China Lake Acres, CA
Population 2,523 · California
About China Lake Acres, CA
China Lake Acres is a small town located in California with a population of 2,523 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $67,438 per year, which is 10% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 34.5 years is notably younger the US median age of 38.9 years, indicating a younger, often more dynamic population base.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in China Lake Acres features a median home value of $168,100, which is 31% below the national median of $244,900. This positions China Lake Acres in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $1,299, 12% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 1,046 total housing units, 62% are owner-occupied (523 units) and 38% are renter-occupied (320 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in China Lake Acres shows an unemployment rate of 7.0%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 24.0%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in China Lake Acres have an average one-way commute time of 22.4 minutes.
Education & Demographics
13.9% of China Lake Acres residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The lower educational attainment rate may reflect the area's industry mix, with more employment in trades, manufacturing, or agricultural sectors. The community's demographic composition includes 14.2% White, 11.5% Hispanic or Latino, 0.6% Black or African American, and 0.5% Asian residents, with 2.0% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in China Lake Acres, CA
Compared to national averages, China Lake Acres has a median household income of $67,438 (10% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $168,100, which is 31% below the national median. Monthly rent at $1,299 is 12% above the US average of $1,163. Within California, China Lake Acres's income is 31% below the state average of $97,829, and home values are 74% below the state median of $653,874.
Why Live in China Lake Acres, CA?
China Lake Acres offers affordable housing with a median home value of $168,100, below the US average of $244,900, and short commute times averaging just 22.4 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($67,438) that falls below the national average. However, China Lake Acres’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
China Lake Acres has a population of 2,523 with a median age of 34.5 years. Compare China Lake Acres with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in California.
Similar Cities Near China Lake Acres
Cities in California with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Weldon | 2,525 | $27,353 | $153,300 | Compare |
| La Selva Beach | 2,519 | $159,094 | $1,195,100 | Compare |
| Cayucos | 2,517 | $82,778 | $947,000 | Compare |
| Nice | 2,517 | $70,274 | $173,100 | Compare |
| Bayview CDP (Contra Costa County), California | 2,533 | $132,356 | $669,700 | Compare |
| South Taft | 2,534 | $41,875 | $155,700 | Compare |
| Highlands | 2,535 | $250,001 | $2,000,001 | Compare |
| Pine Canyon | 2,538 | $106,284 | $372,400 | 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 China Lake Acres With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about China Lake Acres
What is the population of China Lake Acres, CA?
The population of China Lake Acres, CA is 2,523 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small town in California.
What is the median household income in China Lake Acres?
The median household income in China Lake Acres, CA is $67,438 per year, which is 10% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in China Lake Acres?
The median home value in China Lake Acres, CA is $168,100, which is 31% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in China Lake Acres?
The median monthly rent in China Lake Acres, CA is $1,299, which is 12% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in China Lake Acres?
The unemployment rate in China Lake Acres, CA is 7.0%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is China Lake Acres, CA a good place to live?
China Lake Acres offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 2,523 and a median age of 34.5, the city appeals to young professionals and families.
How educated is China Lake Acres, CA?
13.9% of residents in China Lake Acres aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The educational profile reflects the area's industry mix and employment landscape.
What is the cost of living in China Lake Acres?
Key cost-of-living indicators for China Lake Acres, CA: median home value is $168,100 (31% below national), median rent is $1,299/month, and median household income is $67,438. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.5x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in China Lake Acres?
The poverty rate in China Lake Acres, CA is 24.0%, 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 China Lake Acres, CA?
China Lake Acres's population is 14.2% White, 11.5% Hispanic or Latino, 0.6% Black or African American, 0.5% Asian, and 9.8% two or more races. 2.0% of residents are foreign-born.