Lake Forest, CA
Population 85,846 · California
About Lake Forest, CA
Lake Forest is a mid-sized city located in California with a population of 85,846 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $131,378 per year, which is 75% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 40.4 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Lake Forest features a median home value of $876,300, which is 258% above the national median of $244,900. This places Lake Forest in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $2,616, 125% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 31,739 total housing units, 71% are owner-occupied (21,383 units) and 29% are renter-occupied (8,863 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Lake Forest shows an unemployment rate of 4.6%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 8.3%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Lake Forest have an average one-way commute time of 25.1 minutes.
Education & Demographics
50.1% of Lake Forest 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 19.4% White, 2.2% Hispanic or Latino, 1.1% Black or African American, and 5.0% Asian residents, with 27.3% of the population being foreign-born.
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.
Compare Lake Forest With Other Cities
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 US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a mid-sized city in California.
What is the median household income in Lake Forest?
The median household income in Lake Forest, CA is $131,378 per year, which is 75% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Lake Forest?
The median home value in Lake Forest, CA is $876,300, which is 258% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Lake Forest?
The median monthly rent in Lake Forest, CA is $2,616, which is 125% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Lake Forest?
The unemployment rate in Lake Forest, CA is 4.6%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Lake Forest, CA a good place to live?
Lake Forest offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 85,846 and a median age of 40.4, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Lake Forest, CA?
50.1% of residents in Lake Forest 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 Lake Forest?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Lake Forest, CA: median home value is $876,300 (258% above national), median rent is $2,616/month, and median household income is $131,378. The home-value-to-income ratio is 6.7x, which suggests housing may be stretched relative to local earnings.
What is the poverty rate in Lake Forest?
The poverty rate in Lake Forest, CA is 8.3%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Lake Forest, CA?
Lake Forest's population is 19.4% White, 2.2% Hispanic or Latino, 1.1% Black or African American, 5.0% Asian, and 1.7% two or more races. 27.3% of residents are foreign-born.