Blythe, CA
Population 17,824 · California
About Blythe, CA
Blythe is a mid-sized city located in California with a population of 17,824 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $51,984 per year, which is 31% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 36.6 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Blythe features a median home value of $203,800, which is 17% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Blythe in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $900, 23% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 5,144 total housing units, 60% are owner-occupied (2,572 units) and 40% are renter-occupied (1,738 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Blythe shows an unemployment rate of 8.6%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 19.5%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Blythe have an average one-way commute time of 17 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
8.9% of Blythe 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 53.9% White, 3.6% Hispanic or Latino, 0.3% Black or African American, and 4.1% Asian residents, with 17.7% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Blythe, CA
Compared to national averages, Blythe has a median household income of $51,984 (31% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $203,800, which is 17% below the national median. Monthly rent at $900 is 23% below the US average of $1,163. Within California, Blythe's income is 47% below the state average of $97,829, and home values are 69% below the state median of $653,874.
Why Live in Blythe, CA?
Blythe offers affordable housing with a median home value of $203,800, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $900/month, and short commute times averaging just 17 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($51,984) that falls below the national average. However, Blythe’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Blythe has a population of 17,824 with a median age of 36.6 years. Compare Blythe with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in California.
Similar Cities Near Blythe
Cities in California with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stanford | 17,958 | $70,651 | $2,000,001 | Compare |
| Phelan | 18,059 | $83,759 | $357,200 | Compare |
| South San Jose Hills | 17,451 | $94,740 | $540,400 | Compare |
| Rancho Mirage | 17,375 | $109,943 | $747,800 | Compare |
| Coalinga | 17,352 | $78,014 | $254,600 | Compare |
| Laguna Woods | 17,342 | $60,235 | $364,900 | Compare |
| Cameron Park | 17,283 | $97,786 | $641,100 | Compare |
| Nipomo | 17,266 | $102,382 | $674,100 | 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 Blythe With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Blythe
What is the population of Blythe, CA?
The population of Blythe, CA is 17,824 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 Blythe?
The median household income in Blythe, CA is $51,984 per year, which is 31% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Blythe?
The median home value in Blythe, CA is $203,800, which is 17% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Blythe?
The median monthly rent in Blythe, CA is $900, which is 23% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Blythe?
The unemployment rate in Blythe, CA is 8.6%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Blythe, CA a good place to live?
Blythe offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 17,824 and a median age of 36.6, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Blythe, CA?
8.9% of residents in Blythe 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 Blythe?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Blythe, CA: median home value is $203,800 (17% below national), median rent is $900/month, and median household income is $51,984. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.9x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Blythe?
The poverty rate in Blythe, CA is 19.5%, 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 Blythe, CA?
Blythe's population is 53.9% White, 3.6% Hispanic or Latino, 0.3% Black or African American, 4.1% Asian, and 11.2% two or more races. 17.7% of residents are foreign-born.