Lake County is located in the north central portion of the U.S. state of California. It was formed in 1861 and takes its name from Clear Lake, the largest natural lake wholly within California. Clear Lake is believed to be the oldest lake in North America. Waterfowl, fish and other wildlife abound in the Clear Lake basin. As of 2000 the population was 58,309. The county seat is Lakeport. In Lake County were a total of 34,031 homes in the year 2005. The residential home values have increased very sharply by $132,700, or 8.2%, from their 2000 value. Lake County has a relatively high proportion of residential real estate that is high priced.