Oroville, CA
Population 19,855 · California
About Oroville, CA
Oroville is a mid-sized city located in California with a population of 19,855 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $51,893 per year, which is 31% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 35.5 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 Oroville features a median home value of $280,600, which is 15% above the national median of $244,900. This positions Oroville in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $1,074, 8% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 7,841 total housing units, 51% are owner-occupied (3,587 units) and 49% are renter-occupied (3,449 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Oroville shows an unemployment rate of 6.8%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 21.8%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Oroville have an average one-way commute time of 20.1 minutes.
Education & Demographics
13.0% of Oroville 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 18.3% White, 5.6% Hispanic or Latino, 0.1% Black or African American, and 1.8% Asian residents, with 8.4% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Oroville, CA
Compared to national averages, Oroville has a median household income of $51,893 (31% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $280,600, which is 15% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,074 is 8% below the US average of $1,163. Within California, Oroville's income is 47% below the state average of $97,829, and home values are 57% below the state median of $653,874.
Why Live in Oroville, CA?
Oroville offers rent that’s lower than the national average at $1,074/month, and short commute times averaging just 20.1 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($51,893) that falls below the national average. However, Oroville’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Oroville has a population of 19,855 with a median age of 35.5 years. Compare Oroville with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in California.
Similar Cities Near Oroville
Cities in California with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Agoura Hills | 19,881 | $171,944 | $1,072,200 | Compare |
| La Crescenta-Montrose | 19,940 | $119,775 | $1,151,100 | Compare |
| Albany | 19,768 | $135,927 | $1,188,600 | Compare |
| Greenfield | 19,759 | $78,946 | $462,400 | Compare |
| Casa de Oro-Mount Helix | 19,651 | $123,037 | $906,500 | Compare |
| La Cañada Flintridge | 20,094 | $221,451 | $2,000,001 | Compare |
| Mead Valley | 19,588 | $90,358 | $417,700 | Compare |
| Arvin | 19,478 | $49,984 | $247,800 | 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 Oroville With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Oroville
What is the population of Oroville, CA?
The population of Oroville, CA is 19,855 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 Oroville?
The median household income in Oroville, CA is $51,893 per year, which is 31% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Oroville?
The median home value in Oroville, CA is $280,600, which is 15% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Oroville?
The median monthly rent in Oroville, CA is $1,074, which is 8% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Oroville?
The unemployment rate in Oroville, CA is 6.8%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Oroville, CA a good place to live?
Oroville offers a moderate cost of living, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 19,855 and a median age of 35.5, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Oroville, CA?
13.0% of residents in Oroville 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 Oroville?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Oroville, CA: median home value is $280,600 (15% above national), median rent is $1,074/month, and median household income is $51,893. The home-value-to-income ratio is 5.4x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Oroville?
The poverty rate in Oroville, CA is 21.8%, 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 Oroville, CA?
Oroville's population is 18.3% White, 5.6% Hispanic or Latino, 0.1% Black or African American, 1.8% Asian, and 3.2% two or more races. 8.4% of residents are foreign-born.