As of the census of 2000, there were 1,655 people, 709 households, and 448 families residing in the CDP. The population density was 88.9 people per square mile (34.3/km²). There were 867 housing units at an average density of 46.6/sq mi (18.0/km²). The racial makeup of the CDP was 83.20% White, 0.06% Black or African American, 2.72% Native American, 0.97% Asian, 0.06% Pacific Islander, 8.10% from other races, and 4.89% from two or more races. 26.83% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.
There were 709 households out of which 29.6% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 48.4% were married couples living together, 10.9% had a female householder with no husband present, and 36.8% were non-families. 32.0% of all households were made up of individuals and 15.1% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.29 and the average family size was 2.88.
In the CDP the population was spread out with 24.6% under the age of 18, 6.9% from 18 to 24, 22.5% from 25 to 44, 25.8% from 45 to 64, and 20.2% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 43 years. For every 100 females there were 90.9 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 89.7 males.
The median income for a household in the CDP was $29,079, and the median income for a family was $35,800. Males had a median income of $30,813 versus $22,778 for females. The per capita income for the CDP was $16,262. About 16.5% of families and 20.6% of the population were below the poverty line, including 30.9% of those under age 18 and 9.3% of those age 65 or over.
The Lone Pine Indian Reservation is home to persons of Mono and Timbisha lineage and is a Federally recognized tribe. The tribe is the most southern band of Mono - known by the misnomer "Northern Paiute" - who were sedentary to the valley due to the suitable climate and abundant food supply. These people have been living here for several thousands of years. The reservation is along the south side of town on both sides of US395.
Lone pine has a great local museum that has many outstanding displays of the areas history.
Serving the area with a 4,000-foot (1,200 m) runway, Lone Pine Airport (FAA identifier: O26) is located about a mile southeast of town at 36°35′17″N 118°03′07″W/36.58806°N 118.05194°W/36.58806; -118.05194.
The community is located on U.S. Route 395 north of State Route 136. Owens Dry Lake is just over six miles (10 km) south of town on US395.