Upper Lake, CA
Population 1,204 · California
About Upper Lake, CA
Upper Lake is a small town located in California with a population of 1,204 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $104,936 per year, which is 40% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 48 years is notably older the US median age of 38.9 years, suggesting a more established community with a higher proportion of long-term residents.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Upper Lake features a median home value of $344,000, which is 40% above the national median of $244,900. This positions Upper Lake in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $0, 100% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 473 total housing units, 91% are owner-occupied (432 units) and 9% are renter-occupied (41 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Upper Lake shows an unemployment rate of 4.4%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 8.5%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Upper Lake have an average one-way commute time of 26.5 minutes.
Education & Demographics
12.5% of Upper Lake 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 7.7% White, 5.4% Hispanic or Latino, 0.5% Black or African American, and 0.0% Asian residents, with 3.2% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Upper Lake, CA
Compared to national averages, Upper Lake has a median household income of $104,936 (40% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $344,000, which is 40% above the national median. Monthly rent at $0 is 100% below the US average of $1,163. Within California, Upper Lake's income is 7% above the state average of $97,829, and home values are 47% below the state median of $653,874.
Why Live in Upper Lake, CA?
Upper Lake offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $104,936, well above the national average, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $0/month, and a low poverty rate of 8.5%, better than the national average.
Upper Lake has a population of 1,204 with a median age of 48 years. Compare Upper Lake with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in California.
Similar Cities Near Upper Lake
Cities in California with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fruitdale | 1,203 | $128,750 | $1,544,400 | Compare |
| Mount Hermon | 1,203 | $161,821 | $1,032,800 | Compare |
| Rouse | 1,205 | $45,071 | $0 | Compare |
| Mariposa | 1,202 | $52,661 | $306,100 | Compare |
| Elkhorn | 1,201 | $124,464 | $774,600 | Compare |
| Sea Ranch | 1,200 | $121,731 | $1,198,200 | Compare |
| Taft Mosswood | 1,199 | $55,526 | $322,300 | Compare |
| Orange Blossom | 1,210 | $86,500 | $636,700 | 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 Upper Lake With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Upper Lake
What is the population of Upper Lake, CA?
The population of Upper Lake, CA is 1,204 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 Upper Lake?
The median household income in Upper Lake, CA is $104,936 per year, which is 40% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Upper Lake?
The median home value in Upper Lake, CA is $344,000, which is 40% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Upper Lake?
The median monthly rent in Upper Lake, CA is $0, which is 100% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Upper Lake?
The unemployment rate in Upper Lake, CA is 4.4%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Upper Lake, CA a good place to live?
Upper Lake offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 1,204 and a median age of 48, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Upper Lake, CA?
12.5% of residents in Upper Lake 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 Upper Lake?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Upper Lake, CA: median home value is $344,000 (40% above national), median rent is $0/month, and median household income is $104,936. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.3x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Upper Lake?
The poverty rate in Upper Lake, CA is 8.5%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Upper Lake, CA?
Upper Lake's population is 7.7% White, 5.4% Hispanic or Latino, 0.5% Black or African American, 0.0% Asian, and 1.7% two or more races. 3.2% of residents are foreign-born.