Lucerne, CA
Population 3,156 · California
About Lucerne, CA
Lucerne is a small town located in California with a population of 3,156 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $47,460 per year, which is 37% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 40.7 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Lucerne features a median home value of $234,400, which is 4% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Lucerne in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $1,368, 18% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 1,984 total housing units, 71% are owner-occupied (972 units) and 29% are renter-occupied (399 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Lucerne shows an unemployment rate of 8.6%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 17.5%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Lucerne have an average one-way commute time of 33.1 minutes.
Education & Demographics
7.3% of Lucerne 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 11.6% White, 5.2% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 2.6% Asian residents, with 2.8% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Lucerne, CA
Compared to national averages, Lucerne has a median household income of $47,460 (37% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $234,400, which is 4% below the national median. Monthly rent at $1,368 is 18% above the US average of $1,163. Within California, Lucerne's income is 51% below the state average of $97,829, and home values are 64% below the state median of $653,874.
Why Live in Lucerne, CA?
Lucerne offers affordable housing with a median home value of $234,400, below the US average of $244,900.
Potential considerations include median household income ($47,460) that falls below the national average. However, Lucerne’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Lucerne has a population of 3,156 with a median age of 40.7 years. Compare Lucerne with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in California.
Similar Cities Near Lucerne
Cities in California with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mountain View Acres | 3,155 | $70,179 | $346,000 | Compare |
| El Verano | 3,154 | $119,527 | $870,100 | Compare |
| Nevada City | 3,168 | $69,552 | $607,300 | Compare |
| Dogtown | 3,180 | $126,042 | $696,700 | Compare |
| Carmel-by-the-Sea | 3,186 | $115,729 | $2,000,001 | Compare |
| Tarpey Village | 3,125 | $57,344 | $336,300 | Compare |
| Hayfork | 3,198 | $45,918 | $291,300 | Compare |
| Weaverville | 3,198 | $73,670 | $342,500 | 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 Lucerne With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Lucerne
What is the population of Lucerne, CA?
The population of Lucerne, CA is 3,156 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 Lucerne?
The median household income in Lucerne, CA is $47,460 per year, which is 37% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Lucerne?
The median home value in Lucerne, CA is $234,400, which is 4% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Lucerne?
The median monthly rent in Lucerne, CA is $1,368, which is 18% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Lucerne?
The unemployment rate in Lucerne, CA is 8.6%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Lucerne, CA a good place to live?
Lucerne offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 3,156 and a median age of 40.7, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Lucerne, CA?
7.3% of residents in Lucerne 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 Lucerne?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Lucerne, CA: median home value is $234,400 (4% below national), median rent is $1,368/month, and median household income is $47,460. The home-value-to-income ratio is 4.9x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Lucerne?
The poverty rate in Lucerne, CA is 17.5%, 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 Lucerne, CA?
Lucerne's population is 11.6% White, 5.2% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 2.6% Asian, and 5.2% two or more races. 2.8% of residents are foreign-born.