Arroyo Grande, CA
Population 18,412 · California
About Arroyo Grande, CA
Arroyo Grande is a mid-sized city located in California with a population of 18,412 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $103,258 per year, which is 37% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 45.2 years is notably older the US median age of 38.9 years, suggesting a more established community with a higher proportion of long-term residents.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Arroyo Grande features a median home value of $758,100, which is 210% above the national median of $244,900. This places Arroyo Grande in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $1,890, 63% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 8,198 total housing units, 62% are owner-occupied (4,775 units) and 38% are renter-occupied (2,891 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Arroyo Grande shows an unemployment rate of 2.3%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 4.6%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Arroyo Grande have an average one-way commute time of 23 minutes.
Education & Demographics
44.5% of Arroyo Grande residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This significantly higher educational attainment rate often correlates with access to knowledge-economy jobs and higher household incomes. The community's demographic composition includes 11.9% White, 3.2% Hispanic or Latino, 1.2% Black or African American, and 3.0% Asian residents, with 6.5% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Arroyo Grande, CA
Compared to national averages, Arroyo Grande has a median household income of $103,258 (37% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $758,100, which is 210% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,890 is 63% above the US average of $1,163. Within California, Arroyo Grande's income is 6% above the state average of $97,829, and home values are 16% above the state median of $653,874.
Why Live in Arroyo Grande, CA?
Arroyo Grande offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $103,258, well above the national average, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 2.3%, and a well-educated community where 44.5% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Additionally, the city features a low poverty rate of 4.6%, better than the national average, and short commute times averaging just 23 minutes.
Potential considerations include a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $758,100. However, Arroyo Grande’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Arroyo Grande has a population of 18,412 with a median age of 45.2 years. Compare Arroyo Grande with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in California.
Similar Cities Near Arroyo Grande
Cities in California with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Castaic | 18,479 | $132,153 | $710,400 | Compare |
| Coronado | 18,558 | $135,056 | $1,998,900 | Compare |
| Arcata | 18,578 | $48,731 | $466,600 | Compare |
| Phelan | 18,059 | $83,759 | $357,200 | Compare |
| Pinole | 18,835 | $120,833 | $697,100 | Compare |
| Stanford | 17,958 | $70,651 | $2,000,001 | Compare |
| Chowchilla | 18,876 | $63,308 | $331,500 | Compare |
| Blythe | 17,824 | $51,984 | $203,800 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in California
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Arroyo Grande With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Arroyo Grande
What is the population of Arroyo Grande, CA?
The population of Arroyo Grande, CA is 18,412 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a mid-sized city in California.
What is the median household income in Arroyo Grande?
The median household income in Arroyo Grande, CA is $103,258 per year, which is 37% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Arroyo Grande?
The median home value in Arroyo Grande, CA is $758,100, which is 210% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Arroyo Grande?
The median monthly rent in Arroyo Grande, CA is $1,890, which is 63% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Arroyo Grande?
The unemployment rate in Arroyo Grande, CA is 2.3%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Arroyo Grande, CA a good place to live?
Arroyo Grande offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and a strong job market. With a population of 18,412 and a median age of 45.2, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Arroyo Grande, CA?
44.5% of residents in Arroyo Grande aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This above-average educational attainment often reflects a knowledge-based local economy.
What is the cost of living in Arroyo Grande?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Arroyo Grande, CA: median home value is $758,100 (210% above national), median rent is $1,890/month, and median household income is $103,258. The home-value-to-income ratio is 7.3x, which suggests housing may be stretched relative to local earnings.
What is the poverty rate in Arroyo Grande?
The poverty rate in Arroyo Grande, CA is 4.6%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Arroyo Grande, CA?
Arroyo Grande's population is 11.9% White, 3.2% Hispanic or Latino, 1.2% Black or African American, 3.0% Asian, and 0.4% two or more races. 6.5% of residents are foreign-born.