El Portal, CA
Population 502 · California
About El Portal, CA
El Portal is a small community located in California with a population of 502 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $53,509 per year, which is 29% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 36.6 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in El Portal features a median home value of $257,700, which is 5% above the national median of $244,900. This positions El Portal in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $712, 39% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 350 total housing units, 56% are owner-occupied (156 units) and 44% are renter-occupied (124 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in El Portal shows an unemployment rate of 0.0%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 4.0%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in El Portal have an average one-way commute time of 15.8 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
70.9% of El Portal 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 6.8% White, 8.4% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.0% Asian residents, with 0.0% of the population being foreign-born.
How El Portal Ranks in California
Cost of Living in El Portal, CA
Compared to national averages, El Portal has a median household income of $53,509 (29% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $257,700, which is 5% above the national median. Monthly rent at $712 is 39% below the US average of $1,163. Within California, El Portal's income is 45% below the state average of $97,829, and home values are 61% below the state median of $653,874.
Why Live in El Portal, CA?
El Portal offers rent that’s lower than the national average at $712/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 0.0%, and a well-educated community where 70.9% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Additionally, the city features a low poverty rate of 4.0%, better than the national average, and short commute times averaging just 15.8 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($53,509) that falls below the national average. However, El Portal’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
El Portal has a population of 502 with a median age of 36.6 years. Compare El Portal with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in California.
Similar Cities Near El Portal
Cities in California with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Boulevard | 502 | $76,513 | $347,100 | Compare |
| Hamilton Branch | 504 | $106,591 | $365,400 | Compare |
| Cowan | 497 | $80,101 | $0 | Compare |
| El Centro Naval Air Facility | 497 | $59,500 | $0 | Compare |
| Dobbins | 511 | $51,827 | $411,100 | Compare |
| Fall River Mills | 511 | $0 | $0 | Compare |
| Pumpkin Center | 511 | $0 | $0 | Compare |
| Cold Springs CDP (El Dorado County), California | 512 | $71,523 | $391,700 | 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 El Portal With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about El Portal
What is the population of El Portal, CA?
The population of El Portal, CA is 502 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small community in California.
What is the median household income in El Portal?
The median household income in El Portal, CA is $53,509 per year, which is 29% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in El Portal?
The median home value in El Portal, CA is $257,700, which is 5% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in El Portal?
The median monthly rent in El Portal, CA is $712, which is 39% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in El Portal?
The unemployment rate in El Portal, CA is 0.0%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is El Portal, CA a good place to live?
El Portal offers a moderate cost of living, a competitive housing market, and a strong job market. With a population of 502 and a median age of 36.6, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is El Portal, CA?
70.9% of residents in El Portal 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 El Portal?
Key cost-of-living indicators for El Portal, CA: median home value is $257,700 (5% above national), median rent is $712/month, and median household income is $53,509. The home-value-to-income ratio is 4.8x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in El Portal?
The poverty rate in El Portal, CA is 4.0%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is El Portal, CA?
El Portal's population is 6.8% White, 8.4% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.0% Asian, and 0.0% two or more races. 0.0% of residents are foreign-born.