Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Lake San Marcos, CA
Considering a move to Lake San Marcos, CA? This lakeside community of 4,553 residents is known for its tranquil atmosphere and scenic views. Median home prices are around $725,000 with average rents at $2,700, reflecting the area's high desirability and access to excellent weather—expect 73% sunny days and mild temperatures year-round. Crime rates are notably low, commute times are short at just over 23 minutes, and educational attainment is high with nearly half of residents holding a bachelor’s degree or higher. Explore Lake San Marcos for a relaxed, resort-style lifestyle in North County San Diego.
Demographics - Lake San Marcos, CA
Demographics - Lake San Marcos, CA
Lake San Marcos is a close-knit community of 4,553 people, featuring a high median age of 64.2 and a predominantly White population. The area is known for its tranquil, retirement-friendly atmosphere, and about 11% of residents speak a language other than English at home.
Population:
4,553
Density:
3,350 per sq mi
Median Age:
64.2
Gender Ratio:
87 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
11.2%
Ethnic Composition
White:
85.5%
Black:
0.8%
Asian:
6.1%
Others:
7.6%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Lake San Marcos, CA?
Living in Lake San Marcos comes with a higher-than-average cost of living, with median home values at $725,000 and rents averaging $2,700 per month. Utility and transportation costs are also above national norms, reflecting the area’s upscale, coastal appeal.
Median House Value:
$725,000
Gross Rent:
$2,700
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$150
Auto Insurance:
$1,950
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$3,100
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$820
State Taxes:
Low:
1% (property tax)
|
High:
13.3% (income tax)
Cost Of Living Index:
164.2
Grocery:
122.0
Housing:
220.3
Utilities:
112.6
Transportation:
119.1
Health Care:
108.5
Miscellaneous:
111.2
Crime
Is Lake San Marcos, CA a safe place to live?
Residents enjoy a very safe environment, with violent crime rates well below the national average—just 65 incidents per 100,000 people—and a low chance of property crime. This makes Lake San Marcos an appealing choice for those prioritizing safety and peace of mind.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
65
Property Crimes Per 100k:
950
Crime Index:
1,015
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 1,540
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 105
Weather
What is the weather like in Lake San Marcos, CA year-round?
Lake San Marcos offers mild, pleasant weather year-round, featuring summer highs around 83°F and winter lows rarely dipping below 44°F. With 73% sunny days and just over 12 inches of annual rainfall, the area provides an ideal climate for outdoor activities.
Winter
Min:
44°F
Max:
67°F
Spring
Min:
50°F
Max:
72°F
Summer
Min:
61°F
Max:
83°F
Fall
Min:
53°F
Max:
77°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
12.6 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
73%
Neighbors
The community boasts a median household income of $90,120 and a low poverty rate of 7.1%. High educational attainment is common, with over 46% holding at least a bachelor’s degree, and residents experience short average commutes of about 23 minutes.
Median Income:
$52,700
Household Income:
$90,120
Family Income:
$101,400
Per Capita Income:
$49,500
Income Male:
$55,800
Income Female:
$41,600
Poverty Rate:
7.1%
Non English Speakers:
18.2%
Rent:
$2,700
Unemployment Rate:
4.2%
Public Transport Usage:
1.2%
Commute Time:
23.1 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
96.2%
Bachelors or More:
46.4%
Education
How are the schools in Lake San Marcos, CA?
Lake San Marcos offers access to quality public and private schools, with well-regarded options like La Costa Meadows Elementary and San Marcos High School nearby. Residents also benefit from proximity to higher education institutions such as California State University San Marcos and Palomar College, both within a short drive.
Public Schools
Name:
La Costa Meadows Elementary
Street:
6889 El Fuerte St
Phone:
760-290-2121
Students:
1,060
Student Teacher Ratio:
24:1
Name:
San Marcos High School
Street:
1615 San Marcos Blvd
Phone:
760-290-2200
Students:
3,400
Student Teacher Ratio:
26:1
Private Schools
Name:
St. Joseph Academy
Street:
500 Las Flores Dr
Phone:
760-305-8505
Students:
260
Colleges
Name:
California State University San Marcos
City:
San Marcos
State:
CA
Distance:
3 miles
Students:
14,600
Name:
Palomar College
City:
San Marcos
State:
CA
Distance:
5 miles
Students:
20,000
Healthcare
Lake San Marcos residents have convenient access to quality healthcare, with two major hospitals nearby and a strong physician-to-population ratio of 2.5 per 1,000 people. Nearly 95% of residents have health insurance, contributing to the area’s high quality of life.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Palomar Medical Center Escondido
Address:
2185 Citracado Pkwy, Escondido, CA 92029
Phone:
(442) 281-5000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Scripps Memorial Hospital Encinitas
Address:
354 Santa Fe Dr, Encinitas, CA 92024
Phone:
(760) 633-6501
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.5
Health Insurance Coverage:
94.8%
Health Care Index:
77.3
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Lake San Marcos, CA?
The housing market is competitive, with a median home price of $725,000 and a high owner-occupied rate of nearly 75%. Home values are appreciating steadily, and rental options are limited due to a low vacancy rate, reflecting strong demand.
Median Home Price:
$725,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$2,700
Owner Occupied Rate:
74.8%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
4.9%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.3%
New Construction Rate:
1.5%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.3%
DMV Information
Local DMV services are provided by the California Department of Motor Vehicles at 590 Rancheros Dr in San Marcos, making it easy for residents to handle vehicle registration and licensing. The DMV is accessible by phone or through their official website.
State:
California
Department:
California Department of Motor Vehicles
Address:
590 Rancheros Dr, San Marcos, CA 92069
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.