Occidental, CA
Population 1,162 · California
About Occidental, CA
Occidental is a small town located in California with a population of 1,162 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $104,044 per year, which is 38% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 50.9 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 Occidental features a median home value of $1,204,000, which is 392% above the national median of $244,900. This places Occidental in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $1,535, 32% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 779 total housing units, 66% are owner-occupied (355 units) and 34% are renter-occupied (186 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Occidental shows an unemployment rate of 4.3%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 11.0%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Occidental have an average one-way commute time of 41.2 minutes, suggesting many residents commute to jobs in a nearby metro area.
Education & Demographics
67.2% of Occidental residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This significantly higher educational attainment rate often correlates with access to knowledge-economy jobs and higher household incomes. The community's demographic composition includes 3.4% White, 0.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 4.0% Asian residents, with 12.5% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Occidental, CA
Compared to national averages, Occidental has a median household income of $104,044 (38% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $1,204,000, which is 392% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,535 is 32% above the US average of $1,163. Within California, Occidental's income is 6% above the state average of $97,829, and home values are 84% above the state median of $653,874.
Why Live in Occidental, CA?
Occidental offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $104,044, well above the national average, and a well-educated community where 67.2% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, and a low poverty rate of 11.0%, better than the national average.
Potential considerations include a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $1,204,000. However, Occidental’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Occidental has a population of 1,162 with a median age of 50.9 years. Compare Occidental with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in California.
Similar Cities Near Occidental
Cities in California with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Biola | 1,163 | $40,094 | $237,100 | Compare |
| Grayson | 1,164 | $87,961 | $439,300 | Compare |
| Ladera | 1,160 | $250,001 | $2,000,001 | Compare |
| Lake Don Pedro | 1,157 | $84,659 | $329,200 | Compare |
| Laton | 1,151 | $71,926 | $244,500 | Compare |
| Beale AFB | 1,174 | $68,676 | $0 | Compare |
| Maxwell | 1,174 | $64,286 | $234,400 | Compare |
| Bolinas | 1,176 | $95,192 | $1,909,100 | 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 Occidental With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Occidental
What is the population of Occidental, CA?
The population of Occidental, CA is 1,162 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 Occidental?
The median household income in Occidental, CA is $104,044 per year, which is 38% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Occidental?
The median home value in Occidental, CA is $1,204,000, which is 392% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Occidental?
The median monthly rent in Occidental, CA is $1,535, which is 32% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Occidental?
The unemployment rate in Occidental, CA is 4.3%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Occidental, CA a good place to live?
Occidental offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 1,162 and a median age of 50.9, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Occidental, CA?
67.2% of residents in Occidental 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 Occidental?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Occidental, CA: median home value is $1,204,000 (392% above national), median rent is $1,535/month, and median household income is $104,044. The home-value-to-income ratio is 11.6x, which suggests housing may be stretched relative to local earnings.
What is the poverty rate in Occidental?
The poverty rate in Occidental, CA is 11.0%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Occidental, CA?
Occidental's population is 3.4% White, 0.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 4.0% Asian, and 1.3% two or more races. 12.5% of residents are foreign-born.