Lakeville received its name from the chain of broad and beautiful lakes which occupy approximately 4,000 acres of the township. Lakeville was once part of Middleborough; it split from Middleborough and was incorporated on May 13, 1853. Lakeville contains 36.16 square miles of area and is located in Plymouth County, with a population of 9,821 according to the 2000 Federal Census.
The Town is represented by Senator Joan Menard in the 1st Bristol and Plymouth Senatorial Distinct. The Town is split into two districts for the House: Representative John Quinn represents residents of Precinct 1 and Representative Stephen Canessa represents residents of Precinct 2 and 3.