Laguna Beach, CA
Population 22,777 · California
About Laguna Beach, CA
Laguna Beach is a mid-sized city located in California with a population of 22,777 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $140,508 per year, which is 87% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 52.3 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 Laguna Beach features a median home value of $2,000,001, which is 717% above the national median of $244,900. This places Laguna Beach in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $2,802, 141% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 13,558 total housing units, 64% are owner-occupied (6,968 units) and 36% are renter-occupied (3,862 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Laguna Beach shows an unemployment rate of 5.4%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 5.8%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Laguna Beach have an average one-way commute time of 28.3 minutes.
Education & Demographics
67.1% of Laguna Beach 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 6.3% White, 0.8% Hispanic or Latino, 0.1% Black or African American, and 2.8% Asian residents, with 10.7% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Laguna Beach, CA
Compared to national averages, Laguna Beach has a median household income of $140,508 (87% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $2,000,001, which is 717% above the national median. Monthly rent at $2,802 is 141% above the US average of $1,163. Within California, Laguna Beach's income is 44% above the state average of $97,829, and home values are 206% above the state median of $653,874.
Why Live in Laguna Beach, CA?
Laguna Beach offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $140,508, well above the national average, and a well-educated community where 67.1% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, and a low poverty rate of 5.8%, better than the national average.
Potential considerations include a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $2,000,001. However, Laguna Beach’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Laguna Beach has a population of 22,777 with a median age of 52.3 years. Compare Laguna Beach with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in California.
Similar Cities Near Laguna Beach
Cities in California with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ashland | 22,784 | $81,604 | $695,300 | Compare |
| Ramona | 22,829 | $101,023 | $704,500 | Compare |
| Calabasas | 22,869 | $157,938 | $1,453,900 | Compare |
| Corcoran | 22,626 | $55,909 | $220,500 | Compare |
| Millbrae | 22,589 | $157,567 | $1,929,700 | Compare |
| West Rancho Dominguez | 22,560 | $81,585 | $589,100 | Compare |
| Oakdale | 23,155 | $86,478 | $432,800 | Compare |
| Linda | 23,215 | $69,161 | $337,700 | 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 Laguna Beach With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Laguna Beach
What is the population of Laguna Beach, CA?
The population of Laguna Beach, CA is 22,777 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 Laguna Beach?
The median household income in Laguna Beach, CA is $140,508 per year, which is 87% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Laguna Beach?
The median home value in Laguna Beach, 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 Laguna Beach?
The median monthly rent in Laguna Beach, CA is $2,802, which is 141% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Laguna Beach?
The unemployment rate in Laguna Beach, CA is 5.4%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Laguna Beach, CA a good place to live?
Laguna Beach offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 22,777 and a median age of 52.3, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Laguna Beach, CA?
67.1% of residents in Laguna Beach 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 Laguna Beach?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Laguna Beach, CA: median home value is $2,000,001 (717% above national), median rent is $2,802/month, and median household income is $140,508. The home-value-to-income ratio is 14.2x, which suggests housing may be stretched relative to local earnings.
What is the poverty rate in Laguna Beach?
The poverty rate in Laguna Beach, CA is 5.8%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Laguna Beach, CA?
Laguna Beach's population is 6.3% White, 0.8% Hispanic or Latino, 0.1% Black or African American, 2.8% Asian, and 0.4% two or more races. 10.7% of residents are foreign-born.