Lake Forest city, California Demographics & Population 2026
As of 2026, Lake Forest city, California has a total population of 85,846, the 100th largest city in California, with a median household income of $131,378, which is 36% higher than the state average. The poverty rate is 8.3%.
Key Takeaways
- Household income is 36% above the state average — one of the wealthiest communities in California.
Lake Forest city Quick Facts
How Lake Forest city Compares
Median Household Income
Median Home Value
Economy & Housing
Household Income Distribution
Employment
Housing Overview
People & Demographics
Age Distribution
Race & Ethnicity
Diversity Index
A diverse community with significant representation from multiple racial and ethnic groups.
State average: 69 | National average: 60
Education
Educational Attainment (Adults 25+)
Lake Forest city Rankings in California
Explore California Rankings
Cities Similar to Lake Forest city
These cities in the same state have comparable population and economic profiles.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | Bachelor's+ | Poverty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Folsom city | 82,140 | $139,263 | $702,200 | 54.7% | 5.3% |
| Livermore city | 85,870 | $153,602 | $1,038,600 | 50.6% | 4.4% |
| Mission Viejo city | 92,415 | $136,071 | $946,300 | 51.1% | 5.0% |
| Redwood City city | 82,423 | $150,840 | $1,838,800 | 54.4% | 6.6% |
| Newport Beach city | 84,304 | $158,461 | $2,000,001 | 69.6% | 7.3% |
Population Overview
Lake Forest city is a mid-sized community located in California. The total population is 85,846. It ranks as the 100th most populous out of 1,577 cities and towns in California.
Age Demographics
The median age in Lake Forest city is 40.4 years. This is 7% higher than the state median of 37.6 years.
Economy, Income & Housing
The median household income in Lake Forest city is $131,378. This is 36% higher than the state median of $96,334. Compared to the national median of $78,538, household income here is 67% higher. The poverty rate stands at 8.3%. This is 31% lower than the state poverty rate of 12.0%. The unemployment rate is 4.6%. This is 28% lower than the state rate of 6.4%. The median home value is $876,300. Housing costs are 26% higher than the state median of $695,400. The home-value-to-income ratio of 6.7x suggests that housing affordability is a significant concern for many residents. 70.7% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 27% higher than the state average of 55.8%.
Race & Ethnicity
The largest racial or ethnic group in Lake Forest city is White (non-Hispanic), making up 46.3% of the population. Hispanic or Latino residents account for 25.6%. The Black or African American population (1.7%) is well below the state average of 5.3%.
Education
50.1% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 37% higher than the state rate of 36.5%. Nationally, 35.0% of adults hold at least a bachelor's degree. The high school graduation rate (or equivalent) is 93.9%. Notably, 17.8% of adults hold a graduate or professional degree, indicating a highly educated workforce.
Data Sources & Methodology
All demographic data for Lake Forest city, California is sourced from the U.S. Census Bureau's American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023). The ACS collects data from approximately 3.5 million households annually, providing reliable estimates for communities of all sizes. Comparisons are made against California state averages and national averages calculated from the same dataset. Rankings reflect the city's position among all 1,577 Census-designated places in California. For official data, visit data.census.gov.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of Lake Forest city, California?
Lake Forest city, California has a population of 85,846 according to the most recent U.S. Census ACS 5-Year Estimates.
What is the median household income in Lake Forest city, CA?
The median household income in Lake Forest city is $131,378, which is 67% higher the national median of $78,538.
What is the poverty rate in Lake Forest city, CA?
The poverty rate in Lake Forest city is 8.3%. This means approximately 7,053 residents live below the federal poverty line.
What is the racial makeup of Lake Forest city, California?
Lake Forest city's population is 46.3% White, 1.7% Black, 25.6% Hispanic/Latino, and 20.3% Asian.
What is the median home value in Lake Forest city, CA?
The median home value in Lake Forest city is $876,300. The home-value-to-income ratio is 6.7x.
How educated is Lake Forest city, California?
50.1% of adults (25+) in Lake Forest city hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 17.8% hold a graduate or professional degree.