Dunsmuir, CA
Population 1,519 · California
About Dunsmuir, CA
Dunsmuir is a small town located in California with a population of 1,519 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $47,708 per year, which is 37% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 46.7 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 Dunsmuir features a median home value of $262,800, which is 7% above the national median of $244,900. This positions Dunsmuir in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $953, 18% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 1,071 total housing units, 60% are owner-occupied (416 units) and 40% are renter-occupied (283 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Dunsmuir shows an unemployment rate of 11.6%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 13.1%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Dunsmuir have an average one-way commute time of 19.7 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
21.3% of Dunsmuir 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 8.3% White, 8.8% Hispanic or Latino, 0.6% Black or African American, and 2.2% Asian residents, with 5.9% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Dunsmuir, CA
Compared to national averages, Dunsmuir has a median household income of $47,708 (37% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $262,800, which is 7% above the national median. Monthly rent at $953 is 18% below the US average of $1,163. Within California, Dunsmuir's income is 51% below the state average of $97,829, and home values are 60% below the state median of $653,874.
Why Live in Dunsmuir, CA?
Dunsmuir offers rent that’s lower than the national average at $953/month, and short commute times averaging just 19.7 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($47,708) that falls below the national average. However, Dunsmuir’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Dunsmuir has a population of 1,519 with a median age of 46.7 years. Compare Dunsmuir with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in California.
Similar Cities Near Dunsmuir
Cities in California with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Los Ranchos | 1,521 | $146,667 | $1,231,000 | Compare |
| Lake Sherwood | 1,515 | $244,239 | $2,000,001 | Compare |
| Cedar Ridge | 1,513 | $72,180 | $373,100 | Compare |
| Del Rey | 1,513 | $57,292 | $181,800 | Compare |
| Ferndale | 1,525 | $62,090 | $496,000 | Compare |
| Ahwahnee | 1,532 | $65,980 | $448,000 | Compare |
| Warm Springs | 1,502 | $75,114 | $321,400 | Compare |
| Monument Hills | 1,500 | $240,833 | $903,200 | 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 Dunsmuir With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Dunsmuir
What is the population of Dunsmuir, CA?
The population of Dunsmuir, CA is 1,519 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 Dunsmuir?
The median household income in Dunsmuir, CA is $47,708 per year, which is 37% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Dunsmuir?
The median home value in Dunsmuir, CA is $262,800, which is 7% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Dunsmuir?
The median monthly rent in Dunsmuir, CA is $953, which is 18% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Dunsmuir?
The unemployment rate in Dunsmuir, CA is 11.6%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Dunsmuir, CA a good place to live?
Dunsmuir offers a moderate cost of living, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 1,519 and a median age of 46.7, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Dunsmuir, CA?
21.3% of residents in Dunsmuir 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 Dunsmuir?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Dunsmuir, CA: median home value is $262,800 (7% above national), median rent is $953/month, and median household income is $47,708. The home-value-to-income ratio is 5.5x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Dunsmuir?
The poverty rate in Dunsmuir, CA is 13.1%, 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 Dunsmuir, CA?
Dunsmuir's population is 8.3% White, 8.8% Hispanic or Latino, 0.6% Black or African American, 2.2% Asian, and 2.0% two or more races. 5.9% of residents are foreign-born.