Needles, CA
Population 4,882 · California
About Needles, CA
Needles is a small community in California with a population of 4,882 residents. The median household income is $39,876 per year, which is below the national average. The median age in Needles is 49.6 years.
Housing in Needles has a median home value of $134,400 and median monthly rent of $742. Of the 2,848 total housing units, the majority are owner-occupied, with 1,167 owner-occupied and 964 renter-occupied units.
The unemployment rate in Needles is 12.8% and the poverty rate is 29.1%. 9.2% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The average commute time is 18.7 minutes.
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.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Needles
What is the population of Needles, CA?
The population of Needles, CA is 4,882 according to the latest Census data.
What is the median household income in Needles?
The median household income in Needles, CA is $39,876 per year.
What is the median home value in Needles?
The median home value in Needles, CA is $134,400.
What is the average rent in Needles?
The median monthly rent in Needles, CA is $742.
What is the unemployment rate in Needles?
The unemployment rate in Needles, CA is 12.8%.