Lake San Marcos, CA
Population 4,996 · California
About Lake San Marcos, CA
Lake San Marcos is a small town located in California with a population of 4,996 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $100,676 per year, which is 34% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 60.1 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 Lake San Marcos features a median home value of $859,600, which is 251% above the national median of $244,900. This places Lake San Marcos in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $2,615, 125% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 2,285 total housing units, 78% are owner-occupied (1,684 units) and 22% are renter-occupied (464 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Lake San Marcos shows an unemployment rate of 3.4%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 6.3%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Lake San Marcos have an average one-way commute time of 22.1 minutes.
Education & Demographics
35.5% of Lake San Marcos residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This is in line with national trends in educational attainment. The community's demographic composition includes 19.3% White, 0.2% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 1.9% Asian residents, with 19.6% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Lake San Marcos, CA
Compared to national averages, Lake San Marcos has a median household income of $100,676 (34% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $859,600, which is 251% above the national median. Monthly rent at $2,615 is 125% above the US average of $1,163. Within California, Lake San Marcos's income is 3% above the state average of $97,829, and home values are 31% above the state median of $653,874.
Why Live in Lake San Marcos, CA?
Lake San Marcos offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $100,676, well above the national average, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 3.4%, and a well-educated community where 35.5% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Additionally, the city features a low poverty rate of 6.3%, better than the national average, and short commute times averaging just 22.1 minutes.
Potential considerations include a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $859,600. However, Lake San Marcos’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Lake San Marcos has a population of 4,996 with a median age of 60.1 years. Compare Lake San Marcos with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in California.
Similar Cities Near Lake San Marcos
Cities in California with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sunnyside | 5,003 | $114,500 | $489,300 | Compare |
| Lake of the Pines | 5,012 | $118,661 | $639,400 | Compare |
| Lake Wildwood | 4,967 | $87,552 | $495,100 | Compare |
| Sonora | 4,965 | $62,621 | $379,300 | Compare |
| Myrtletown | 5,028 | $55,543 | $437,600 | Compare |
| Oakhurst | 4,956 | $76,606 | $372,500 | Compare |
| Big Bear Lake | 5,038 | $74,728 | $517,900 | Compare |
| Running Springs | 5,043 | $85,681 | $373,300 | 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 San Marcos With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Lake San Marcos
What is the population of Lake San Marcos, CA?
The population of Lake San Marcos, CA is 4,996 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 San Marcos?
The median household income in Lake San Marcos, CA is $100,676 per year, which is 34% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Lake San Marcos?
The median home value in Lake San Marcos, CA is $859,600, which is 251% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Lake San Marcos?
The median monthly rent in Lake San Marcos, CA is $2,615, which is 125% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Lake San Marcos?
The unemployment rate in Lake San Marcos, CA is 3.4%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Lake San Marcos, CA a good place to live?
Lake San Marcos offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and a strong job market. With a population of 4,996 and a median age of 60.1, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Lake San Marcos, CA?
35.5% of residents in Lake San Marcos 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 San Marcos?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Lake San Marcos, CA: median home value is $859,600 (251% above national), median rent is $2,615/month, and median household income is $100,676. The home-value-to-income ratio is 8.5x, which suggests housing may be stretched relative to local earnings.
What is the poverty rate in Lake San Marcos?
The poverty rate in Lake San Marcos, CA is 6.3%, 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 San Marcos, CA?
Lake San Marcos's population is 19.3% White, 0.2% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 1.9% Asian, and 1.0% two or more races. 19.6% of residents are foreign-born.