Kettleman City, CA
Population 899 · California
About Kettleman City, CA
Kettleman City is a small community located in California with a population of 899 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $48,920 per year, which is 35% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 41.7 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Kettleman City features a median home value of $136,600, which is 44% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Kettleman City one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $1,010, 13% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 369 total housing units, 20% are owner-occupied (75 units) and 80% are renter-occupied (294 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 Kettleman City shows an unemployment rate of 5.5%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 26.8%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Kettleman City have an average one-way commute time of 20 minutes.
Education & Demographics
0.0% of Kettleman City 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 100.0% White, 0.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.0% Asian residents, with 48.7% of the population being foreign-born.
How Kettleman City Ranks in California
Cost of Living in Kettleman City, CA
Compared to national averages, Kettleman City has a median household income of $48,920 (35% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $136,600, which is 44% below the national median. Monthly rent at $1,010 is 13% below the US average of $1,163. Within California, Kettleman City's income is 50% below the state average of $97,829, and home values are 79% below the state median of $653,874.
Why Live in Kettleman City, CA?
Kettleman City offers affordable housing with a median home value of $136,600, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $1,010/month, and short commute times averaging just 20 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($48,920) that falls below the national average. However, Kettleman City’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Kettleman City has a population of 899 with a median age of 41.7 years. Compare Kettleman City with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in California.
Similar Cities Near Kettleman City
Cities in California with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dunnigan | 903 | $45,050 | $172,200 | Compare |
| Silverado | 890 | $90,104 | $658,500 | Compare |
| Los Alamos | 886 | $53,673 | $672,100 | Compare |
| Talmage | 886 | $48,939 | $477,600 | Compare |
| University of California-Merced | 886 | $0 | $0 | Compare |
| Waterloo | 886 | $250,001 | $883,200 | Compare |
| Cleone | 918 | $0 | $617,100 | Compare |
| Jacumba | 880 | $51,044 | $349,400 | 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 Kettleman City With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Kettleman City
What is the population of Kettleman City, CA?
The population of Kettleman City, CA is 899 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 Kettleman City?
The median household income in Kettleman City, CA is $48,920 per year, which is 35% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Kettleman City?
The median home value in Kettleman City, CA is $136,600, which is 44% below the national median of $244,900. A significant portion of residents rent their homes.
What is the average rent in Kettleman City?
The median monthly rent in Kettleman City, CA is $1,010, which is 13% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Kettleman City?
The unemployment rate in Kettleman City, CA is 5.5%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Kettleman City, CA a good place to live?
Kettleman City offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 899 and a median age of 41.7, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Kettleman City, CA?
0.0% of residents in Kettleman City 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 Kettleman City?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Kettleman City, CA: median home value is $136,600 (44% below national), median rent is $1,010/month, and median household income is $48,920. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.8x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Kettleman City?
The poverty rate in Kettleman City, CA is 26.8%, 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 Kettleman City, CA?
Kettleman City's population is 100.0% White, 0.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.0% Asian, and 0.0% two or more races. 48.7% of residents are foreign-born.