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