Bret Harte, CA
Population 4,807 · California
About Bret Harte, CA
Bret Harte is a small town located in California with a population of 4,807 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $42,422 per year, which is 44% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 23.5 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 Bret Harte features a median home value of $289,300, which is 18% above the national median of $244,900. This positions Bret Harte in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $1,360, 17% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 1,112 total housing units, 36% are owner-occupied (389 units) and 64% are renter-occupied (685 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 Bret Harte 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 44.1%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Bret Harte have an average one-way commute time of 32 minutes.
Education & Demographics
1.8% of Bret Harte 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 89.2% White, 0.6% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 3.2% Asian residents, with 28.9% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Bret Harte, CA
Compared to national averages, Bret Harte has a median household income of $42,422 (44% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $289,300, which is 18% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,360 is 17% above the US average of $1,163. Within California, Bret Harte's income is 57% below the state average of $97,829, and home values are 56% below the state median of $653,874.
Why Live in Bret Harte, CA?
Potential considerations include median household income ($42,422) that falls below the national average. However, Bret Harte’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Bret Harte has a population of 4,807 with a median age of 23.5 years. Compare Bret Harte with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in California.
Similar Cities Near Bret Harte
Cities in California with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Indian Wells | 4,830 | $145,313 | $1,002,200 | Compare |
| Needles | 4,882 | $39,876 | $134,400 | Compare |
| Mather | 4,729 | $140,941 | $573,800 | Compare |
| Santa Ynez | 4,725 | $117,500 | $1,121,000 | Compare |
| Goshen | 4,895 | $72,813 | $244,800 | Compare |
| Twin Lakes CDP (Santa Cruz County), California | 4,895 | $81,288 | $958,300 | Compare |
| Brisbane | 4,718 | $151,593 | $1,127,200 | Compare |
| Wrightwood | 4,907 | $78,496 | $456,400 | 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 Bret Harte With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Bret Harte
What is the population of Bret Harte, CA?
The population of Bret Harte, CA is 4,807 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 Bret Harte?
The median household income in Bret Harte, CA is $42,422 per year, which is 44% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Bret Harte?
The median home value in Bret Harte, CA is $289,300, which is 18% above the national median of $244,900. A significant portion of residents rent their homes.
What is the average rent in Bret Harte?
The median monthly rent in Bret Harte, CA is $1,360, which is 17% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Bret Harte?
The unemployment rate in Bret Harte, 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 Bret Harte, CA a good place to live?
Bret Harte offers a moderate cost of living, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 4,807 and a median age of 23.5, the city appeals to young professionals and families.
How educated is Bret Harte, CA?
1.8% of residents in Bret Harte 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 Bret Harte?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Bret Harte, CA: median home value is $289,300 (18% above national), median rent is $1,360/month, and median household income is $42,422. The home-value-to-income ratio is 6.8x, which suggests housing may be stretched relative to local earnings.
What is the poverty rate in Bret Harte?
The poverty rate in Bret Harte, CA is 44.1%, 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 Bret Harte, CA?
Bret Harte's population is 89.2% White, 0.6% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 3.2% Asian, and 0.5% two or more races. 28.9% of residents are foreign-born.