Murphys, CA
Population 1,821 · California
About Murphys, CA
Murphys is a small town located in California with a population of 1,821 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $54,875 per year, which is 27% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 62.8 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 Murphys features a median home value of $506,300, which is 107% above the national median of $244,900. This places Murphys in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $1,581, 36% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 1,303 total housing units, 67% are owner-occupied (625 units) and 33% are renter-occupied (303 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Murphys shows an unemployment rate of 6.0%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 12.2%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Murphys have an average one-way commute time of 22.9 minutes.
Education & Demographics
31.9% of Murphys 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 5.8% White, 0.9% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 1.4% Asian residents, with 7.1% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Murphys, CA
Compared to national averages, Murphys has a median household income of $54,875 (27% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $506,300, which is 107% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,581 is 36% above the US average of $1,163. Within California, Murphys's income is 44% below the state average of $97,829, and home values are 23% below the state median of $653,874.
Why Live in Murphys, CA?
Murphys offers a low poverty rate of 12.2%, better than the national average, and short commute times averaging just 22.9 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($54,875) that falls below the national average, and a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $506,300. However, Murphys’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Murphys has a population of 1,821 with a median age of 62.8 years. Compare Murphys with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in California.
Similar Cities Near Murphys
Cities in California with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Graton | 1,819 | $108,750 | $911,300 | Compare |
| Casa Loma | 1,836 | $42,813 | $224,100 | Compare |
| Anza | 1,842 | $53,814 | $316,700 | Compare |
| Lagunitas-Forest Knolls | 1,795 | $128,656 | $922,400 | Compare |
| Yosemite Valley | 1,848 | $0 | $0 | Compare |
| Rainbow | 1,793 | $85,368 | $699,500 | Compare |
| Bakersfield Country Club | 1,790 | $101,510 | $366,500 | Compare |
| Lost Hills | 1,861 | $42,333 | $169,900 | 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 Murphys With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Murphys
What is the population of Murphys, CA?
The population of Murphys, CA is 1,821 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 Murphys?
The median household income in Murphys, CA is $54,875 per year, which is 27% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Murphys?
The median home value in Murphys, CA is $506,300, which is 107% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Murphys?
The median monthly rent in Murphys, CA is $1,581, which is 36% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Murphys?
The unemployment rate in Murphys, CA is 6.0%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Murphys, CA a good place to live?
Murphys offers a moderate cost of living, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 1,821 and a median age of 62.8, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Murphys, CA?
31.9% of residents in Murphys 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 Murphys?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Murphys, CA: median home value is $506,300 (107% above national), median rent is $1,581/month, and median household income is $54,875. The home-value-to-income ratio is 9.2x, which suggests housing may be stretched relative to local earnings.
What is the poverty rate in Murphys?
The poverty rate in Murphys, CA is 12.2%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Murphys, CA?
Murphys's population is 5.8% White, 0.9% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 1.4% Asian, and 0.0% two or more races. 7.1% of residents are foreign-born.