Penn Valley, CA
Population 1,197 · California
About Penn Valley, CA
Penn Valley is a small town located in California with a population of 1,197 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $62,966 per year, which is 16% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 52.7 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 Penn Valley features a median home value of $530,100, which is 116% above the national median of $244,900. This places Penn Valley in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $1,608, 38% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 650 total housing units, 64% are owner-occupied (343 units) and 36% are renter-occupied (194 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Penn Valley shows an unemployment rate of 0.0%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 11.9%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Penn Valley have an average one-way commute time of 57.2 minutes, suggesting many residents commute to jobs in a nearby metro area.
Education & Demographics
17.8% of Penn Valley 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 9.0% White, 0.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 1.6% Asian residents, with 2.0% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Penn Valley, CA
Compared to national averages, Penn Valley has a median household income of $62,966 (16% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $530,100, which is 116% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,608 is 38% above the US average of $1,163. Within California, Penn Valley's income is 36% below the state average of $97,829, and home values are 19% below the state median of $653,874.
Why Live in Penn Valley, CA?
Penn Valley offers a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 0.0%, and a low poverty rate of 11.9%, better than the national average.
Potential considerations include median household income ($62,966) that falls below the national average, and a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $530,100. However, Penn Valley’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Penn Valley has a population of 1,197 with a median age of 52.7 years. Compare Penn Valley with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in California.
Similar Cities Near Penn Valley
Cities in California with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Taft Mosswood | 1,199 | $55,526 | $322,300 | Compare |
| Sea Ranch | 1,200 | $121,731 | $1,198,200 | Compare |
| Elkhorn | 1,201 | $124,464 | $774,600 | Compare |
| Mariposa | 1,202 | $52,661 | $306,100 | Compare |
| Fruitdale | 1,203 | $128,750 | $1,544,400 | Compare |
| Mount Hermon | 1,203 | $161,821 | $1,032,800 | Compare |
| Upper Lake | 1,204 | $104,936 | $344,000 | Compare |
| Rouse | 1,205 | $45,071 | $0 | 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 Penn Valley With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Penn Valley
What is the population of Penn Valley, CA?
The population of Penn Valley, CA is 1,197 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 Penn Valley?
The median household income in Penn Valley, CA is $62,966 per year, which is 16% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Penn Valley?
The median home value in Penn Valley, CA is $530,100, which is 116% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Penn Valley?
The median monthly rent in Penn Valley, CA is $1,608, which is 38% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Penn Valley?
The unemployment rate in Penn Valley, CA is 0.0%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Penn Valley, CA a good place to live?
Penn Valley offers a moderate cost of living, a competitive housing market, and a strong job market. With a population of 1,197 and a median age of 52.7, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Penn Valley, CA?
17.8% of residents in Penn Valley 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 Penn Valley?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Penn Valley, CA: median home value is $530,100 (116% above national), median rent is $1,608/month, and median household income is $62,966. The home-value-to-income ratio is 8.4x, which suggests housing may be stretched relative to local earnings.
What is the poverty rate in Penn Valley?
The poverty rate in Penn Valley, CA is 11.9%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Penn Valley, CA?
Penn Valley's population is 9.0% White, 0.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 1.6% Asian, and 0.0% two or more races. 2.0% of residents are foreign-born.