Fort Bragg, CA
Population 7,001 · California
About Fort Bragg, CA
Fort Bragg is a small town located in California with a population of 7,001 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $53,580 per year, which is 29% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 50.4 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 Fort Bragg features a median home value of $481,200, which is 96% above the national median of $244,900. This places Fort Bragg in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $1,264, 9% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 3,503 total housing units, 41% are owner-occupied (1,215 units) and 59% are renter-occupied (1,756 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 Fort Bragg shows an unemployment rate of 6.7%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 15.0%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Fort Bragg have an average one-way commute time of 12.4 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
25.7% of Fort Bragg 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 30.2% White, 7.8% Hispanic or Latino, 0.6% Black or African American, and 2.7% Asian residents, with 18.2% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Fort Bragg, CA
Compared to national averages, Fort Bragg has a median household income of $53,580 (29% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $481,200, which is 96% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,264 is 9% above the US average of $1,163. Within California, Fort Bragg's income is 45% below the state average of $97,829, and home values are 26% below the state median of $653,874.
Why Live in Fort Bragg, CA?
Fort Bragg offers short commute times averaging just 12.4 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($53,580) that falls below the national average, and a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $481,200. However, Fort Bragg’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Fort Bragg has a population of 7,001 with a median age of 50.4 years. Compare Fort Bragg with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in California.
Similar Cities Near Fort Bragg
Cities in California with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Atherton | 7,021 | $250,001 | $2,000,001 | Compare |
| Garnet | 6,979 | $63,082 | $237,800 | Compare |
| Boyes Hot Springs | 7,031 | $89,568 | $738,800 | Compare |
| Alta Sierra CDP (Nevada County), California | 7,061 | $99,576 | $560,600 | Compare |
| Mecca | 7,071 | $45,011 | $222,000 | Compare |
| Fowler | 6,930 | $61,071 | $352,100 | Compare |
| South Monrovia Island | 7,072 | $109,730 | $660,800 | Compare |
| Oceano | 7,098 | $69,448 | $518,500 | 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 Fort Bragg With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Fort Bragg
What is the population of Fort Bragg, CA?
The population of Fort Bragg, CA is 7,001 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 Fort Bragg?
The median household income in Fort Bragg, CA is $53,580 per year, which is 29% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Fort Bragg?
The median home value in Fort Bragg, CA is $481,200, which is 96% above the national median of $244,900. A significant portion of residents rent their homes.
What is the average rent in Fort Bragg?
The median monthly rent in Fort Bragg, CA is $1,264, which is 9% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Fort Bragg?
The unemployment rate in Fort Bragg, CA is 6.7%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Fort Bragg, CA a good place to live?
Fort Bragg offers a moderate cost of living, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 7,001 and a median age of 50.4, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Fort Bragg, CA?
25.7% of residents in Fort Bragg 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 Fort Bragg?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Fort Bragg, CA: median home value is $481,200 (96% above national), median rent is $1,264/month, and median household income is $53,580. The home-value-to-income ratio is 9.0x, which suggests housing may be stretched relative to local earnings.
What is the poverty rate in Fort Bragg?
The poverty rate in Fort Bragg, CA is 15.0%, 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 Fort Bragg, CA?
Fort Bragg's population is 30.2% White, 7.8% Hispanic or Latino, 0.6% Black or African American, 2.7% Asian, and 0.0% two or more races. 18.2% of residents are foreign-born.