Median Income
$85,000
13% higher than US avg
Home Value
$475,700
69% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
20.2%
40% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$1,971
69% higher than US avg
Obesity Rate
26.7%
17% lower than US avg
Unemployment
4.0%
11% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
2.8%
77% lower than US avg
How Lake Nacimiento Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population3,464
Median Age39.4 yrs
Density330/mi²
Male / Female50% / 50%
Largest GroupWhite 81%
Veterans8.4%
Economy
A
Median Income$85,000
Per Capita$45,725
Unemployment4.0%
Poverty2.8%
County GDP$24,505M
Commute44 min
Housing
B+
Home Value$475,700
Rent$1,971
Ownership83.4%
Zillow$650,927
Housing Units1,988
Rent Burden29.8%
Health
Obesity26.7%
Uninsured8.3%
Smoking11.9%
Depression24.7%
Heart Disease4.9%
Climate
Avg Temp60°F (16°C)
AQI49 (Good)
Rain12.2 in/yr
Elevation1,091 ft (333 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+20.2%
High School+94.6%
Graduate+7.8%
School Score5.38
Community
2024 VoteR 43% / D 54%
Commute44 min
Broadband96.1%
EV Stations1
Libraries17
Is Lake Nacimiento a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Lake Nacimiento receives an overall livability score of 3.5 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B+. Key strengths include above-average household incomes, a low poverty rate, strong internet connectivity. Areas to be aware of include high housing costs, long commute times. Lake Nacimiento offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Lake Nacimiento is $85,000, 13% above the national average of $75,149. Residents generally enjoy above-average earning potential. Unemployment stands at 4.0%, indicating a healthy job market. Only 2.8% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 44 minutes, longer than the typical American commute of 28 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Lake Nacimiento is $475,700, making it a premium housing market at 69% above the U.S. median of $281,900. Renters pay a median of $1,971 per month, significantly above the national average of $1,163. The price-to-income ratio of 5.6x means housing costs are stretched relative to local earnings.
Education
20.2% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 94.6% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.4/10.
Climate & Weather
Lake Nacimiento enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 60°F. Winters average 48°F in January while summers reach 73°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 12.2 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 49.
Lake Nacimiento has a population of 3,464 with a density of 330 people per square mile, spread across 10.3 square miles. The median age is 39.4 years, 1% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 49.6% female and 50.4% male. The city is predominantly White (81%), with 20.3% Hispanic, 1.9% Black, 1.1% Asian. English is the primary language spoken at home by 93.8% of residents. 8.4% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 12.3% of residents have a disability. 91.7% have health insurance coverage.
Population
3,464
Total Population
2023 Census
39.4yrs
Median Age
1% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Lake Nacimiento vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
93.8%
19% above US avg
Spanish
5.0%
63% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Lake Nacimiento vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Lake Nacimiento is $85,000, which is 13% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $45,725 (above the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,179, 18% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 4.0% (above the 3.6% US average). 2.8% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 11,662 business establishments, including 1,072 restaurants. The cost of living index is 110.7, slightly above the national baseline of 100. Workers commute an average of 44 minutes (longer than the 28-minute US average). 16.2% of workers work from home.
Income: Lake Nacimiento vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $85,000 |
| 13% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $45,725 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,179 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $98,019 |
| Gini Index | 0.472 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 4.0% |
| 11% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 2.8% |
| 77% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 11,662 |
| County GDP | $24,505M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 1,072 |
| Healthcare | 1,220 |
| Retail | 1,084 |
| Manufacturing | 473 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $7,639 |
| 118% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 110.70 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 1.61% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 43.9 min |
| Drive Alone | 74.9% |
| Public Transit | 1.6% |
| Work from Home | 16.2% |
The median home value in Lake Nacimiento is $475,700, 69% above the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $650,927, higher than the Census estimate. According to Redfin, the median sale price is $896,000 with homes selling in an average of 18 days. Homes sell for 101.9% of their list price, indicating a competitive market where bidding wars are common. Monthly rent averages $1,971 (69% above the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $1,647 for a one-bedroom to $2,053 for a two-bedroom apartment. 83.4% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 1,988 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1988. The average annual property tax is $7,639 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 29.8% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 5.6x, above the traditionally affordable threshold of 3-4x.
