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Is Lake Elsinore a Good Place to Live? Lake Elsinore, California: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Lake Elsinore ranks #893 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #372 of 524 smaller cities and #115 of 188 in California. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low violent crime (116 per 100,000, #72 of 442) and fast population growth (+1.4%, #79 of 468), and trails on long commutes (42.9 min, #523 of 524) and high rents ($2,078/mo, #425 of 524).
Lake Elsinore by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Lake Elsinore's rank among the tracked cities and the US figure (or the similar-size median where there is no national figure).
What is the cost of living in Lake Elsinore?
Lake Elsinore's cost of living index is 106.4, 6% above the US level of 100 and #993 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $2,078/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $583,715, 24% below the typical California home ($764,158).
| Measure | Lake Elsinore | CaliforniaCA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 102.4 · US 100 | 106.4#993 of 1,308 | 113 | 102.4 | 100 |
| Typical home value (Zillow)Zillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $431,438 · US $368,697 | $583,715#926 of 1,187 | $764,158 | $431,438 | $368,697 |
| Typical asking rent (Zillow)Zillow Observed Rent Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,884/mo · US $1,948/mo | $2,438/mo#894 of 1,115 | — | $1,884/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $401,950 | $566,000#1042 of 1,309 | — | $401,950 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,633/mo | $2,078/mo#1127 of 1,309 | — | $1,633/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.5x | 5.6x#961 of 1,309 | — | 4.5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 22.2% | 24.5%#945 of 1,309 | — | 22.2% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). California is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. Zillow figures track homes and rentals on the market now; Census figures are survey medians of all homes and leases, so the two differ.
Lake Elsinore housing market · August
Typical home value is a monthly index of homes in the middle third of the market; the Census figures above are survey medians and will differ. Source in the data sources list below. Lake Elsinore is in the Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA metro.
California housing market →Is Lake Elsinore safe?
Lake Elsinore recorded 116 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 69% below the US rate of 373 and 74% below California's 440. That ranks #166 of 1,083 cities with data (1 = safest) and #72 of 442 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Lake Elsinore Police Department. Property crime runs 1,682 per 100,000 (US 2,083).
| Measure | Lake Elsinore | CaliforniaCA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 264 · US 373 | 116#166 of 1,083 | 440 | 264 | 373 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,553 · US 2,083 | 1,682#567 of 1,083 | 2,490 | 1,553 | 2,083 |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). California is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. City rates come from each police agency's report to the FBI and are not strictly comparable across agencies.
What do people earn in Lake Elsinore?
The median household in Lake Elsinore earns $101,888, 33% above the US figure of $76,827 and 11% above California ($91,905). Unemployment is 5.1% (US 4.2%). 9.4% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 1.4% in the latest year (US +0.8%).
| Measure | Lake Elsinore | CaliforniaCA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $83,646 · US $76,827 | $101,888#317 of 1,312 | $91,905 | $83,646 | $76,827 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.2% · US 4.2% | 5.1%#852 of 1,058 | 5.4% | 4.2% | 4.2% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.8% | 9.4%#450 of 1,312 | — | 10.8% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.2% · US +0.8% | +1.4%#173 of 1,132 | +0.2% | +0.2% | +0.8% |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). California is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure.
Who lives in Lake Elsinore?
The median resident of Lake Elsinore is 33.7 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 24.3% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #1003 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 70.9% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Lake Elsinore | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 37.7 | 33.7 | 37.7 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 35.1% | 24.3%#1003 of 1,312 | 35.1% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 61.7% | 70.9% | 61.7% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure.
How are Lake Elsinore's schools and health?
