Median Income
$76,923
2% higher than US avg
Home Value
$176,800
37% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
30.8%
9% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$1,139
2% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
41.4%
29% higher than US avg
Unemployment
3.1%
14% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
7.3%
41% lower than US avg
How Lake Isabella Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population1,931
Median Age46.6 yrs
Density555/mi²
Male / Female54% / 46%
Largest GroupWhite 94%
Veterans12.3%
Economy
A
Median Income$76,923
Per Capita$36,986
Unemployment3.1%
Poverty7.3%
County GDP$1,626M
Commute26 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$176,800
Rent$1,139
Ownership95.8%
Zillow$268,388
Housing Units1,009
Rent Burden24.4%
Health
Obesity41.4%
Uninsured15.7%
Smoking18.7%
Depression30.1%
Heart Disease6.4%
Climate
Avg Temp48°F (9°C)
Rain35.5 in/yr
Elevation904 ft (276 m)
Education
B
Bachelor's+30.8%
High School+92.1%
Graduate+11.9%
School Score4.99
Community
2024 VoteR 64% / D 34%
Commute26 min
Broadband88.3%
EV Stations4
Libraries6
Is Lake Isabella a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Lake Isabella receives an overall livability score of 4.3 out of 5.0, earning a grade of A. Key strengths include low unemployment, affordable housing, a low poverty rate. Areas to be aware of include a high uninsured rate, high obesity rates. Lake Isabella stands out as an excellent place to live, with strong marks across most quality-of-life indicators.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Lake Isabella is $76,923, roughly in line with the national average of $75,149. Unemployment stands at 3.1%, indicating a healthy job market. Only 7.3% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 26 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Lake Isabella is $176,800, 37% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $1,139 per month. At just 2.3x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Education
30.8% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 92.1% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5/10.
Climate & Weather
Lake Isabella experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 48°F. Winters average 23°F in January while summers reach 72°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 35.5 inches, including 61.3 inches of snow.
Lake Isabella has a population of 1,931 with a density of 555 people per square mile, spread across 3.5 square miles. The median age is 46.6 years, 20% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 46.3% female and 53.7% male. The city is predominantly White (94.3%), with 3.5% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 87% of residents. 12.3% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 12.3% of residents have a disability. 84.3% have health insurance coverage.
Population
1,931
Total Population
2023 Census
46.6yrs
Median Age
20% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Lake Isabella vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
87.0%
11% above US avg
Spanish
1.3%
90% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Lake Isabella vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Lake Isabella is $76,923, which is 2% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $36,986. The average weekly wage is $869, 39% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 3.1% (below the 3.6% US average). 7.3% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 696 business establishments, including 78 restaurants. The cost of living index is 96.2, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 26 minutes. 11.5% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Lake Isabella vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $76,923 |
| 2% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $36,986 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $869 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $60,778 |
| Gini Index | 0.420 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 3.1% |
| 14% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 7.3% |
| 41% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 696 |
| County GDP | $1,626M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 78 |
| Healthcare | 102 |
| Retail | 151 |
| Manufacturing | 32 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,526 |
| 29% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 96.20 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.56% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 25.8 min |
| Drive Alone | 75.2% |
| Public Transit | 0.6% |
| Work from Home | 11.5% |
The median home value in Lake Isabella is $176,800, 37% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $268,388, higher than the Census estimate. According to Redfin, the median sale price is $247,250 with homes selling in an average of 97 days. Homes sell for 95.5% of their list price, suggesting buyers have room to negotiate. Monthly rent averages $1,139 (2% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $891 for a one-bedroom to $1,113 for a two-bedroom apartment. 95.8% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 1,009 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1993. The average annual property tax is $4,526 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 24.4% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.3x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $176,800 |
| 37% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $268,388 |
| Redfin Median Sale | $247,250 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median Sale Price | $247,250 |
| $/Sq Ft | $171 |
| Homes Sold | 2 |
| Days on Market | 97 days |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 95.5% |
| Price Drops | 40.0% |
| Inventory | 5 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $1,139 |
| 2% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 24.4% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $807 |
| 1 Bedroom | $891 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,113 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,419 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,588 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 95.8% |
| Owner-Occupied | 95.8% |
| Renter-Occupied | 4.2% |
| Housing Units | 1,009 |
| Median Year Built | 1993 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,526 |
| 29% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.56% |
In Lake Isabella, 41.4% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 10.6% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 6.4% of residents. 33.9% have high blood pressure. 18.7% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 18.2% report binge drinking. 26.6% are physically inactive. 30.1% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 21.0% experience frequent mental distress. 15.7% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,107. The dentist ratio is 1:2,262. 57.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 6.3 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Lake Isabella vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 41.4% |
| 29% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 10.6% |
| Heart Disease | 6.4% |
| High Blood Pressure | 33.9% |
| Asthma | 12.2% |
| COPD | 8.6% |
| Cancer | 7.7% |
| Stroke | 3.3% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 18.7% |
| 34% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 18.2% |
| Physical Inactivity | 26.6% |
| Depression | 30.1% |
| Mental Distress | 21.0% |
| Physical Distress | 15.1% |
| Short Sleep | 35.8% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 84.3% |
| Uninsured | 15.7% |
| 83% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,107 |
| Dentists | 1:2,262 |
| Mental Health | 1:534 |
| Checkup Rate | 77.4% |
| Dental Visits | 63.4% |
| Premature Death | 8,230/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 6.3/10 |
| Exercise Access | 57.6% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 102 |
Lake Isabella experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 48°F (9°C). Winters average 23°F in January while summers reach 72°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 35.5 inches. The area receives 61.3 inches of snow annually, making winter weather a significant factor for residents. The city sits at an elevation of 904 feet.
