Fortuna, CA
Population 12,413 · California
About Fortuna, CA
Fortuna is a mid-sized city located in California with a population of 12,413 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $61,603 per year, which is 18% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 36.7 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Fortuna features a median home value of $353,200, which is 44% above the national median of $244,900. This positions Fortuna in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $1,126, 3% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 5,245 total housing units, 59% are owner-occupied (2,866 units) and 41% are renter-occupied (1,988 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Fortuna shows an unemployment rate of 6.1%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 16.8%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Fortuna have an average one-way commute time of 22.7 minutes.
Education & Demographics
22.8% of Fortuna 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 20.6% White, 7.6% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 1.1% Asian residents, with 13.2% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Fortuna, CA
Compared to national averages, Fortuna has a median household income of $61,603 (18% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $353,200, which is 44% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,126 is 3% below the US average of $1,163. Within California, Fortuna's income is 37% below the state average of $97,829, and home values are 46% below the state median of $653,874.
Why Live in Fortuna, CA?
Fortuna offers rent that’s lower than the national average at $1,126/month, and short commute times averaging just 22.7 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($61,603) that falls below the national average. However, Fortuna’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Fortuna has a population of 12,413 with a median age of 36.7 years. Compare Fortuna with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in California.
Similar Cities Near Fortuna
Cities in California with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tehachapi | 12,366 | $67,785 | $344,700 | Compare |
| Big Bear City | 12,493 | $72,457 | $427,700 | Compare |
| Newman | 12,299 | $75,344 | $381,900 | Compare |
| San Marino | 12,279 | $187,633 | $2,000,001 | Compare |
| Mendota | 12,554 | $46,458 | $250,400 | Compare |
| Lindsay | 12,572 | $50,563 | $268,400 | Compare |
| Kingsburg | 12,589 | $82,562 | $356,900 | Compare |
| Diamond Springs | 12,642 | $83,288 | $409,000 | 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 Fortuna With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Fortuna
What is the population of Fortuna, CA?
The population of Fortuna, CA is 12,413 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a mid-sized city in California.
What is the median household income in Fortuna?
The median household income in Fortuna, CA is $61,603 per year, which is 18% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Fortuna?
The median home value in Fortuna, CA is $353,200, which is 44% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Fortuna?
The median monthly rent in Fortuna, CA is $1,126, which is 3% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Fortuna?
The unemployment rate in Fortuna, CA is 6.1%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Fortuna, CA a good place to live?
Fortuna offers a moderate cost of living, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 12,413 and a median age of 36.7, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Fortuna, CA?
22.8% of residents in Fortuna 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 Fortuna?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Fortuna, CA: median home value is $353,200 (44% above national), median rent is $1,126/month, and median household income is $61,603. The home-value-to-income ratio is 5.7x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Fortuna?
The poverty rate in Fortuna, CA is 16.8%, 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 Fortuna, CA?
Fortuna's population is 20.6% White, 7.6% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 1.1% Asian, and 0.8% two or more races. 13.2% of residents are foreign-born.