Lake Elsinore's 15 public schools graduate 90% of students in four years (California 85%), with 24.1 students per teacher and $15,940 spent per pupil. 37.4% of adults are obese and 11.2% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 31.9% and 11%.
| Measure | Lake Elsinore | CaliforniaCA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 89% | 90%#358 of 1,063 | 85% | 89% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 16.4 | 24.1#1142 of 1,188 | — | 16.4 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $15,354 | $15,940#484 of 1,188 | — | $15,354 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 31.9% | 37.4%#971 of 1,311 | — | 31.9% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11% | 11.2%#659 of 1,311 | — | 11% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 16.7% | 18.7%#992 of 1,311 | — | 16.7% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.1% | 12.7%#928 of 1,311 | — | 10.1% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). California is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. 13,443 students are enrolled in Lake Elsinore's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Lake Elsinore?
The average commute in Lake Elsinore is 42.9 minutes (California 25.2); 0.2% of workers take transit and 13.5% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Lake Elsinore scores 10.1 of 20 (below average walkable), #684 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 78.6°F and winters 53.8°F, with 11.7 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Lake Elsinore | CaliforniaCA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 25.1 min | 42.9 min#1310 of 1,312 | 25.2 min | 25.1 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 6.5% | 32%#1310 of 1,312 | 11.9% | 6.5% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 70.8% | 69.8% | 68.4% | 70.8% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.1% | 0.2% | 3.6% | 1.1% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.4% | 1.3% | 2.4% | 1.4% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.2% | 0.1% | 0.7% | 0.2% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 13.7% | 13.5% | 13.6% | 13.7% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 11.1 | 10.1#684 of 1,312 | — | 11.1 | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). California is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. The walkability index is the EPA's, averaged over the city's neighborhoods by population.
| Month | Average high (°F) | Average low (°F) | Precipitation (inches) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 65.7 | 41.9 | 3 |
| Feb | 67.1 | 42.7 | 2.9 |
| Mar | 71.5 | 45.8 | 1.5 |
| Apr | 76.5 | 48.7 | 0.5 |
| May | 82 | 53.8 | 0.2 |
| Jun | 90.2 | 58.3 | 0.1 |
| Jul | 96.5 | 64.1 | 0.2 |
| Aug | 97.8 | 64.8 | 0.1 |
| Sep | 93.2 | 61.2 | 0.2 |
| Oct | 83.1 | 53.9 | 0.5 |
| Nov | 73.2 | 45.9 | 0.6 |
| Dec | 65 | 40.3 | 2 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Elsinore.
| Measure | Lake Elsinore | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 58.1°F | 66°F | 58.1°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 74.2°F | 78.6°F | 74.2°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 40.8°F | 53.8°F | 40.8°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 38.3 in | 11.7 in | 38.3 in | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Elsinore.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Lake Elsinore?
Riverside County's air had a median air quality index of 80, and 11% of measured days were rated good; 109 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from ozone. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Riverside County's biggest natural hazard losses in earthquake, wildfire, and inland flooding, with expected yearly losses of 0.49% of building value, higher than 97% of US counties.
| Measure | Lake Elsinore | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 44 | 80#1123 of 1,138 | 44 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 3 | 109#1108 of 1,138 | 3 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.15% | 0.49%#1283 of 1,312 | 0.15% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. County figures for Riverside County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Riverside County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Earthquake | 0.12% | 98% of counties |
| Wildfire | 0.078% | 98% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.24% | 98% of counties |
FEMA National Risk Index: expected yearly building losses from each hazard as a share of the county's building value, compared with every US county exposed to that hazard. Loss rates, unlike FEMA's risk ratings, do not rise just because a county has more property.
How does Lake Elsinore compare with similar-size cities?