Home Values
| Census Median | $475,700 |
| 69% above US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $650,927 |
| Redfin Median Sale | $896,000 |
| Median List Price | $599,000 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median Sale Price | $896,000 |
| Median List Price | $599,000 |
| $/Sq Ft | $297 |
| Homes Sold | 1 |
| Days on Market | 18 days |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 101.9% |
| Price Drops | 20.0% |
| Inventory | 15 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $1,971 |
| 69% above US avg |
| Rent Burden | 29.8% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $1,513 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,647 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $2,053 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $2,752 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $3,165 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 83.4% |
| Owner-Occupied | 83.4% |
| Renter-Occupied | 16.6% |
| Housing Units | 1,988 |
| Median Year Built | 1988 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $7,639 |
| 118% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 1.61% |
In Lake Nacimiento, 26.7% of adults are obese, below the national rate of 32.1%. 7.7% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 4.9% of residents, below the national average. 27.3% have high blood pressure. 11.9% are current smokers. 19.9% report binge drinking. 18.1% are physically inactive, below the national average. 24.7% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 18.7% experience frequent mental distress. 8.3% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,205. The dentist ratio is 1:1,097. 86.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.7 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Lake Nacimiento vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 26.7% |
| 17% below US avg |
| Diabetes | 7.7% |
| Heart Disease | 4.9% |
| High Blood Pressure | 27.3% |
| Asthma | 10.3% |
| COPD | 4.8% |
| Cancer | 7.2% |
| Stroke | 2.6% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 11.9% |
| 15% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 19.9% |
| Physical Inactivity | 18.1% |
| Depression | 24.7% |
| Mental Distress | 18.7% |
| Physical Distress | 12.2% |
| Short Sleep | 33.7% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 91.7% |
| Uninsured | 8.3% |
| 3% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,205 |
| Dentists | 1:1,097 |
| Mental Health | 1:136 |
| Checkup Rate | 68.5% |
| Dental Visits | 64.0% |
| Premature Death | 6,206/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.7/10 |
| Exercise Access | 86.6% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 1,220 |
Lake Nacimiento enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 60°F (16°C). Winters average 48°F in January while summers reach 73°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 12.2 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 49. 53% of days have good air quality. The city sits at an elevation of 1,091 feet.
Temperature
48°F Jan (9°C)
73°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 60.0°F |
| 11% above US avg |
| January Average | 48°F (9°C) |
| July Average | 73°F (23°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,091 ft (333 m) |
| Area | 10.3 sq mi (26.7 km²) |
| Population Density | 330/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 35.7310°N, 120.8695°W |
| Timezone | America/Los_Angeles |
| County | San Luis Obispo County County |
| Nearest Airport | San Luis Obispo County Regional (SBP)
40 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
12.2"
68% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jan)
2.74"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 49.0 |
| Rating | Good |
| Good Days % | 52.7% |
| Unhealthy Days | 10 |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
| Ozone (O₃) | 0.0404 ppm |
| NO₂ (Nitrogen Dioxide) | 5.1 ppb |
| SO₂ (Sulfur Dioxide) | 0.39 ppb |
| PM2.5 (Fine Particles) | 4.9 μg/m³ |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively High |
| Risk Score | 95.9 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 32.8 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 93.9 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Moderate |
| Wildfire |
Relatively High |
| Flood |
Relatively High |
| Hail |
Very Low |
| Strong Wind |
Very Low |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Very Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Very High |
| Cold Wave |
No Rating |
| Landslide |
Relatively High |
| Coastal Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Tsunami |
Relatively Low |
| Avalanche |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
4,482 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M6.0. Most recent: M2.6 on Aug 24, 2025.
