Avenal, CA
Population 13,441 · California
About Avenal, CA
Avenal is a mid-sized city located in California with a population of 13,441 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $52,986 per year, which is 29% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 32.3 years is notably younger the US median age of 38.9 years, indicating a younger, often more dynamic population base.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Avenal features a median home value of $224,800, which is 8% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Avenal in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $1,060, 9% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 3,085 total housing units, 45% are owner-occupied (1,322 units) and 55% are renter-occupied (1,627 units). The higher proportion of renters may reflect a transient population, younger demographics, or high housing costs relative to income.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Avenal shows an unemployment rate of 8.8%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 22.1%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Avenal have an average one-way commute time of 31.2 minutes.
Education & Demographics
4.4% of Avenal residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The lower educational attainment rate may reflect the area's industry mix, with more employment in trades, manufacturing, or agricultural sectors. The community's demographic composition includes 80.4% White, 2.8% Hispanic or Latino, 0.3% Black or African American, and 5.7% Asian residents, with 36.3% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Avenal, CA
Compared to national averages, Avenal has a median household income of $52,986 (29% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $224,800, which is 8% below the national median. Monthly rent at $1,060 is 9% below the US average of $1,163. Within California, Avenal's income is 46% below the state average of $97,829, and home values are 66% below the state median of $653,874.
Why Live in Avenal, CA?
Avenal offers affordable housing with a median home value of $224,800, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $1,060/month.
Potential considerations include median household income ($52,986) that falls below the national average. However, Avenal’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Avenal has a population of 13,441 with a median age of 32.3 years. Compare Avenal with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in California.
Similar Cities Near Avenal
Cities in California with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lake Los Angeles | 13,479 | $60,999 | $284,800 | Compare |
| Lamont | 13,481 | $34,436 | $210,700 | Compare |
| King City | 13,512 | $63,090 | $395,800 | Compare |
| Bonita | 13,336 | $117,750 | $902,200 | Compare |
| North Fair Oaks | 13,327 | $106,690 | $1,209,600 | Compare |
| Oak Park | 13,656 | $160,484 | $1,017,100 | Compare |
| El Sobrante CDP (Riverside County), California | 13,206 | $160,331 | $749,300 | Compare |
| Isla Vista | 13,717 | $24,428 | $1,241,700 | 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 Avenal With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Avenal
What is the population of Avenal, CA?
The population of Avenal, CA is 13,441 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 Avenal?
The median household income in Avenal, CA is $52,986 per year, which is 29% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Avenal?
The median home value in Avenal, CA is $224,800, which is 8% below the national median of $244,900. A significant portion of residents rent their homes.
What is the average rent in Avenal?
The median monthly rent in Avenal, CA is $1,060, which is 9% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Avenal?
The unemployment rate in Avenal, CA is 8.8%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Avenal, CA a good place to live?
Avenal offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 13,441 and a median age of 32.3, the city appeals to young professionals and families.
How educated is Avenal, CA?
4.4% of residents in Avenal 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 Avenal?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Avenal, CA: median home value is $224,800 (8% below national), median rent is $1,060/month, and median household income is $52,986. The home-value-to-income ratio is 4.2x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Avenal?
The poverty rate in Avenal, CA is 22.1%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. Residents and prospective movers should be aware of the economic challenges facing parts of this community.
How diverse is Avenal, CA?
Avenal's population is 80.4% White, 2.8% Hispanic or Latino, 0.3% Black or African American, 5.7% Asian, and 3.1% two or more races. 36.3% of residents are foreign-born.