Hawthorne, CA
Population 85,933 · California
About Hawthorne, CA
Hawthorne is a mid-sized city located in California with a population of 85,933 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $72,719 per year, which is 3% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 33.6 years is notably younger the US median age of 38.9 years, indicating a younger, often more dynamic population base.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Hawthorne features a median home value of $813,700, which is 232% above the national median of $244,900. This places Hawthorne in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $1,723, 48% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 31,056 total housing units, 28% are owner-occupied (8,220 units) and 72% are renter-occupied (21,629 units). The higher proportion of renters may reflect a transient population, younger demographics, or high housing costs relative to income.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Hawthorne shows an unemployment rate of 7.8%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 16.4%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Hawthorne have an average one-way commute time of 28.9 minutes.
Education & Demographics
25.0% of Hawthorne 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 39.2% White, 3.1% Hispanic or Latino, 1.3% Black or African American, and 14.3% Asian residents, with 33.8% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Hawthorne, CA
Compared to national averages, Hawthorne has a median household income of $72,719 (3% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $813,700, which is 232% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,723 is 48% above the US average of $1,163. Within California, Hawthorne's income is 26% below the state average of $97,829, and home values are 24% above the state median of $653,874.
Why Live in Hawthorne, CA?
Potential considerations include median household income ($72,719) that falls below the national average, and a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $813,700. However, as a mid-sized city, Hawthorne provides access to a wide range of amenities and services.
Hawthorne has a population of 85,933 with a median age of 33.6 years. Compare Hawthorne with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in California.
Similar Cities Near Hawthorne
Cities in California with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Whittier | 85,925 | $92,374 | $751,700 | Compare |
| Livermore | 85,870 | $153,602 | $1,038,600 | Compare |
| Lake Forest | 85,846 | $131,378 | $876,300 | Compare |
| San Ramon | 85,734 | $197,358 | $1,359,100 | Compare |
| Manteca | 86,521 | $94,718 | $561,200 | Compare |
| Citrus Heights | 87,036 | $77,167 | $432,100 | Compare |
| Newport Beach | 84,304 | $158,461 | $2,000,001 | Compare |
| Santa Barbara | 88,024 | $101,672 | $1,466,400 | 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 Hawthorne With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Hawthorne
What is the population of Hawthorne, CA?
The population of Hawthorne, CA is 85,933 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 Hawthorne?
The median household income in Hawthorne, CA is $72,719 per year, which is 3% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Hawthorne?
The median home value in Hawthorne, CA is $813,700, which is 232% above the national median of $244,900. A significant portion of residents rent their homes.
What is the average rent in Hawthorne?
The median monthly rent in Hawthorne, CA is $1,723, which is 48% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Hawthorne?
The unemployment rate in Hawthorne, CA is 7.8%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Hawthorne, CA a good place to live?
Hawthorne offers a moderate cost of living, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 85,933 and a median age of 33.6, the city appeals to young professionals and families.
How educated is Hawthorne, CA?
25.0% of residents in Hawthorne 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 Hawthorne?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Hawthorne, CA: median home value is $813,700 (232% above national), median rent is $1,723/month, and median household income is $72,719. The home-value-to-income ratio is 11.2x, which suggests housing may be stretched relative to local earnings.
What is the poverty rate in Hawthorne?
The poverty rate in Hawthorne, CA is 16.4%, 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 Hawthorne, CA?
Hawthorne's population is 39.2% White, 3.1% Hispanic or Latino, 1.3% Black or African American, 14.3% Asian, and 24.6% two or more races. 33.8% of residents are foreign-born.