La Palma, CA
Population 15,375 · California
About La Palma, CA
La Palma is a mid-sized city located in California with a population of 15,375 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $115,833 per year, which is 54% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 46.6 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 La Palma features a median home value of $916,600, which is 274% above the national median of $244,900. This places La Palma in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $2,239, 93% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 5,208 total housing units, 69% are owner-occupied (3,503 units) and 31% are renter-occupied (1,607 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in La Palma shows an unemployment rate of 3.6%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 5.3%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in La Palma have an average one-way commute time of 32.9 minutes.
Education & Demographics
48.8% of La Palma 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 11.1% White, 1.7% Hispanic or Latino, 0.1% Black or African American, and 4.7% Asian residents, with 37.4% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in La Palma, CA
Compared to national averages, La Palma has a median household income of $115,833 (54% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $916,600, which is 274% above the national median. Monthly rent at $2,239 is 93% above the US average of $1,163. Within California, La Palma's income is 18% above the state average of $97,829, and home values are 40% above the state median of $653,874.
Why Live in La Palma, CA?
La Palma offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $115,833, well above the national average, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 3.6%, and a well-educated community where 48.8% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Additionally, the city features a low poverty rate of 5.3%, better than the national average.
Potential considerations include a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $916,600. However, La Palma’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
La Palma has a population of 15,375 with a median age of 46.6 years. Compare La Palma with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in California.
Similar Cities Near La Palma
Cities in California with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Coto de Caza | 15,363 | $232,470 | $1,419,400 | Compare |
| Walnut Park | 15,446 | $79,205 | $570,500 | Compare |
| Alpine | 15,470 | $111,723 | $810,000 | Compare |
| Discovery Bay | 15,243 | $154,792 | $789,400 | Compare |
| Vincent | 15,151 | $99,157 | $609,900 | Compare |
| Los Osos | 15,048 | $103,504 | $728,000 | Compare |
| Camp Pendleton South | 15,011 | $66,265 | $0 | Compare |
| Pacific Grove | 15,003 | $105,568 | $1,129,400 | 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 La Palma With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about La Palma
What is the population of La Palma, CA?
The population of La Palma, CA is 15,375 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 La Palma?
The median household income in La Palma, CA is $115,833 per year, which is 54% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in La Palma?
The median home value in La Palma, CA is $916,600, which is 274% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in La Palma?
The median monthly rent in La Palma, CA is $2,239, which is 93% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in La Palma?
The unemployment rate in La Palma, CA is 3.6%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is La Palma, CA a good place to live?
La Palma offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and a strong job market. With a population of 15,375 and a median age of 46.6, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is La Palma, CA?
48.8% of residents in La Palma 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 La Palma?
Key cost-of-living indicators for La Palma, CA: median home value is $916,600 (274% above national), median rent is $2,239/month, and median household income is $115,833. The home-value-to-income ratio is 7.9x, which suggests housing may be stretched relative to local earnings.
What is the poverty rate in La Palma?
The poverty rate in La Palma, CA is 5.3%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is La Palma, CA?
La Palma's population is 11.1% White, 1.7% Hispanic or Latino, 0.1% Black or African American, 4.7% Asian, and 2.8% two or more races. 37.4% of residents are foreign-born.