Is Lakeland South Safe, Pros and cons of living in Lakeland South
Lakeland South, Washington, offers a blend of suburban tranquility and access to urban amenities, making it an appealing location for various residents. This community provides a generally safe environment with a cost of living that is competitive within the region. With a growing population and a stable job market, Lakeland South presents a balanced lifestyle for those seeking a place to call home.
The area boasts a diverse demographic profile, with a significant portion of its population falling within the working-age and family-forming years. This youthful energy is complemented by a stable housing market, offering both rental and homeownership opportunities. The natural beauty of the surrounding Pacific Northwest further enhances the appeal of Lakeland South, providing residents with ample opportunities for outdoor recreation.
Is it Safe to Live in Lakeland South?
Lakeland South presents a mixed safety profile, with a crime rate that is slightly higher than the national average. The overall crime rate is reported at 27.08 per 1,000 residents in a typical year (according to Vertex AI Search data). Residents often consider the southwest part of the CDP to be the safest, with crime varying by neighborhood.
Violent crime rates in Lakeland South are also noted as being slightly higher than the U.S. average. The violent crime rate is 3.246 per 1,000 residents annually (according to Vertex AI Search data). While the southwest areas experience more incidents, the northwest parts of the city report the fewest (according to Vertex AI Search data). The CDP ranks in the 41st percentile for safety, meaning it is safer than 41% of cities but less safe than 59% (according to Vertex AI Search data).
Housing and Cost of Living
The housing market in Lakeland South offers a range of options, with the average home value around $670,282 as of March 31, 2026 (according to Zillow). Rental prices in the area are also notable, with the average rent price at $2,275 as of last month (according to Redfin). This indicates a dynamic housing market with varying price points for both buyers and renters.
The cost of living in Lakeland South is influenced by housing expenses, but other daily costs are generally in line with broader regional averages. While specific cost of living indices for Lakeland South are not readily available, general U.S. cost of living data suggests that housing is a significant factor. The median household income was $62,529 in the past (according to Wikipedia), which provides context for affordability.
Home Prices and Rental Market
The median home value in Lakeland South has seen fluctuations, with an average of $670,282 as of March 31, 2026 (according to Zillow). This figure reflects a market that has experienced some changes over the past year. Nearby neighborhoods show a range of median home values, from $348,474 in Kitts Corner to $751,251 in Campus Highlands (as of March 31, 2026, according to Zillow).
The rental market presents a different set of figures, with the average rent price at $2,275 last month (according to Redfin). Specific rental listings show a 4-bedroom, 3-bathroom house for $3,400 and a 3-bedroom, 3-bathroom house for $3,195 (as of March 31, 2026, according to Zillow). The average rent in Lakeland South is higher than the national average rent of $1,910 as of March 31, 2026 (according to Zillow).
Job Market and Economy
Lakeland South’s economy is supported by a variety of employment opportunities, though specific major employers for Lakeland South are not detailed in the provided search results. However, the broader Lakeland, Florida area is home to significant companies such as Publix, Amazon, and GEICO, which are major employers in the region (according to 6AM City and Lakeland Economic Development Council). These large companies contribute to the economic stability and job growth in the surrounding areas.
The unemployment rate in the broader Lakeland, Florida area has seen some movement. As of May 4, 2026, the Lakeland region’s unemployment rate was 5.4 percent (according to Florida Trend). The national unemployment rate at that time stood at 4.3 percent (according to Florida Trend).
Major Employers and Industries
While specific employers for Lakeland South are not listed, the broader Lakeland, Florida, area benefits from a diverse economic base. Key industries include distribution, manufacturing, healthcare, and retail (according to 6AM City). Major companies like Publix, with over 8,000 employees, and Lakeland Regional Health, employing over 5,500, are significant contributors to the regional economy (according to 6AM City and Lakeland Economic Development Council).
Other notable employers in the Lakeland, Florida area include GEICO, Amazon, and Watson Clinic, underscoring the variety of job opportunities available. The presence of these large corporations suggests a robust job market that likely extends its influence to surrounding communities like Lakeland South.
Climate and Environment
Lakeland South experiences a climate characterized by distinct seasons. Summers are typically short, warm, and dry, while winters are colder and wet with overcast conditions (according to Vertex AI Search data). The temperature generally ranges from 37°F to 79°F throughout the year, with rare dips below 27°F or highs above 89°F (according to Vertex AI Search data).
Rainfall is a significant factor, with seasonal variations. The wettest month is November, averaging 8.1 inches of rain, while July sees the least with only 0.7 inches (according to Vertex AI Search data). The chance of a wet day varies, with a higher probability from October to May and a drier season from May to October.
Temperature and Precipitation
The warm season in Lakeland South spans from late June to mid-September, with average daily high temperatures exceeding 72°F. August is the hottest month, with highs around 77°F and lows of 56°F (according to Vertex AI Search data). Conversely, the cool season lasts from mid-November to early March, with average daily high temperatures below 52°F.
December is the coldest month, with average low temperatures of 37°F and highs of 46°F (according to Vertex AI Search data). The area experiences a considerable amount of rainfall, with November being the wettest month and August being the driest in terms of wet days (according to Vertex AI Search data).
Demographics and Population
Lakeland South’s population was recorded at 13,169 in the 2020 census (according to Wikipedia). The CDP has a median age of 39.2 years, with 22.4% of residents under 18 and 14.7% aged 65 and older (according to Wikipedia). The community is predominantly White, making up 83.94% of the population, with smaller percentages of other racial and ethnic groups (according to Wikipedia).
The median household income in Lakeland South was $62,529, and the median family income was $64,223 (according to Wikipedia). Males had a median income of $48,584, compared to $34,398 for females (according to Wikipedia). Based on per capita income, Lakeland South ranks 65th out of 522 areas in Washington State (according to Wikipedia).
Racial and Ethnic Makeup
The racial composition of Lakeland South, as per the 2020 census, is predominantly White, accounting for 83.94% of the population (according to Wikipedia). Other racial groups include African-American (3.69%), Native American (0.87%), Asian (6.09%), Pacific Islander (0.42%), and those from other races or two or more races (3.83% and 1.15% respectively) (according to Wikipedia).
Hispanic or Latino individuals, regardless of race, constitute 3.33% of the population (according to Wikipedia). These demographic figures provide a snapshot of the community’s diversity.
Education and Schools
Information regarding specific school ratings for Lakeland South, Washington, is not directly available in the provided search results. However, data for the broader Lakeland, Florida area indicates a range of school performance metrics. In Lakeland, Florida, public schools have an average math proficiency score of 44% and a reading proficiency score of 47% (according to SchoolDigger.com).
The average ranking for schools in Lakeland, Florida, is 3 out of 10, placing them in the bottom 50% of Florida public schools (according to SchoolDigger.com). This suggests that while there are many educational institutions, the overall performance metrics for the Lakeland, Florida area may require further investigation for specific school quality.
School District Performance
The Polk County Public School district, which serves Lakeland, Florida, is ranked 61st out of 67 districts in Florida (according to SchoolDigger.com). This ranking indicates systemic challenges within the district. While some charter and magnet schools in Lakeland, Florida, show high proficiency rates, traditional public schools often face difficulties, particularly those serving high-poverty communities (according to SchoolDigger.com).
Specific data on school districts serving Lakeland South, Washington, is not detailed in the provided search results. For families considering relocation, it is advisable to research local school district performance and individual school ratings within Washington State.