Ford City, CA
Population 4,310 · California
About Ford City, CA
Ford City is a small town located in California with a population of 4,310 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $45,976 per year, which is 39% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 26.6 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 Ford City features a median home value of $197,500, which is 19% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Ford City in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $993, 15% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 1,415 total housing units, 38% are owner-occupied (473 units) and 62% are renter-occupied (779 units). The higher proportion of renters may reflect a transient population, younger demographics, or high housing costs relative to income.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Ford City shows an unemployment rate of 18.5%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 39.2%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Ford City have an average one-way commute time of 29 minutes.
Education & Demographics
4.5% of Ford City 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 50.3% White, 0.9% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 1.2% Asian residents, with 25.2% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Ford City, CA
Compared to national averages, Ford City has a median household income of $45,976 (39% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $197,500, which is 19% below the national median. Monthly rent at $993 is 15% below the US average of $1,163. Within California, Ford City's income is 53% below the state average of $97,829, and home values are 70% below the state median of $653,874.
Why Live in Ford City, CA?
Ford City offers affordable housing with a median home value of $197,500, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $993/month.
Potential considerations include median household income ($45,976) that falls below the national average. However, Ford City’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Ford City has a population of 4,310 with a median age of 26.6 years. Compare Ford City with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in California.
Similar Cities Near Ford City
Cities in California with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bonsall | 4,308 | $110,316 | $938,100 | Compare |
| Coarsegold | 4,301 | $82,574 | $315,000 | Compare |
| Portola Valley | 4,329 | $250,001 | $2,000,001 | Compare |
| Clearlake Riviera | 4,287 | $94,167 | $313,600 | Compare |
| Elverta | 4,252 | $91,563 | $455,500 | Compare |
| Harbison Canyon | 4,245 | $121,007 | $632,700 | Compare |
| Brooktrails | 4,394 | $120,099 | $382,000 | Compare |
| Emerald Lake Hills | 4,396 | $250,001 | $2,000,001 | 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 Ford City With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Ford City
What is the population of Ford City, CA?
The population of Ford City, CA is 4,310 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 Ford City?
The median household income in Ford City, CA is $45,976 per year, which is 39% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Ford City?
The median home value in Ford City, CA is $197,500, which is 19% below the national median of $244,900. A significant portion of residents rent their homes.
What is the average rent in Ford City?
The median monthly rent in Ford City, CA is $993, which is 15% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Ford City?
The unemployment rate in Ford City, CA is 18.5%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Ford City, CA a good place to live?
Ford City offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 4,310 and a median age of 26.6, the city appeals to young professionals and families.
How educated is Ford City, CA?
4.5% of residents in Ford City 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 Ford City?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Ford City, CA: median home value is $197,500 (19% below national), median rent is $993/month, and median household income is $45,976. The home-value-to-income ratio is 4.3x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Ford City?
The poverty rate in Ford City, CA is 39.2%, 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 Ford City, CA?
Ford City's population is 50.3% White, 0.9% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 1.2% Asian, and 0.0% two or more races. 25.2% of residents are foreign-born.