Lakewood, California Demographics & Population 2026
During the 2020–2024 ACS period, Lakewood, California had a total population of 79,850, the 110th largest city in California, with a median household income of $119,177, which is 20% higher than the state average. The poverty rate is 5.8%.
Data vintage: U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2020–2024 5-Year Estimates · refreshed July 2026 · Methodology & source notes
Key Takeaways
- One of the most racially diverse communities in California (diversity index: 72/100).
Lakewood Quick Facts
How Lakewood Changed
Change from the 2019–2023 ACS period to 2020–2024. These are rolling five-year estimates, not year-over-year measurements.
| Metric | 2019–2023 | 2020–2024 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Population | 80,510 | 79,850 | -0.8% |
| Median household income | $116,794 | $119,177 | +2.0% |
| Median home value | $774,100 | $827,200 | +6.9% |
How Lakewood Compares
Median Household Income
Median Home Value
Economy & Housing
Household Income Distribution
Detailed income brackets
Employment
Housing Overview
People & Demographics
Age Distribution
Race & Ethnicity
Diversity Index
This community is exceptionally diverse, with no single racial or ethnic group dominating the population.
State average: 70 | National average: 61
Education
Educational Attainment (Adults 25+)
Lakewood Rankings in California
Explore California Rankings
Other Cities in Los Angeles County
| City | Population | Median Income | Poverty | Home Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles | 3,857,263 | $81,939 | 16.6% | $921,200 |
| Long Beach | 455,548 | $87,430 | 14.8% | $806,600 |
| Santa Clarita | 230,221 | $123,062 | 7.4% | $784,700 |
| Glendale | 190,748 | $88,393 | 12.9% | $1,102,300 |
| Lancaster | 169,169 | $81,511 | 15.6% | $446,600 |
| Palmdale | 164,634 | $81,770 | 15.7% | $471,000 |
| Pomona | 147,943 | $79,479 | 14.3% | $593,800 |
| Torrance | 142,130 | $116,217 | 7.8% | $1,074,700 |
| Pasadena | 136,969 | $105,192 | 13.3% | $1,093,300 |
| East Los Angeles | 111,647 | $68,741 | 17.3% | $643,100 |
Cities Similar to Lakewood
These cities in the same state have comparable population and economic profiles.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | Bachelor's+ | Poverty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tustin | 78,981 | $112,503 | $950,400 | 47.4% | 9.9% |
| Chino Hills | 77,927 | $126,334 | $874,900 | 48.1% | 7.6% |
| Upland | 79,257 | $105,830 | $739,400 | 37.3% | 9.3% |
| Buena Park | 82,871 | $110,550 | $838,800 | 33.0% | 8.8% |
| Napa | 78,239 | $105,963 | $856,400 | 38.2% | 8.5% |
Population Overview
Lakewood is a mid-sized community located in California, within Los Angeles County. The total population is 79,850. It ranks as the 110th most populous out of 1,570 Census-designated places in California.
Age Demographics
The median age in Lakewood is 39.4 years. This is 4% higher than the state median of 37.9 years.
Economy, Income & Housing
The median household income in Lakewood is $119,177. This is 20% higher than the state median of $99,122. It is also 48% higher than the national median of $80,734. The poverty rate stands at 5.8%. This is 52% lower than the state poverty rate of 12.0%. The unemployment rate is 5.2%. This is 21% lower than the state rate of 6.6%. The median home value is $827,200. Housing costs are 13% higher than the state median of $734,700. The home-value-to-income ratio of 6.9x suggests that housing affordability is a significant concern for many residents. 71.4% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 28% higher than the state average of 55.9%.
Race & Ethnicity
Lakewood is a highly diverse community where no single racial or ethnic group constitutes a majority of the population. White (non-Hispanic) residents account for 30.4%.
Education
32.6% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 12% lower than the state rate of 37.1%. Nationally, 35.7% of adults hold at least a bachelor's degree. The high school graduation rate (or equivalent) is 90.2%.
Data Sources & Methodology
All demographic data for Lakewood, California is sourced from the U.S. Census Bureau's American Community Survey (ACS) 2020–2024 5-Year Estimates. The ACS collects data from approximately 3.5 million households annually and pools five years of responses so that even small communities can be measured, though the margin of error widens as the population falls. Comparisons are made against California state averages and national averages calculated from the same dataset. Rankings reflect the city's position among all 1,570 Census-designated places in California. Read more about how these figures are produced on our methodology page, or visit data.census.gov for official data.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of Lakewood, California?
Lakewood, California has a population of 79,850 according to the most recent U.S. Census ACS 5-Year Estimates.
What is the median household income in Lakewood, CA?
The median household income in Lakewood is $119,177, which is 48% higher than the national median of $80,734.
What is the poverty rate in Lakewood, CA?
The poverty rate in Lakewood is 5.8%. This means approximately 4,604 residents live below the federal poverty line.
What is the racial makeup of Lakewood, California?
Lakewood's population is 30.4% White, 7.0% Black, 38.9% Hispanic/Latino, and 17.0% Asian.
What is the median home value in Lakewood, CA?
The median home value in Lakewood is $827,200. The home-value-to-income ratio is 6.9x.
How educated is Lakewood, California?
32.6% of adults (25+) in Lakewood hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 10.3% hold a graduate or professional degree.