Carpinteria, CA
Population 13,100 · California
About Carpinteria, CA
Carpinteria is a mid-sized city located in California with a population of 13,100 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $104,233 per year, which is 39% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 44.5 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 Carpinteria features a median home value of $965,200, which is 294% above the national median of $244,900. This places Carpinteria in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $2,341, 101% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 6,032 total housing units, 59% are owner-occupied (3,006 units) and 41% are renter-occupied (2,105 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Carpinteria shows an unemployment rate of 4.8%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 6.0%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Carpinteria have an average one-way commute time of 23.3 minutes.
Education & Demographics
44.6% of Carpinteria residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This significantly higher educational attainment rate often correlates with access to knowledge-economy jobs and higher household incomes. The community's demographic composition includes 41.7% White, 2.4% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 1.7% Asian residents, with 22.9% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Carpinteria, CA
Compared to national averages, Carpinteria has a median household income of $104,233 (39% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $965,200, which is 294% above the national median. Monthly rent at $2,341 is 101% above the US average of $1,163. Within California, Carpinteria's income is 7% above the state average of $97,829, and home values are 48% above the state median of $653,874.
Why Live in Carpinteria, CA?
Carpinteria offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $104,233, well above the national average, and a well-educated community where 44.6% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, and a low poverty rate of 6.0%, better than the national average. Additionally, the city features short commute times averaging just 23.3 minutes.
Potential considerations include a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $965,200. However, Carpinteria’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Carpinteria has a population of 13,100 with a median age of 44.5 years. Compare Carpinteria with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in California.
Similar Cities Near Carpinteria
Cities in California with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Grand Terrace | 13,069 | $83,668 | $465,800 | Compare |
| Palos Verdes Estates | 13,047 | $247,500 | $2,000,001 | Compare |
| El Sobrante CDP (Riverside County), California | 13,206 | $160,331 | $749,300 | Compare |
| Avocado Heights | 12,934 | $95,000 | $668,700 | Compare |
| North Fair Oaks | 13,327 | $106,690 | $1,209,600 | Compare |
| Bonita | 13,336 | $117,750 | $902,200 | Compare |
| Larkspur | 12,856 | $134,744 | $1,805,100 | Compare |
| Solana Beach | 12,841 | $150,820 | $1,934,700 | 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 Carpinteria With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Carpinteria
What is the population of Carpinteria, CA?
The population of Carpinteria, CA is 13,100 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 Carpinteria?
The median household income in Carpinteria, CA is $104,233 per year, which is 39% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Carpinteria?
The median home value in Carpinteria, CA is $965,200, which is 294% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Carpinteria?
The median monthly rent in Carpinteria, CA is $2,341, which is 101% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Carpinteria?
The unemployment rate in Carpinteria, CA is 4.8%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Carpinteria, CA a good place to live?
Carpinteria offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 13,100 and a median age of 44.5, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Carpinteria, CA?
44.6% of residents in Carpinteria 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 Carpinteria?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Carpinteria, CA: median home value is $965,200 (294% above national), median rent is $2,341/month, and median household income is $104,233. The home-value-to-income ratio is 9.3x, which suggests housing may be stretched relative to local earnings.
What is the poverty rate in Carpinteria?
The poverty rate in Carpinteria, CA is 6.0%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Carpinteria, CA?
Carpinteria's population is 41.7% White, 2.4% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 1.7% Asian, and 0.9% two or more races. 22.9% of residents are foreign-born.