Lake Forest, CA Median Household Income: Trends, Analysis, and Key Findings

The median household income in Lake Forest was $131,378 in 2023, which marked an a decrease of 1,935(1.45%) from $133,313 in 2020. This income is 167.28% of the U.S. median household income of $78,538 (all incomes in 2023 inflation-adjusted dollars).
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Updated Mar 3, 2025

Median Household Income in Lake Forest, CA (2010-2023, in 2023 inflation-adjusted dollars)

Below, you will find a table illustrating the median household income in Lake Forest, spanning the years from 2010 to 2023, with all figures adjusted to 2023 inflation-adjusted dollars.

Year Median Household Income YOY Change($) YOY Change(%)
2010 127,906 - -
2011 128,843 937 0.73%
2012 124,197 -4,646 -3.61%
2013 123,007 -1,190 -0.96%
2014 119,892 -3,115 -2.53%
2015 117,716 -2,176 -1.81%
2016 117,693 -23 -0.02%
2017 120,914 3,221 2.74%
2018 127,144 6,230 5.15%
2019 130,907 3,763 2.96%
2020 133,313 2,406 1.84%
2021 132,105 -1,208 -0.91%
2022 133,653 1,548 1.17%
2023 131,378 -2,275 -1.70%

Lake Forest, CA median household income trends: 2010 to 2023

From 2010 to 2023, the median household income for Lake Forest increased by $3,472 (2.71%), as per the American Community Survey estimates. In comparison, median household income for the United States increased by $5,602 (7.68%) between 2010 and 2023.

Analyzing the trend in median household income between the years 2010 and 2023, spanning 13 annual cycles, we observed that median household income, when adjusted for 2023 inflation using the Consumer Price Index retroactive series (R-CPI-U-RS), experienced growth year by year for 6 years and declined for 7 years.

The line chart shows Lake Forest, CA median household income from 2010 to 2023. The orange line represents Census Bureau data for median household income (without adjusting for any inflation), while the blue line shows inflation-adjusted median household income for 2022.
Lake Forest, CA median household income trends: 2010 to 2023. The chart illustrates income fluctuations over the years, highlighting the impact of inflation on economic trends. We observed that the median household income experienced growth year by year for 6 years and declined for 7 years. Source: U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS) 2017-2021 5-Year Estimates

The most significant year-by-year growth occured from 2017 to 2018, when the median household income increased by 6,230 (from $120,914 to $127,144). Similarly the most substantial year-by-year decline occured from 2011 to 2012, when the median household income decreased by 4,646 (from $128,843 to $124,197).

In California, among cities with populations exceeding 50,000 residents, Lake Forest ranks 33rd out of 175 for median household income. This rank highlight its position as one of the top-earning large cities within the state of California.

<p>Overall Lake Forest is ranked 68th amongst all large cities in the US. In the category of large cities in the United States, those with populations exceeding 50,000 residents, Lake Forest ranks 68th for its median household income, underscoring its position as one of the top-earning large cities in the country.</p>

Median household income in Lake Forest, CA by household size

To gain deeper insights into the median household income for Lake Forest, we conducted an analysis of the most recent available data from the U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey 5 year Estimates (the most recent data available).

Of the 7 household sizes (1 person to 7-or-more person households) reported by the census bureau, all of the household sizes were found in Lake Forest. Across the different household sizes in Lake Forest the mean income is $141,785, and the standard deviation is $38,465. The coefficient of variation (CV) is 27.13%. This high CV indicates high relative variability, suggesting that the incomes vary significantly across different sizes of households.

In the most recent year, 2023, The smallest household size for which the bureau reported a median household income was 1-person households, with an income of $69,409. It then further increased to $163,000 for 7-person households, the largest household size for which the bureau reported a median household income.

Bar chart showing Lake Forest, CA median household income for different household sizes in 2023. The chart illustrates income trends for 1-person to 7-or-more person households, with values adjusted for inflation. It provides insights into income disparities and variations across household sizes, aiding in data analysis and decision-making.
Lake Forest, CA median household income, by household size (in 2022 inflation-adjusted dollars). Source: U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS) 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates

Lake Forest median household income by household size

The table below displays median household incomes for various household sizes, as reported by the U.S. Census Bureau. Explore how household income varies with the size of the family unit.

