Is Lakeside Safe, Pros and cons of living in Lakeside
Is it Safe to Live in Lakeside?
Lakeside, California, presents a mixed picture regarding safety, with crime rates that warrant attention. The overall crime rate in Lakeside is 9 per 1,000 residents, which is considered near the average for all cities and towns in America (as reported by NeighborhoodScout). However, violent crime occurs at a rate higher than in most communities of all population sizes in America, with a chance of becoming a victim of violent crime at 1 in 347 (as reported by NeighborhoodScout).
Conversely, property crime in Lakeside is about average for all cities and towns in America, with a rate of 7 per 1,000 residents (as reported by NeighborhoodScout). When compared to other communities in California, Lakeside’s crime rate is lower than approximately 69% of California communities (as reported by NeighborhoodScout). For cities of a similar population size, Lakeside’s crime rate is noticeably lower than the average (as reported by NeighborhoodScout).
Violent Crime Statistics
The chance of becoming a victim of a violent crime, such as armed robbery, aggravated assault, rape, or murder, is 3 per one thousand inhabitants in Lakeside (as reported by NeighborhoodScout). This rate is higher than the state average, with a 1 in 347 chance of being a victim in Lakeside compared to 1 in 206 in California (as reported by NeighborhoodScout). Despite these figures, Lakeside’s crime rate is lower than approximately 69% of California communities (as reported by NeighborhoodScout).
Property Crime Statistics
Property crime, encompassing burglary, larceny, grand theft auto, and arson, occurs at a rate of 7 per 1,000 residents in Lakeside (as reported by NeighborhoodScout). This rate is about average for all cities and towns in America of all population sizes (as reported by NeighborhoodScout). While the overall crime rate is near the national average, the specific breakdown shows a higher incidence of violent crime compared to property crime rates when analyzed against broader averages (as reported by NeighborhoodScout).
Cost of Living in Lakeside
Lakeside, California, generally has a higher cost of living than the national average, primarily driven by housing expenses. The overall cost of living in Lakeside is 26% higher than the national average (as reported by Payscale). Housing expenses are 41% higher than the national average, and utility prices are 49% higher (as reported by Payscale).
Transportation costs, including bus fares and gas prices, are also elevated, standing 43% higher than the national average (as reported by Payscale). Grocery prices are slightly above the national average, by 13% (as reported by Payscale). Healthcare costs in Lakeside are comparable to the national average, showing no significant difference (as reported by Payscale).
Housing Costs
The housing market in Lakeside reflects a significant portion of its higher cost of living. The average home value in Lakeside was $816,524 as of March 2026, showing a slight decrease of 1.4% over the past year (as reported by Zillow). The median list price for a home was $729,983 in March 2026 (as reported by Zillow). For renters, the average rent in Lakeside was $2,150 as of April 2026, with a slight decrease of $100 in the last 30 days (as reported by Zumper). A one-bedroom apartment averages around $1,750 per month, while a two-bedroom apartment averages approximately $2,177 per month (as reported by Zillow).
Everyday Expenses
Beyond housing, other daily expenses contribute to Lakeside’s cost of living. Utility prices are notably higher than the national average, by 49% (as reported by Payscale). Transportation expenses also present a higher cost, being 43% above the national average (as reported by Payscale). Food costs are 13% higher than the national average (as reported by Payscale). Healthcare expenses, however, are on par with the national average (as reported by Payscale).
Job Market and Economy
Lakeside, California, has experienced employment growth, with the most common employment sectors being Health Care & Social Assistance, Construction, and Educational Services. From 2023 to 2024, employment in Lakeside grew by 2.3%, with the number of employees increasing from 9.28k to 9.49k (as reported by Data USA). This growth indicates a developing job market within the community.
Major Employers
While specific “major employers” are not explicitly listed in the provided search results, the employment sectors highlight areas of opportunity. The Health Care & Social Assistance sector employs approximately 1,351 residents, followed by Construction with 1,145 residents, and Educational Services with 1,019 residents (as reported by Data USA). These sectors represent key areas for employment within Lakeside.
Salary and Unemployment
The average salary in Lakeside, California, is around $44,279 annually, with a median wage of approximately $40.2K per year (as reported by ZipRecruiter). However, other sources indicate a median household income of $96,447 (as reported by Vertex AI Search, citing Data USA). The unemployment rate is not explicitly stated for Lakeside, CA, in the provided snippets, but broader employment data indicates growth in the job market (as reported by Data USA).
Climate in Lakeside
Lakeside, California, enjoys a climate characterized by hot summers and cool, partly cloudy winters. The temperature typically ranges from 40°F to 92°F throughout the year (as reported by myPerfectWeather). The area experiences comfortable weather for a significant portion of the year, with approximately 269 days or 8.8 months considered comfortable (as reported by myPerfectWeather).
Temperature and Rainfall
Summers in Lakeside are short, hot, arid, and mostly clear, with average daily high temperatures exceeding 85°F from July 1 to September 25 (as reported by Time and Date). The hottest month is August, with an average high of 89°F and a low of 64°F (as reported by Time and Date). Winters are long, cool, and partly cloudy, with the coolest temperatures occurring in December, featuring an average low of 41°F and a high of 69°F (as reported by Time and Date). Annual precipitation averages 14 inches, with February being the wettest month, receiving about 2.6 inches of rain (as reported by myPerfectWeather, Time and Date). The dry period extends from late April to mid-October, with June receiving virtually no rainfall (as reported by Time and Date).
Comfortable Weather Conditions
Lakeside offers a pleasant environment for residents due to its comfortable weather for much of the year. The criteria for comfortable weather include daily high temperatures between 65ºF and 86ºF and low dew point temperatures (as reported by myPerfectWeather). With nearly nine months of comfortable weather, Lakeside provides ample opportunities for outdoor activities and a generally agreeable living environment.
Demographics and Schools
Lakeside, California, is a community with a diverse population and a notable age distribution. The median age in Lakeside is 38.7 years (as reported by Point2Homes, citing Census data). The racial makeup is predominantly White, accounting for approximately 69.8% of the population, followed by Hispanic residents at about 27% (as reported by Point2Homes, Niche).
Population and Age Distribution
Lakeside is home to approximately 22,447 people (as reported by Vertex AI Search). The population is distributed across various age groups, with about 20.5% being 65 or older, and 19.2% being children under 15 (as reported by Point2Homes). Adults between 25 and 44 constitute 24.9% of the population, while those aged 45 to 64 make up 22.2% (as reported by Point2Homes).
Educational Institutions
Information regarding specific school ratings for Lakeside, California, is not readily available in the provided search results. However, “Lakeside School” is mentioned in the context of Seattle, WA, as a highly-rated private high school with an overall A+ rating (as reported by Niche, FindingSchool). This specific school is located in Seattle and serves grades 5-12, with a tuition of $49,350 (as reported by Niche). It is important to note that this refers to a school in a different location and not necessarily to schools within Lakeside, California.