Needles, CA
Population 4,882 · California
About Needles, CA
Needles is a small town located in California with a population of 4,882 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $39,876 per year, which is 47% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 49.6 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 Needles features a median home value of $134,400, which is 45% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Needles one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $742, 36% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 2,848 total housing units, 55% are owner-occupied (1,167 units) and 45% are renter-occupied (964 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Needles shows an unemployment rate of 12.8%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 29.1%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Needles have an average one-way commute time of 18.7 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
9.2% of Needles 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 25.2% White, 12.7% Hispanic or Latino, 2.8% Black or African American, and 2.3% Asian residents, with 3.3% of the population being foreign-born.
How Needles Ranks in California
Cost of Living in Needles, CA
Compared to national averages, Needles has a median household income of $39,876 (47% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $134,400, which is 45% below the national median. Monthly rent at $742 is 36% below the US average of $1,163. Within California, Needles's income is 59% below the state average of $97,829, and home values are 79% below the state median of $653,874.
Why Live in Needles, CA?
Needles offers affordable housing with a median home value of $134,400, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $742/month, and short commute times averaging just 18.7 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($39,876) that falls below the national average. However, Needles’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Needles has a population of 4,882 with a median age of 49.6 years. Compare Needles with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in California.
Similar Cities Near Needles
Cities in California with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Goshen | 4,895 | $72,813 | $244,800 | Compare |
| Twin Lakes CDP (Santa Cruz County), California | 4,895 | $81,288 | $958,300 | Compare |
| Wrightwood | 4,907 | $78,496 | $456,400 | Compare |
| Tara Hills | 4,912 | $116,415 | $612,200 | Compare |
| Indian Wells | 4,830 | $145,313 | $1,002,200 | Compare |
| Willits | 4,945 | $55,971 | $306,800 | Compare |
| Oakhurst | 4,956 | $76,606 | $372,500 | Compare |
| Bret Harte | 4,807 | $42,422 | $289,300 | 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 Needles With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Needles
What is the population of Needles, CA?
The population of Needles, CA is 4,882 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 Needles?
The median household income in Needles, CA is $39,876 per year, which is 47% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Needles?
The median home value in Needles, CA is $134,400, which is 45% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Needles?
The median monthly rent in Needles, CA is $742, which is 36% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Needles?
The unemployment rate in Needles, CA is 12.8%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Needles, CA a good place to live?
Needles offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 4,882 and a median age of 49.6, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Needles, CA?
9.2% of residents in Needles 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 Needles?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Needles, CA: median home value is $134,400 (45% below national), median rent is $742/month, and median household income is $39,876. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.4x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Needles?
The poverty rate in Needles, CA is 29.1%, 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 Needles, CA?
Needles's population is 25.2% White, 12.7% Hispanic or Latino, 2.8% Black or African American, 2.3% Asian, and 3.3% two or more races. 3.3% of residents are foreign-born.