Los Angeles, CA
Population 3,857,897 · California
About Los Angeles, CA
Los Angeles is a major city located in California with a population of 3,857,897 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $80,366 per year, which is 7% above 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 Los Angeles features a median home value of $879,500, which is 259% above the national median of $244,900. This places Los Angeles in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $1,879, 62% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 1,537,034 total housing units, 36% are owner-occupied (515,831 units) and 64% are renter-occupied (903,832 units). The higher proportion of renters may reflect a transient population, younger demographics, or high housing costs relative to income.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Los Angeles shows an unemployment rate of 7.9%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 16.5%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Los Angeles have an average one-way commute time of 31.1 minutes.
Education & Demographics
37.8% of Los Angeles 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 30.0% White, 2.5% Hispanic or Latino, 0.5% Black or African American, and 16.3% Asian residents, with 35.8% of the population being foreign-born.
How Los Angeles Ranks in California
Cost of Living in Los Angeles, CA
Compared to national averages, Los Angeles has a median household income of $80,366 (7% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $879,500, which is 259% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,879 is 62% above the US average of $1,163. Within California, Los Angeles's income is 18% below the state average of $97,829, and home values are 35% above the state median of $653,874.
Why Live in Los Angeles, CA?
Los Angeles offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $80,366, well above the national average, and a well-educated community where 37.8% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher.
Potential considerations include a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $879,500. However, as a major city, Los Angeles provides access to a wide range of amenities and services.
Los Angeles has a population of 3,857,897 with a median age of 36.9 years. Compare Los Angeles with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in California.
Similar Cities Near Los Angeles
Cities in California with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| San Diego | 1,385,061 | $104,321 | $848,500 | Compare |
| San Jose | 990,054 | $141,565 | $1,187,800 | Compare |
| San Francisco | 836,321 | $141,446 | $1,380,500 | Compare |
| Fresno | 543,615 | $66,804 | $348,500 | Compare |
| Sacramento | 524,802 | $83,753 | $484,600 | Compare |
| Long Beach | 458,491 | $83,969 | $762,200 | Compare |
| Oakland | 438,072 | $97,369 | $924,700 | Compare |
| Bakersfield | 408,366 | $77,397 | $347,300 | 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 Los Angeles With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Los Angeles
What is the population of Los Angeles, CA?
The population of Los Angeles, CA is 3,857,897 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a major city in California.
What is the median household income in Los Angeles?
The median household income in Los Angeles, CA is $80,366 per year, which is 7% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Los Angeles?
The median home value in Los Angeles, CA is $879,500, which is 259% above the national median of $244,900. A significant portion of residents rent their homes.
What is the average rent in Los Angeles?
The median monthly rent in Los Angeles, CA is $1,879, which is 62% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Los Angeles?
The unemployment rate in Los Angeles, CA is 7.9%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Los Angeles, CA a good place to live?
Los Angeles offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 3,857,897 and a median age of 36.9, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Los Angeles, CA?
37.8% of residents in Los Angeles 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 Los Angeles?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Los Angeles, CA: median home value is $879,500 (259% above national), median rent is $1,879/month, and median household income is $80,366. The home-value-to-income ratio is 10.9x, which suggests housing may be stretched relative to local earnings.
What is the poverty rate in Los Angeles?
The poverty rate in Los Angeles, CA is 16.5%, 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 Los Angeles, CA?
Los Angeles's population is 30.0% White, 2.5% Hispanic or Latino, 0.5% Black or African American, 16.3% Asian, and 8.2% two or more races. 35.8% of residents are foreign-born.