Clearlake, CA
Population 16,604 · California
About Clearlake, CA
Clearlake is a mid-sized city located in California with a population of 16,604 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $41,580 per year, which is 45% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 35.8 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 Clearlake features a median home value of $204,500, which is 16% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Clearlake in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $1,162, 0% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 7,394 total housing units, 58% are owner-occupied (3,299 units) and 42% are renter-occupied (2,350 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Clearlake shows an unemployment rate of 16.9%, 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 Clearlake have an average one-way commute time of 32.3 minutes.
Education & Demographics
6.9% of Clearlake 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 26.5% White, 8.2% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 4.3% Asian residents, with 9.9% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Clearlake, CA
Compared to national averages, Clearlake has a median household income of $41,580 (45% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $204,500, which is 16% below the national median. Monthly rent at $1,162 is 0% below the US average of $1,163. Within California, Clearlake's income is 57% below the state average of $97,829, and home values are 69% below the state median of $653,874.
Why Live in Clearlake, CA?
Clearlake offers affordable housing with a median home value of $204,500, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $1,162/month.
Potential considerations include median household income ($41,580) that falls below the national average. However, Clearlake’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Clearlake has a population of 16,604 with a median age of 35.8 years. Compare Clearlake with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in California.
Similar Cities Near Clearlake
Cities in California with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bostonia | 16,545 | $73,549 | $435,900 | Compare |
| Fillmore | 16,665 | $90,343 | $567,500 | Compare |
| Kerman | 16,492 | $57,556 | $331,500 | Compare |
| Ukiah | 16,419 | $67,122 | $448,100 | Compare |
| Moraga | 16,790 | $199,800 | $1,597,600 | Compare |
| El Segundo | 16,863 | $149,149 | $1,521,600 | Compare |
| Truckee | 16,942 | $125,995 | $884,000 | Compare |
| Rio Linda | 16,951 | $96,083 | $438,800 | 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 Clearlake With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Clearlake
What is the population of Clearlake, CA?
The population of Clearlake, CA is 16,604 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a mid-sized city in California.
What is the median household income in Clearlake?
The median household income in Clearlake, CA is $41,580 per year, which is 45% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Clearlake?
The median home value in Clearlake, CA is $204,500, which is 16% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Clearlake?
The median monthly rent in Clearlake, CA is $1,162, which is 0% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Clearlake?
The unemployment rate in Clearlake, CA is 16.9%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Clearlake, CA a good place to live?
Clearlake offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 16,604 and a median age of 35.8, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Clearlake, CA?
6.9% of residents in Clearlake 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 Clearlake?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Clearlake, CA: median home value is $204,500 (16% below national), median rent is $1,162/month, and median household income is $41,580. The home-value-to-income ratio is 4.9x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Clearlake?
The poverty rate in Clearlake, 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 Clearlake, CA?
Clearlake's population is 26.5% White, 8.2% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 4.3% Asian, and 3.9% two or more races. 9.9% of residents are foreign-born.