Lake Forest, CA vs Poway, CA
Side-by-side comparison of housing, income, commute, safety, and quality of life.
Score Snapshot
No universal winner
Scores summarize the published model. Use the objective metric differences below and your own priorities to choose.
Lake Forest
65.3
#1638 nationally
Poway
66.1
#1587 nationally
Lake Forest leads in walk score (41 vs 30). Poway leads in crime level (3.7 vs 4.0). Poway leads in median household income ($135,605 vs $128,358).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Lake Forest, CA | Poway, CA |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 65.3 (#1638) | 66.1 (#1587) |
| Population | 85,840 | 48,051 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $1,187,225 | $1,225,939 |
| Median Household Income | $128,358 | $135,605 |
| Average Commute | 24.6 min | 25.6 min |
| Walk Score | 41 | 30 |
| Crime Level | 4.0 | 3.7 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 181 | 179 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | D+2.6 | D+16.8 |
D
65.3 Score
Lake Forest, CA
California community balancing growth and livability
Median Home
$1,187,225
Population
85,840
Crime
Moderate-Low
Walk Score
41
Pacific
View Lake Forest, CA →
D
66.1 Score
Poway, CA
Small California city with local appeal
Median Home
$1,225,939
Population
48,051
Crime
Low
Walk Score
30
Pacific
View Poway, CA →
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