| Sep 28, 2004 |
2004 Parkfield, California Earthquake |
M6.0 |
46 km |
| Oct 21, 2012 |
24 km NE of San Lucas, California |
M5.3 |
64 km |
| Sep 17, 1991 |
22 km NW of San Simeon, California |
M5.2 |
43 km |
| Aug 12, 1998 |
10 km SW of Ridgemark, California |
M5.1 |
126 km |
| Sep 29, 2004 |
8 km NW of Parkfield, California |
M5.0 |
41 km |
| Apr 23, 1995 |
22 km NNE of Soledad, California |
M4.9 |
101 km |
| Apr 19, 1996 |
2 km E of Aromas, California |
M4.9 |
145 km |
| Dec 20, 1994 |
3 km NW of Parkfield, California |
M4.9 |
42 km |
| Sep 30, 2004 |
13 km NW of Parkfield, California |
M4.9 |
41 km |
| Feb 24, 2016 |
6km SSW of Wasco, CA |
M4.9 |
137 km |
| Nov 14, 1993 |
8 km NW of Parkfield, California |
M4.8 |
42 km |
| Sep 28, 2004 |
12 km SE of Parkfield, California |
M4.7 |
48 km |
| Feb 4, 1991 |
33 km SE of Big Sur, California |
M4.7 |
71 km |
| Apr 18, 1990 |
4 km N of Aromas, California |
M4.7 |
150 km |
| Aug 27, 2011 |
21 km NE of Soledad, California |
M4.6 |
99 km |
| Mar 17, 2004 |
9 km WSW of Oak Shores, California |
M4.5 |
19 km |
| Jan 12, 2011 |
9 km SSE of San Juan Bautista, California |
M4.5 |
129 km |
| May 16, 2005 |
5 km NW of Parkfield, California |
M4.5 |
42 km |
| Aug 6, 2012 |
8 km NW of Parkfield, California |
M4.5 |
41 km |
| Jan 20, 2015 |
27 km ENE of Greenfield, California |
M4.4 |
79 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Tornado History
7 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF1.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Feb 7, 2024 |
EF1 |
72 km |
0 |
| Feb 7, 2024 |
EF1 |
48 km |
0 |
| May 19, 2019 |
EF0 |
95 km |
0 |
| Apr 22, 2016 |
EF0 |
75 km |
0 |
| Feb 2, 2004 |
EF0 |
73 km |
0 |
| Nov 29, 2001 |
EF0 |
96 km |
0 |
| May 5, 1998 |
EF0 |
53 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Tsunami History
3 tsunamis recorded within 500 km.
Highest wave on record: 1.8 m (6 ft).
| Year |
Location |
Cause |
Max Wave |
Deaths |
Distance |
| 1927 |
S. CALIFORNIA |
Earthquake |
1.8 m |
- |
102 km |
| 1878 |
S. CALIFORNIA |
Meteorological |
1.0 m |
1 |
63 km |
| 1901 |
MONTEREY BAY, N. CALIFORNIA |
Eruption + Earthquake |
- |
- |
45 km |
Source: NOAA/NCEI Historical Tsunami Database. Sorted by wave height.
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: BASIN COMPLEX (164,537 ac, 2008).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2008 |
BASIN COMPLEX |
164,537 |
83 km |
| 2016 |
SOBERANES |
131,921 |
100 km |
| 2020 |
DOLAN |
124,382 |
66 km |
| 1996 |
FIFTY-EIGHT |
94,704 |
69 km |
| 1985 |
LAS PILITAS |
75,841 |
59 km |
| 2008 |
BASIN COMPLEX (INDIANS) |
59,095 |
64 km |
| 1985 |
GORDA-RAT |
52,474 |
65 km |
| 1997 |
LOGAN |
49,627 |
98 km |
| 1994 |
41 |
48,441 |
41 km |
| 2017 |
GARZA |
48,404 |
57 km |
| 2016 |
CHIMNEY |
46,950 |
19 km |
| 1999 |
KIRK COMPLEX (HARE) |
43,054 |
65 km |
| 1985 |
CHERRY |
41,654 |
46 km |
| 2005 |
UNNAMED |
39,070 |
39 km |
| 1999 |
KIRK COMPLEX (FIVE) |
36,162 |
91 km |
| 2020 |
MINERAL |
29,901 |
56 km |
| 1996 |
WILD |
24,439 |
53 km |
| 1984 |
UNNAMED |
23,122 |
40 km |
| 1993 |
ORCHARD |
22,309 |
72 km |
| 1996 |
SKYLINE |
21,694 |
80 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
48°F (9°C) |
2.7 in |
Wettest |
| February |
50°F (10°C) |
2.5 in |
|
| March |
54°F (12°C) |
2.4 in |
|
| April |
57°F (14°C) |
0.6 in |
|
| May |
63°F (17°C) |
0.3 in |
|
| June |
69°F (21°C) |
0.0 in |
|
| July |
73°F (23°C) |
0.1 in |
|
| August |
74°F (23°C) |
0.0 in |
Warmest, Driest |
| September |
70°F (21°C) |
0.1 in |
|
| October |
62°F (17°C) |
0.6 in |
|
| November |
53°F (12°C) |
0.9 in |
|
| December |
47°F (8°C) |
2.0 in |
Coldest |
Lake Nacimiento has a seasonal temperature swing of 27°F / from 47°F in December to 74°F in August. Total annual precipitation is 12.2 inches, with January being the wettest month (2.7") and August the driest (0.0").
