Rankings

We know Lakeland is great, but don’t just take our word for it.

Lakeland continues to gain recognition on both state and national levels. These rankings reflect more than just numbers—they tell the story of a city that’s thriving, attracting new opportunities, and offering a high quality of life to its residents.

Congratulations Bonnet Springs

Development

#10 Mid-size Metro in Job Growth

Business Facilities, 2018

#5 Best Places to Start a Business

U.S. News, 2024

#8 Best Places to work in Manufacturing

Smart Asset, 2018

#1 on the “Top 10 Cities for Buying a House in 2019, where Jobs are Plentiful, Construction is Booming, and young people are Moving in.”

Business Insider, 2019

Population

#1 Fastest Growing City in the US

Bloomberg, 2024

#1 Fastest Growing Cities in the US

U.S. News, 2024

#1 Hottest Housing Market in the US

Realtor.com

#28 Cities with the Lowest Cost of Living

Niche.com, 2020

Highlights

#1 Best U.S. City for Women in the Workforce

Checkr, 2025

#61 Best Places to Live in the US

U.S. News, 2020

#6 Safest Places to Live in the US. 

U.S. News and World Report, 2021