specific appeal to retirees and families alike.

Is it Safe to Live in Lakewood Park?

Lakewood Park presents a generally safe environment for its residents, with crime rates reported as lower than the national average. The overall crime rate is approximately 16.73 per 1,000 residents in a typical year (CrimeGrade.org). Violent crimes are also notably lower than the national average, with a rate of 2.240 per 1,000 residents (CrimeGrade.org). This suggests that while crime exists, it is at a manageable level compared to many other U.S. cities.

Within Lakewood Park, safety perceptions can vary by neighborhood, with residents generally considering the northern parts of the city to be the safest. The chance of being a victim of crime ranges from 1 in 33 in the south to 1 in 84 in the north (CrimeGrade.org). The cost of crime per resident is estimated at $211 annually, which is less than both the national and state averages (CrimeGrade.org).

Property Crime Rates

Property crime rates in Lakewood Park are 20% lower than the national average (AreaVibes). This indicates a lower incidence of theft, burglary, and other property-related offenses. The north part of the city experiences fewer incidents, with approximately 10 crimes annually, compared to the southeast parts which see around 39 per year (CrimeGrade.org).

The Augurisk Crime score for Lakewood Park indicates a low risk for property crime, with an estimated 167 property crimes predicted annually. This aligns with the overall lower crime statistics reported for the area. Residents can find more detailed crime maps and statistics to understand specific neighborhood safety trends.

Violent Crime Statistics

The violent crime rate in Lakewood Park is considered slightly lower than the average U.S. city, earning it a B grade in safety assessments (CrimeGrade.org). The violent crime rate stands at 2.240 per 1,000 residents annually (CrimeGrade.org). This suggests a relatively secure environment in terms of serious offenses.

Within Lakewood Park, the northwest areas are considered the safest for violent crime, with the chance of being a victim ranging from 1 in 348 in the south to 1 in 669 in the northwest (CrimeGrade.org). The total projected cost of violent crime in Lakewood Park for 2025 is estimated at $1,546,668, or $118 per resident (CrimeGrade.org).

Pros and Cons of Living in Lakewood Park

Lakewood Park offers a lifestyle that appeals to many, particularly retirees, with a generally lower cost of living compared to national averages. The community provides a suburban-rural mix feel, with ample green spaces and a more relaxed pace of life. Public schools in the area are rated as above average, which can be a significant draw for families.

However, like any community, Lakewood Park has its drawbacks. The median age is relatively high, indicating a significant retiree population, which may not suit younger individuals or families seeking a more dynamic social scene. While crime rates are lower than the national average, they are not entirely absent, and understanding neighborhood-specific risks is important. The job market may also present challenges, with a declining employment rate in recent years.

Housing Market and Affordability

The housing market in Lakewood Park presents a mixed picture regarding affordability and value. The median home value is approximately $268,400 (Niche), which is lower than the national median of $332,700 (Niche). However, other sources indicate a median listing price of $307,000 and a median home value of $298,451 (Realtor.com, Zillow). The average rental price is around $1,965 per month (NeighborhoodScout), which is lower than many Florida neighborhoods (NeighborhoodScout).

Homeownership is high, with approximately 85% of residents owning their homes (Niche). The median property value has seen an increase, rising by 6.13% between 2023 and 2024 to $268,400 (Data USA). Despite these figures, some reports suggest that finding affordable housing can be challenging, with median home prices reported as low as $160,520 in some analyses (AreaVibes), though this may represent a specific segment of the market or an older data point.

Job Market and Economic Landscape

The economic landscape of Lakewood Park shows a slight decline in employment. Between 2023 and 2024, employment in Lakewood Park declined by 0.682%, with the number of employees decreasing from 6.45k to 6.41k (Data USA). The most common employment sectors for residents include Manufacturing, Retail Trade, and Accommodation & Food Services (Data USA).

The average salary in Lakewood Park is approximately $30.94 per hour or $64,362 per year (ZipRecruiter). This median household income of $64,023 (Data USA) is slightly above the poverty line of 9.45% (Data USA). Major employers in the broader St. Lucie County area include Publix Super Markets, Walmart, and Target, which are significant contributors to the regional job market (Indeed.com).

