Is Lakeland North Safe, Pros and cons of living in Lakeland North

Lakeland North, a census-designated place in Washington, offers a suburban environment with convenient access to larger metropolitan areas. It is situated within King County, bordered by cities like Auburn, Federal Way, and Kent. The community is bisected by Interstate 5, providing straightforward routes to Seattle and Tacoma. Lake Dolloff and Star Lake are notable natural features within the area.

The community’s demographic makeup is diverse, with a significant portion of its residents being White, followed by Asian and Hispanic populations. The foreign-born population is also substantial, indicating a multicultural community. Lakeland North’s population has seen growth, with projections suggesting continued expansion in the coming years.

Is it Safe to Live in Lakeland North?

Lakeland North’s overall crime rate is reported to be below the national average (as reported by DoorProfit). This suggests a generally safe environment for its residents. However, it is noted that crime rates can vary by neighborhood within the CDP.

While violent crime rates are lower than the national average, property crime rates are slightly higher. Residents generally consider the southeast part of the city to be the safest, with a lower likelihood of being a victim of crime in these areas compared to the northwest parts (as reported by CrimeGrade.org and DoorProfit).

Crime Statistics

The estimated violent crime rate in Lakeland North is approximately 247.9 per 100,000 residents, which is about 35% lower than the national average (as reported by DoorProfit). Property crime, however, is estimated at 2,044.9 per 100,000 residents, which is 12% higher than the national average (as reported by DoorProfit).

The total projected cost of crime in Lakeland North for 2025 is estimated to be over $14.5 million, translating to approximately $692 per resident (as reported by CrimeGrade.org). This figure accounts for criminal justice system costs, direct costs to victims, and lost economic contributions from offenders.

Cost of Living in Lakeland North

The cost of living in Lakeland North presents a mixed picture, with housing costs being a significant factor. While home prices are lower than the Washington state average, they are still substantial.

Rental prices in Lakeland North are notably higher than the Washington state average. The average household income is considerably higher than the national average, which helps to offset some of the living expenses.

Housing Costs

The median home price in Lakeland North is around $608,025, showing a slight decrease over the past year (as reported by Zillow). Other sources place the median home price at $666,042 (as reported by NeighborhoodScout) or $407,756 (as reported by a different analysis on home prices). The median listing price for homes is approximately $634,000 (as reported by Realtor.com).

The average rent for an apartment in Lakeland North is around $2,491, which has seen a slight decrease compared to the previous year (as reported by RentCafe). Another source indicates the average cost of rent is $1,789 per month (as reported by Livability.com and NeighborhoodScout).

Income and Expenses

The median household income in Lakeland North is approximately $105,216 (as reported by Cubit Planning and Census Reporter). This is higher than the median household income for Washington state ($98,141) and significantly higher than the national median of $80,734 (as reported by Census Reporter).

Households in Lakeland North spend approximately 22.30% of their income on rent (as reported by a housing affordability analysis). The per capita income is $40,209 (as reported by Census Reporter).

Job Market and Economy

Lakeland North’s economy is supported by a growing employment sector, with a notable increase in employment over the past year. The primary industries employing residents include healthcare, manufacturing, and transportation.

Major employers in the broader Auburn area include The Boeing Company, Auburn School District, and MultiCare Auburn Regional Medical Center. These anchor businesses contribute significantly to the regional job market.

Employment and Unemployment

Employment in Lakeland North grew by 3.67% from 2023 to 2024, increasing the number of employed residents from 7.23k to 7.49k (as reported by Data USA). The unemployment rate for Washington state was 5.1% in the fourth quarter of 2025 (as reported by AWB Institute).

The most common job groups for Lakeland North residents are in management occupations, office and administrative support, and healthcare support (as reported by Data USA). Major employers in the nearby city of Auburn include The Boeing Company, Auburn School District, and MultiCare Auburn Regional Medical Center (as reported by Auburn, WA city data).

Climate in Lakeland North

Lakeland North experiences a climate characterized by warm, dry summers and cold, wet winters. The temperature variations throughout the year are significant, with distinct seasonal patterns.

The area receives a considerable amount of rainfall, particularly during the winter months. Summers are generally pleasant, with comfortable temperatures and less precipitation.

Temperatures and Rainfall

Summers in Lakeland North are short, warm, and dry, with temperatures typically ranging from highs in the low 70s°F to the high 70s°F in August (as reported by Time and Date and WeatherSpark). The warm season generally lasts from late June to mid-September.

Winters are cold and wet, with average daily high temperatures below 52°F. The coldest month is December, with average highs around 45°F and lows near 37°F (as reported by WeatherSpark). Annual rainfall averages around 39 inches, with November being the wettest month, receiving about 8.0 inches of rain (as reported by Livability.com and WeatherSpark).

School Ratings and Demographics

Lakeland North is served by the Federal Way School District, which includes schools like Lakeland Elementary School. Educational performance and student demographics are key factors for families considering a move to the area.

The racial and ethnic composition of Lakeland North is diverse, with White residents forming the largest group, followed by Asian and Hispanic populations. The median age of residents is around 40.1 years.

Educational Opportunities

Lakeland Elementary School, serving grades PK-5, has a C+ overall Niche grade and a student-teacher ratio of 17 to 1 (as reported by Niche). According to state test scores, 38% of students are proficient in math and 39% in reading (as reported by Niche).

Other schools in the vicinity include Lakeland Hills Elementary School, which is a public school serving grades PK-5 (as reported by Movoto). The Federal Way School District encompasses these educational institutions.

Population and Diversity

Lakeland North has a population of approximately 15,950 residents, making it the 90th most populated city in Washington (as reported by Data USA and Cubit Planning). The median age is 40.1 years (as reported by Cubit Planning and Census Reporter).

The racial makeup includes approximately 42.9% White, 18.8% Asian, and 16.4% Hispanic residents (as reported by Cubit Planning). Around 32.6% of residents were born outside the country (as reported by Data USA).