The 2020 U.S. Census estimated Laguna Woods’ population at 17,644 as of April 1, 2020, an increase of approximately 9% from the 2010 U.S. Census estimate of 16,192 as of April 1, 2010. As compared to the 33 other cities in Orange County, Laguna Woods has a population larger than the cities of La Palma (15,581), Los Alamitos (11,780), and Villa Park (5,843).
The California Department of Finance (“DOF”) produces annual population estimates for use by local governments in calculating annual appropriation limits and to aid in the allocation of certain state subventions to cities and counties, including monies accounted for in the City’s Fuel Tax Fund and Road Maintenance & Rehabilitation Program Fund. The DOF estimated Laguna Woods’ population at 17,148 as of January 1, 2024, a reduction of approximately 0.4% from the January 1, 2023 estimate of 17,222[1].
[1] State of California, Department of Finance, E-1 Population Estimates for Cities, Counties and the State with Annual Percent Change — January 1, 2023 and 2024. Sacramento, California, May 2024.
The 2020 U.S. Census estimated Laguna Woods’ median age at 74.9 years as of April 1, 2020, a decrease of 2.1 years from the 2010 U.S. Census estimate of 77.0 years as of April 1, 2010.
The 2020 U.S. Census estimated that approximately 91% of Laguna Woods residents were 60 years or over, an increase of 2.5% from the 2010 Census estimate of 88.5%. The largest growing segment of residents was aged 70 to 79 years, increasing by 9.6%, from 26.6% in 2010 to 36.2% in 2020.
Every 10 years, the U.S. Census Bureau conducts a count of the nation’s residents. That count (or, “census”) is mandated by Article 1, Section 2 of the U.S. Constitution and has occurred every 10 years since 1790. The 2020 U.S. Census counted residents based on where they lived as of April 1, 2020.
In addition to determining how many seats in the U.S. Congress each state receives, Census results help to determine how billions of dollars in federal funding flows into states and communities each year. Medicaid and Medicare Part B are just two of the programs whose funding is affected by Census results.
Demographic Profile – The 2020 U.S. Census Demographic Profile provides an overview of Laguna Woods’ demographic and housing characteristics, including data on age, sex, race, Hispanic origin, households, and housing. Statewide data is also included for comparative purposes.
