South Lake Tahoe, CA
Population 21,319 · California
About South Lake Tahoe, CA
South Lake Tahoe is a mid-sized city located in California with a population of 21,319 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $73,940 per year, which is 2% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 39.3 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in South Lake Tahoe features a median home value of $630,200, which is 157% above the national median of $244,900. This places South Lake Tahoe in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $1,467, 26% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 16,436 total housing units, 46% are owner-occupied (4,273 units) and 54% are renter-occupied (4,991 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 South Lake Tahoe shows an unemployment rate of 5.0%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 12.4%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in South Lake Tahoe have an average one-way commute time of 15.8 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
34.0% of South Lake Tahoe 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 22.8% White, 4.1% Hispanic or Latino, 0.4% Black or African American, and 5.0% Asian residents, with 20.3% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in South Lake Tahoe, CA
Compared to national averages, South Lake Tahoe has a median household income of $73,940 (2% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $630,200, which is 157% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,467 is 26% above the US average of $1,163. Within California, South Lake Tahoe's income is 24% below the state average of $97,829, and home values are 4% below the state median of $653,874.
Why Live in South Lake Tahoe, CA?
South Lake Tahoe offers a well-educated community where 34.0% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, and short commute times averaging just 15.8 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($73,940) that falls below the national average, and a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $630,200. However, South Lake Tahoe’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
South Lake Tahoe has a population of 21,319 with a median age of 39.3 years. Compare South Lake Tahoe with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in California.
Similar Cities Near South Lake Tahoe
Cities in California with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stevenson Ranch | 21,317 | $146,404 | $1,033,300 | Compare |
| Granite Bay | 21,378 | $190,000 | $1,094,100 | Compare |
| Valinda | 21,626 | $99,979 | $613,200 | Compare |
| Willowbrook | 21,642 | $60,386 | $511,100 | Compare |
| Port Hueneme | 21,691 | $76,655 | $556,200 | Compare |
| Imperial | 20,943 | $83,214 | $344,700 | Compare |
| American Canyon | 21,698 | $123,935 | $660,100 | Compare |
| Yucca Valley | 21,744 | $55,302 | $321,300 | 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 South Lake Tahoe With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about South Lake Tahoe
What is the population of South Lake Tahoe, CA?
The population of South Lake Tahoe, CA is 21,319 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 South Lake Tahoe?
The median household income in South Lake Tahoe, CA is $73,940 per year, which is 2% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in South Lake Tahoe?
The median home value in South Lake Tahoe, CA is $630,200, which is 157% above the national median of $244,900. A significant portion of residents rent their homes.
What is the average rent in South Lake Tahoe?
The median monthly rent in South Lake Tahoe, CA is $1,467, which is 26% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in South Lake Tahoe?
The unemployment rate in South Lake Tahoe, CA is 5.0%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is South Lake Tahoe, CA a good place to live?
South Lake Tahoe offers a moderate cost of living, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 21,319 and a median age of 39.3, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is South Lake Tahoe, CA?
34.0% of residents in South Lake Tahoe 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 South Lake Tahoe?
Key cost-of-living indicators for South Lake Tahoe, CA: median home value is $630,200 (157% above national), median rent is $1,467/month, and median household income is $73,940. 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 South Lake Tahoe?
The poverty rate in South Lake Tahoe, CA is 12.4%, 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 South Lake Tahoe, CA?
South Lake Tahoe's population is 22.8% White, 4.1% Hispanic or Latino, 0.4% Black or African American, 5.0% Asian, and 0.6% two or more races. 20.3% of residents are foreign-born.