Lake Forest, CA
Population 85,846 · California
About Lake Forest, CA
Lake Forest is a mid-sized city in California with a population of 85,846 residents. The median household income is $131,378 per year, which is above the national average. The median age in Lake Forest is 40.4 years.
Housing in Lake Forest has a median home value of $876,300 and median monthly rent of $2,616. Of the 31,739 total housing units, the majority are owner-occupied, with 21,383 owner-occupied and 8,863 renter-occupied units.
The unemployment rate in Lake Forest is 4.6% and the poverty rate is 8.3%. 50.1% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The average commute time is 25.1 minutes.
Cost of Living in Lake Forest, CA
Compared to national averages, Lake Forest has a median household income of $131,378 (75% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $876,300, which is 258% above the national median. Monthly rent at $2,616 is 125% above the US average of $1,163. Within California, Lake Forest's income is 34% above the state average of $97,829, and home values are 34% above the state median of $653,874.
Why Live in Lake Forest, CA?
Lake Forest offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $131,378, well above the national average, and a well-educated community where 50.1% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, and a low poverty rate of 8.3%, better than the national average.
Potential considerations include a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $876,300. However, as a mid-sized city, Lake Forest provides access to a wide range of amenities and services.
Lake Forest has a population of 85,846 with a median age of 40.4 years. Compare Lake Forest with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in California.
Similar Cities Near Lake Forest
Cities in California with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Livermore | 85,870 | $153,602 | $1,038,600 | Compare |
| Whittier | 85,925 | $92,374 | $751,700 | Compare |
| Hawthorne | 85,933 | $72,719 | $813,700 | Compare |
| San Ramon | 85,734 | $197,358 | $1,359,100 | Compare |
| Manteca | 86,521 | $94,718 | $561,200 | Compare |
| Citrus Heights | 87,036 | $77,167 | $432,100 | Compare |
| Newport Beach | 84,304 | $158,461 | $2,000,001 | Compare |
| Santa Barbara | 88,024 | $101,672 | $1,466,400 | 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.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Lake Forest
What is the population of Lake Forest, CA?
The population of Lake Forest, CA is 85,846 according to the latest Census data.
What is the median household income in Lake Forest?
The median household income in Lake Forest, CA is $131,378 per year.
What is the median home value in Lake Forest?
The median home value in Lake Forest, CA is $876,300.
What is the average rent in Lake Forest?
The median monthly rent in Lake Forest, CA is $2,616.
What is the unemployment rate in Lake Forest?
The unemployment rate in Lake Forest, CA is 4.6%.