Household Size Median Household Income
1-person households 69,409
2-person households 129,489
3-person households 156,654
4-person households 193,777
5-person households 147,416
6-person households 132,750
7-or-more-person households 163,000

According to the Census Bureau data, the median household income reaches its peak among 4-person households, reaching $193,777 .

Lake Forest, CA income distribution and inequality

To gain a comprehensive understanding of income distribution in Lake Forest, we conducted an analysis of quintiles data from the U.S. Census Bureau. While the bureau does not categorize income into subjective classes like lower-income, middle-class, or upper-class, they instead divide the population into five quintiles, ensuring that each quintile represents nearly the same number of households. This classification allows us to analyze income levels across a spectrum from the lowest to the highest income groups.

Bar chart illustrating the Lake Forest mean household income for different quintiles, plus the top 5%, with values adjusted for 2022 inflation using R-CPI-U-RS. The chart provides insights into income distribution, showcasing variations across quintiles and highlighting the income of the top 5%. Useful for analyzing income disparities and trends for Lake Forest.
Mean household income by quintiles in Lake Forest, CA (in 2022 inflation-adjusted dollars): The mean household income for the wealthiest population (top 5%) is 587,579, which is 157.51% higher compared to the highest quintile, and 1825.74% higher compared to the lowest quintile. Source: U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS) 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates

Mean household income by quintile in Lake Forest

The table below presents the mean household income for each of the five quintiles in Lake Forest , offering valuable insights into income distribution and inequality.

Income Level Mean Household Income
Lowest Quintile 32,183
Second Quintile 83,144
Third Quintile 131,446
Fourth Quintile 197,244
Highest Quintile 373,053
Top 5 Percent 587,579

Key findings:

  • Income disparities: The mean income of the lowest quintile (20% of households with the lowest income) is 32,183, while the mean income for the highest quintile (20% of households with the highest income) is 373,053. This indicates that the top earners earn 12 times compared to the lowest earners.
  • Top 5%: The mean household income for the wealthiest population (top 5%) is 587,579, which is 157.51% higher compared to the highest quintile, and 1825.74% higher compared to the lowest quintile.

Furthermore, as per the Census Bureau, the Gini coefficient for Lake Forest is 0.4173. Gini coefficient is a numeric measure ranging from 0 to 1, where lower numbers indicate greater income equality (with 0 representing complete equality, where all households earn the same income) and higher values signify greater income inequality (with 1 being complete inequality where one household receives all income).

Gini coefficient:
0.4173

Sources: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (ACS)

With a Gini coefficient of 0.4173, it is evident that income distribution in Lake Forest, CA exihibits characterstics of moderate inequality . This level of Gini coefficient suggests noticeable variations in income distribution across households, with certain segments of the population holding a larger share of income compared to others in Lake Forest.It also implies that efforts may be needed to enhance economic fairness and reduce the gap between income groups in Lake Forest

Median household income in Lake Forest, CA by family type, 2023

The Census Bureau classifies households into different categories, including total households, family households, and non-family households. Our analysis of U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey data for Lake Forest reveals how household income distribution varies among these categories.

Interestingly, we found that the median household income did vary between family households and non-family households. In 2023, for Lake Forest, there were a total of 22,206 family households and 8,040 non-family households.

For the family households, the median income (in 2023 inflation-adjusted dollars) was $151,963. For the non-family households, the median income (in 2023 inflation-adjusted dollars) was $80,990.

Lake Forest, CA households by income brackets: family, non-family, and total, 2023, in 2022 inflation-adjusted dollars

The table below presents a breakdown of households across various income brackets in Lake Forest. The data in the table offers insights into the distribution of Lake Forest households based on income levels.

Income Level All Households % All Households Family Households % Family Households Non-Family Households % Non-Family Households
Total: 30,246 100.00% 22,206 100.00% 8,040 100.00%
Less than $10,000 995 3.29% 539 2.43% 456 5.67%
$10,000 to $14,999 633 2.09% 122 0.55% 511 6.36%
$15,000 to $19,999 203 0.67% 122 0.55% 81 1.01%
$20,000 to $24,999 506 1.67% 219 0.99% 287 3.57%
$25,000 to $29,999 409 1.35% 287 1.29% 122 1.52%
$30,000 to $34,999 432 1.43% 285 1.28% 147 1.83%
$35,000 to $39,999 687 2.27% 483 2.18% 204 2.54%
$40,000 to $44,999 845 2.79% 425 1.91% 420 5.22%
$45,000 to $49,999 455 1.50% 249 1.12% 206 2.56%
$50,000 to $59,999 1,084 3.58% 628 2.83% 456 5.67%
$60,000 to $74,999 2,032 6.72% 1,217 5.48% 815 10.14%
$75,000 to $99,999 3,253 10.76% 2,166 9.75% 1,087 13.52%
$100,000 to $124,999 3,096 10.24% 2,140 9.64% 956 11.89%
$125,000 to $149,999 2,824 9.34% 2,082 9.38% 742 9.23%
$150,000 to $199,999 4,296 14.20% 3,635 16.37% 661 8.22%
$200,000 or more 8,496 28.09% 7,607 34.26% 889 11.06%

