Kernville, CA
Population 688 · California
About Kernville, CA
Kernville is a small community located in California with a population of 688 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $49,489 per year, which is 34% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 65.6 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 Kernville features a median home value of $357,100, which is 46% above the national median of $244,900. This positions Kernville in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $0, 100% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 767 total housing units, 100% are owner-occupied (425 units) and 0% are renter-occupied (0 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Kernville shows an unemployment rate of 23.7%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 2.5%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Kernville have an average one-way commute time of 62.5 minutes, suggesting many residents commute to jobs in a nearby metro area.
Education & Demographics
55.2% of Kernville 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 0.4% White, 1.9% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 7.0% Asian residents, with 2.8% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Kernville, CA
Compared to national averages, Kernville has a median household income of $49,489 (34% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $357,100, which is 46% above the national median. Monthly rent at $0 is 100% below the US average of $1,163. Within California, Kernville's income is 49% below the state average of $97,829, and home values are 45% below the state median of $653,874.
Why Live in Kernville, CA?
Kernville offers rent that’s lower than the national average at $0/month, and a well-educated community where 55.2% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, and a low poverty rate of 2.5%, better than the national average.
Potential considerations include median household income ($49,489) that falls below the national average. However, Kernville’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Kernville has a population of 688 with a median age of 65.6 years. Compare Kernville with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in California.
Similar Cities Near Kernville
Cities in California with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| West Goshen | 691 | $110,750 | $0 | Compare |
| Malaga | 693 | $63,750 | $219,600 | Compare |
| Madison | 682 | $0 | $320,800 | Compare |
| Fuller Acres | 695 | $41,429 | $146,300 | Compare |
| Modjeska | 696 | $131,750 | $997,100 | Compare |
| Rail Road Flat | 696 | $85,656 | $366,900 | Compare |
| Wilseyville | 696 | $41,141 | $288,500 | Compare |
| Etna | 701 | $60,313 | $238,400 | 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 Kernville With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Kernville
What is the population of Kernville, CA?
The population of Kernville, CA is 688 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 Kernville?
The median household income in Kernville, CA is $49,489 per year, which is 34% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Kernville?
The median home value in Kernville, CA is $357,100, which is 46% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Kernville?
The median monthly rent in Kernville, CA is $0, which is 100% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Kernville?
The unemployment rate in Kernville, CA is 23.7%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Kernville, CA a good place to live?
Kernville offers a moderate cost of living, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 688 and a median age of 65.6, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Kernville, CA?
55.2% of residents in Kernville 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 Kernville?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Kernville, CA: median home value is $357,100 (46% above national), median rent is $0/month, and median household income is $49,489. 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 Kernville?
The poverty rate in Kernville, CA is 2.5%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Kernville, CA?
Kernville's population is 0.4% White, 1.9% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 7.0% Asian, and 2.6% two or more races. 2.8% of residents are foreign-born.