Lake Elsinore is one of 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track and ranks #372 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 72,461.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lake Elsinore, CAPop. 72,461 | #893 | 51.9 | $101,888 | $2,078/mo | 116 | 42.9 min |
| Ankeny, IAPop. 72,615 | #80 | 69.0 | $108,198 | $1,319/mo | 151 | 21.1 min |
| Glen Burnie, MDPop. 72,590 | #606 | 56.6 | $88,280 | $1,648/mo | no data | 27.3 min |
| Blaine, MNPop. 72,488 | #226 | 63.8 | $106,801 | $1,705/mo | 65 | 24.5 min |
| Mount Vernon, NYPop. 72,427 | #550 | 57.3 | $78,779 | $1,629/mo | 496 | 35 min |
| Framingham, MAPop. 72,399 | #195 | 64.5 | $107,419 | $2,033/mo | 264 | 30.4 min |
| Johnson City, TNPop. 72,222 | #667 | 55.6 | $57,254 | $1,023/mo | 417 | 18.7 min |
| Harlingen, TXPop. 72,087 | #1115 | 47.6 | $53,645 | $928/mo | 231 | 17.9 min |
| Casas Adobes, AZPop. 72,059 | #779 | 53.6 | $83,683 | $1,650/mo | no data | 25.6 min |
Rank is overall rank of 1,312. Income is median household income; rent is Census median rent; violent crime is per 100,000 residents as reported to the FBI ("no data" and "incomplete" are explained on each city's page).
How does Lake Elsinore compare with the rest of California?
Lake Elsinore ranks #115 of the 188 California cities we track, with a score of 51.9 against California's statewide 42.9. Its households earn 11% above the California median. Violent crime is 74% below the statewide rate. Homes are 24% below the typical California home.
| City | Rank in CA | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Palo Alto, CAPop. 67,237 | #1 | 70.9 | $231,101 | $3,484/mo | 159 |
| Sunnyvale, CAPop. 154,236 | #2 | 69.3 | $186,170 | $3,039/mo | 188 |
| Cupertino, CAPop. 58,566 | #3 | 68.3 | $234,707 | $3,501/mo | 70 |
| Santa Clara, CAPop. 130,256 | #4 | 68.1 | $178,958 | $3,016/mo | 172 |
| Folsom, CAPop. 83,916 | #5 | 68.0 | $139,804 | $2,352/mo | 161 |
| San Mateo, CAPop. 103,105 | #6 | 67.1 | $153,504 | $3,077/mo | 168 |
| Dublin, CAPop. 70,803 | #7 | 66.5 | $214,385 | $3,191/mo | 146 |
| Pleasanton, CAPop. 76,960 | #8 | 65.2 | $190,124 | $3,060/mo | 123 |
| Mountain View, CAPop. 83,732 | #9 | 65.1 | $189,917 | $3,062/mo | 208 |
| Encinitas, CAPop. 61,480 | #10 | 65.1 | $162,229 | $2,886/mo | 108 |
| Carson City, CAPop. 92,871 | … #111 | 52.3 | $108,703 | $1,956/mo | 436 |
| Anaheim, CAPop. 344,521 | #112 | 52.0 | $95,227 | $2,175/mo | 548 |
| Carmichael, CAPop. 76,948 | #113 | 52.0 | $85,914 | $1,702/mo | no data |
| San Marcos, CAPop. 94,882 | #114 | 51.9 | $109,377 | $2,348/mo | part year |
| Lake Elsinore, CAPop. 72,461 | #115 | 51.9 | $101,888 | $2,078/mo | 116 |
| Menifee, CAPop. 110,305 | #116 | 51.8 | $93,454 | $2,110/mo | 170 |
| Glendale, CAPop. 190,748 | #117 | 51.7 | $88,393 | $2,182/mo | 234 |
| Downey, CAPop. 110,939 | #118 | 51.7 | $90,699 | $1,937/mo | 300 |
| Oxnard, CAPop. 200,928 | #119 | 51.5 | $96,212 | $2,032/mo | 557 |
The top 10 of the 188 and the cities ranked either side of Lake Elsinore among the California cities we track, by overall score. California statewide: median income $91,905, violent crime 440 per 100,000.
How is Lake Elsinore's score calculated?
Lake Elsinore scores 51.9 out of 100, #893 of 1,312 (grade C, which follows rank). It is scored on the 10 of 11 categories with local data; outdoor access is left out rather than filled with California's statewide figure, and the other weights are scaled up to fill the gap. Each score is compared with the median of similar-size cities, which are scored the same way.
- EconomyCity data · 16% of score
Median household income and unemployment in Lake Elsinore. Similar-size median 55.5.
57.9 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Lake Elsinore's police agency. Similar-size median 77.6.
