Laguna Woods, CA
Population 17,342 · California
About Laguna Woods, CA
Laguna Woods is a mid-sized city located in California with a population of 17,342 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $60,235 per year, which is 20% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 75 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 Woods features a median home value of $364,900, which is 49% above the national median of $244,900. This positions Laguna Woods in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $2,232, 92% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 13,494 total housing units, 71% are owner-occupied (8,423 units) and 29% are renter-occupied (3,374 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Laguna Woods shows an unemployment rate of 7.0%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 11.3%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Laguna Woods have an average one-way commute time of 20.4 minutes.
Education & Demographics
51.8% of Laguna Woods 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 2.8% White, 1.1% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 1.9% Asian residents, with 31.1% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Laguna Woods, CA
Compared to national averages, Laguna Woods has a median household income of $60,235 (20% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $364,900, which is 49% above the national median. Monthly rent at $2,232 is 92% above the US average of $1,163. Within California, Laguna Woods's income is 38% below the state average of $97,829, and home values are 44% below the state median of $653,874.
Why Live in Laguna Woods, CA?
Laguna Woods offers a well-educated community where 51.8% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, and a low poverty rate of 11.3%, better than the national average, and short commute times averaging just 20.4 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($60,235) that falls below the national average. However, Laguna Woods’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Laguna Woods has a population of 17,342 with a median age of 75 years. Compare Laguna Woods with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in California.
Similar Cities Near Laguna Woods
Cities in California with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Coalinga | 17,352 | $78,014 | $254,600 | Compare |
| Rancho Mirage | 17,375 | $109,943 | $747,800 | Compare |
| Cameron Park | 17,283 | $97,786 | $641,100 | Compare |
| Nipomo | 17,266 | $102,382 | $674,100 | Compare |
| South San Jose Hills | 17,451 | $94,740 | $540,400 | Compare |
| McKinleyville | 17,152 | $66,096 | $414,200 | Compare |
| Woodcrest | 17,111 | $139,659 | $679,400 | 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 Laguna Woods With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Laguna Woods
What is the population of Laguna Woods, CA?
The population of Laguna Woods, CA is 17,342 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 Woods?
The median household income in Laguna Woods, CA is $60,235 per year, which is 20% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Laguna Woods?
The median home value in Laguna Woods, CA is $364,900, which is 49% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Laguna Woods?
The median monthly rent in Laguna Woods, CA is $2,232, which is 92% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Laguna Woods?
The unemployment rate in Laguna Woods, CA is 7.0%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Laguna Woods, CA a good place to live?
Laguna Woods offers a moderate cost of living, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 17,342 and a median age of 75, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Laguna Woods, CA?
51.8% of residents in Laguna Woods 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 Woods?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Laguna Woods, CA: median home value is $364,900 (49% above national), median rent is $2,232/month, and median household income is $60,235. The home-value-to-income ratio is 6.1x, which suggests housing may be stretched relative to local earnings.
What is the poverty rate in Laguna Woods?
The poverty rate in Laguna Woods, CA is 11.3%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Laguna Woods, CA?
Laguna Woods's population is 2.8% White, 1.1% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 1.9% Asian, and 0.7% two or more races. 31.1% of residents are foreign-born.