Emerald Lake Hills, CA
Population 4,396 · California
About Emerald Lake Hills, CA
Emerald Lake Hills is a small town located in California with a population of 4,396 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $250,001 per year, which is 233% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 45.8 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 Emerald Lake Hills features a median home value of $2,000,001, which is 717% above the national median of $244,900. This places Emerald Lake Hills in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $3,501, 201% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 1,634 total housing units, 92% are owner-occupied (1,475 units) and 8% are renter-occupied (124 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Emerald Lake Hills shows an unemployment rate of 2.5%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 1.1%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Emerald Lake Hills have an average one-way commute time of 26.4 minutes.
Education & Demographics
75.6% of Emerald Lake Hills residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This significantly higher educational attainment rate often correlates with access to knowledge-economy jobs and higher household incomes. The community's demographic composition includes 4.9% White, 0.6% Hispanic or Latino, 1.2% Black or African American, and 6.2% Asian residents, with 16.3% of the population being foreign-born.
How Emerald Lake Hills Ranks in California
Cost of Living in Emerald Lake Hills, CA
Compared to national averages, Emerald Lake Hills has a median household income of $250,001 (233% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $2,000,001, which is 717% above the national median. Monthly rent at $3,501 is 201% above the US average of $1,163. Within California, Emerald Lake Hills's income is 156% above the state average of $97,829, and home values are 206% above the state median of $653,874.
Why Live in Emerald Lake Hills, CA?
Emerald Lake Hills offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $250,001, well above the national average, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 2.5%, and a well-educated community where 75.6% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Additionally, the city features a low poverty rate of 1.1%, better than the national average.
Potential considerations include a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $2,000,001. However, Emerald Lake Hills’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Emerald Lake Hills has a population of 4,396 with a median age of 45.8 years. Compare Emerald Lake Hills with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in California.
Similar Cities Near Emerald Lake Hills
Cities in California with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ivanhoe | 4,397 | $55,108 | $234,200 | Compare |
| Brooktrails | 4,394 | $120,099 | $382,000 | Compare |
| Carmel Valley Village | 4,435 | $164,167 | $1,155,800 | Compare |
| Mojave | 4,442 | $50,800 | $204,400 | Compare |
| Oasis | 4,455 | $36,553 | $35,600 | Compare |
| Portola Valley | 4,329 | $250,001 | $2,000,001 | Compare |
| Broadmoor | 4,467 | $161,572 | $1,206,800 | Compare |
| Ford City | 4,310 | $45,976 | $197,500 | 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 Emerald Lake Hills With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Emerald Lake Hills
What is the population of Emerald Lake Hills, CA?
The population of Emerald Lake Hills, CA is 4,396 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 Emerald Lake Hills?
The median household income in Emerald Lake Hills, CA is $250,001 per year, which is 233% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Emerald Lake Hills?
The median home value in Emerald Lake Hills, CA is $2,000,001, which is 717% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Emerald Lake Hills?
The median monthly rent in Emerald Lake Hills, CA is $3,501, which is 201% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Emerald Lake Hills?
The unemployment rate in Emerald Lake Hills, CA is 2.5%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Emerald Lake Hills, CA a good place to live?
Emerald Lake Hills offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and a strong job market. With a population of 4,396 and a median age of 45.8, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Emerald Lake Hills, CA?
75.6% of residents in Emerald Lake Hills 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 Emerald Lake Hills?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Emerald Lake Hills, CA: median home value is $2,000,001 (717% above national), median rent is $3,501/month, and median household income is $250,001. The home-value-to-income ratio is 8.0x, which suggests housing may be stretched relative to local earnings.
What is the poverty rate in Emerald Lake Hills?
The poverty rate in Emerald Lake Hills, CA is 1.1%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Emerald Lake Hills, CA?
Emerald Lake Hills's population is 4.9% White, 0.6% Hispanic or Latino, 1.2% Black or African American, 6.2% Asian, and 0.3% two or more races. 16.3% of residents are foreign-born.