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Laguna Woods, California facts for kids

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Laguna Woods, California
Laguna Woods Village Golf Course
Laguna Woods Village Golf Course
Official seal of Laguna Woods, California
Seal
Location of Laguna Woods in Orange County, California.
Location of Laguna Woods in Orange County, California.
Laguna Woods, California is located in southern California
Laguna Woods, California
Laguna Woods, California
Location in southern California
Laguna Woods, California is located in California
Laguna Woods, California
Laguna Woods, California
Location in California
Laguna Woods, California is located in the United States
Laguna Woods, California
Laguna Woods, California
Location in the United States
Country United States
State California
County Orange
Incorporated March 24, 1999
Government
 • Type Council-Manager
Area
 • Total 3.34 sq mi (8.64 km2)
 • Land 3.34 sq mi (8.64 km2)
 • Water 0.00 sq mi (0.00 km2)  0.01%
Elevation
381 ft (116 m)
Population
 (2020)
 • Total 17,644
 • Estimate 
(July 2022)
17,192
 • Density 5,282.63/sq mi (2,042.12/km2)
Time zone UTC-8 (Pacific)
 • Summer (DST) UTC-7 (PDT)
ZIP codes
92637
Area code 949
FIPS code 06-39259
GNIS feature ID 1848119

Laguna Woods is a city in Orange County, California, United States. The name "Laguna" comes from the Spanish word for "Lagoon." In 2020, about 17,644 people lived there.

Laguna Woods became the 32nd city in Orange County on March 24, 1999. This happened after local residents voted to make it a city. A big part of Laguna Woods is Laguna Woods Village, which is a private community for older adults. It used to be called Leisure World. The rest of the city has businesses and some homes that are open to everyone.

The people living there wanted their own city to have a stronger say in local decisions. This was especially true when there was a plan to build a big airport nearby. That airport plan was stopped, and the land is now becoming a large park called the Orange County Great Park.

History of Laguna Woods

Laguna Woods, California, is built on land that was once part of a huge ranch called Moulton Ranch. Before the 1960s, this area was mostly used for farming and raising cattle. There were only a few ranch houses and barns.

In 1962, a developer named Ross Cortese bought some of the ranch land. He wanted to create a special community for people aged 52 and older. His idea was to provide everything they needed, like security, fun activities, and places of worship. In 1964, the first residents moved into what was then called Leisure World Laguna Hills.

The idea of making Laguna Woods its own city came up in 1971. It became a serious topic again in 1996. People were worried about fewer county services and the possibility of a large airport being built nearby. So, they decided to vote on becoming a city.

On March 24, 1999, Laguna Woods officially became a city. It was the 32nd city in Orange County.

Geography of Laguna Woods

Laguna Woods is located at 33°36′33″N 117°43′58″W / 33.60917°N 117.73278°W / 33.60917; -117.73278. Most of the city's area is land.

It is surrounded by other cities like Laguna Hills, Aliso Viejo, and Laguna Beach. It also borders natural areas like the Laguna Coast State Park.

Education in Laguna Woods

Laguna Woods does not have any public schools directly within its city limits. However, students living in Laguna Woods attend schools in the Capistrano Unified School District and the Saddleback Valley Unified School District. The city is also part of the South Orange County Community College District.

Population and People

Laguna Woods Village Golf Course
Laguna Woods Village Golf Course is a popular spot in the city.

Laguna Woods has a unique population. In 2020, the city had 17,644 residents. The average age of people living in Laguna Woods is around 74.5 years old. This is because a large part of the city is a community designed for older adults.

The city's population has changed over the years:

  • In 2000, there were 16,507 people.
  • In 2010, the population was 16,192.
  • By 2020, it grew to 17,644 people.

Most of the people in Laguna Woods are White (about 69% in 2020). There is also a growing Asian population (about 21.5% in 2020) and a smaller number of African American, Native American, and Pacific Islander residents. About 5.3% of the population is of Hispanic or Latino background.

In 2010, about 99% of the people lived in homes, while a small number lived in group housing. Most homes were occupied by one person, and many of these individuals were 65 or older. The average household size was about 1.42 people.

Many residents own their homes (about 77% in 2010), while others rent. The city's median household income in 2010 was $36,818.

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See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: Laguna Woods para niños

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