Key findings:

  • For Family Households: In Lake Forest, the majority of family households, representing 34.26%, earn $200,000 or more, showcasing a substantial share of the community families falling within this income bracket. Conversely, the minority of family households, comprising 0.55%, have incomes falling $15,000 to $19,999, representing a smaller but still significant segment of the community.
  • For Non-Family Households: In Lake Forest, the majority of non-family households, accounting for 13.52%, have income $75,000 to $99,999, indicating that a substantial portion of non-family households falls within this income bracket. On the other hand, the minority of non-family households, comprising 1.01%, earn $15,000 to $19,999, representing a smaller, yet notable, portion of non-family households in the community.
  • For Total Households (Combining Family and Non-Family): When considering total households in Lake Forest, the majority, constituting 28.09%, earn $200,000 or more, demonstrating that a significant portion of community households falls within this income bracket. Simultaneously, the minority of total households, representing 0.67%, have incomes $15,000 to $19,999, signifying a smaller segment of households in the community.

Things to know

What is the Gini index for Lake Forest, CA?

As per the Census Bureau, the Gini coefficient for Lake Forest is 0.4173. With this value of Gini coefficient, it is evident that income distribution in Lake Forest exihibits characterstics of moderate inequality .

This level of Gini coefficient suggests noticeable variations in income distribution across households, with certain segments of the population holding a larger share of income compared to others in Lake Forest.It also implies that efforts may be needed to enhance economic fairness and reduce the gap between income groups in Lake Forest

What is the median household income in Lake Forest, CA?

As per the latest data available from American Community Survey, the median household income for Lake Forest is $131,378 (in 2023 inflation-adjusted dollars). This income is 167.28% of the U.S. median household income of $78,538 (all incomes in 2023 inflation-adjusted dollars).

How does Lake Forest, CA median household income compare to the rest of the United States?

In California, among cities with populations exceeding 50,000 residents, Lake Forest ranks 33rd out of 175 for median household income. This rank highlight its position as one of the top-earning large cities within the state of California. <p>Overall Lake Forest is ranked 68th amongst all large cities in the US. In the category of large cities in the United States, those with populations exceeding 50,000 residents, Lake Forest ranks 68th for its median household income, underscoring its position as one of the top-earning large cities in the country.</p>

References

Notes

The analysis presented in this article is based on estimates derived from the U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey. While these figures offer valuable insights, they are subject to a margin of error. It is advisable to exercise caution and consider the potential margin of error when interpreting and utilizing this data.

Datasets

Explore datasets by year of publication.
2025
Lake Forest, CA Median Household Income Trends (2010-2023, in 2023 inflation-adjusted dollars)
Last updated March 3, 2025
ACS
Free
Neilsberg
CSV, JSON
2019-2023
CC BY 4.0
About this dataset

Context

The dataset illustrates the median household income in Lake Forest, spanning the years from 2010 to 2023, with all figures adjusted to 2023 inflation-adjusted dollars. Based on the latest 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates from the American Community Survey, it displays how income varied over the last decade. The dataset can be utilized to gain insights into median household income trends and explore income variations.

Key observations:

From 2010 to 2023, the median household income for Lake Forest increased by $3,472 (2.71%), as per the American Community Survey estimates. In comparison, median household income for the United States increased by $5,602 (7.68%) between 2010 and 2023.

Analyzing the trend in median household income between the years 2010 and 2023, spanning 13 annual cycles, we observed that median household income, when adjusted for 2023 inflation using the Consumer Price Index retroactive series (R-CPI-U-RS), experienced growth year by year for 6 years and declined for 7 years.

Content

When available, the data consists of estimates from the U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS) 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates. All incomes have been adjusting for inflation and are presented in 2022-inflation-adjusted dollars.