87.3 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Lake Elsinore. Similar-size median 58.9.
47.0 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Lake Elsinore's public schools. Similar-size median 55.2.
46.6 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Lake Elsinore's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 59.3.
44.9 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Lake Elsinore. Similar-size median 56.1.
67.2 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Lake Elsinore. Similar-size median 42.4.
51.3 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Lake Elsinore. Similar-size median 50.0.
21.2 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Lake Elsinore's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 53.2.
47.9 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 50.8.
1.6 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Lake Elsinore's category score out of 100. Tick: median of the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track. Shares of score are the category weights rescaled over the categories Lake Elsinore has data for. City scores use city formulas and are not on the same scale as state scores. Grades follow rank among the 1,312 cities. Methodology
Frequently asked questions about living in Lake Elsinore
Is Lake Elsinore, CA a good place to live?
Lake Elsinore ranks #893 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #372 of 524 smaller cities and #115 of 188 in California. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low violent crime (116 per 100,000, #72 of 442) and fast population growth (+1.4%, #79 of 468), and trails on long commutes (42.9 min, #523 of 524) and high rents ($2,078/mo, #425 of 524).
What is the cost of living in Lake Elsinore?
Lake Elsinore's cost of living index is 106.4, 6% above the US level of 100 and #993 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $2,078/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $583,715, 24% below the typical California home ($764,158).
What is the crime rate in Lake Elsinore?
Lake Elsinore recorded 116 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 69% below the US rate of 373 and 74% below California's 440. That ranks #166 of 1,083 cities with data (1 = safest) and #72 of 442 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Lake Elsinore Police Department. Property crime runs 1,682 per 100,000 (US 2,083).
What is the median household income in Lake Elsinore?
The median household in Lake Elsinore earns $101,888, 33% above the US figure of $76,827 and 11% above California ($91,905). Unemployment is 5.1% (US 4.2%). 9.4% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 1.4% in the latest year (US +0.8%).
How much is rent in Lake Elsinore?
Median rent in Lake Elsinore is $2,078/mo (Census), #1127 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Zillow's typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $2,438/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 24.5% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Lake Elsinore?
Zillow's typical home value in Lake Elsinore is $583,715, down 0.1% in a year, against $764,158 for California and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $566,000.
How are the public schools in Lake Elsinore?
Lake Elsinore's 15 public schools graduate 90% of students in four years (California 85%), with 24.1 students per teacher and $15,940 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Lake Elsinore?
The average commute is 42.9 minutes, #1310 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 25.2 minutes across California. 32% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Lake Elsinore?
Lake Elsinore averages 66°F over the year, 78.6°F in summer and 53.8°F in winter, with 11.7 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Lake Elsinore walkable?
Lake Elsinore scores 10.1 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (below average walkable), #684 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). The index weighs street intersection density, distance to transit and the mix of homes and jobs in each neighborhood.
What natural disasters is Lake Elsinore at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Riverside County's biggest natural hazard losses in earthquake, wildfire, and inland flooding, with expected yearly losses of 0.49% of building value, higher than 97% of US counties.
How is the air quality in Lake Elsinore?
Riverside County's air had a median air quality index of 80, and 11% of measured days were rated good; 109 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from ozone.
Who lives in Lake Elsinore?
Lake Elsinore has 72,461 residents. The median resident of Lake Elsinore is 33.7 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 24.3% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #1003 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 70.9% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Lake Elsinore compare with the rest of California?
Lake Elsinore ranks #115 of the 188 California cities we track, with a score of 51.9 against California's statewide 42.9. Its households earn 11% above the California median. Violent crime is 74% below the statewide rate. Homes are 24% below the typical California home.
What cities are similar in size to Lake Elsinore?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Lake Elsinore's population of 72,461 are Ankeny, IA (#80 overall), Glen Burnie, MD (#606 overall), Blaine, MN (#226 overall), Mount Vernon, NY (#550 overall), and Framingham, MA (#195 overall). Lake Elsinore is #893.