Brawley, CA
Population 26,934 · California
About Brawley, CA
Brawley is a mid-sized city located in California with a population of 26,934 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $60,370 per year, which is 20% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 30.8 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 Brawley features a median home value of $270,100, which is 10% above the national median of $244,900. This positions Brawley in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $954, 18% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 8,597 total housing units, 53% are owner-occupied (4,112 units) and 47% are renter-occupied (3,595 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Brawley shows an unemployment rate of 15.4%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 20.9%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Brawley have an average one-way commute time of 19.5 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
13.8% of Brawley 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 83.4% White, 2.9% Hispanic or Latino, 0.1% Black or African American, and 1.5% Asian residents, with 28.2% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Brawley, CA
Compared to national averages, Brawley has a median household income of $60,370 (20% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $270,100, which is 10% above the national median. Monthly rent at $954 is 18% below the US average of $1,163. Within California, Brawley's income is 38% below the state average of $97,829, and home values are 59% below the state median of $653,874.
Why Live in Brawley, CA?
Brawley offers rent that’s lower than the national average at $954/month, and short commute times averaging just 19.5 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($60,370) that falls below the national average. However, Brawley’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Brawley has a population of 26,934 with a median age of 30.8 years. Compare Brawley with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in California.
Similar Cities Near Brawley
Cities in California with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Benicia | 26,861 | $125,040 | $778,600 | Compare |
| Lemoore | 27,023 | $82,189 | $319,200 | Compare |
| Sanger | 26,515 | $74,428 | $346,000 | Compare |
| Lemon Grove | 27,489 | $79,278 | $640,600 | Compare |
| Belmont | 27,505 | $207,609 | $2,000,001 | Compare |
| Eureka | 26,302 | $60,253 | $375,800 | Compare |
| South Pasadena | 26,297 | $128,105 | $1,545,100 | Compare |
| Hercules | 26,245 | $130,583 | $741,200 | 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 Brawley With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Brawley
What is the population of Brawley, CA?
The population of Brawley, CA is 26,934 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 Brawley?
The median household income in Brawley, CA is $60,370 per year, which is 20% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Brawley?
The median home value in Brawley, CA is $270,100, which is 10% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Brawley?
The median monthly rent in Brawley, CA is $954, which is 18% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Brawley?
The unemployment rate in Brawley, CA is 15.4%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Brawley, CA a good place to live?
Brawley offers a moderate cost of living, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 26,934 and a median age of 30.8, the city appeals to young professionals and families.
How educated is Brawley, CA?
13.8% of residents in Brawley 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 Brawley?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Brawley, CA: median home value is $270,100 (10% above national), median rent is $954/month, and median household income is $60,370. The home-value-to-income ratio is 4.5x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Brawley?
The poverty rate in Brawley, CA is 20.9%, 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 Brawley, CA?
Brawley's population is 83.4% White, 2.9% Hispanic or Latino, 0.1% Black or African American, 1.5% Asian, and 0.5% two or more races. 28.2% of residents are foreign-born.