Atascadero, CA
Population 29,735 · California
About Atascadero, CA
Atascadero is a mid-sized city located in California with a population of 29,735 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $88,830 per year, which is 18% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 40.5 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Atascadero features a median home value of $673,400, which is 175% above the national median of $244,900. This places Atascadero in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $1,855, 60% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 12,090 total housing units, 63% are owner-occupied (7,198 units) and 37% are renter-occupied (4,312 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Atascadero shows an unemployment rate of 4.1%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 9.9%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Atascadero have an average one-way commute time of 21.9 minutes.
Education & Demographics
30.2% of Atascadero residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This is in line with national trends in educational attainment. The community's demographic composition includes 19.8% White, 4.2% Hispanic or Latino, 0.5% Black or African American, and 2.6% Asian residents, with 7.6% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Atascadero, CA
Compared to national averages, Atascadero has a median household income of $88,830 (18% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $673,400, which is 175% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,855 is 60% above the US average of $1,163. Within California, Atascadero's income is 9% below the state average of $97,829, and home values are 3% above the state median of $653,874.
Why Live in Atascadero, CA?
Atascadero offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $88,830, well above the national average, and a low poverty rate of 9.9%, better than the national average, and short commute times averaging just 21.9 minutes.
Potential considerations include a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $673,400. However, Atascadero’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Atascadero has a population of 29,735 with a median age of 40.5 years. Compare Atascadero with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in California.
Similar Cities Near Atascadero
Cities in California with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Monterey | 29,772 | $104,110 | $1,003,300 | Compare |
| San Carlos | 29,797 | $233,333 | $2,000,001 | Compare |
| San Lorenzo | 29,453 | $110,495 | $833,800 | Compare |
| Eastern Goleta Valley | 29,411 | $136,839 | $1,192,000 | Compare |
| Suisun City | 29,205 | $97,083 | $551,000 | Compare |
| East Palo Alto | 29,143 | $104,832 | $1,124,000 | Compare |
| Saratoga | 30,335 | $241,348 | $2,000,001 | Compare |
| Burlingame | 30,526 | $168,832 | $2,000,001 | 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 Atascadero With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Atascadero
What is the population of Atascadero, CA?
The population of Atascadero, CA is 29,735 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 Atascadero?
The median household income in Atascadero, CA is $88,830 per year, which is 18% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Atascadero?
The median home value in Atascadero, CA is $673,400, which is 175% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Atascadero?
The median monthly rent in Atascadero, CA is $1,855, which is 60% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Atascadero?
The unemployment rate in Atascadero, CA is 4.1%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Atascadero, CA a good place to live?
Atascadero offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 29,735 and a median age of 40.5, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Atascadero, CA?
30.2% of residents in Atascadero aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The educational profile reflects the area's industry mix and employment landscape.
What is the cost of living in Atascadero?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Atascadero, CA: median home value is $673,400 (175% above national), median rent is $1,855/month, and median household income is $88,830. The home-value-to-income ratio is 7.6x, which suggests housing may be stretched relative to local earnings.
What is the poverty rate in Atascadero?
The poverty rate in Atascadero, CA is 9.9%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Atascadero, CA?
Atascadero's population is 19.8% White, 4.2% Hispanic or Latino, 0.5% Black or African American, 2.6% Asian, and 0.6% two or more races. 7.6% of residents are foreign-born.