Mariposa, CA
Population 1,202 · California
About Mariposa, CA
Mariposa is a small town located in California with a population of 1,202 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $52,661 per year, which is 30% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 49.8 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 Mariposa features a median home value of $306,100, which is 25% above the national median of $244,900. This positions Mariposa in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $629, 46% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 800 total housing units, 63% are owner-occupied (369 units) and 37% are renter-occupied (219 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Mariposa shows an unemployment rate of 16.8%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 30.6%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Mariposa have an average one-way commute time of 34.2 minutes.
Education & Demographics
40.0% of Mariposa 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 6.1% White, 4.8% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.0% Asian residents, with 2.0% of the population being foreign-born.
How Mariposa Ranks in California
Cost of Living in Mariposa, CA
Compared to national averages, Mariposa has a median household income of $52,661 (30% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $306,100, which is 25% above the national median. Monthly rent at $629 is 46% below the US average of $1,163. Within California, Mariposa's income is 46% below the state average of $97,829, and home values are 53% below the state median of $653,874.
Why Live in Mariposa, CA?
Mariposa offers rent that’s lower than the national average at $629/month, and a well-educated community where 40.0% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher.
Potential considerations include median household income ($52,661) that falls below the national average. However, Mariposa’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Mariposa has a population of 1,202 with a median age of 49.8 years. Compare Mariposa with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in California.
Similar Cities Near Mariposa
Cities in California with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Elkhorn | 1,201 | $124,464 | $774,600 | Compare |
| Fruitdale | 1,203 | $128,750 | $1,544,400 | Compare |
| Mount Hermon | 1,203 | $161,821 | $1,032,800 | Compare |
| Sea Ranch | 1,200 | $121,731 | $1,198,200 | Compare |
| Upper Lake | 1,204 | $104,936 | $344,000 | Compare |
| Rouse | 1,205 | $45,071 | $0 | Compare |
| Taft Mosswood | 1,199 | $55,526 | $322,300 | Compare |
| Penn Valley | 1,197 | $62,966 | $530,100 | 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 Mariposa With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Mariposa
What is the population of Mariposa, CA?
The population of Mariposa, CA is 1,202 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small town in California.
What is the median household income in Mariposa?
The median household income in Mariposa, CA is $52,661 per year, which is 30% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Mariposa?
The median home value in Mariposa, CA is $306,100, which is 25% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Mariposa?
The median monthly rent in Mariposa, CA is $629, which is 46% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Mariposa?
The unemployment rate in Mariposa, CA is 16.8%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Mariposa, CA a good place to live?
Mariposa offers a moderate cost of living, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 1,202 and a median age of 49.8, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Mariposa, CA?
40.0% of residents in Mariposa 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 Mariposa?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Mariposa, CA: median home value is $306,100 (25% above national), median rent is $629/month, and median household income is $52,661. The home-value-to-income ratio is 5.8x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Mariposa?
The poverty rate in Mariposa, CA is 30.6%, 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 Mariposa, CA?
Mariposa's population is 6.1% White, 4.8% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.0% Asian, and 4.1% two or more races. 2.0% of residents are foreign-born.