Lake Forest population
Lake Forest, California had an estimated 86,333 residents on July 1, 2025, the 437th-largest city in the US. That is up 11.7% since the 2010 Census and up 12.8% since 2000.
- Population, July 2025
- 86,333+0.5% since April 2020
- People per sq mile
- 5,16516.7 sq mi of land
- Median age
- 40.214.8% are 65 or older
- Households with kids
- 33.3%with anyone under 18
Population by year, 2000 to 2025
| Year | Population | Change | Basis |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 86,333 | -259 | Estimate, July 1 |
| 2024 | 86,592 | +404 | Estimate, July 1 |
| 2023 | 86,188 | +134 | Estimate, July 1 |
| 2022 | 86,054 | +103 | Estimate, July 1 |
| 2021 | 85,951 | +80 | Estimate, July 1 |
| 2020 | 85,871 | +285 | April 2020 estimates base |
| 2019 | 85,586 | +434 | Estimate, July 1 |
| 2018 | 85,152 | +949 | Estimate, July 1 |
| 2017 | 84,203 | +951 | Estimate, July 1 |
| 2016 | 83,252 | +1,960 | Estimate, July 1 |
| 2015 | 81,292 | +1,807 | Estimate, July 1 |
| 2014 | 79,485 | +427 | Estimate, July 1 |
| 2013 | 79,058 | +402 | Estimate, July 1 |
| 2012 | 78,656 | +516 | Estimate, July 1 |
| 2011 | 78,140 | +876 | Estimate, July 1 |
| 2010 | 77,264 | +335 | 2010 Census (April 1) |
| 2009 | 76,929 | +417 | Estimate, July 1 |
| 2008 | 76,512 | +325 | Estimate, July 1 |
| 2007 | 76,187 | -372 | Estimate, July 1 |
| 2006 | 76,559 | -564 | Estimate, July 1 |
| 2005 | 77,123 | -408 | Estimate, July 1 |
| 2004 | 77,531 | -39 | Estimate, July 1 |
| 2003 | 77,570 | +190 | Estimate, July 1 |
| 2002 | 77,380 | +238 | Estimate, July 1 |
| 2001 | 77,142 | +593 | Estimate, July 1 |
| 2000 | 76,549 | April 2000 estimates base |
Year-to-year changes across 2010 and 2020 mix census counts with estimates, so small jumps at those years are partly method changes.
Frequently asked questions
What is the population of Lake Forest in 2025?
The Census Bureau estimates Lake Forest had 86,333 residents on July 1, 2025, making it the 437th-largest city in the US.
Is Lake Forest growing?
Yes. Lake Forest has grown 11.7% since the 2010 Census (77,264 people), and grown 0.5% since 2020.
What was the population of Lake Forest in 2000?
About 76,549 (the Census Bureau's April 2000 estimates base). By the 2010 Census it was 77,264.
How dense is Lake Forest?
Lake Forest has about 5,165 people per square mile of land (16.7 square miles).
More about Lake Forest
See cost of living, jobs and commutes in Lake Forest, Lake Forest weather by month, or every Lake Forest ZIP code. For the biggest cities in the country, see the largest US cities.