Rents are 18% below what Lawndale's 10-year trend predicts — a better deal than its own history suggests.
Rent by unit size
These are HUD Fair Market Rents, the payment standard for a Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8). They often differ from the $2,783 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 →
12-month history
Last updated: August 17, 2026
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Who lives here
Lawndale, CA is majority renter-occupied, 20.6% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau · ACS 2024 5-Year Estimates
How Lawndale, CA has changed in 5 years
Five years ago, renters in Lawndale, CA paid around $2,385 a month. That figure now sits near $2,783, up 16.7% from the 2021 baseline. Household income in the area moved from $72,246 to $85,441 across the same window, up 18.3% versus 2021. Census counts show Lawndale, CA losing about 1,254 residents over the five-year window, down 3.9% on net. The renter share has risen from 61.2% to 63%, with owner-occupied housing accounting for the remainder. Reading these numbers side by side helps frame whether current listings in Lawndale, CA look reasonable against where the market sat half a decade ago.
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Can you afford rent in Lawndale on your salary?
At $2,783/mo, how Lawndale rent compares to typical pay (30% rule).
Lawndale rent by bedroom count
Median rent for each apartment size in Lawndale. Click any size for full breakdown.
Tips for renters in Lawndale
Last updated: August 17, 2026
The median rent in Lawndale is $2,783/mo as of August 2026. A studio apartment averages $1,770/mo while a 2-bedroom runs $2,500/mo. One-bedroom apartments average $1,980/mo and 3-bedroom units go for $3,180/mo.
At 39% of local median household income ($85,441/yr), Lawndale ranks as moderate compared to the national benchmark of 30%. Rents have decreased 10.9% over the past year.
Frequently asked questions
Is Lawndale an affordable city for renters?
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How does Lawndale rent compare to other cities in California?
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What percentage of Lawndale residents rent vs. own?
How does Lawndale rent compare to the national average?
At $2,783/mo, rent takes ~39% of Lawndale's median household income ($85,441/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%.
How does this area stack up?
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Estimated from ZIP-level data
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