Garden Grove, CA
Population 170,603 · California
About Garden Grove, CA
Garden Grove is a major city located in California with a population of 170,603 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $90,166 per year, which is 20% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 39.6 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Garden Grove features a median home value of $765,500, which is 213% above the national median of $244,900. This places Garden Grove in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $1,971, 69% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 50,401 total housing units, 54% are owner-occupied (26,056 units) and 46% are renter-occupied (22,594 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Garden Grove shows an unemployment rate of 5.7%, 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 Garden Grove have an average one-way commute time of 28.8 minutes.
Education & Demographics
24.9% of Garden Grove 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 33.1% White, 1.6% Hispanic or Latino, 0.2% Black or African American, and 4.2% Asian residents, with 45.3% of the population being foreign-born.
How Garden Grove Ranks in California
Cost of Living in Garden Grove, CA
Compared to national averages, Garden Grove has a median household income of $90,166 (20% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $765,500, which is 213% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,971 is 69% above the US average of $1,163. Within California, Garden Grove's income is 8% below the state average of $97,829, and home values are 17% above the state median of $653,874.
Why Live in Garden Grove, CA?
Garden Grove offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $90,166, well above the national average, 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 $765,500. However, as a major city, Garden Grove provides access to a wide range of amenities and services.
Garden Grove has a population of 170,603 with a median age of 39.6 years. Compare Garden Grove with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in California.
Similar Cities Near Garden Grove
Cities in California with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lancaster | 170,013 | $76,083 | $409,100 | Compare |
| Oceanside | 172,542 | $93,724 | $702,000 | Compare |
| Rancho Cucamonga | 174,693 | $109,511 | $694,400 | Compare |
| Palmdale | 165,487 | $81,151 | $435,300 | Compare |
| Santa Rosa | 177,216 | $97,410 | $685,000 | Compare |
| Elk Grove | 177,221 | $122,229 | $603,400 | Compare |
| Ontario | 178,347 | $82,806 | $568,000 | Compare |
| Salinas | 161,993 | $89,150 | $610,900 | 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 Garden Grove With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Garden Grove
What is the population of Garden Grove, CA?
The population of Garden Grove, CA is 170,603 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 Garden Grove?
The median household income in Garden Grove, CA is $90,166 per year, which is 20% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Garden Grove?
The median home value in Garden Grove, CA is $765,500, which is 213% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Garden Grove?
The median monthly rent in Garden Grove, CA is $1,971, which is 69% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Garden Grove?
The unemployment rate in Garden Grove, CA is 5.7%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Garden Grove, CA a good place to live?
Garden Grove offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 170,603 and a median age of 39.6, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Garden Grove, CA?
24.9% of residents in Garden Grove 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 Garden Grove?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Garden Grove, CA: median home value is $765,500 (213% above national), median rent is $1,971/month, and median household income is $90,166. The home-value-to-income ratio is 8.5x, which suggests housing may be stretched relative to local earnings.
What is the poverty rate in Garden Grove?
The poverty rate in Garden Grove, 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 Garden Grove, CA?
Garden Grove's population is 33.1% White, 1.6% Hispanic or Latino, 0.2% Black or African American, 4.2% Asian, and 1.1% two or more races. 45.3% of residents are foreign-born.