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City Report · CA

Lawndale

Pop. 30,781·161st most expensive in California·One of the pricier rental markets in the US
Median rent (all units)
$2,950/mo
Year-over-Year
-5.0%
Month-over-Month
-0.8%
vs US Median
+$985
Falling (Monthly)
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Most AffordableMost Expensive
Lawndale · $2,950
More expensive than 90% of US cities · National median $1,965/mo
Rent Reality Score
76/100
Good value
OverheatedFairGreat value

Rents are 13% below what Lawndale's 10-year trend predicts — a better deal than its own history suggests.

Actual rent
$2,950/mo
Expected by trend
$3,384/mo
The Rent Reality Score compares today's median rent to where Lawndale's own long-run trajectory projects it should be. See the full rankings →
Medians by bedroom

Rent by unit size

Studio
$1,770
1 BR
$1,980
2 BR
$2,500
3 BR
$3,180
4 BR+
$3,520
Research median
$2,500/mo

Bedroom estimates are gross rents that include essential utilities (electricity, water, gas, sewer, trash).

Rent trends

12-month history

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Last updated: July 20, 2026

Annual cost
$35,400/yr
At $2,950/mo median
Rent Market Meter
Strong Renter's Market
Renter's MarketBalancedLandlord's Market
Rents are down 5.0% year-over-year. Push hard on price, concessions, and lease terms.
Based on rent-price momentum (-5.0% YoY, -0.8% MoM), not inventory.
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Demographics

Who lives here

Lawndale, CA is majority renter-occupied, 20.6% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher.

Population
30,781
Median income
$85,441
Median age
36.9
Renters
63%
Age distribution
22.7%
24.9%
29.3%
12.3%
Under 1822.7%
18–3424.9%
35–5429.3%
55–6412.3%
65+10.9%
Gender
51.4%
48.6%
Male51.4%
Female48.6%
Race & ethnicity
23.2%
65.1%
White23.2%
Black6.6%
Hispanic65.1%
Asian11.4%
Education (25+)
27.5%
26.2%
25.7%
20.6%
No HS diploma27.5%
HS diploma26.2%
Some college25.7%
Bachelor's+20.6%
Housing tenure
37%
63%
Owner37%
Renter63%

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

2021 vs 2026

How Lawndale, CA has changed in 5 years

Rent
$2,385 → $2,950
up 23.7%
Income
$72,246 → $85,441
up 18.3%
Population
32,035 → 30,781
down 3.9%
Renter share
61.2% → 63%
+1.8 pts
Bachelor's+
20.6% → 20.6%
+0.0 pts
Median age
35.3 → 36.9
+1.6 yrs

Five years ago, renters in Lawndale, CA paid around $2,385 a month. That figure now sits near $2,950, up 23.7% 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. Because rent grew faster than wages over the same span, the affordability picture has tightened relative to 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.

Community

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View Lawndale rent history (2015–2026) →
Salary vs rent

Can you afford rent in Lawndale on your salary?

At $2,950/mo, how Lawndale rent compares to typical pay (30% rule).

By apartment size

Lawndale rent by bedroom count

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

Local insights

Tips for renters in Lawndale

About renting in Lawndale, CA

Last updated: July 20, 2026

The median rent in Lawndale is $2,950/mo as of July 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 41% of local median household income ($85,441/yr), Lawndale ranks as moderate compared to the national benchmark of 30%. Rents have decreased 5.0% over the past year.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Is Lawndale an affordable city for renters?

Lawndale is considered stretched for renters. At $2,950/mo, rent takes approximately 41% of the local median household income ($85,441/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%. Lawndale significantly exceeds that threshold, making it challenging for many renters.

How much income do you need to rent in Lawndale?

To keep rent at or below 30% of gross income, you would need to earn at least $118,000/year (~$57/hour full-time) to afford the median rent of $2,950/mo in Lawndale. The local median household income is $85,441/yr, meaning the typical Lawndale household falls short of that threshold.

Is rent going up or down in Lawndale?

Rent in Lawndale has decreased 5.0% over the past year as of July 2026, offering some relief compared to 12 months ago.

How does Lawndale rent compare to other cities in California?

Lawndale is middle-of-the-pack for California for rent, ranking #161 out of 387 tracked cities at $2,950/mo.

Which nearby cities are cheaper to rent in than Lawndale?

Several nearby cities have lower median rents than Lawndale ($2,950/mo): Hawthorne ($2,138/mo), Gardena ($2,363/mo).

What percentage of Lawndale residents rent vs. own?

According to Census data, approximately 63% of Lawndale households are renters, while 37% are owner-occupied. With a majority renter population, Lawndale has a strong rental market.

How does Lawndale rent compare to the national average?

Lawndale's median rent of $2,950/mo is $985 (50%) above the US national median of $1,965/mo. Within California, it ranks #161 out of 387 tracked cities.
Income Affordability
41%
STRETCHED

At $2,950/mo, rent takes ~41% of Lawndale's median household income ($85,441/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%.

Lawndale 41%Benchmark 30%
State income tax1–13.3%
Run the Lawndale affordability calculator →
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Neighborhoods

Estimated from ZIP-level data

Schools nearby

Public schools near Lawndale, CA

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