Lake Forest, CA Census Data
The 100th largest city in California by population · 188 cities ranked
Lake Forest is the 100th largest city in California by population and ranks 36th of 188 for median household income. With 85,846 residents, it has a lower poverty rate than 127 other California cities. This snapshot draws from the 2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates.
Updated: 2026-04-13 · Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 2023
Population
85,846
49.8% male · 50.2% female
Median Age
40.4
1.7 above the national average (38.7 yrs)
Median Household Income
$131,378
$52,840 above the national average ($78,538)
Bachelor's Degree or Higher
50.1%
15.1% above the national average (35.0%)
HS diploma or higher: 93.9%
Poverty Rate
8.3%
4.1% below the national average (12.4%)
Uninsured: 4.3%
Broadband Access
97.8%
8.1% above the national average (89.7%)
Median Home Value
$876,300
Median rent: $2,616 · 71% owner-occupied
Unemployment Rate
4.6%
Labor force participation: 65.8%
Per Capita Income
$61,989
Individual average income (not household)
Veteran Population
3.7%
Disability rate: 8.7%
How Lake Forest Compares to Other California Cities
Rankings among all 188 California cities tracked in the 2023 ACS.
| Ranking | Position | Tier |
|---|---|---|
| Largest by Population | 100th of 188 | Bottom half |
| Highest Median Income | 36th of 188 | Top 25% |
| Lowest Poverty Rate | 61st of 188 | Top half |
| Highest Bachelor's Attainment | 39th of 188 | Top 25% |
| Highest Home Value | 51st of 188 | Top half |
Demographics
Race & Ethnicity
Age Distribution
Commute to Work
Lake Forest, CA Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of Lake Forest, CA?
The population of Lake Forest, CA is 85,846 according to the 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates. The median age is 40.4 years.
What is the median household income in Lake Forest?
The median household income in Lake Forest, CA is $131,378, above the national average of $78,538. Per capita income is $61,989.
What is the poverty rate in Lake Forest?
The poverty rate in Lake Forest, CA is 8.3%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. About 4.3% of residents lack health insurance.
What percentage of Lake Forest residents have a college degree?
50.1% of adults (25+) in Lake Forest hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 93.9% have at least a high school diploma. The national average for bachelor's degree holders is 35.0%.
What is the median home value in Lake Forest?
The median home value in Lake Forest, CA is $876,300. Median rent is $2,616 per month, with 71% of housing units owner-occupied.
What is the racial makeup of Lake Forest?
Lake Forest's population is 52.2% White, 1.7% Black, 25.6% Hispanic or Latino, and 20.7% Asian (source: 2023 ACS).
How does Lake Forest rank among California cities?
Lake Forest is the 100th largest city in California by population, the 36th highest for median household income, the 61st lowest for poverty rate, the 39th highest for bachelor's degree attainment among 188 ranked California cities.
What is the unemployment rate in Lake Forest?
The unemployment rate in Lake Forest, CA is 4.6%, with a labor force participation rate of 65.8%. Per capita income is $61,989.
Cities Similar to Lake Forest
Other California cities with comparable population and income levels.