Lee Vining, CA
Population 557 · California
About Lee Vining, CA
Lee Vining is a small community located in California with a population of 557 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $129,407 per year, which is 72% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 33.3 years is notably younger the US median age of 38.9 years, indicating a younger, often more dynamic population base.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Lee Vining features a median home value of $423,700, which is 73% above the national median of $244,900. This places Lee Vining in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $0, 100% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 150 total housing units, 100% are owner-occupied (150 units) and 0% are renter-occupied (0 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Lee Vining shows an unemployment rate of 12.1%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 0.0%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Lee Vining have an average one-way commute time of 0 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
72.7% of Lee Vining 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 49.4% White, 0.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.0% Asian residents, with 0.0% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Lee Vining, CA
Compared to national averages, Lee Vining has a median household income of $129,407 (72% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $423,700, which is 73% above the national median. Monthly rent at $0 is 100% below the US average of $1,163. Within California, Lee Vining's income is 32% above the state average of $97,829, and home values are 35% below the state median of $653,874.
Why Live in Lee Vining, CA?
Lee Vining offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $129,407, well above the national average, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $0/month, and a well-educated community where 72.7% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Additionally, the city features a low poverty rate of 0.0%, better than the national average, and short commute times averaging just 0 minutes.
Potential considerations include a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $423,700. However, Lee Vining’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Lee Vining has a population of 557 with a median age of 33.3 years. Compare Lee Vining with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in California.
Similar Cities Near Lee Vining
Cities in California with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Calpella | 555 | $103,056 | $484,000 | Compare |
| San Geronimo | 562 | $206,375 | $1,220,800 | Compare |
| El Nido | 564 | $56,250 | $345,500 | Compare |
| Scotia | 565 | $77,500 | $327,700 | Compare |
| Elfin Forest | 566 | $0 | $1,496,700 | Compare |
| Indianola | 568 | $0 | $512,500 | Compare |
| Mad River | 544 | $0 | $280,900 | Compare |
| Lake Almanor Country Club | 542 | $71,042 | $587,600 | 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 Lee Vining With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Lee Vining
What is the population of Lee Vining, CA?
The population of Lee Vining, CA is 557 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small community in California.
What is the median household income in Lee Vining?
The median household income in Lee Vining, CA is $129,407 per year, which is 72% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Lee Vining?
The median home value in Lee Vining, CA is $423,700, which is 73% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Lee Vining?
The median monthly rent in Lee Vining, CA is $0, which is 100% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Lee Vining?
The unemployment rate in Lee Vining, CA is 12.1%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Lee Vining, CA a good place to live?
Lee Vining offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 557 and a median age of 33.3, the city appeals to young professionals and families.
How educated is Lee Vining, CA?
72.7% of residents in Lee Vining 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 Lee Vining?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Lee Vining, CA: median home value is $423,700 (73% above national), median rent is $0/month, and median household income is $129,407. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.3x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Lee Vining?
The poverty rate in Lee Vining, CA is 0.0%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Lee Vining, CA?
Lee Vining's population is 49.4% White, 0.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.0% Asian, and 0.0% two or more races. 0.0% of residents are foreign-born.