Ferndale, CA
Population 1,525 · California
About Ferndale, CA
Ferndale is a small town located in California with a population of 1,525 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $62,090 per year, which is 17% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 58.8 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 Ferndale features a median home value of $496,000, which is 103% above the national median of $244,900. This places Ferndale in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $1,150, 1% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 812 total housing units, 61% are owner-occupied (415 units) and 39% are renter-occupied (265 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Ferndale shows an unemployment rate of 11.0%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 13.2%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Ferndale have an average one-way commute time of 19.6 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
26.4% of Ferndale residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This is in line with national trends in educational attainment. The community's demographic composition includes 15.5% White, 9.2% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.0% Asian residents, with 6.0% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Ferndale, CA
Compared to national averages, Ferndale has a median household income of $62,090 (17% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $496,000, which is 103% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,150 is 1% below the US average of $1,163. Within California, Ferndale's income is 37% below the state average of $97,829, and home values are 24% below the state median of $653,874.
Why Live in Ferndale, CA?
Ferndale offers rent that’s lower than the national average at $1,150/month, and short commute times averaging just 19.6 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($62,090) that falls below the national average, and a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $496,000. However, Ferndale’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Ferndale has a population of 1,525 with a median age of 58.8 years. Compare Ferndale with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in California.
Similar Cities Near Ferndale
Cities in California with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Los Ranchos | 1,521 | $146,667 | $1,231,000 | Compare |
| Dunsmuir | 1,519 | $47,708 | $262,800 | Compare |
| Ahwahnee | 1,532 | $65,980 | $448,000 | 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 |
| 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 Ferndale With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Ferndale
What is the population of Ferndale, CA?
The population of Ferndale, CA is 1,525 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 Ferndale?
The median household income in Ferndale, CA is $62,090 per year, which is 17% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Ferndale?
The median home value in Ferndale, CA is $496,000, which is 103% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Ferndale?
The median monthly rent in Ferndale, CA is $1,150, which is 1% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Ferndale?
The unemployment rate in Ferndale, CA is 11.0%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Ferndale, CA a good place to live?
Ferndale offers a moderate cost of living, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 1,525 and a median age of 58.8, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Ferndale, CA?
26.4% of residents in Ferndale 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 Ferndale?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Ferndale, CA: median home value is $496,000 (103% above national), median rent is $1,150/month, and median household income is $62,090. The home-value-to-income ratio is 8.0x, which suggests housing may be stretched relative to local earnings.
What is the poverty rate in Ferndale?
The poverty rate in Ferndale, CA is 13.2%, 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 Ferndale, CA?
Ferndale's population is 15.5% White, 9.2% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.0% Asian, and 0.0% two or more races. 6.0% of residents are foreign-born.