Fountain Valley, CA
Population 56,358 · California
About Fountain Valley, CA
Fountain Valley is a mid-sized city located in California with a population of 56,358 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $111,797 per year, which is 49% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 43.7 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 Fountain Valley features a median home value of $1,018,600, which is 316% above the national median of $244,900. This places Fountain Valley in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $2,507, 116% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 19,250 total housing units, 66% are owner-occupied (12,462 units) and 34% are renter-occupied (6,378 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Fountain Valley shows an unemployment rate of 6.4%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 7.3%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Fountain Valley have an average one-way commute time of 25.9 minutes.
Education & Demographics
44.9% of Fountain Valley residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This significantly higher educational attainment rate often correlates with access to knowledge-economy jobs and higher household incomes. The community's demographic composition includes 13.2% White, 1.4% Hispanic or Latino, 0.5% Black or African American, and 3.5% Asian residents, with 32.0% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Fountain Valley, CA
Compared to national averages, Fountain Valley has a median household income of $111,797 (49% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $1,018,600, which is 316% above the national median. Monthly rent at $2,507 is 116% above the US average of $1,163. Within California, Fountain Valley's income is 14% above the state average of $97,829, and home values are 56% above the state median of $653,874.
Why Live in Fountain Valley, CA?
Fountain Valley offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $111,797, well above the national average, and a well-educated community where 44.9% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, and a low poverty rate of 7.3%, better than the national average.
Potential considerations include a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $1,018,600. However, as a mid-sized city, Fountain Valley provides access to a wide range of amenities and services.
Fountain Valley has a population of 56,358 with a median age of 43.7 years. Compare Fountain Valley with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in California.
Similar Cities Near Fountain Valley
Cities in California with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Highland | 56,690 | $77,979 | $455,200 | Compare |
| National City | 55,960 | $64,248 | $580,900 | Compare |
| Arcadia | 55,550 | $116,142 | $1,336,500 | Compare |
| South Whittier | 55,201 | $98,974 | $641,700 | Compare |
| Hacienda Heights | 54,956 | $106,620 | $778,700 | Compare |
| Beaumont | 54,817 | $105,164 | $464,000 | Compare |
| San Jacinto | 54,756 | $78,281 | $391,600 | Compare |
| West Sacramento | 54,496 | $90,791 | $497,100 | 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 Fountain Valley With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Fountain Valley
What is the population of Fountain Valley, CA?
The population of Fountain Valley, CA is 56,358 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 Fountain Valley?
The median household income in Fountain Valley, CA is $111,797 per year, which is 49% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Fountain Valley?
The median home value in Fountain Valley, CA is $1,018,600, which is 316% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Fountain Valley?
The median monthly rent in Fountain Valley, CA is $2,507, which is 116% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Fountain Valley?
The unemployment rate in Fountain Valley, CA is 6.4%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Fountain Valley, CA a good place to live?
Fountain Valley offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 56,358 and a median age of 43.7, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Fountain Valley, CA?
44.9% of residents in Fountain Valley aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This above-average educational attainment often reflects a knowledge-based local economy.
What is the cost of living in Fountain Valley?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Fountain Valley, CA: median home value is $1,018,600 (316% above national), median rent is $2,507/month, and median household income is $111,797. The home-value-to-income ratio is 9.1x, which suggests housing may be stretched relative to local earnings.
What is the poverty rate in Fountain Valley?
The poverty rate in Fountain Valley, CA is 7.3%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Fountain Valley, CA?
Fountain Valley's population is 13.2% White, 1.4% Hispanic or Latino, 0.5% Black or African American, 3.5% Asian, and 1.1% two or more races. 32.0% of residents are foreign-born.