Boulder Creek, CA
Population 5,353 · California
About Boulder Creek, CA
Boulder Creek is a small town located in California with a population of 5,353 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $106,842 per year, which is 42% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 46.4 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 Boulder Creek features a median home value of $785,200, which is 221% above the national median of $244,900. This places Boulder Creek in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $1,844, 59% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 2,412 total housing units, 77% are owner-occupied (1,613 units) and 23% are renter-occupied (469 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Boulder Creek shows an unemployment rate of 9.2%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 5.1%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Boulder Creek have an average one-way commute time of 38.2 minutes, suggesting many residents commute to jobs in a nearby metro area.
Education & Demographics
37.9% of Boulder Creek 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 15.4% White, 5.4% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 1.8% Asian residents, with 7.5% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Boulder Creek, CA
Compared to national averages, Boulder Creek has a median household income of $106,842 (42% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $785,200, which is 221% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,844 is 59% above the US average of $1,163. Within California, Boulder Creek's income is 9% above the state average of $97,829, and home values are 20% above the state median of $653,874.
Why Live in Boulder Creek, CA?
Boulder Creek offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $106,842, well above the national average, and a well-educated community where 37.9% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, and a low poverty rate of 5.1%, better than the national average.
Potential considerations include a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $785,200. However, Boulder Creek’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Boulder Creek has a population of 5,353 with a median age of 46.4 years. Compare Boulder Creek with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in California.
Similar Cities Near Boulder Creek
Cities in California with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Keyes | 5,330 | $59,338 | $335,500 | Compare |
| St. Helena | 5,378 | $158,218 | $1,964,300 | Compare |
| Old Fig Garden | 5,387 | $100,833 | $460,800 | Compare |
| Ione | 5,306 | $78,661 | $448,300 | Compare |
| Mayflower Village | 5,303 | $95,521 | $841,200 | Compare |
| Kensington | 5,292 | $209,137 | $1,412,500 | Compare |
| Palermo | 5,440 | $47,893 | $287,000 | Compare |
| El Granada | 5,231 | $226,384 | $1,425,800 | 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 Boulder Creek With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Boulder Creek
What is the population of Boulder Creek, CA?
The population of Boulder Creek, CA is 5,353 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small town in California.
What is the median household income in Boulder Creek?
The median household income in Boulder Creek, CA is $106,842 per year, which is 42% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Boulder Creek?
The median home value in Boulder Creek, CA is $785,200, which is 221% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Boulder Creek?
The median monthly rent in Boulder Creek, CA is $1,844, which is 59% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Boulder Creek?
The unemployment rate in Boulder Creek, CA is 9.2%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Boulder Creek, CA a good place to live?
Boulder Creek offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 5,353 and a median age of 46.4, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Boulder Creek, CA?
37.9% of residents in Boulder Creek 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 Boulder Creek?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Boulder Creek, CA: median home value is $785,200 (221% above national), median rent is $1,844/month, and median household income is $106,842. 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 Boulder Creek?
The poverty rate in Boulder Creek, CA is 5.1%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Boulder Creek, CA?
Boulder Creek's population is 15.4% White, 5.4% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 1.8% Asian, and 0.7% two or more races. 7.5% of residents are foreign-born.