Temperature
23°F Jan (-5°C)
72°F Jul (22°C)
| Annual Average | 47.8°F |
| 11% below US avg |
| January Average | 23°F (-5°C) |
| July Average | 72°F (22°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 904 ft (276 m) |
| Area | 3.5 sq mi (9.0 km²) |
| Population Density | 555/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 43.6441°N, 85.0048°W |
| Timezone | America/Detroit |
| County | Mecosta County County |
| Nearest Airport | Mbs International (MBS)
47 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
35.5"
7% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
3.87"
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 69.9 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 64.3 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 62.0 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Very High |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively High |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
No Rating |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
1 earthquake (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.5. Most recent: M3.5 on Sep 2, 1994.
| Sep 2, 1994 |
5 km SSW of DeWitt, Michigan |
M3.5 |
100 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Tornado History
250 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 5 fatalities, 124 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Apr 21, 1967 |
EF4 |
81 km |
0 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
93 km |
1 |
| Jun 12, 1984 |
EF3 |
87 km |
0 |
| Mar 30, 1976 |
EF3 |
83 km |
0 |
| Apr 23, 1968 |
EF3 |
39 km |
0 |
| May 31, 1999 |
EF2 |
62 km |
0 |
| Jul 13, 1995 |
EF2 |
89 km |
0 |
| Jul 4, 1994 |
EF2 |
61 km |
0 |
| Apr 24, 1993 |
EF2 |
90 km |
0 |
| Mar 27, 1991 |
EF2 |
45 km |
0 |
| Mar 27, 1991 |
EF2 |
89 km |
0 |
| Nov 27, 1989 |
EF2 |
91 km |
0 |
| Jun 8, 1985 |
EF2 |
56 km |
0 |
| Aug 30, 1984 |
EF2 |
75 km |
0 |
| Jun 15, 1982 |
EF2 |
56 km |
0 |
| Jun 15, 1982 |
EF2 |
67 km |
0 |
| Apr 2, 1977 |
EF2 |
96 km |
0 |
| Mar 28, 1977 |
EF2 |
81 km |
0 |
| Mar 20, 1976 |
EF2 |
85 km |
0 |
| Jun 17, 1975 |
EF2 |
66 km |
1 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Wildfire History
8 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: ROSCOMMON4 (2,109 ac, 2005).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2005 |
ROSCOMMON4 |
2,109 |
73 km |
| 2018 |
SER 438 / WHITE RIVER |
814 |
95 km |
| 2003 |
WARFIELD ROAD |
800 |
94 km |
| 2019 |
UNNAMED |
793 |
95 km |
| 1994 |
COUNTY LINE |
735 |
73 km |
| 2019 |
BALDWIN FUELS UNITS 1/2/6AB |
619 |
77 km |
| 2021 |
WARFIELD |
538 |
94 km |
| 2024 |
WHELAN LAKE BLOCK 1 PARTIAL 1 RX |
512 |
96 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
23°F (-5°C) |
2.1 in |
Coldest |
| February |
24°F (-4°C) |
1.7 in |
Driest |
| March |
33°F (1°C) |
2.0 in |
|
| April |
45°F (7°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| May |
58°F (14°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| June |
68°F (20°C) |
3.9 in |
Wettest |
| July |
72°F (22°C) |
3.2 in |
Warmest |
| August |
70°F (21°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| September |
63°F (17°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| October |
50°F (10°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| November |
38°F (4°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| December |
29°F (-2°C) |
2.4 in |
|
Lake Isabella has a seasonal temperature swing of 50°F / from 23°F in January to 72°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 35.5 inches, with June being the wettest month (3.9") and February the driest (1.7").
