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ARTICLE: Lakeland In-Depth

Located along the thriving I-4 corridor in central Florida, the Lakeland-Winter Haven, FL area enjoys the benefits of strategic location in this economically powerful state. The largest county in this metropolitan area and its surrounding is Polk County, named after former President James K. Polk, with over 500,000 residents. Lakeland-Winter Haven's proximity to major cities Tampa and Orlando means businesses have access to a market of 8 million consumers in a 100 mile radius.

In 2004, this part of Florida boasted an average personal income of $26,698. According to the U.S. Department of Commerce's Bureau of Economic Analysis, the average Lakeland-Winter Haven, FL resident earns 81% of the national average. Average income in this area has grown 8.8% from 2003 to 2004, which constitutes a 17% increase compared to the national average.

Some of the biggest companies in the country choose the Lakeland-Winter Haven metro area for their national headquarters. These include Publix Supermarket, furniture giant W.S. Babcock, Discount Auto Parts, and Scotty's. Add in to this diverse mix the regional headquarters for State Farm Insurance Company and GEICO.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports the following occupations with a robust representation in Polk County in the coming decade:

• Business and financial operations
• Management professionals
• Architecture and engineering
• Community and social service
• Healthcare practitioners and technicians

These industries hold a smaller number of employment opportunities in the Lakeland-Winter Haven region:

• Legal professionals
• Life, physical, and social sciences
• Computer and mathematical sciences
• Education and training
• Art and design

Sources:

• About Polk County
• U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
• U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission

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