Years for which data is available:

  • 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 0223

Variables / Data Columns

  • Year: This column presents the data year from 2010 to 2023
  • Median Household Income: Median household income, in 2023 inflation-adjusted dollars for the specific year
  • YOY Change($): Change in median household income between the current and the previous year, in 2023 inflation-adjusted dollars
  • YOY Change(%): Percent change in median household income between current and the previous year

Good to know

Margin of Error

Data in the dataset are based on the estimates and are subject to sampling variability and thus a margin of error. Neilsberg Research recommends using caution when presening these estimates in your research.

Custom data

If you do need custom data for any of your research project, report or presentation, you can contact our research staff at research@neilsberg.com for a feasibility of a custom tabulation on a fee-for-service basis.

Inspiration

Neilsberg Research Team curates, analyze and publishes demographics and economic data from a variety of public and proprietary sources, each of which often includes multiple surveys and programs. The large majority of Neilsberg Research aggregated datasets and insights is made available for free download at https://www.neilsberg.com/research/.

Recommended for further research

This dataset is a part of the main dataset for Lake Forest median household income. You can refer the same here

Median Household Income Variation by Family Size in Lake Forest, CA: Comparative analysis across 7 household sizes
Last updated March 3, 2025
ACS
Free
Neilsberg
CSV, JSON
2019-2023
CC BY 4.0
About this dataset

Context

The dataset presents median household incomes for various household sizes in Lake Forest, CA, as reported by the U.S. Census Bureau. The dataset highlights the variation in median household income with the size of the family unit, offering valuable insights into economic trends and disparities within different household sizes, aiding in data analysis and decision-making.

Key observations

  • Of the 7 household sizes (1 person to 7-or-more person households) reported by the census bureau, all of the household sizes were found in Lake Forest. Across the different household sizes in Lake Forest the mean income is $141,785, and the standard deviation is $38,465. The coefficient of variation (CV) is 27.13%. This high CV indicates high relative variability, suggesting that the incomes vary significantly across different sizes of households.
  • In the most recent year, 2023, The smallest household size for which the bureau reported a median household income was 1-person households, with an income of $69,409. It then further increased to $163,000 for 7-person households, the largest household size for which the bureau reported a median household income.
Content

When available, the data consists of estimates from the U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS) 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates.

Household Sizes:

  • 1-person households
  • 2-person households
  • 3-person households
  • 4-person households
  • 5-person households
  • 6-person households
  • 7-or-more-person households

Variables / Data Columns

  • Household Size: This column showcases 7 household sizes ranging from 1-person households to 7-or-more-person households (As mentioned above).
  • Median Household Income: Median household income, in 2023 inflation-adjusted dollars for the specific household size.

Good to know

Margin of Error

Data in the dataset are based on the estimates and are subject to sampling variability and thus a margin of error. Neilsberg Research recommends using caution when presening these estimates in your research.

Custom data

If you do need custom data for any of your research project, report or presentation, you can contact our research staff at research@neilsberg.com for a feasibility of a custom tabulation on a fee-for-service basis.

Inspiration

Neilsberg Research Team curates, analyze and publishes demographics and economic data from a variety of public and proprietary sources, each of which often includes multiple surveys and programs. The large majority of Neilsberg Research aggregated datasets and insights is made available for free download at https://www.neilsberg.com/research/.

Recommended for further research

This dataset is a part of the main dataset for Lake Forest median household income. You can refer the same here

Income Distribution by Quintile: Mean Household Income in Lake Forest, CA // 2025 Edition
Last updated March 3, 2025
ACS
Free
Neilsberg
CSV, JSON
2019-2023
CC BY 4.0
About this dataset

Context

The dataset presents the mean household income for each of the five quintiles in Lake Forest, CA, as reported by the U.S. Census Bureau. The dataset highlights the variation in mean household income across quintiles, offering valuable insights into income distribution and inequality.

Key observations

  • Income disparities: The mean income of the lowest quintile (20% of households with the lowest income) is 32,183, while the mean income for the highest quintile (20% of households with the highest income) is 373,053. This indicates that the top earners earn 12 times compared to the lowest earners.
  • *Top 5%: * The mean household income for the wealthiest population (top 5%) is 587,579, which is 157.51% higher compared to the highest quintile, and 1825.74% higher compared to the lowest quintile.
Content

When available, the data consists of estimates from the U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS) 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates.

