Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Lakewood, CA
Considering a move to Lakewood, CA? With over 80,000 residents, Lakewood offers sunny Southern California living, a median home price around $730,000, and average rents of $2,200. The city features a moderate cost of living, year-round mild weather with 73% sunny days, and a commute time of 33.5 minutes. Families will find a variety of public and private schools, while crime rates are about average for the region. Lakewood’s diverse community, strong local amenities, and proximity to beaches and colleges make it a welcoming place to settle.
Demographics - Lakewood, CA
Demographics - Lakewood, CA
Lakewood is home to about 80,674 residents with a median age of 38, reflecting a balanced and diverse community. The city has a mix of ethnic backgrounds, including notable Asian and White populations, and about 35% of residents speak a language other than English at home. Its relatively high population density offers an energetic suburban atmosphere for newcomers.
Population:
80,674
Density:
8,600 per sq mi
Median Age:
38.0
Gender Ratio:
96 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
35.0%
Ethnic Composition
White:
27.4%
Black:
7.4%
Asian:
25.6%
Others:
39.6%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Lakewood, CA?
Living in Lakewood means navigating a higher-than-average cost of living, with a median home price of $730,000 and typical rents around $2,200 per month. Utility and transportation costs remain moderate, while state tax rates can range widely. Despite the expense, residents benefit from access to quality amenities and services.
Median House Value:
$730,000
Gross Rent:
$2,200
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$140
Auto Insurance:
$1,900
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$2,950
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$780
State Taxes:
Low:
1%
|
High:
13.3%
Cost Of Living Index:
148.0
Grocery:
113.0
Housing:
188.0
Utilities:
97.5
Transportation:
128.0
Health Care:
110.0
Miscellaneous:
108.0
Crime
Is Lakewood, CA a safe place to live?
Lakewood experiences moderate crime rates, with a 1 in 395 chance of being a victim of violent crime and property crimes occurring at a rate of 2,233 per 100,000 residents. These figures are fairly typical for the region, making it a generally safe city with proactive local law enforcement. Families can feel comfortable with the overall level of public safety.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
253
Property Crimes Per 100k:
2,233
Crime Index:
2,486
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 395
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 45
Weather
What is the weather like in Lakewood, CA year-round?
Lakewood enjoys a mild Mediterranean climate, featuring warm, dry summers with highs averaging 83°F and mild winters around 68°F. The city receives about 14 inches of rain annually and boasts 73% sunny days, making outdoor activities accessible year-round. Residents can expect comfortable weather for much of the year.
Winter
Min:
46°F
Max:
68°F
Spring
Min:
52°F
Max:
73°F
Summer
Min:
62°F
Max:
83°F
Fall
Min:
56°F
Max:
75°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
14.2 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
73%
Neighbors
The city’s residents have a median household income of $99,300, with a low poverty rate of 8.3% and an unemployment rate of 4.8%. About 86.5% of adults hold at least a high school diploma, and the average commute is a manageable 33.5 minutes. Lakewood neighborhoods are diverse, community-focused, and offer a good quality of life.
Median Income:
$42,500
Household Income:
$99,300
Family Income:
$110,600
Per Capita Income:
$36,700
Income Male:
$54,200
Income Female:
$44,700
Poverty Rate:
8.3%
Non English Speakers:
35.0%
Rent:
$2,200
Unemployment Rate:
4.8%
Public Transport Usage:
5.2%
Commute Time:
33.5 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
86.5%
Bachelors or More:
27.2%
Education
How are the schools in Lakewood, CA?
Lakewood offers a selection of public and private schools, such as Stephen Foster Elementary and Mayfair High School, with reasonable student-teacher ratios. The city is also close to higher education institutions like Long Beach City College and California State University, Long Beach, providing strong academic opportunities. Families will find quality education options at every level.
Public Schools
Name:
Stephen Foster Elementary
Street:
5223 E Bigelow St
Phone:
562-804-6518
Students:
850
Student Teacher Ratio:
23.5
Name:
Mayfair High School
Street:
6000 N Woodruff Ave
Phone:
562-925-9981
Students:
2,600
Student Teacher Ratio:
25.8
Private Schools
Name:
St. Pancratius School
Street:
3601 St. Pancratius Pl
Phone:
562-634-6310
Students:
300
Colleges
Name:
Long Beach City College
City:
Long Beach
State:
CA
Distance:
4 miles
Students:
24,000
Name:
California State University, Long Beach
City:
Long Beach
State:
CA
Distance:
7 miles
Students:
38,000
Healthcare
Lakewood is served by major hospitals like Lakewood Regional Medical Center, providing comprehensive care and emergency services. With 2.6 physicians per 1,000 residents and over 91% of people having health insurance, access to healthcare is strong. The city’s healthcare index reflects reliable local medical services for families and individuals.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Lakewood Regional Medical Center
Address:
3700 E South St, Lakewood, CA 90712
Phone:
(562) 531-2550
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Long Beach Memorial Medical Center
Address:
2801 Atlantic Ave, Long Beach, CA 90806
Phone:
(562) 933-2000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.6
Health Insurance Coverage:
91.8%
Health Care Index:
77.0
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Lakewood, CA?
Lakewood’s housing market is competitive, with a median home price of $730,000 and average rents for a two-bedroom at $2,200. A high owner-occupancy rate of nearly 70% and low vacancy and foreclosure rates indicate housing stability. Home values have appreciated steadily, making it an attractive option for buyers and investors.
Median Home Price:
$730,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$2,200
Owner Occupied Rate:
69.8%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
3.7%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
6.1%
New Construction Rate:
0.7%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.3%
DMV Information
Local residents can conveniently access the California DMV at nearby Bellflower for licensing and vehicle registration needs. The office provides a full range of services and information both in person and online. Lakewood drivers benefit from efficient state resources for all motor vehicle requirements.
State:
California
Department:
California Department of Motor Vehicles
Address:
9520 E Artesia Blvd, Bellflower, CA 90706
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.