Lake Isabella, CA
Population 3,654 · California
About Lake Isabella, CA
Lake Isabella is a small town located in California with a population of 3,654 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $26,763 per year, which is 64% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 36.9 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Lake Isabella features a median home value of $112,200, which is 54% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Lake Isabella one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $1,138, 2% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 2,117 total housing units, 62% are owner-occupied (974 units) and 38% are renter-occupied (603 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Lake Isabella shows an unemployment rate of 11.7%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 38.6%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Lake Isabella have an average one-way commute time of 24.9 minutes.
Education & Demographics
7.7% of Lake Isabella residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The lower educational attainment rate may reflect the area's industry mix, with more employment in trades, manufacturing, or agricultural sectors. The community's demographic composition includes 17.5% White, 8.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 3.2% Asian residents, with 6.3% of the population being foreign-born.
How Lake Isabella Ranks in California
Cost of Living in Lake Isabella, CA
Compared to national averages, Lake Isabella has a median household income of $26,763 (64% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $112,200, which is 54% below the national median. Monthly rent at $1,138 is 2% below the US average of $1,163. Within California, Lake Isabella's income is 73% below the state average of $97,829, and home values are 83% below the state median of $653,874.
Why Live in Lake Isabella, CA?
Lake Isabella offers affordable housing with a median home value of $112,200, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $1,138/month, and short commute times averaging just 24.9 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($26,763) that falls below the national average. However, Lake Isabella’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Lake Isabella has a population of 3,654 with a median age of 36.9 years. Compare Lake Isabella with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in California.
Similar Cities Near Lake Isabella
Cities in California with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Crockett | 3,642 | $102,400 | $713,000 | Compare |
| Desert Edge | 3,642 | $40,089 | $56,900 | Compare |
| Rexland Acres | 3,667 | $54,491 | $186,300 | Compare |
| Rollingwood | 3,623 | $96,808 | $600,400 | Compare |
| Vandenberg AFB | 3,688 | $83,096 | $0 | Compare |
| Vine Hill | 3,617 | $124,528 | $628,700 | Compare |
| Mono Vista | 3,696 | $70,353 | $401,800 | Compare |
| Lenwood | 3,708 | $70,714 | $139,600 | 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 Isabella With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Lake Isabella
What is the population of Lake Isabella, CA?
The population of Lake Isabella, CA is 3,654 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small town in California.
What is the median household income in Lake Isabella?
The median household income in Lake Isabella, CA is $26,763 per year, which is 64% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Lake Isabella?
The median home value in Lake Isabella, CA is $112,200, which is 54% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Lake Isabella?
The median monthly rent in Lake Isabella, CA is $1,138, which is 2% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Lake Isabella?
The unemployment rate in Lake Isabella, CA is 11.7%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Lake Isabella, CA a good place to live?
Lake Isabella offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 3,654 and a median age of 36.9, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Lake Isabella, CA?
7.7% of residents in Lake Isabella aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The educational profile reflects the area's industry mix and employment landscape.
What is the cost of living in Lake Isabella?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Lake Isabella, CA: median home value is $112,200 (54% below national), median rent is $1,138/month, and median household income is $26,763. The home-value-to-income ratio is 4.2x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Lake Isabella?
The poverty rate in Lake Isabella, CA is 38.6%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. Residents and prospective movers should be aware of the economic challenges facing parts of this community.
How diverse is Lake Isabella, CA?
Lake Isabella's population is 17.5% White, 8.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 3.2% Asian, and 0.4% two or more races. 6.3% of residents are foreign-born.