Mad River, CA
Population 544 · California
About Mad River, CA
Mad River is a small community located in California with a population of 544 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $0 per year, which is 100% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 40.8 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Mad River features a median home value of $280,900, which is 15% above the national median of $244,900. This positions Mad River 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 384 total housing units, 55% are owner-occupied (105 units) and 45% are renter-occupied (86 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Mad River shows an unemployment rate of 2.8%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 18.8%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Mad River have an average one-way commute time of 14.3 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
11.2% of Mad River 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 5.0% White, 9.2% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.0% Asian residents, with 6.4% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Mad River, CA
Compared to national averages, Mad River has a median household income of $0 (100% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $280,900, which is 15% above the national median. Monthly rent at $0 is 100% below the US average of $1,163. Within California, Mad River's income is 100% below the state average of $97,829, and home values are 57% below the state median of $653,874.
Why Live in Mad River, CA?
Mad River offers rent that’s lower than the national average at $0/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 2.8%, and short commute times averaging just 14.3 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($0) that falls below the national average. However, Mad River’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Mad River has a population of 544 with a median age of 40.8 years. Compare Mad River with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in California.
Similar Cities Near Mad River
Cities in California with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lake Almanor Country Club | 542 | $71,042 | $587,600 | Compare |
| New Cuyama | 542 | $58,158 | $192,300 | Compare |
| Ballico | 538 | $163,500 | $502,400 | Compare |
| La Vina | 538 | $0 | $219,800 | Compare |
| Sierra Brooks | 538 | $35,236 | $297,200 | Compare |
| Bend | 537 | $0 | $451,500 | Compare |
| Davenport | 537 | $72,083 | $1,000,000 | Compare |
| Vallecito | 535 | $0 | $613,600 | 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 Mad River With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Mad River
What is the population of Mad River, CA?
The population of Mad River, CA is 544 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 Mad River?
The median household income in Mad River, CA is $0 per year, which is 100% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Mad River?
The median home value in Mad River, CA is $280,900, which is 15% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Mad River?
The median monthly rent in Mad River, CA is $0, which is 100% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Mad River?
The unemployment rate in Mad River, CA is 2.8%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Mad River, CA a good place to live?
Mad River offers a moderate cost of living, a competitive housing market, and a strong job market. With a population of 544 and a median age of 40.8, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Mad River, CA?
11.2% of residents in Mad River 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 Mad River?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Mad River, CA: median home value is $280,900 (15% above national), median rent is $0/month, and median household income is $0. The home-value-to-income ratio is Infinityx, which suggests housing may be stretched relative to local earnings.
What is the poverty rate in Mad River?
The poverty rate in Mad River, CA is 18.8%, 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 Mad River, CA?
Mad River's population is 5.0% White, 9.2% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.0% Asian, and 0.0% two or more races. 6.4% of residents are foreign-born.