Cost of Living in Lake Forest, CA
Population: 85,846 • 2026 Data
$131,378
Median Household Income
+70% vs national
$2,616
Median Monthly Rent
+94% vs national
$876,300
Median Home Value
+158% vs national
4.6%
Unemployment Rate
Housing in Lake Forest
The median home value in Lake Forest, CA is $876,300. Monthly rent for a typical unit averages $2,616, while total monthly housing costs (including utilities and insurance) average $2,631.
Rent-to-income ratio: 23.9%. This is within the recommended 30% threshold, suggesting housing is relatively affordable for median-income earners.
Income and Employment
The median household income in Lake Forest, CA is $131,378. The unemployment rate stands at 4.6%, with a labor force of 48,025 people.
Data Sources
All data from the US Census Bureau American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. National median figures used for comparison context.