Hartley, CA
Population 1,966 · California
About Hartley, CA
Hartley is a small town located in California with a population of 1,966 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $120,354 per year, which is 60% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 54.9 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 Hartley features a median home value of $864,100, which is 253% above the national median of $244,900. This places Hartley in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $1,115, 4% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 1,017 total housing units, 69% are owner-occupied (619 units) and 31% are renter-occupied (272 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Hartley shows an unemployment rate of 0.1%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 7.5%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Hartley have an average one-way commute time of 31.6 minutes.
Education & Demographics
24.0% of Hartley 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 7.0% White, 0.4% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.8% Asian residents, with 7.1% of the population being foreign-born.
How Hartley Ranks in California
Cost of Living in Hartley, CA
Compared to national averages, Hartley has a median household income of $120,354 (60% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $864,100, which is 253% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,115 is 4% below the US average of $1,163. Within California, Hartley's income is 23% above the state average of $97,829, and home values are 32% above the state median of $653,874.
Why Live in Hartley, CA?
Hartley offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $120,354, well above the national average, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $1,115/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 0.1%. Additionally, the city features a low poverty rate of 7.5%, better than the national average.
Potential considerations include a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $864,100. However, Hartley’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Hartley has a population of 1,966 with a median age of 54.9 years. Compare Hartley with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in California.
Similar Cities Near Hartley
Cities in California with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Camino | 1,968 | $82,098 | $472,000 | Compare |
| Forest Ranch | 1,974 | $154,212 | $491,300 | Compare |
| Sonoma State University | 1,957 | $0 | $0 | Compare |
| Aptos Hills-Larkin Valley | 1,999 | $154,591 | $980,800 | Compare |
| Woodlands | 2,005 | $160,694 | $1,070,000 | Compare |
| Cabazon | 2,010 | $69,704 | $248,800 | Compare |
| San Pasqual | 2,014 | $138,542 | $1,209,200 | Compare |
| Allendale | 1,915 | $110,284 | $1,001,500 | 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 Hartley With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Hartley
What is the population of Hartley, CA?
The population of Hartley, CA is 1,966 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small town in California.
What is the median household income in Hartley?
The median household income in Hartley, CA is $120,354 per year, which is 60% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Hartley?
The median home value in Hartley, CA is $864,100, which is 253% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Hartley?
The median monthly rent in Hartley, CA is $1,115, which is 4% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Hartley?
The unemployment rate in Hartley, CA is 0.1%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Hartley, CA a good place to live?
Hartley offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and a strong job market. With a population of 1,966 and a median age of 54.9, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Hartley, CA?
24.0% of residents in Hartley 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 Hartley?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Hartley, CA: median home value is $864,100 (253% above national), median rent is $1,115/month, and median household income is $120,354. The home-value-to-income ratio is 7.2x, which suggests housing may be stretched relative to local earnings.
What is the poverty rate in Hartley?
The poverty rate in Hartley, CA is 7.5%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Hartley, CA?
Hartley's population is 7.0% White, 0.4% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.8% Asian, and 4.8% two or more races. 7.1% of residents are foreign-born.