Average costs for common services in Lake Isabella. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$241 ($144-$385) |
| Specialist Visit |
$337 ($192-$529) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$192 ($96-$337) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,116 ($770-$4,810) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$125 ($72-$192) |
| Dental Filling |
$241 ($144-$385) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$43 ($24-$72) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$72 ($48-$115) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$289 ($144-$481) |
| Tire Rotation |
$38 ($19-$72) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$577 ($385-$962) |
| Battery Replacement |
$192 ($96-$337) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$96 ($58-$144) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$87 ($48-$135) |
| HVAC Repair |
$385 ($144-$770) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,734 ($3,848-$11,544) |
| Roof Repair |
$962 ($385-$1,924) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,658 ($5,291-$14,430) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,443 ($481-$3,367) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$14,430 ($4,810-$28,860) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,810 ($1,924-$9,620) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,443 ($770-$2,886) |
| Will Preparation |
$481 ($192-$962) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,405 ($962-$4,810) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$24 ($14-$43) |
| Women's Haircut |
$53 ($29-$96) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$144 ($72-$241) |
| Manicure |
$24 ($14-$43) |
| Pedicure |
$38 ($24-$63) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$77 ($48-$125) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.94 ($2.89-$5.29) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.37 ($2.41-$4.81) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.66 ($2.41-$5.29) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.33 ($2.89-$6.25) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.29 ($3.85-$7.22) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.96 ($0.58-$1.73) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$135 ($77-$241) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$67 ($29-$144) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$67 ($38-$115) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$67 ($38-$96) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$63 ($29-$96) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$82 ($48-$144) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$192 ($72-$481) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,924 ($1,154-$3,367) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$67 ($29-$125) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$14 ($7.70-$24) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$96 ($29-$241) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$29 ($14-$72) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,154 ($577-$2,405) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$962 ($481-$1,924) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$385 ($192-$673) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$48 ($24-$96) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$962 ($385-$2,405) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$12,025 ($4,810-$28,860) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$58 ($29-$96) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$96 ($48-$192) |
| Dog Grooming |
$58 ($29-$96) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$38 ($19-$72) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$289 ($144-$481) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$192 ($96-$385) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $481 |
| Toddler | $565 |
| Preschool | $565 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $706 |
| Toddler | $706 |
| Preschool | $577 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Lake Isabella
What is the population of Lake Isabella?
Lake Isabella has a population of 1,931 residents and is located in Michigan. The population density is 555 people per square mile, spread across 3.5 square miles. The median age of residents is 46.6 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 46.3% female and 53.7% male.
Is Lake Isabella expensive to live in?
Lake Isabella has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 96.2 (baseline: 100). The median household income is $76,923, 2% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $176,800 (37% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $1,139 per month. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.3x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
What is the weather like in Lake Isabella?
Lake Isabella has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 48°F (9°C). Winter temperatures average 23°F in January, while summers reach an average of 72°F in July. Annual rainfall totals 35.5 inches, with 61.3 inches of snow.
How is the job market in Lake Isabella?
Lake Isabella has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 3.1%, near the national average of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $869. There are 696 business establishments in the area, including 78 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 26 minutes, and 11.5% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Lake Isabella?
The median home value in Lake Isabella is $176,800. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $268,388. According to Redfin, the median sale price is $247,250, with homes typically selling within 97 days. For renters, the median monthly rent is $1,139. Fair market rent is $891 for a 1-bedroom and $1,113 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 95.8%. The average annual property tax is $4,526.
How are the schools in Lake Isabella?
Schools in Lake Isabella score 5 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 30.8% of adults in Lake Isabella hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 92.1% have completed high school. 11.9% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Lake Isabella?
The obesity rate in Lake Isabella is 41.4% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 18.7% of adults are smokers. 26.6% are physically inactive. 30.1% of residents report depression. 15.7% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 57.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,107.
What is transportation like in Lake Isabella?
The average commute in Lake Isabella is 26 minutes. 75.2% of workers drive alone to work, and 11.5% work from home.
What are the demographics of Lake Isabella?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Lake Isabella is 94.3% White, 3.5% Hispanic or Latino. 87% of residents speak only English at home. 12.3% of the population are military veterans. 12.3% of residents have a disability. 84.3% have health insurance coverage.