Climate and Weather in Lakewood Park

Lakewood Park experiences a tropical monsoon climate, characterized by long, hot, and humid summers, and short, mild winters. The temperature typically ranges from 53°F in January to 89°F in August, with rare dips below 38°F or climbs above 93°F (myPerfectWeather, Augurisk). The area enjoys a substantial amount of sunshine throughout the year, with approximately 3223.8 hours annually (myPerfectWeather).

Annual precipitation averages around 56 inches, with August being the wettest month, receiving about 8 inches of rain. December is the driest, with an average of 1.7 inches (myPerfectWeather). The comfortable weather season, with mild temperatures and low humidity, typically spans from late February to mid-May and again from late October to mid-December (myPerfectWeather).

Summer Conditions

Summers in Lakewood Park are long, hot, oppressive, wet, and mostly cloudy, lasting from late May to late September. The average daily high temperatures during this season exceed 86°F, with August being the hottest month, often reaching highs of 89°F and lows of 74°F (myPerfectWeather, Augurisk). The high humidity during these months can make the air feel uncomfortably muggy (myPerfectWeather).

June typically sees the highest rainfall, averaging 5.5 inches, contributing to the wet conditions of the summer months. Despite the heat and humidity, the warmer water temperatures, averaging 84°F in August, make it suitable for water activities (myPerfectWeather).

Winter Conditions

The cool season in Lakewood Park is short and invigorating, lasting approximately 2.8 months from December to March. During this period, daily high temperatures remain below 76°F, with January being the coldest month, averaging lows of 53°F and highs of 72°F (myPerfectWeather, Augurisk). The winters are generally partly cloudy and can be windy.

December experiences the least amount of rainfall, with an average of 1.7 inches (myPerfectWeather). The cooler water temperatures, averaging 74°F in February, make swimming less appealing for some during these months (myPerfectWeather).

Education and Schools in Lakewood Park

Lakewood Park offers public schools that are generally rated as above average, providing a solid educational foundation for its younger residents. The area is served by the St. Lucie School District, which has faced some challenges but aims to provide quality education. The presence of well-regarded public schools is a significant factor for families considering relocation to the area.

However, specific schools within Lakewood Park may present varying levels of performance. It is advisable for parents to research individual school statistics and ratings to ensure they align with their educational expectations for their children. The student-teacher ratio and proficiency rates are key metrics to consider when evaluating school quality.

Lakewood Park Elementary School

Lakewood Park Elementary School, serving students in Pre-K through 5th grade, has received mixed reviews and ratings. Niche gives it an overall C grade, and it is ranked within the bottom 50% of all public schools in Florida (Niche, National Center for Education Statistics). Math proficiency at the school is 41%, and reading proficiency is 35%, both of which are below the Florida state averages (National Center for Education Statistics).

The student-teacher ratio is 20:1, which is higher than the Florida state average of 17:1 (National Center for Education Statistics). The school also faces challenges with high chronic absenteeism rates, ranging from 30.9% to 39.9% over recent years, significantly above state and district averages (SchoolDigger). A large percentage of students, between 80.97% and 87.32%, receive free or reduced-price lunch, indicating a high level of socioeconomic need within the student body (SchoolDigger).

District and Nearby Schools

The St. Lucie School District, which serves Lakewood Park Elementary, is ranked 42 out of 67 districts in Florida and holds a 2-star rating from SchoolDigger. This ranking suggests that while the district serves a large number of students, there are opportunities for improvement across its schools (SchoolDigger).

When comparing Lakewood Park Elementary to other schools in the district and neighboring Indian River School District, data indicates that many nearby schools generally exhibit higher test scores, lower absenteeism, and a lower percentage of students receiving free or reduced-price lunch (SchoolDigger). For instance, schools in the Indian River School District, which is ranked 7th in Florida, consistently outperform Lakewood Park Elementary (SchoolDigger).

Demographics and Population of Lakewood Park

Lakewood Park is a census-designated place with a population of 12,510 as of the 2020 census (Wikipedia). The population is projected to reach 14,713 by 2026, indicating a moderate growth rate (World Population Review). The median age in Lakewood Park is notably high, around 50.8 years (Wikipedia), with a significant portion of the population aged 65 or older, at 27.7% (Wikipedia).

The racial makeup of Lakewood Park is predominantly White, accounting for 73.72% of the population, followed by Black or African American at 15.55% (World Population Review). Hispanic or Latino individuals constitute 7.81% of the population (World Population Review). The community has a slightly higher proportion of females, with 94.9 males for every 100 females (Wikipedia).

