Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Lake Forest, CA
Thinking of moving to Lake Forest, CA? With a population of about 85,700, Lake Forest offers a warm, sunny climate, low crime rates (violent crime just 65 per 100K), and excellent schools—making it a great choice for families. The median home price is $946,000 and average rent for a two-bedroom is $2,850, reflecting a high but typical cost of living for Orange County. Residents enjoy good incomes, quick 28-minute commutes, quality healthcare, and plenty of sunshine, all nestled amid top educational options and a welcoming suburban vibe.
Demographics - Lake Forest, CA
Demographics - Lake Forest, CA
Lake Forest is home to approximately 85,700 residents with a median age of nearly 40, reflecting a diverse community where over half are White, a quarter are Hispanic, and more than one in five are Asian. The city’s population density offers a suburban feel, and about 32% of residents speak a language other than English at home, contributing to its multicultural atmosphere.
Population:
85,731
Density:
4,960 per sq mi
Median Age:
39.6
Gender Ratio:
97 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
31.7%
Ethnic Composition
White:
52.3%
Black:
2.1%
Asian:
21.4%
Others:
8.2%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Lake Forest, CA?
Living in Lake Forest comes with a higher cost, as the median home value is around $946,000 and average rent is $2,850 per month. While utilities and groceries are moderately priced, housing costs drive the overall cost of living index to 164, which is well above the national average.
Median House Value:
$946,000
Gross Rent:
$2,850
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$140
Auto Insurance:
$1,830
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$3,670
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$850
State Taxes:
Low:
1%
|
High:
13.3%
Cost Of Living Index:
164.3
Grocery:
115.0
Housing:
247.5
Utilities:
110.8
Transportation:
140.2
Health Care:
108.4
Miscellaneous:
112.1
Crime
Is Lake Forest, CA a safe place to live?
Lake Forest boasts a reputation for safety, with a low violent crime rate of just 65 incidents per 100,000 residents and property crime rates also well below national averages. Residents enjoy a secure environment, making the city especially appealing for families and those seeking peace of mind.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
65
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,110
Crime Index:
1,175
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 1,540
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 90
Weather
What is the weather like in Lake Forest, CA year-round?
Lake Forest offers a mild Mediterranean climate with warm, dry summers peaking around 85°F and mild winters rarely dipping below 43°F. With 79% of days being sunny and only about 14 inches of annual rainfall, residents enjoy outdoor activities year-round.
Winter
Min:
43°F
Max:
67°F
Spring
Min:
50°F
Max:
74°F
Summer
Min:
62°F
Max:
85°F
Fall
Min:
56°F
Max:
80°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
14.3 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
79%
Neighbors
The community in Lake Forest is financially stable, with a median household income of $121,800 and a low poverty rate of 5.7%. Most residents are well-educated, nearly half holding at least a bachelor's degree, and unemployment sits at a low 3.2%, reflecting a prosperous and active population.
Median Income:
$52,000
Household Income:
$121,842
Family Income:
$139,600
Per Capita Income:
$48,900
Income Male:
$70,500
Income Female:
$51,200
Poverty Rate:
5.7%
Non English Speakers:
31.7%
Rent:
$2,850
Unemployment Rate:
3.2%
Public Transport Usage:
1.4%
Commute Time:
27.8 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
93.2%
Bachelors or More:
48.1%
Education
How are the schools in Lake Forest, CA?
Lake Forest offers strong educational options, with highly rated public schools like El Toro High and several private schools nearby. Higher education opportunities are close at hand, with Saddleback College and Irvine Valley College just a short drive away, supporting lifelong learning for residents.
Public Schools
Name:
El Toro High School
Street:
25255 Toledo Way
Phone:
949-586-6333
Students:
2,200
Student Teacher Ratio:
25:1
Name:
Serrano Intermediate School
Street:
24642 Jeronimo Rd
Phone:
949-586-3221
Students:
1,080
Student Teacher Ratio:
24:1
Private Schools
Name:
St. Michael's Preparatory School
Street:
19292 El Toro Rd
Phone:
949-546-0629
Students:
150
Colleges
Name:
Saddleback College
City:
Mission Viejo
State:
CA
Distance:
6 miles
Students:
18,000
Name:
Irvine Valley College
City:
Irvine
State:
CA
Distance:
8 miles
Students:
13,000
Healthcare
Residents benefit from excellent healthcare access, with two major hospitals nearby and a high rate of insured individuals at nearly 94%. With 2.7 physicians per 1,000 people, medical services are readily available for families and individuals alike.
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
Name:
Kaiser Permanente Orange County-Irvine Medical Center
Address:
6640 Alton Pkwy, Irvine, CA 92618
Phone:
(949) 932-5000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.7
Health Insurance Coverage:
93.9%
Health Care Index:
76.2
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Lake Forest, CA?
The housing market in Lake Forest is robust, with a median home price of $946,000 and owner-occupancy at nearly 72%. Low vacancy and foreclosure rates, alongside steady appreciation, make this a stable and sought-after real estate market.
Median Home Price:
$946,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$2,850
Owner Occupied Rate:
71.8%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
3.4%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
3.7%
New Construction Rate:
2.1%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.3%
DMV Information
Lake Forest residents are served by the California Department of Motor Vehicles in nearby Mission Viejo, offering convenient access for all vehicle and licensing needs. The DMV is easily reachable both online and by phone for up-to-date information and services.
State:
California
Department:
California Department of Motor Vehicles
Address:
23535 Madero, Mission Viejo, CA 92691
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.