Average costs for common services in Lake Nacimiento. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$277 ($166-$443) |
| Specialist Visit |
$387 ($221-$609) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$221 ($111-$387) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,435 ($886-$5,535) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$144 ($83-$221) |
| Dental Filling |
$277 ($166-$443) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$50 ($28-$83) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$83 ($55-$133) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$332 ($166-$554) |
| Tire Rotation |
$44 ($22-$83) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$664 ($443-$1,107) |
| Battery Replacement |
$221 ($111-$387) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$111 ($66-$166) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$100 ($55-$155) |
| HVAC Repair |
$443 ($166-$886) |
| HVAC System Install |
$7,749 ($4,428-$13,284) |
| Roof Repair |
$1,107 ($443-$2,214) |
| Roof Replacement |
$9,963 ($6,089-$16,605) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,661 ($554-$3,875) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$16,605 ($5,535-$33,210) |
| DUI Defense |
$5,535 ($2,214-$11,070) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,661 ($886-$3,321) |
| Will Preparation |
$554 ($221-$1,107) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,768 ($1,107-$5,535) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$28 ($17-$50) |
| Women's Haircut |
$61 ($33-$111) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$166 ($83-$277) |
| Manicure |
$28 ($17-$50) |
| Pedicure |
$44 ($28-$72) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$89 ($55-$144) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$4.54 ($3.32-$6.09) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.87 ($2.77-$5.54) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$4.21 ($2.77-$6.09) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.98 ($3.32-$7.20) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$6.09 ($4.43-$8.30) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$1.11 ($0.66-$1.99) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$155 ($89-$277) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$77 ($33-$166) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$77 ($44-$133) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$77 ($44-$111) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$72 ($33-$111) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$94 ($55-$166) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$221 ($83-$554) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$2,214 ($1,328-$3,875) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$77 ($33-$144) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$17 ($8.86-$28) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$111 ($33-$277) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$33 ($17-$83) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,328 ($664-$2,768) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$1,107 ($554-$2,214) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$443 ($221-$775) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$55 ($28-$111) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$1,107 ($443-$2,768) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$13,838 ($5,535-$33,210) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$66 ($33-$111) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$111 ($55-$221) |
| Dog Grooming |
$66 ($33-$111) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$44 ($22-$83) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$332 ($166-$554) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$221 ($111-$443) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $1,564 |
| Toddler | $1,003 |
| Preschool | $1,180 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $1,065 |
| Toddler | $906 |
| Preschool | $927 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Lake Nacimiento
What is the population of Lake Nacimiento?
Lake Nacimiento has a population of 3,464 residents and is located in California. The population density is 330 people per square mile, spread across 10.3 square miles. The median age of residents is 39.4 years. The population is 49.6% female and 50.4% male.
Is Lake Nacimiento expensive to live in?
Lake Nacimiento is slightly more expensive than average, with a cost of living index of 110.7 compared to the national baseline of 100. The median household income is $85,000, 13% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $475,700 (69% above the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $1,971 per month, above the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 5.6x, which means housing is a stretch relative to local earnings.
What is the weather like in Lake Nacimiento?
Lake Nacimiento enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 60°F (16°C). Winter temperatures average 48°F in January, while summers reach an average of 73°F in July. Annual rainfall totals 12.2 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 49.
How is the job market in Lake Nacimiento?
Lake Nacimiento has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 4.0%, near the national average of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,179. There are 11,662 business establishments in the area, including 1,072 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 44 minutes, and 16.2% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Lake Nacimiento?
The median home value in Lake Nacimiento is $475,700. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $650,927. According to Redfin, the median sale price is $896,000, with homes typically selling within 18 days. For renters, the median monthly rent is $1,971. Fair market rent is $1,647 for a 1-bedroom and $2,053 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 83.4%. The average annual property tax is $7,639.
How are the schools in Lake Nacimiento?
Schools in Lake Nacimiento score 5.4 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 20.2% of adults in Lake Nacimiento hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 94.6% have completed high school. 7.8% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Lake Nacimiento?
The obesity rate in Lake Nacimiento is 26.7% (below the national rate of 32.1%). 11.9% of adults are smokers. 18.1% are physically inactive. 24.7% of residents report depression. 8.3% lack health insurance. 86.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,205.
What is transportation like in Lake Nacimiento?
The average commute in Lake Nacimiento is 44 minutes, longer than the national average of 28 minutes. 74.9% of workers drive alone to work, 1.6% use public transit, and 16.2% work from home.
What are the demographics of Lake Nacimiento?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Lake Nacimiento is 81% White, 1.9% Black or African American, 20.3% Hispanic or Latino, 1.1% Asian. 93.8% of residents speak only English at home, while 5% speak Spanish. 8.4% of the population are military veterans. 12.3% of residents have a disability. 91.7% have health insurance coverage.