Hercules, CA
Population 26,245 · California
About Hercules, CA
Hercules is a mid-sized city located in California with a population of 26,245 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $130,583 per year, which is 74% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 43.5 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 Hercules features a median home value of $741,200, which is 203% above the national median of $244,900. This places Hercules in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $3,003, 158% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 9,615 total housing units, 81% are owner-occupied (7,560 units) and 19% are renter-occupied (1,759 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Hercules shows an unemployment rate of 4.7%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 5.4%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Hercules have an average one-way commute time of 38.8 minutes, suggesting many residents commute to jobs in a nearby metro area.
Education & Demographics
46.3% of Hercules residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This significantly higher educational attainment rate often correlates with access to knowledge-economy jobs and higher household incomes. The community's demographic composition includes 9.5% White, 1.2% Hispanic or Latino, 1.1% Black or African American, and 4.2% Asian residents, with 34.8% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Hercules, CA
Compared to national averages, Hercules has a median household income of $130,583 (74% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $741,200, which is 203% above the national median. Monthly rent at $3,003 is 158% above the US average of $1,163. Within California, Hercules's income is 33% above the state average of $97,829, and home values are 13% above the state median of $653,874.
Why Live in Hercules, CA?
Hercules offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $130,583, well above the national average, and a well-educated community where 46.3% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, and a low poverty rate of 5.4%, better than the national average.
Potential considerations include a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $741,200. However, Hercules’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Hercules has a population of 26,245 with a median age of 43.5 years. Compare Hercules with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in California.
Similar Cities Near Hercules
Cities in California with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wasco | 26,222 | $55,521 | $251,900 | Compare |
| South Pasadena | 26,297 | $128,105 | $1,545,100 | Compare |
| Eureka | 26,302 | $60,253 | $375,800 | Compare |
| Windsor | 26,179 | $129,004 | $763,200 | Compare |
| North Tustin | 26,038 | $186,250 | $1,212,400 | Compare |
| Sanger | 26,515 | $74,428 | $346,000 | Compare |
| Imperial Beach | 25,897 | $79,071 | $811,000 | Compare |
| Galt | 25,665 | $86,327 | $465,700 | 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 Hercules With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Hercules
What is the population of Hercules, CA?
The population of Hercules, CA is 26,245 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 Hercules?
The median household income in Hercules, CA is $130,583 per year, which is 74% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Hercules?
The median home value in Hercules, CA is $741,200, which is 203% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Hercules?
The median monthly rent in Hercules, CA is $3,003, which is 158% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Hercules?
The unemployment rate in Hercules, CA is 4.7%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Hercules, CA a good place to live?
Hercules offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 26,245 and a median age of 43.5, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Hercules, CA?
46.3% of residents in Hercules 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 Hercules?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Hercules, CA: median home value is $741,200 (203% above national), median rent is $3,003/month, and median household income is $130,583. The home-value-to-income ratio is 5.7x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Hercules?
The poverty rate in Hercules, CA is 5.4%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Hercules, CA?
Hercules's population is 9.5% White, 1.2% Hispanic or Latino, 1.1% Black or African American, 4.2% Asian, and 18.4% two or more races. 34.8% of residents are foreign-born.