Income Levels:

  • Lowest Quintile
  • Second Quintile
  • Third Quintile
  • Fourth Quintile
  • Highest Quintile
  • Top 5 Percent

Variables / Data Columns

  • Income Level: This column showcases the income levels (As mentioned above).
  • Mean Household Income: Mean household income, in 2023 inflation-adjusted dollars for the specific income level.

Good to know

Margin of Error

Data in the dataset are based on the estimates and are subject to sampling variability and thus a margin of error. Neilsberg Research recommends using caution when presening these estimates in your research.

Custom data

If you do need custom data for any of your research project, report or presentation, you can contact our research staff at research@neilsberg.com for a feasibility of a custom tabulation on a fee-for-service basis.

Inspiration

Neilsberg Research Team curates, analyze and publishes demographics and economic data from a variety of public and proprietary sources, each of which often includes multiple surveys and programs. The large majority of Neilsberg Research aggregated datasets and insights is made available for free download at https://www.neilsberg.com/research/.

Recommended for further research

This dataset is a part of the main dataset for Lake Forest median household income. You can refer the same here

Lake Forest, CA households by income brackets: family, non-family, and total, in 2023 inflation-adjusted dollars
Last updated March 3, 2025
ACS
Free
Neilsberg
CSV, JSON
2019-2023
CC BY 4.0
About this dataset

Context

The dataset presents a breakdown of households across various income brackets in Lake Forest, CA, as reported by the U.S. Census Bureau. The Census Bureau classifies households into different categories, including total households, family households, and non-family households. Our analysis of U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey data for Lake Forest, CA reveals how household income distribution varies among these categories. The dataset highlights the variation in number of households with income, offering valuable insights into the distribution of Lake Forest households based on income levels.

Key observations

  • For Family Households: In Lake Forest, the majority of family households, representing 34.26%, earn $200,000 or more, showcasing a substantial share of the community families falling within this income bracket. Conversely, the minority of family households, comprising 0.55%, have incomes falling $15,000 to $19,999, representing a smaller but still significant segment of the community.
  • For Non-Family Households: In Lake Forest, the majority of non-family households, accounting for 13.52%, have income $75,000 to $99,999, indicating that a substantial portion of non-family households falls within this income bracket. On the other hand, the minority of non-family households, comprising 1.01%, earn $15,000 to $19,999, representing a smaller, yet notable, portion of non-family households in the community.
Content

When available, the data consists of estimates from the U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS) 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates.

Income Levels:

  • Less than $10,000
  • $10,000 to $14,999
  • $15,000 to $19,999
  • $20,000 to $24,999
  • $25,000 to $29,999
  • $30,000 to $34,999
  • $35,000 to $39,999
  • $40,000 to $44,999
  • $45,000 to $49,999
  • $50,000 to $59,999
  • $60,000 to $74,999
  • $75,000 to $99,999
  • $125,000 to $149,999
  • $150,000 to $199,999
  • $200,000 or more

Variables / Data Columns

  • Income Level: The income level represents the income brackets ranging from Less than $10,000 to $200,000 or more in Lake Forest, CA (As mentioned above).
  • All Households: Count of households for the specified income level
  • % All Households: Percentage of households at the specified income level relative to the total households in Lake Forest, CA
  • Family Households: Count of family households for the specified income level
  • % Family Households: Percentage of family households at the specified income level relative to the total family households in Lake Forest, CA
  • Non-Family Households: Count of non-family households for the specified income level
  • % Non-Family Households: Percentage of non-family households at the specified income level relative to the total non-family households in Lake Forest, CA

Good to know

Margin of Error

Data in the dataset are based on the estimates and are subject to sampling variability and thus a margin of error. Neilsberg Research recommends using caution when presening these estimates in your research.

Custom data

If you do need custom data for any of your research project, report or presentation, you can contact our research staff at research@neilsberg.com for a feasibility of a custom tabulation on a fee-for-service basis.

Inspiration

Neilsberg Research Team curates, analyze and publishes demographics and economic data from a variety of public and proprietary sources, each of which often includes multiple surveys and programs. The large majority of Neilsberg Research aggregated datasets and insights is made available for free download at https://www.neilsberg.com/research/.

Recommended for further research

This dataset is a part of the main dataset for Lake Forest median household income. You can refer the same here

If you're looking for datasets from another year, please feel free to contact us at research@neilsberg.com and we'll be happy to assist you further.

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Median household income of places that contain Lake Forest (in 2023 dollars)

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