Fullerton, CA
Population 141,278 · California
About Fullerton, CA
Fullerton is a major city located in California with a population of 141,278 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $104,219 per year, which is 39% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 36.1 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Fullerton features a median home value of $859,600, which is 251% above the national median of $244,900. This places Fullerton in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $2,124, 83% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 49,707 total housing units, 51% are owner-occupied (24,453 units) and 49% are renter-occupied (23,031 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Fullerton shows an unemployment rate of 6.5%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 12.2%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Fullerton have an average one-way commute time of 30 minutes.
Education & Demographics
43.6% of Fullerton 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 32.8% White, 2.1% Hispanic or Latino, 0.6% Black or African American, and 6.0% Asian residents, with 28.9% of the population being foreign-born.
How Fullerton Ranks in California
Cost of Living in Fullerton, CA
Compared to national averages, Fullerton has a median household income of $104,219 (39% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $859,600, which is 251% above the national median. Monthly rent at $2,124 is 83% above the US average of $1,163. Within California, Fullerton's income is 7% above the state average of $97,829, and home values are 31% above the state median of $653,874.
Why Live in Fullerton, CA?
Fullerton offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $104,219, well above the national average, and a well-educated community where 43.6% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, and a low poverty rate of 12.2%, better than the national average.
Potential considerations include a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $859,600. However, as a major city, Fullerton provides access to a wide range of amenities and services.
Fullerton has a population of 141,278 with a median age of 36.1 years. Compare Fullerton with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in California.
Similar Cities Near Fullerton
Cities in California with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Visalia | 142,649 | $79,952 | $340,600 | Compare |
| Torrance | 143,499 | $113,105 | $1,036,600 | Compare |
| Orange | 138,723 | $116,945 | $900,700 | Compare |
| Pasadena | 136,462 | $103,778 | $1,045,000 | Compare |
| Victorville | 135,983 | $70,663 | $342,500 | Compare |
| Pomona | 148,391 | $78,869 | $569,600 | Compare |
| Escondido | 149,913 | $84,477 | $663,500 | Compare |
| Roseville | 152,438 | $117,354 | $630,600 | 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 Fullerton With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Fullerton
What is the population of Fullerton, CA?
The population of Fullerton, CA is 141,278 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a major city in California.
What is the median household income in Fullerton?
The median household income in Fullerton, CA is $104,219 per year, which is 39% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Fullerton?
The median home value in Fullerton, CA is $859,600, which is 251% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Fullerton?
The median monthly rent in Fullerton, CA is $2,124, which is 83% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Fullerton?
The unemployment rate in Fullerton, CA is 6.5%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Fullerton, CA a good place to live?
Fullerton offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 141,278 and a median age of 36.1, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Fullerton, CA?
43.6% of residents in Fullerton 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 Fullerton?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Fullerton, CA: median home value is $859,600 (251% above national), median rent is $2,124/month, and median household income is $104,219. The home-value-to-income ratio is 8.2x, which suggests housing may be stretched relative to local earnings.
What is the poverty rate in Fullerton?
The poverty rate in Fullerton, CA is 12.2%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Fullerton, CA?
Fullerton's population is 32.8% White, 2.1% Hispanic or Latino, 0.6% Black or African American, 6.0% Asian, and 1.8% two or more races. 28.9% of residents are foreign-born.