Age Distribution and Gender

The median age of 50.8 years in Lakewood Park signifies a community with a substantial retiree population (Wikipedia). Approximately 17.8% of residents are under 18, while 27.7% are 65 or older (Wikipedia). This age distribution suggests a stable community with a strong senior presence.

Gender distribution shows a slight imbalance, with 94.9 males for every 100 females overall, and 93.8 males for every 100 females aged 18 and over (Wikipedia). This demographic pattern is common in areas with a large retired population, where females often outnumber males in older age groups.

Racial and Ethnic Makeup

The racial composition of Lakewood Park is primarily White, making up 73.72% of the population, with 71.33% identified as White and Non-Hispanic (World Population Review). Black or African American residents form the second-largest group at 15.55% (World Population Review).

Hispanic or Latino residents represent 7.81% of the population (World Population Review). Other racial groups, including Asian, Native American, and those of two or more races, constitute smaller percentages of the total population. The community is diverse, though the White population forms the significant majority.

Major Employers and Job Market in Lakewood Park

While Lakewood Park itself may not host numerous large-scale employers, the surrounding St. Lucie County area offers employment opportunities. Major employers in the vicinity include large retail chains and healthcare providers, which are vital to the local economy. The job market shows a slight contraction, indicating a need for those seeking employment to look broadly within the region.

The primary industries employing Lakewood Park residents are Manufacturing, Retail Trade, and Accommodation & Food Services, suggesting a workforce engaged in service and production roles. The average salary and median household income figures provide context for the economic standing of the community’s residents.

Key Industries

The dominant industries for Lakewood Park residents are Manufacturing, Retail Trade, and Accommodation & Food Services (Data USA). These sectors reflect a workforce engaged in producing goods, providing retail services, and supporting the hospitality sector. Many residents may also commute to nearby areas for employment in other sectors.

In St. Lucie County, major employers like Publix Super Markets, Walmart, and Target are significant contributors to the employment landscape (Indeed.com). Healthcare systems also play a crucial role in the regional job market, offering a range of professional opportunities.

Employment Trends

Recent employment trends in Lakewood Park indicate a slight decline. From 2023 to 2024, employment in the area decreased by 0.682%, with the number of employed individuals dropping from 6.45k to 6.41k (Data USA). This trend suggests a tightening job market or a shift in employment patterns within the community.

The average commute time for residents is around 33.8 minutes, with most people driving alone to work (Data USA). This indicates that many residents may work outside of Lakewood Park, contributing to the regional economy of St. Lucie County and beyond.

Cost of Living in Lakewood Park

Lakewood Park is generally considered to have a lower cost of living compared to the national average, making it an attractive option for those seeking affordability. Housing costs, in particular, tend to be more accessible than in many other parts of Florida and the U.S. This affordability extends to both home prices and rental rates, though market fluctuations can occur.

The median household income provides a benchmark for understanding the purchasing power of residents within the local economic context. While specific cost-of-living indices can vary, the overall financial picture suggests a community where expenses are relatively manageable for many.

Housing Costs

The median home price in Lakewood Park is approximately $340,467, which is more expensive than many neighborhoods in Florida but less so than the U.S. average (NeighborhoodScout). However, other sources present varying figures, with Realtor.com noting a median listing price of $250,000 and Zillow reporting an average home value of $298,451 (Realtor.com, Zillow). The average rent is around $1,965 per month, which is lower than 74.3% of Florida neighborhoods (NeighborhoodScout).

Niche reports a median home value of $268,400 and a median rent of $1,206 (Niche). These figures suggest a market where homeownership is attainable for many, with rental options also available. The high homeownership rate of 85% (Niche) further supports the idea that housing is relatively accessible.

General Expenses

While specific data on all general expenses like utilities, groceries, and transportation for Lakewood Park is not detailed in the provided search results, the overall cost of living is considered lower than the national average (Niche). The median household income in Lakewood Park is $64,023 (Data USA), providing a basis for evaluating the affordability of daily expenses.

The poverty rate in Lakewood Park is 9.45% (Data USA), which is lower than the national average of 12.5% (Data USA). This suggests that a significant portion of the population manages their expenses effectively within the local economic framework.