Central Avenue Neighborhood, Lakeland
Crime Rate & Statistics
Fairly safe — slightly below-average crime levels
Safer than 33% of neighborhoods in Lakeland
Safety at a Glance
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in Lakeland
Is Central Avenue Safe?
Mostly yes — this neighborhood is fairly safe. Central Avenue in Lakeland, FL has a safety grade of B-. The overall crime index is 163, which is 63% above the national average of 100. Central Avenue is safer than 33% of neighborhoods in Lakeland.
Compared to the Lakeland average (crime index 135), Central Avenue is 28% higher in overall crime.
Looking at specific crime types, burglary is the most elevated concern (index: 194, 94% above average), while robbery is the lowest risk (index: 164).
Central Avenue Crime Breakdown
Crime indices compared to national average (100) and Lakeland city average. Higher values mean more crime.
| Crime Type | Index | vs National | Risk Level | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent Crime | ||||
|
Murder
|
167 | +67% | High | |
|
Assault
|
171 | +71% | High | |
|
Robbery
|
164 | +64% | High | |
|
Rape
|
169 | +69% | High | |
| Property Crime | ||||
|
Burglary
|
194 | +94% | High | |
|
Larceny / Theft
|
171 | +71% | High | |
|
Vehicle Theft
|
177 | +77% | High | |
How Central Avenue Compares
Crime index by category: Central Avenue vs Lakeland average vs national average.
Crime by Category
Overall Crime Comparison
Central Avenue Crime Map
Crime heatmap based on block-group level data. Red areas indicate higher crime density.
See the crime score for a specific address
Central Avenue Demographics & Context
Education
Housing
Racial Demographics
Nearby Neighborhoods
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the crime rate in Central Avenue, Lakeland?
Central Avenue in Lakeland, FL has a crime safety grade of B- as of 2026. The overall crime index is 163, which is 63% above the national average. Compared to the Lakeland average, crime in Central Avenue is 28% higher. Central Avenue is safer than 33% of neighborhoods in Lakeland.
Is Central Avenue a safe neighborhood in Lakeland?
Central Avenue is generally considered a safe neighborhood in Lakeland, earning a crime grade of B-. The highest concern is Burglary (index: 194), while Robbery is the lowest risk (index: 164).
How does Central Avenue compare to the rest of Lakeland?
Central Avenue's overall crime index is 163, compared to the Lakeland average of 135. This means crime in Central Avenue is 28% higher than the city average. For violent crime, the index is 168, and for property crime it is 181. However, crime can vary block by block, so checking the crime map for specific streets is recommended.
What type of crime is most common in Central Avenue?
The most prevalent crime type in Central Avenue is Burglary, with a crime index of 194 (94% above the national average). Overall, property crime is more prevalent than violent crime in this neighborhood, which is consistent with national trends.
What are safer neighborhoods near Central Avenue?
Nearby neighborhoods with good safety ratings include Dixieland, Camphor, Downtown Lakeland and South Lake Morton. These areas are close to Central Avenue and offer lower crime rates, making them worth considering for residents who prioritize safety.
What are the demographics of Central Avenue?
Central Avenue has a population of approximately 1,206. The median household income is $41,733. The median home value is $172,100. Research shows that economic factors can correlate with crime rates, though many other variables play a role in neighborhood safety.
How does Central Avenue crime compare to the national average?
Central Avenue's overall crime rate is 63% above the national average (index 163 vs 100). Within Lakeland, it is safer than 33% of neighborhoods. For the most accurate picture, review the per-crime-type breakdown above, as some categories may differ significantly from the overall trend.
Crime data sourced from FBI UCR reports and local law enforcement agencies. Crime indices use 100 as the national average. Updated April 2026.