Mendota, CA
Population 12,554 · California
About Mendota, CA
Mendota is a mid-sized city located in California with a population of 12,554 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $46,458 per year, which is 38% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 24.9 years is notably younger the US median age of 38.9 years, indicating a younger, often more dynamic population base.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Mendota features a median home value of $250,400, which is 2% above the national median of $244,900. This positions Mendota in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $874, 25% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 3,224 total housing units, 47% are owner-occupied (1,480 units) and 53% are renter-occupied (1,660 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 Mendota shows an unemployment rate of 11.6%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 30.3%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Mendota have an average one-way commute time of 34.5 minutes.
Education & Demographics
4.5% of Mendota 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 59.2% White, 0.6% Hispanic or Latino, 0.1% Black or African American, and 39.8% Asian residents, with 47.6% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Mendota, CA
Compared to national averages, Mendota has a median household income of $46,458 (38% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $250,400, which is 2% above the national median. Monthly rent at $874 is 25% below the US average of $1,163. Within California, Mendota's income is 53% below the state average of $97,829, and home values are 62% below the state median of $653,874.
Why Live in Mendota, CA?
Mendota offers rent that’s lower than the national average at $874/month.
Potential considerations include median household income ($46,458) that falls below the national average. However, Mendota’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Mendota has a population of 12,554 with a median age of 24.9 years. Compare Mendota with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in California.
Similar Cities Near Mendota
Cities in California with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lindsay | 12,572 | $50,563 | $268,400 | Compare |
| Kingsburg | 12,589 | $82,562 | $356,900 | Compare |
| Big Bear City | 12,493 | $72,457 | $427,700 | Compare |
| Diamond Springs | 12,642 | $83,288 | $409,000 | Compare |
| Grover Beach | 12,687 | $82,534 | $691,900 | Compare |
| Fortuna | 12,413 | $61,603 | $353,200 | Compare |
| Marysville | 12,703 | $58,150 | $282,700 | Compare |
| San Anselmo | 12,711 | $170,457 | $1,524,300 | 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 Mendota With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Mendota
What is the population of Mendota, CA?
The population of Mendota, CA is 12,554 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 Mendota?
The median household income in Mendota, CA is $46,458 per year, which is 38% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Mendota?
The median home value in Mendota, CA is $250,400, which is 2% above the national median of $244,900. A significant portion of residents rent their homes.
What is the average rent in Mendota?
The median monthly rent in Mendota, CA is $874, which is 25% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Mendota?
The unemployment rate in Mendota, CA is 11.6%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Mendota, CA a good place to live?
Mendota offers a moderate cost of living, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 12,554 and a median age of 24.9, the city appeals to young professionals and families.
How educated is Mendota, CA?
4.5% of residents in Mendota 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 Mendota?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Mendota, CA: median home value is $250,400 (2% above national), median rent is $874/month, and median household income is $46,458. The home-value-to-income ratio is 5.4x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Mendota?
The poverty rate in Mendota, CA is 30.3%, 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 Mendota, CA?
Mendota's population is 59.2% White, 0.6% Hispanic or Latino, 0.1% Black or African American, 39.8% Asian, and 0.0% two or more races. 47.6% of residents are foreign-born.