Fort Jones, CA
Population 616 · California
About Fort Jones, CA
Fort Jones is a small community located in California with a population of 616 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $43,438 per year, which is 42% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 41.3 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Fort Jones features a median home value of $212,700, which is 13% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Fort Jones in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $1,112, 4% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 318 total housing units, 55% are owner-occupied (156 units) and 45% are renter-occupied (130 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Fort Jones shows an unemployment rate of 11.3%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 28.4%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Fort Jones have an average one-way commute time of 22 minutes.
Education & Demographics
10.7% of Fort Jones 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 3.9% White, 13.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 6.7% Asian residents, with 1.3% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Fort Jones, CA
Compared to national averages, Fort Jones has a median household income of $43,438 (42% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $212,700, which is 13% below the national median. Monthly rent at $1,112 is 4% below the US average of $1,163. Within California, Fort Jones's income is 56% below the state average of $97,829, and home values are 67% below the state median of $653,874.
Why Live in Fort Jones, CA?
Fort Jones offers affordable housing with a median home value of $212,700, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $1,112/month, and short commute times averaging just 22 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($43,438) that falls below the national average. However, Fort Jones’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Fort Jones has a population of 616 with a median age of 41.3 years. Compare Fort Jones with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in California.
Similar Cities Near Fort Jones
Cities in California with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Potter Valley | 611 | $79,844 | $474,300 | Compare |
| Buena Vista | 624 | $88,664 | $225,000 | Compare |
| Dustin Acres | 628 | $52,708 | $218,500 | Compare |
| Manton | 628 | $132,535 | $427,400 | Compare |
| Matheny | 628 | $68,269 | $167,000 | Compare |
| Mendocino | 630 | $67,115 | $540,500 | Compare |
| Ripley | 600 | $27,957 | $0 | Compare |
| Chalfant | 598 | $65,156 | $292,700 | 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 Jones With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Fort Jones
What is the population of Fort Jones, CA?
The population of Fort Jones, CA is 616 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small community in California.
What is the median household income in Fort Jones?
The median household income in Fort Jones, CA is $43,438 per year, which is 42% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Fort Jones?
The median home value in Fort Jones, CA is $212,700, which is 13% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Fort Jones?
The median monthly rent in Fort Jones, CA is $1,112, which is 4% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Fort Jones?
The unemployment rate in Fort Jones, CA is 11.3%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Fort Jones, CA a good place to live?
Fort Jones offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 616 and a median age of 41.3, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Fort Jones, CA?
10.7% of residents in Fort Jones 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 Jones?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Fort Jones, CA: median home value is $212,700 (13% below national), median rent is $1,112/month, and median household income is $43,438. The home-value-to-income ratio is 4.9x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Fort Jones?
The poverty rate in Fort Jones, CA is 28.4%, 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 Jones, CA?
Fort Jones's population is 3.9% White, 13.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 6.7% Asian, and 0.0% two or more races. 1.3% of residents are foreign-born.