Lemon Grove, CA
Population 27,489 · California
About Lemon Grove, CA
Lemon Grove is a mid-sized city located in California with a population of 27,489 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $79,278 per year, which is 5% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 38.8 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Lemon Grove features a median home value of $640,600, which is 162% above the national median of $244,900. This places Lemon Grove in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $1,769, 52% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 9,698 total housing units, 53% are owner-occupied (5,013 units) and 47% are renter-occupied (4,390 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Lemon Grove shows an unemployment rate of 7.5%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 10.3%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Lemon Grove have an average one-way commute time of 30.4 minutes.
Education & Demographics
20.3% of Lemon Grove 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 41.5% White, 4.6% Hispanic or Latino, 0.3% Black or African American, and 2.3% Asian residents, with 17.2% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Lemon Grove, CA
Compared to national averages, Lemon Grove has a median household income of $79,278 (5% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $640,600, which is 162% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,769 is 52% above the US average of $1,163. Within California, Lemon Grove's income is 19% below the state average of $97,829, and home values are 2% below the state median of $653,874.
Why Live in Lemon Grove, CA?
Lemon Grove offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $79,278, well above the national average, and a low poverty rate of 10.3%, better than the national average.
Potential considerations include a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $640,600. However, Lemon Grove’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Lemon Grove has a population of 27,489 with a median age of 38.8 years. Compare Lemon Grove with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in California.
Similar Cities Near Lemon Grove
Cities in California with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Belmont | 27,505 | $207,609 | $2,000,001 | Compare |
| Walnut | 27,857 | $133,762 | $972,500 | Compare |
| Lemoore | 27,023 | $82,189 | $319,200 | Compare |
| Brawley | 26,934 | $60,370 | $270,100 | Compare |
| Benicia | 26,861 | $125,040 | $778,600 | Compare |
| Ridgecrest | 28,138 | $88,107 | $235,800 | Compare |
| Sanger | 26,515 | $74,428 | $346,000 | Compare |
| Temescal Valley | 28,560 | $119,647 | $648,200 | 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 Lemon Grove With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Lemon Grove
What is the population of Lemon Grove, CA?
The population of Lemon Grove, CA is 27,489 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 Lemon Grove?
The median household income in Lemon Grove, CA is $79,278 per year, which is 5% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Lemon Grove?
The median home value in Lemon Grove, CA is $640,600, which is 162% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Lemon Grove?
The median monthly rent in Lemon Grove, CA is $1,769, which is 52% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Lemon Grove?
The unemployment rate in Lemon Grove, CA is 7.5%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Lemon Grove, CA a good place to live?
Lemon Grove offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 27,489 and a median age of 38.8, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Lemon Grove, CA?
20.3% of residents in Lemon Grove 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 Lemon Grove?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Lemon Grove, CA: median home value is $640,600 (162% above national), median rent is $1,769/month, and median household income is $79,278. The home-value-to-income ratio is 8.1x, which suggests housing may be stretched relative to local earnings.
What is the poverty rate in Lemon Grove?
The poverty rate in Lemon Grove, CA is 10.3%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Lemon Grove, CA?
Lemon Grove's population is 41.5% White, 4.6% Hispanic or Latino, 0.3% Black or African American, 2.3% Asian, and 14.7% two or more races. 17.2% of residents are foreign-born.