Fontana, CA
Population 211,921 · California
About Fontana, CA
Fontana is a major city located in California with a population of 211,921 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $98,187 per year, which is 31% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 33.3 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 Fontana features a median home value of $558,500, which is 128% above the national median of $244,900. This places Fontana in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $1,733, 49% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 58,265 total housing units, 67% are owner-occupied (38,364 units) and 33% are renter-occupied (18,747 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Fontana shows an unemployment rate of 6.8%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 10.3%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Fontana have an average one-way commute time of 33.2 minutes.
Education & Demographics
20.4% of Fontana 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 57.3% White, 2.9% Hispanic or Latino, 0.6% Black or African American, and 9.7% Asian residents, with 28.3% of the population being foreign-born.
How Fontana Ranks in California
Cost of Living in Fontana, CA
Compared to national averages, Fontana has a median household income of $98,187 (31% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $558,500, which is 128% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,733 is 49% above the US average of $1,163. Within California, Fontana's income is 0% above the state average of $97,829, and home values are 15% below the state median of $653,874.
Why Live in Fontana, CA?
Fontana offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $98,187, well above the national average, and a low poverty rate of 10.3%, better than the national average.
Potential considerations include a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $558,500. However, as a major city, Fontana provides access to a wide range of amenities and services.
Fontana has a population of 211,921 with a median age of 33.3 years. Compare Fontana with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in California.
Similar Cities Near Fontana
Cities in California with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Moreno Valley | 210,378 | $87,477 | $461,400 | Compare |
| Modesto | 218,614 | $77,899 | $415,600 | Compare |
| San Bernardino | 221,774 | $63,988 | $384,900 | Compare |
| Oxnard | 201,014 | $93,372 | $617,800 | Compare |
| Huntington Beach | 196,010 | $119,885 | $1,047,300 | Compare |
| Fremont | 228,518 | $176,350 | $1,289,400 | Compare |
| Santa Clarita | 229,021 | $119,926 | $721,000 | Compare |
| Glendale | 192,270 | $84,262 | $1,043,900 | 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 Fontana With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Fontana
What is the population of Fontana, CA?
The population of Fontana, CA is 211,921 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a major city in California.
What is the median household income in Fontana?
The median household income in Fontana, CA is $98,187 per year, which is 31% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Fontana?
The median home value in Fontana, CA is $558,500, which is 128% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Fontana?
The median monthly rent in Fontana, CA is $1,733, which is 49% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Fontana?
The unemployment rate in Fontana, CA is 6.8%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Fontana, CA a good place to live?
Fontana offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 211,921 and a median age of 33.3, the city appeals to young professionals and families.
How educated is Fontana, CA?
20.4% of residents in Fontana 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 Fontana?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Fontana, CA: median home value is $558,500 (128% above national), median rent is $1,733/month, and median household income is $98,187. The home-value-to-income ratio is 5.7x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Fontana?
The poverty rate in Fontana, CA is 10.3%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Fontana, CA?
Fontana's population is 57.3% White, 2.9% Hispanic or Latino, 0.6% Black or African American, 9.7% Asian, and 8.2% two or more races. 28.3% of residents are foreign-born.