Blue Lake, CA
Population 997 · California
About Blue Lake, CA
Blue Lake is a small community located in California with a population of 997 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $52,813 per year, which is 30% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 52.4 years is notably older the US median age of 38.9 years, suggesting a more established community with a higher proportion of long-term residents.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Blue Lake features a median home value of $460,800, which is 88% above the national median of $244,900. This places Blue Lake in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $1,247, 7% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 617 total housing units, 46% are owner-occupied (253 units) and 54% are renter-occupied (299 units). The higher proportion of renters may reflect a transient population, younger demographics, or high housing costs relative to income.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Blue Lake shows an unemployment rate of 10.7%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 25.4%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Blue Lake have an average one-way commute time of 15.4 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
37.9% of Blue Lake residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This is in line with national trends in educational attainment. The community's demographic composition includes 2.9% White, 6.5% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.0% Asian residents, with 0.0% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Blue Lake, CA
Compared to national averages, Blue Lake has a median household income of $52,813 (30% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $460,800, which is 88% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,247 is 7% above the US average of $1,163. Within California, Blue Lake's income is 46% below the state average of $97,829, and home values are 30% below the state median of $653,874.
Why Live in Blue Lake, CA?
Blue Lake offers a well-educated community where 37.9% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, and short commute times averaging just 15.4 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($52,813) that falls below the national average, and a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $460,800. However, Blue Lake’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Blue Lake has a population of 997 with a median age of 52.4 years. Compare Blue Lake with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in California.
Similar Cities Near Blue Lake
Cities in California with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Greeley Hill | 997 | $0 | $262,900 | Compare |
| Riverdale Park | 998 | $61,802 | $0 | Compare |
| Shell Ridge | 998 | $250,001 | $2,000,001 | Compare |
| Boonville | 985 | $53,510 | $625,000 | Compare |
| Santa Susana | 983 | $95,329 | $697,200 | Compare |
| Maricopa | 1,015 | $38,676 | $121,800 | Compare |
| North Edwards | 1,015 | $35,469 | $135,800 | Compare |
| Stebbins | 1,017 | $108,056 | $242,400 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in California
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Blue Lake With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Blue Lake
What is the population of Blue Lake, CA?
The population of Blue Lake, CA is 997 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small community in California.
What is the median household income in Blue Lake?
The median household income in Blue Lake, CA is $52,813 per year, which is 30% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Blue Lake?
The median home value in Blue Lake, CA is $460,800, which is 88% above the national median of $244,900. A significant portion of residents rent their homes.
What is the average rent in Blue Lake?
The median monthly rent in Blue Lake, CA is $1,247, which is 7% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Blue Lake?
The unemployment rate in Blue Lake, CA is 10.7%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Blue Lake, CA a good place to live?
Blue Lake offers a moderate cost of living, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 997 and a median age of 52.4, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Blue Lake, CA?
37.9% of residents in Blue Lake aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This above-average educational attainment often reflects a knowledge-based local economy.
What is the cost of living in Blue Lake?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Blue Lake, CA: median home value is $460,800 (88% above national), median rent is $1,247/month, and median household income is $52,813. The home-value-to-income ratio is 8.7x, which suggests housing may be stretched relative to local earnings.
What is the poverty rate in Blue Lake?
The poverty rate in Blue Lake, CA is 25.4%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. Residents and prospective movers should be aware of the economic challenges facing parts of this community.
How diverse is Blue Lake, CA?
Blue Lake's population is 2.9% White, 6.5% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.0% Asian, and 0.0% two or more races. 0.0% of residents are foreign-born.