Fort Irwin, CA
Population 8,791 · California
About Fort Irwin, CA
Fort Irwin is a small town located in California with a population of 8,791 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $66,964 per year, which is 11% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 23.4 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 Fort Irwin features a median home value of $0, which is 100% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Fort Irwin one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $1,601, 38% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 3,100 total housing units, 1% are owner-occupied (39 units) and 99% are renter-occupied (2,789 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 Irwin shows an unemployment rate of 9.2%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 11.6%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Fort Irwin have an average one-way commute time of 9.4 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
30.7% of Fort Irwin 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 15.9% White, 3.6% Hispanic or Latino, 4.9% Black or African American, and 6.1% Asian residents, with 7.2% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Fort Irwin, CA
Compared to national averages, Fort Irwin has a median household income of $66,964 (11% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $0, which is 100% below the national median. Monthly rent at $1,601 is 38% above the US average of $1,163. Within California, Fort Irwin's income is 32% below the state average of $97,829, and home values are 100% below the state median of $653,874.
Why Live in Fort Irwin, CA?
Fort Irwin offers affordable housing with a median home value of $0, below the US average of $244,900, and a low poverty rate of 11.6%, better than the national average, and short commute times averaging just 9.4 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($66,964) that falls below the national average. However, Fort Irwin’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Fort Irwin has a population of 8,791 with a median age of 23.4 years. Compare Fort Irwin with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in California.
Similar Cities Near Fort Irwin
Cities in California with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Topanga | 8,781 | $142,553 | $1,643,000 | Compare |
| Montecito | 8,823 | $222,966 | $2,000,001 | Compare |
| Marina del Rey | 8,844 | $142,440 | $470,600 | Compare |
| Rodeo | 8,735 | $88,819 | $652,100 | Compare |
| Larkfield-Wikiup | 8,861 | $94,889 | $670,800 | Compare |
| Orosi | 8,679 | $49,279 | $231,400 | Compare |
| Cloverdale | 8,933 | $104,238 | $613,400 | Compare |
| Rio del Mar | 8,938 | $150,313 | $1,242,600 | 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 Irwin With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Fort Irwin
What is the population of Fort Irwin, CA?
The population of Fort Irwin, CA is 8,791 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 Irwin?
The median household income in Fort Irwin, CA is $66,964 per year, which is 11% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Fort Irwin?
The median home value in Fort Irwin, CA is $0, which is 100% below the national median of $244,900. A significant portion of residents rent their homes.
What is the average rent in Fort Irwin?
The median monthly rent in Fort Irwin, CA is $1,601, which is 38% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Fort Irwin?
The unemployment rate in Fort Irwin, CA is 9.2%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Fort Irwin, CA a good place to live?
Fort Irwin offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 8,791 and a median age of 23.4, the city appeals to young professionals and families.
How educated is Fort Irwin, CA?
30.7% of residents in Fort Irwin 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 Irwin?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Fort Irwin, CA: median home value is $0 (100% below national), median rent is $1,601/month, and median household income is $66,964. The home-value-to-income ratio is 0.0x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Fort Irwin?
The poverty rate in Fort Irwin, CA is 11.6%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Fort Irwin, CA?
Fort Irwin's population is 15.9% White, 3.6% Hispanic or Latino, 4.9% Black or African American, 6.1% Asian, and 10.0% two or more races. 7.2% of residents are foreign-born.