Lafayette, CA
Population 25,277 · California
About Lafayette, CA
Lafayette is a mid-sized city located in California with a population of 25,277 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $222,393 per year, which is 196% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 45 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 Lafayette features a median home value of $2,000,001, which is 717% above the national median of $244,900. This places Lafayette in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $2,855, 145% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 9,715 total housing units, 77% are owner-occupied (7,127 units) and 23% are renter-occupied (2,098 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Lafayette shows an unemployment rate of 4.9%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 3.9%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Lafayette have an average one-way commute time of 28.8 minutes.
Education & Demographics
77.0% of Lafayette 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 3.7% White, 0.9% Hispanic or Latino, 0.3% Black or African American, and 3.7% Asian residents, with 14.1% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Lafayette, CA
Compared to national averages, Lafayette has a median household income of $222,393 (196% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $2,000,001, which is 717% above the national median. Monthly rent at $2,855 is 145% above the US average of $1,163. Within California, Lafayette's income is 127% above the state average of $97,829, and home values are 206% above the state median of $653,874.
Why Live in Lafayette, CA?
Lafayette offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $222,393, well above the national average, and a well-educated community where 77.0% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, and a low poverty rate of 3.9%, better than the national average.
Potential considerations include a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $2,000,001. However, Lafayette’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Lafayette has a population of 25,277 with a median age of 45 years. Compare Lafayette with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in California.
Similar Cities Near Lafayette
Cities in California with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Norco | 25,211 | $125,117 | $731,900 | Compare |
| Dinuba | 25,201 | $59,048 | $267,300 | Compare |
| Barstow | 25,198 | $51,811 | $222,600 | Compare |
| Mountain House | 25,108 | $171,675 | $859,700 | Compare |
| Reedley | 25,446 | $62,923 | $311,700 | Compare |
| West Whittier-Los Nietos | 25,459 | $101,138 | $607,100 | Compare |
| Loma Linda | 25,021 | $82,824 | $557,800 | Compare |
| Galt | 25,665 | $86,327 | $465,700 | 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 Lafayette With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Lafayette
What is the population of Lafayette, CA?
The population of Lafayette, CA is 25,277 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 Lafayette?
The median household income in Lafayette, CA is $222,393 per year, which is 196% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Lafayette?
The median home value in Lafayette, 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 Lafayette?
The median monthly rent in Lafayette, CA is $2,855, which is 145% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Lafayette?
The unemployment rate in Lafayette, CA is 4.9%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Lafayette, CA a good place to live?
Lafayette offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 25,277 and a median age of 45, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Lafayette, CA?
77.0% of residents in Lafayette 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 Lafayette?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Lafayette, CA: median home value is $2,000,001 (717% above national), median rent is $2,855/month, and median household income is $222,393. The home-value-to-income ratio is 9.0x, which suggests housing may be stretched relative to local earnings.
What is the poverty rate in Lafayette?
The poverty rate in Lafayette, CA is 3.9%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Lafayette, CA?
Lafayette's population is 3.7% White, 0.9% Hispanic or Latino, 0.3% Black or African American, 3.7% Asian, and 0.9% two or more races. 14.1% of residents are foreign-born.