Cost of Living in Lucerne Valley, CA
Population 5,946 · California · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Lucerne Valley sits on the smaller end of the California city distribution. That scale shapes the housing market, the labor pool, and the services available to residents in ways the data below makes visible. Unemployment has stayed elevated relative to the national figure — 23.4% as of the most recent ACS release — which shows up in household-income and poverty figures as well.
Geographically, Lucerne Valley sits roughly 25 miles east of Hesperia. Median home values run roughly 35% lower than Hesperia's $367,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Lucerne Valley
The median home value in Lucerne Valley is $240,000 — 21% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,131/month, 14% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $50,330/year is 33% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 23.4%, above the national average of 4.8%. California's top state income tax rate is 13.3% and the combined sales tax is 8.7%. Overall, Lucerne Valley has a cost of living index of 82 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 18% less expensive.
Lucerne Valley is within a protected area
This area is within or adjacent to protected federal land. Residential housing is concentrated in nearby towns — here are the closest communities with full cost of living data:
🏠 Housing
HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom
💰 Estimated Monthly Budget
Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.
🛒 Food & Groceries
National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.
🚗 Transportation
Commute Mode
⚡ Utilities
📋 Taxes
💼 Income & Employment
🎓 Education
👥 Demographics
💨 Air Quality
EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Lucerne Valley, CA?
Lucerne Valley has a cost index of 82 (100 = national average). It is 18% below the national average.
What is average rent in Lucerne Valley, CA?
The median gross rent in Lucerne Valley is $1,131 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Lucerne Valley?
The median home value in Lucerne Valley is $240,000 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Lucerne Valley?
The median household income in Lucerne Valley is $50,330 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Lucerne Valley, CA?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Lucerne Valley is 8.7%. The California state income tax top rate is 13.3%.
Is Lucerne Valley, CA affordable?
Yes, Lucerne Valley is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 82 — about 18% below the US national average of 100.
Lucerne Valley at a Glance
- Population
- 5,946
- Median Income
- $50,330
- Home Value
- $240,000
- Median Rent
- $1,131/mo
- Unemployment
- 23.4%
- Sales Tax
- 8.7%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
California Rankings
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