Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Laguna Woods, CA
Laguna Woods, CA is a vibrant, retirement-focused community of 17,701 residents, known for its sunny weather with 74% sunny days and a median home price of $410,000. The city offers a low violent crime rate (58 per 100k), quick average commutes (22 minutes), and easy access to outstanding healthcare. While schools are nearby rather than within city limits, Laguna Woods boasts a high owner-occupied housing rate and a relaxed, active lifestyle ideal for retirees. Explore its affordable living, mild coastal climate, and welcoming neighborhoods below.
Demographics - Laguna Woods, CA
Demographics - Laguna Woods, CA
Laguna Woods is a close-knit community of 17,701 people with a notably high median age of 75.4, reflecting its reputation as a retirement destination. The population is predominantly White (76.3%), with a significant Asian presence (18.6%), and about one in five residents speak a language other than English at home. The gender balance leans female, and the city offers a peaceful, senior-friendly environment.
Population:
17,701
Density:
5,800 per sq mi
Median Age:
75.4
Gender Ratio:
57 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
20.1%
Ethnic Composition
White:
76.3%
Black:
1.4%
Asian:
18.6%
Others:
3.7%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Laguna Woods, CA?
The cost of living in Laguna Woods is higher than the national average, driven mainly by housing expenses, with a median home value of $410,000 and average rent around $2,150. Residents benefit from relatively low utility costs, but state taxes can range widely. Overall, the area's affordability is attractive for retirees seeking coastal living in Orange County.
Median House Value:
$410,000
Gross Rent:
$2,150
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$110
Auto Insurance:
$1,650
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$2,000
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$600
State Taxes:
Low:
1%
|
High:
13.3%
Cost Of Living Index:
148.0
Grocery:
115.0
Housing:
190.0
Utilities:
110.0
Transportation:
138.0
Health Care:
115.0
Miscellaneous:
110.0
Crime
Is Laguna Woods, CA a safe place to live?
Laguna Woods enjoys a very low violent crime rate of 58 incidents per 100,000 residents, making it a safe choice for retirees and families. Property crime is also below national averages, with a 1 in 98 chance of occurrence. This secure environment is a hallmark of the city's appeal.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
58
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,020
Crime Index:
1,078
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 1,720
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 98
Weather
What is the weather like in Laguna Woods, CA year-round?
Residents of Laguna Woods experience a mild coastal climate, with summer highs averaging 82°F and winter lows rarely dipping below 46°F. The city boasts 74% sunny days annually and receives about 13.5 inches of rainfall, making it ideal for year-round outdoor activities. The pleasant weather is a major draw for those seeking an active, outdoor lifestyle.
Winter
Min:
46°F
Max:
67°F
Spring
Min:
51°F
Max:
71°F
Summer
Min:
61°F
Max:
82°F
Fall
Min:
54°F
Max:
76°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
13.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
74%
Neighbors
Laguna Woods' neighbors tend to be well-educated, with nearly 94% holding at least a high school diploma and 40% college degrees. The median household income is $52,200, and the community enjoys a low poverty rate of 9.2%. Residents benefit from short, 22-minute average commutes and a peaceful, suburban atmosphere.
Median Income:
$48,600
Household Income:
$52,200
Family Income:
$60,000
Per Capita Income:
$44,100
Income Male:
$46,000
Income Female:
$40,000
Poverty Rate:
9.2%
Non English Speakers:
20.1%
Rent:
$2,150
Unemployment Rate:
5.1%
Public Transport Usage:
1.2%
Commute Time:
22.3 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
93.8%
Bachelors or More:
40.5%
Education
How are the schools in Laguna Woods, CA?
While Laguna Woods itself does not have public schools, nearby schools like San Joaquin Elementary and St. Mary’s School offer educational options for families, and colleges such as Saddleback College and Irvine Valley College are just a short drive away. The city’s residents are highly educated, contributing to a cultured and engaged community. The focus remains on lifelong learning and easy access to quality education in neighboring areas.
Public Schools
Name:
San Joaquin Elementary School
Street:
31654 Golfo Dulce, Laguna Niguel, CA 92677
Phone:
949-234-1415
Students:
530
Student Teacher Ratio:
24.0
Private Schools
Name:
St. Mary's School
Street:
7 Pursuit, Aliso Viejo, CA 92656
Phone:
949-448-9027
Students:
650
Colleges
Name:
Saddleback College
City:
Mission Viejo
State:
CA
Distance:
6 miles
Students:
18,000
Name:
Irvine Valley College
City:
Irvine
State:
CA
Distance:
11 miles
Students:
13,000
Healthcare
Access to healthcare in Laguna Woods is excellent, with 2.9 physicians per 1,000 residents and nearly universal health insurance coverage (99.1%). Saddleback Medical Center provides comprehensive hospital and emergency services nearby. The area’s strong healthcare infrastructure supports a comfortable retirement lifestyle.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Saddleback Medical Center
Address:
24451 Health Center Dr, Laguna Hills, CA 92653
Phone:
(949) 837-4500
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.9
Health Insurance Coverage:
99.1%
Health Care Index:
79.2
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Laguna Woods, CA?
Laguna Woods offers a stable housing market with a median home price of $410,000 and 77.5% owner occupancy, reflecting its appeal to long-term residents. Rental options are available, with two-bedroom units averaging $2,150, and the area sees modest home appreciation of 3.2% annually. Low foreclosure and vacancy rates indicate a healthy, desirable community.
Median Home Price:
$410,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$2,150
Owner Occupied Rate:
77.5%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
5.8%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
3.2%
New Construction Rate:
0.3%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.2%
DMV Information
Residents can easily access DMV services at the nearby Laguna Hills office on Moulton Parkway, managed by the California Department of Motor Vehicles. Routine vehicle registration, licensing, and other services are readily available both in person and online. The location and resources make handling driving needs straightforward for locals.
State:
California
Department:
California Department of Motor Vehicles
Address:
23535 Moulton Parkway, Laguna Hills, CA 92653
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.