Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Lafayette, CA
Considering a move to Lafayette, CA? With a population of 25,391, Lafayette offers a safe, family-friendly environment, top-rated schools, and a highly educated community—over 80% hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The city features a sunny Mediterranean climate (69% sunny days), median home prices around $1.85M, and average rent of $3,000. Residents enjoy low crime, short Bay Area commutes, and easy access to major healthcare and outdoor amenities. Discover more about Lafayette’s upscale, welcoming lifestyle below.
Demographics - Lafayette, CA
Demographics - Lafayette, CA
Lafayette is home to about 25,400 residents, with a median age of 45 and a population density of 1,470 per square mile. The community is predominantly White, with notable Asian and Hispanic populations, and around 12.5% of residents speak a language other than English. This suburban city offers a balanced gender ratio and a family-oriented atmosphere.
Population:
25,391
Density:
1,470 per sq mi
Median Age:
45.2
Gender Ratio:
93 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
12.5%
Ethnic Composition
White:
74.4%
Black:
1.0%
Asian:
15.2%
Others:
3.2%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Lafayette, CA?
Living in Lafayette comes with a high cost of living, reflected in a median home value of $1.85 million and average rents near $3,000. Expenses for utilities, groceries, and services are well above national averages, indicating an upscale local economy. State taxes also range broadly, contributing to the overall premium lifestyle.
Median House Value:
$1,850,000
Gross Rent:
$3,000
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$170
Auto Insurance:
$2,100
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$5,400
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$1,050
State Taxes:
Low:
1%
|
High:
13.3%
Cost Of Living Index:
228.0
Grocery:
120.2
Housing:
381.5
Utilities:
110.1
Transportation:
130.7
Health Care:
120.6
Miscellaneous:
117.0
Crime
Is Lafayette, CA a safe place to live?
Lafayette enjoys a very low crime rate compared to national averages, with just 61 violent crimes and 1,180 property crimes per 100,000 residents. The chance of experiencing violent crime is about 1 in 1,640, making it a notably safe Bay Area suburb. Residents benefit from a strong sense of security in daily life.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
61
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,180
Crime Index:
1,241
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 1,640
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 85
Weather
What is the weather like in Lafayette, CA year-round?
Lafayette features a mild Mediterranean climate, with winter lows around 40°F and summer highs averaging 86°F. The city enjoys 69% sunny days annually and receives approximately 24 inches of rain, offering year-round outdoor appeal. Comfortable weather supports an active, outdoor-oriented lifestyle.
Winter
Min:
40°F
Max:
57°F
Spring
Min:
48°F
Max:
72°F
Summer
Min:
55°F
Max:
86°F
Fall
Min:
50°F
Max:
78°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
24.4 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
69%
Neighbors
Lafayette’s residents are highly educated and affluent, with household incomes around $205,000 and a poverty rate of just 3.1%. Most households are owner-occupied, and nearly 81% of adults have a bachelor’s degree or higher. The average commute is about 32 minutes, with a significant portion using public transit.
Median Income:
$85,000
Household Income:
$205,000
Family Income:
$235,000
Per Capita Income:
$102,000
Income Male:
$130,000
Income Female:
$88,000
Poverty Rate:
3.1%
Non English Speakers:
12.5%
Rent:
$3,000
Unemployment Rate:
2.5%
Public Transport Usage:
15.3%
Commute Time:
31.8 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
98.2%
Bachelors or More:
80.7%
Education
How are the schools in Lafayette, CA?
Lafayette boasts top-rated public schools such as Acalanes High School and Stanley Middle School, along with reputable private options. Higher education is within close reach, with Saint Mary's College and Diablo Valley College located just a few miles away. The city’s commitment to education is evident in its high graduation rates and well-resourced institutions.
Public Schools
Name:
Acalanes High School
Street:
1200 Pleasant Hill Rd
Phone:
925-280-3970
Students:
1,300
Student Teacher Ratio:
22:1
Name:
Stanley Middle School
Street:
3455 School St
Phone:
925-927-3530
Students:
1,100
Student Teacher Ratio:
20:1
Private Schools
Name:
Bentley Upper School
Street:
1000 Upper Happy Valley Rd
Phone:
925-283-2101
Students:
350
Colleges
Name:
Saint Mary's College of California
City:
Moraga
State:
CA
Distance:
4 miles
Students:
3,900
Name:
Diablo Valley College
City:
Pleasant Hill
State:
CA
Distance:
6 miles
Students:
19,200
Healthcare
Residents benefit from excellent healthcare access, with major hospitals such as John Muir Health and Kaiser Permanente nearby. The city has a high rate of insured residents (97%) and above-average physician availability. Quality medical care and emergency services are easily accessible.
Major Hospitals
Name:
John Muir Health, Walnut Creek Medical Center
Address:
1601 Ygnacio Valley Rd, Walnut Creek, CA 94598
Phone:
(925) 939-3000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Kaiser Permanente Walnut Creek Medical Center
Address:
1425 S Main St, Walnut Creek, CA 94596
Phone:
(925) 295-4000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
3.1
Health Insurance Coverage:
97.1%
Health Care Index:
78.2
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Lafayette, CA?
The Lafayette housing market is characterized by high demand and strong property values, with a median home price of $1.85 million and average two-bedroom rents at $3,000. Most residents own their homes, and the area enjoys low vacancy and foreclosure rates. Home appreciation remains steady, reflecting a stable investment environment.
Median Home Price:
$1,850,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$3,000
Owner Occupied Rate:
78.8%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
3.4%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
3.7%
New Construction Rate:
0.7%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.2%
DMV Information
Lafayette residents are served by the California Department of Motor Vehicles located in Concord, providing a full range of licensing and vehicle services. The DMV is easily accessible for local drivers, helping streamline all transportation-related needs. Statewide online resources are also available.
State:
California
Department:
California Department of Motor Vehicles
Address:
1910 Clayton Rd, Concord, CA 94520
Phone:
1-800-777-0133
Website:
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is based on publicly available sources including AccuWeather, U.S. Census Bureau, local government data, and third-party partners such as Neustar. While we strive to ensure accuracy, all data is provided “as is” and should be independently verified before making any decisions. Movers.com makes no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the information.