Happy Camp, CA
Population 580 · California
About Happy Camp, CA
Happy Camp is a small community located in California with a population of 580 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $32,353 per year, which is 57% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 57.8 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 Happy Camp features a median home value of $153,900, which is 37% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Happy Camp in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $683, 41% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 396 total housing units, 54% are owner-occupied (151 units) and 46% are renter-occupied (129 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Happy Camp shows an unemployment rate of 27.5%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 24.9%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Happy Camp have an average one-way commute time of 13.9 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
22.9% of Happy Camp 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 4.3% White, 32.9% Hispanic or Latino, 0.3% Black or African American, and 5.3% Asian residents, with 3.4% of the population being foreign-born.
How Happy Camp Ranks in California
Cost of Living in Happy Camp, CA
Compared to national averages, Happy Camp has a median household income of $32,353 (57% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $153,900, which is 37% below the national median. Monthly rent at $683 is 41% below the US average of $1,163. Within California, Happy Camp's income is 67% below the state average of $97,829, and home values are 76% below the state median of $653,874.
Why Live in Happy Camp, CA?
Happy Camp offers affordable housing with a median home value of $153,900, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $683/month, and short commute times averaging just 13.9 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($32,353) that falls below the national average. However, Happy Camp’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Happy Camp has a population of 580 with a median age of 57.8 years. Compare Happy Camp with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in California.
Similar Cities Near Happy Camp
Cities in California with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| College City | 575 | $64,130 | $441,700 | Compare |
| Iron Horse | 575 | $56,066 | $195,500 | Compare |
| Onyx | 574 | $27,462 | $174,300 | Compare |
| Mountain Mesa | 587 | $60,231 | $219,800 | Compare |
| Lytle Creek | 588 | $74,000 | $483,600 | Compare |
| Lanare | 590 | $68,952 | $0 | Compare |
| Indianola | 568 | $0 | $512,500 | Compare |
| Elfin Forest | 566 | $0 | $1,496,700 | 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 Happy Camp With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Happy Camp
What is the population of Happy Camp, CA?
The population of Happy Camp, CA is 580 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 Happy Camp?
The median household income in Happy Camp, CA is $32,353 per year, which is 57% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Happy Camp?
The median home value in Happy Camp, CA is $153,900, which is 37% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Happy Camp?
The median monthly rent in Happy Camp, CA is $683, which is 41% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Happy Camp?
The unemployment rate in Happy Camp, CA is 27.5%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Happy Camp, CA a good place to live?
Happy Camp offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 580 and a median age of 57.8, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Happy Camp, CA?
22.9% of residents in Happy Camp 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 Happy Camp?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Happy Camp, CA: median home value is $153,900 (37% below national), median rent is $683/month, and median household income is $32,353. The home-value-to-income ratio is 4.8x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Happy Camp?
The poverty rate in Happy Camp, CA is 24.9%, 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 Happy Camp, CA?
Happy Camp's population is 4.3% White, 32.9% Hispanic or Latino, 0.3% Black or African American, 5.3% Asian, and 0.0% two or more races. 3.4% of residents are foreign-born.