Clearlake Oaks, California

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Clearlake Oaks is a census-designated place (CDP) in Lake County, California, United States. The population was 2,402 at the 2000 census.

1 Geography
2 Demographics
3 History
4 External links

[edit] Geography

Clearlake Oaks is located at 39°1′18″N, 122°40′8″W (39.021761, -122.668791)^GR1.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the CDP has a total area of 7.9 km² (3.0 mi²). 7.8 km² (3.0 mi²) of it is land and 0.1 km² (0.1 mi²) of it (1.64%) is water.

[edit] Demographics

As of the census^GR2 of 2000, there were 2,402 people, 1,194 households, and 655 families residing in the CDP. The population density was 309.1/km² (800.7/mi²). There were 1,950 housing units at an average density of 251.0/km² (650.0/mi²). The racial makeup of the CDP was 90.01% White, 3.79% Black or African American, 1.71% Native American, 0.58% Asian, 0.08% Pacific Islander, 0.67% from other races, and 3.16% from two or more races. 6.00% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There were 1,194 households out of which 15.2% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 42.0% were married couples living together, 9.5% had a female householder with no husband present, and 45.1% were non-families. 38.0% of all households were made up of individuals and 20.2% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.01 and the average family size was 2.58.

In the CDP the population was spread out with 17.0% under the age of 18, 3.5% from 18 to 24, 17.6% from 25 to 44, 28.6% from 45 to 64, and 33.3% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 55 years. For every 100 females there were 96.4 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 94.1 males.

The median income for a household in the CDP was $24,449, and the median income for a family was $30,044. Males had a median income of $30,227 versus $17,011 for females. The per capita income for the CDP was $14,297. About 15.0% of families and 21.9% of the population were below the poverty line, including 31.2% of those under age 18 and 9.7% of those age 65 or over.

[edit] History

The site of the original town, inland of California State Route 20, was subdivided by the 1920s. Situated in a broad canyon mouth, the original townsite is about 4 blocks long and three deep, triangular in shape, with a plaza site in its center. Today the plaza is paved and used for parking by the church located along the west side. Most of the homes in the village remain true to their "fishing cottage" roots.

Later additions include hundreds of small lots along narrow roads running along the contours of the hills above town. Though the oldest home may be the 1930s rock house on Lakeview, most date from the 1960s and include popular second home styles, such as A-frames. Many homes have outstanding views to Clearlake.

The next addition was across the highway. The Keys, a neighborhood dredged from the marshes, provides a dock immediately behind almost every lot. This neighborhood exhibits a variety of two to five bedroom homes in late-mid-century Bay Region styles.

The relocation of the post office, the aging population, and the coming of Wal-Mart have conspired to kill the "downtown". Fifteen years ago, there were two markets, a chain hardware store, two gas stations, video store, salon, and several restaurants and bars. A privately operated marina had fish and ski boats for rent. But by the late nineties, Clearlake Oaks was down to one market, one convenience store, and a struggling antique store.

The park, beach, and pier were refurbished a few years back. Recently, a wine-tasting room has opened and live music can be again be heard at The Barn. There is hope that something may be yet built at the sites of The Timbers or Sal's Market.