City Report · CA

Laguna Woods

Pop. 17,289·177th most expensive in California·Laguna Woods rents are up 5.7% over the past year
Median rent (all units)
$2,840/mo
Year-over-Year
+5.7%
Month-over-Month
-1.9%
vs US Median
+$878
Falling (Monthly)
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Most AffordableMost Expensive
Laguna Woods · $2,840
More expensive than 88% of US cities · National median $1,962/mo
Rent Reality Score
54/100
Fairly priced
OverheatedFairGreat value

Rents are 2% below what Laguna Woods's 10-year trend predicts — a better deal than its own history suggests.

Actual rent
$2,840/mo
Expected by trend
$2,898/mo
The Rent Reality Score compares today's median rent to where Laguna Woods's own long-run trajectory projects it should be. See the full rankings →
Medians by bedroom

Rent by unit size

Studio
$2,160
1 BR
$2,260
2 BR
$2,670
3 BR
$3,610
4 BR+
$4,320
Fair Market Rent (HUD)
$2,670/mo

These are HUD Fair Market Rents, the payment standard for a Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8). They often differ from the $2,840 market median above, and that is expected: FMR is the 40th percentile of standard-quality units and counts gross rent, so it includes essential utilities such as electricity, water, gas, sewer, and trash. The market median is asking rent, which usually excludes utilities. HUD sets FMR once a year; market rent here updates monthly.

Source: HUD Small Area Fair Market Rents. Read the methodology →

Rent trends

12-month history

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Last updated: August 17, 2026

Annual cost
$34,080/yr
At $2,840/mo median
Rent Market Meter
Landlord's Market
Renter's MarketBalancedLandlord's Market
Rents are climbing (5.7% YoY), so leverage tilts toward landlords. Act sooner rather than later.
Based on rent-price momentum (+5.7% YoY, -1.9% MoM), not inventory.
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Demographics

Who lives here

Laguna Woods, CA is majority owner-occupied, has a large retiree population, has a median income below the national average, 50.9% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher.

Population
17,289
Median income
$59,269
Median age
74.9
Renters
28.4%
Age distribution
13.2%
83.1%
35–542.8%
55–6413.2%
65+83.1%
Gender
40.7%
59.3%
Male40.7%
Female59.3%
Race & ethnicity
68.5%
22.9%
White68.5%
Black0.6%
Hispanic5.9%
Asian22.9%
Other2%
Education (25+)
16.3%
28.5%
50.9%
No HS diploma4.2%
HS diploma16.3%
Some college28.5%
Bachelor's+50.9%
Housing tenure
71.6%
28.4%
Owner71.6%
Renter28.4%

Source: U.S. Census Bureau · ACS 2024 5-Year Estimates

2023 vs 2026

How Laguna Woods, CA has changed in 5 years

Rent
$2,570 → $2,840
up 10.5%
Income
$53,076 → $59,269
up 11.7%
Population
17,546 → 17,289
down 1.5%
Renter share
31.5% → 28.4%
-3.1 pts
Bachelor's+
51.5% → 50.9%
-0.6 pts

Since 2023, the typical rent in Laguna Woods, CA has increased from $2,570 to $2,840, a 10.5% change over five years. Household income in the area moved from $53,076 to $59,269 across the same window, up 11.7% versus 2021. The population has contracted by 1.5% since 2021, moving from about 17,546 residents to roughly 17,289. Renters now make up 28.4% of households, compared with 31.5% five years ago. Reading these numbers side by side helps frame whether current listings in Laguna Woods, CA look reasonable against where the market sat half a decade ago.

Community

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View Laguna Woods rent history (2015–2026) →
Salary vs rent

Can you afford rent in Laguna Woods on your salary?

At $2,840/mo, how Laguna Woods rent compares to typical pay (30% rule).

By apartment size

Laguna Woods rent by bedroom count

Median rent for each apartment size in Laguna Woods. Click any size for full breakdown.

Local insights

Tips for renters in Laguna Woods

About renting in Laguna Woods, CA

Last updated: August 17, 2026

The median rent in Laguna Woods is $2,840/mo as of August 2026. A studio apartment averages $2,160/mo while a 2-bedroom runs $2,670/mo. One-bedroom apartments average $2,260/mo and 3-bedroom units go for $3,610/mo.

At 58% of local median household income ($59,269/yr), Laguna Woods ranks as expensive compared to the national benchmark of 30%. Rents have increased 5.7% over the past year.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Is Laguna Woods an affordable city for renters?

Laguna Woods is considered expensive for renters. At $2,840/mo, rent takes approximately 58% of the local median household income ($59,269/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%. Laguna Woods significantly exceeds that threshold, making it challenging for many renters.

How much income do you need to rent in Laguna Woods?

To keep rent at or below 30% of gross income, you would need to earn at least $114,000/year (~$55/hour full-time) to afford the median rent of $2,840/mo in Laguna Woods. The local median household income is $59,269/yr, meaning the typical Laguna Woods household falls short of that threshold.

Is rent going up or down in Laguna Woods?

Rent in Laguna Woods has increased 5.7% over the past year as of August 2026, putting upward pressure on renter budgets.

How does Laguna Woods rent compare to other cities in California?

Laguna Woods is middle-of-the-pack for California for rent, ranking #177 out of 381 tracked cities at $2,840/mo.

What percentage of Laguna Woods residents rent vs. own?

According to Census data, approximately 28.4% of Laguna Woods households are renters, while 71.6% are owner-occupied. Laguna Woods leans toward homeownership, which can mean a smaller rental inventory.

How does Laguna Woods rent compare to the national average?

Laguna Woods's median rent of $2,840/mo is $878 (45%) above the US national median of $1,962/mo. Within California, it ranks #177 out of 381 tracked cities.
Income Affordability
58%
EXPENSIVE

At $2,840/mo, rent takes ~58% of Laguna Woods's median household income ($59,269/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%.

Laguna Woods 58%Benchmark 30%
State income tax1–13.3%
Run the Laguna Woods affordability calculator →
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Neighborhoods

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Schools nearby

Public schools near Laguna Woods, CA

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