Lakeland Highlands, FL Utility & Living Guide

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Lakeland Highlands, FL Utility & Living Guide

Lakeland Highlands is an unincorporated community and census-designated place (CDP) in Polk County, Florida, United States. As of the 2020 census, Lakeland Highlands had a population of 12,187.

Last updated: July 8, 2026
Total Utilities$305/mo
1BR Rent$1493/mo
Sales Tax7.5%
COL Index105 (+5% above national average)
Family Score6/10
Median Home$329,100
📷 Live Cameras — Lakeland Highlands
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🌤️ Live Weather — Lakeland Highlands
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Living in Lakeland Highlands, summers are hot, with Jul highs around 89.3°F, while winters stay mild, with Jan lows rarely below 52.1°F. At just 130 heating degree days per year, home heating costs are minimal. Annual rainfall reaches 57.0 inches, mostly summer thunderstorms. Median household income: $101,221. With a 3.6% poverty rate and 84.4% homeownership, the community reflects a stable residential mix. Nearby cities: Lakeland (6mi N), Bartow (7mi SE), Auburndale (12mi NE). Air quality is Good — avg AQI 42 over the past week.
📍 City Briefing
Living in Lakeland Highlands, summers are hot, with Jul highs around 89.3°F, while winters stay mild, with Jan lows rarely below 52.1°F. At just 130 heating degree days per year, home heating costs are minimal. Annual rainfall reaches 57.0 inches, mostly summer thunderstorms. Median household income: $101,221. With a 3.6% poverty rate and 84.4% homeownership, the community reflects a stable residential mix. Nearby cities: Lakeland (6mi N), Bartow (7mi SE), Auburndale (12mi NE). Air quality is Good — avg AQI 42 over the past week.
⚠️ Natural Hazard History — Lakeland Highlands
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💰 Budget Calculator
🔌 Utilities
🏠 Housing
📊 Cost of Living
💰 Taxes
👨‍👩‍👧 Families
🧮 Tools

Monthly Utility Costs

⚡ Electric

$120/mo

Lakeland Electric
🔥 Gas

$50/mo

N/A - Electric only
💧 Water

$45/mo

City of Lakeland Utilities
🗑️ Garbage

$25/mo

Republic Services
📶 Internet

$65/mo

Combined Average Overhead$305/month

Housing Market

Rent & Property
1 Bedroom$1493/mo
2 Bedrooms$1659/mo
3 Bedrooms$2073/mo
Median Home Price$329,100
Property Tax Rate1.2%
Avg Childcare/mo$1000

The housing market in Lakeland Highlands is competitive, with steady demand for single-family homes. Prices have risen due to limited inventory and growing interest in the area.

Cost of Living

Overall COL Index

105

US national avg = 100
vs National Avg

+5% above national average

Groceries

102

Transportation

98

Healthcare

100

Childcare/mo

$1000

Tax Rates

Tax Overview
Total Sales Tax7.5%
Property Tax Rate1.2%
<p>State 6% + County 1% + City 0.5%</p>

Florida has no state income tax.

Family & Relocation

Family Vibe Score
6/10
Safety Index

50

Higher = safer
School Rating

6.5/10

GreatSchools avg
Avg Childcare

$1000/mo

City Pulse

Population Trend
+8% (growing)
Political Climate
Purple description
Business Momentum
Moderate with key industries in healthcare, retail, and construction
Top Local Concerns
Traffic congestion, school funding, property taxes
🚌 Transit for Families

Limited public transit options; most families rely on personal vehicles.

🎡 Top Kid Attractions
  • 🎯
    Holloway Park
  • 🎯
    Explorations V Children's Museum
  • 🎯
    Common Ground Park

Best Neighborhoods for Families

Highland Meadows and Christina Place are popular for families due to good schools and parks. These areas offer a mix of affordability and amenities.

Household Budget Calculator

Estimate your real monthly cost of living in Lakeland Highlands based on your household profile.

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📊 Lakeland Highlands — Census & Demographic Data

Official data from the US Census Bureau, American Community Survey.

💰 Median Household Income
$101,221
👤 Median Age
45.6
🏠 Homeownership Rate
84.4%
🔑 Renter Rate
15.6%
📉 Poverty Rate
3.6%
💼 Unemployment Rate
3.5%
📡 Internet Access
91.8%
🎓 College Educated
35.6%

☀️ Seasonal Utility Costs

Summer AC usage can double electric bills, while winter heating costs are minimal due to mild temperatures.

🏛️ Local Tax Details

Key ZIP code level tax info: property tax millage rates vary by neighborhood, with no local surtaxes specific to Lakeland Highlands county.

👶 Family & Stroller Friendliness

6/10 with explanation: Sidewalks are common in newer neighborhoods, but park access varies. Transit options are limited for stroller accessibility.

📍 Lakeland Highlands City Stories

Lakeland Highlands, Florida — City Overview

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