Lakeland, FL Crime Rate & Safety

Lakeland, FL has a crime safety grade of C+ as of 2026. The overall crime rate is estimated to be 13% below the national average. Residents face approximately a 1 in 287 chance of being a victim of violent crime per year and a 1 in 47 chance for property crime. Lakeland has lower crime than 44% of major U.S. cities (population 50,000+).

Lakeland has a moderate level of crime with a safety grade of C+. Approximately 67% of the city's 42 neighborhoods are rated A or B for safety. However, safety varies significantly by neighborhood. For example, Cumberland is one of the safest areas, while Webster Park South has higher crime rates. Researching specific neighborhoods before moving to or visiting Lakeland is strongly recommended.

Based on 2026 crime data, the safest neighborhoods in Lakeland are Cumberland, Lake Hollingsworth, Beacon Hill, Lake Somerset, and Cleveland Heights. These areas have significantly lower crime rates than the city average and are popular choices for families, professionals, and anyone prioritizing safety.

The neighborhoods with the highest crime rates in Lakeland include Webster Park South, Kathleen, North Lake Wire, Jewel Avenue, and Parker Street. These areas experience significantly more crime than the city average. Visitors and prospective residents should exercise extra caution in these neighborhoods, particularly at night.

The estimated violent crime rate in Lakeland is 348.9 per 100,000 residents, which is 8% lower than the national average. This means residents have roughly a 1 in 287 chance of becoming a violent crime victim each year. Key violent crime rates include: murder at 4.9 per 100K (2% below average); aggravated assault at 248.7 per 100K (7% below average); robbery at 69.8 per 100K (6% below average).

The estimated property crime rate in Lakeland is 2,136.8 per 100,000 residents, which is 17% higher than the national average. Residents have roughly a 1 in 47 chance of being a property crime victim per year. Key property crime rates include: burglary at 257.3 per 100K (5% below average); larceny/theft at 1,547.3 per 100K (10% above average); vehicle theft at 332.2 per 100K (4% above average).

Lakeland's overall crime rate is 13% below the national average as of 2026. The biggest concern is larceny/theft (10% above average), while rape is 24% below average. Compared to other major U.S. cities, Lakeland has lower crime than 44% of them.

Visitors to Lakeland should take standard urban precautions. Property crime (theft, vehicle break-ins) is 17% above average, which is typically the main concern for tourists. Avoid leaving valuables in vehicles, stay aware of your surroundings in unfamiliar areas, and stick to well-traveled neighborhoods. Popular, safer areas for visitors include Cumberland, Lake Hollingsworth, Beacon Hill.

Florida as a whole has crime that is 3% above the national average. Lakeland's crime rate is 13% below the national average, making it safer the typical Florida city.

Larceny/theft is the most common crime in Lakeland, with an estimated rate of 1,547.3 incidents per 100,000 residents. This is 10% above the national average for this crime type. Overall, property crime (2,137 per 100K) is more prevalent than violent crime (349 per 100K) in Lakeland, which is consistent with national trends.