Poplar-Cotton Center, CA
Population 2,038 · California
About Poplar-Cotton Center, CA
Poplar-Cotton Center is a small town located in California with a population of 2,038 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 30.4 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 Poplar-Cotton Center features a median home value of $209,100, which is 15% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Poplar-Cotton Center in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $977, 16% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 607 total housing units, 48% are owner-occupied (264 units) and 52% are renter-occupied (283 units). The higher proportion of renters may reflect a transient population, younger demographics, or high housing costs relative to income.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Poplar-Cotton Center shows an unemployment rate of 5.8%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 27.0%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Poplar-Cotton Center have an average one-way commute time of 22.1 minutes.
Education & Demographics
4.7% of Poplar-Cotton Center 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 78.9% White, 0.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 4.0% Asian residents, with 46.2% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Poplar-Cotton Center, CA
Compared to national averages, Poplar-Cotton Center has a median household income of $51,893 (31% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $209,100, which is 15% below the national median. Monthly rent at $977 is 16% below the US average of $1,163. Within California, Poplar-Cotton Center's income is 47% below the state average of $97,829, and home values are 68% below the state median of $653,874.
Why Live in Poplar-Cotton Center, CA?
Poplar-Cotton Center offers affordable housing with a median home value of $209,100, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $977/month, and short commute times averaging just 22.1 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($51,893) that falls below the national average. However, Poplar-Cotton Center’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Poplar-Cotton Center has a population of 2,038 with a median age of 30.4 years. Compare Poplar-Cotton Center with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in California.
Similar Cities Near Poplar-Cotton Center
Cities in California with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Harmony Grove | 2,044 | $217,917 | $1,039,900 | Compare |
| Linden | 2,047 | $123,378 | $564,300 | Compare |
| Chester | 2,022 | $80,142 | $241,400 | Compare |
| Knightsen | 2,018 | $173,564 | $861,100 | Compare |
| San Pasqual | 2,014 | $138,542 | $1,209,200 | Compare |
| Centerville CDP (Shasta County), California | 2,065 | $117,356 | $546,700 | Compare |
| Cabazon | 2,010 | $69,704 | $248,800 | Compare |
| Woodlands | 2,005 | $160,694 | $1,070,000 | 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 Poplar-Cotton Center With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Poplar-Cotton Center
What is the population of Poplar-Cotton Center, CA?
The population of Poplar-Cotton Center, CA is 2,038 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 Poplar-Cotton Center?
The median household income in Poplar-Cotton Center, CA is $51,893 per year, which is 31% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Poplar-Cotton Center?
The median home value in Poplar-Cotton Center, CA is $209,100, which is 15% below the national median of $244,900. A significant portion of residents rent their homes.
What is the average rent in Poplar-Cotton Center?
The median monthly rent in Poplar-Cotton Center, CA is $977, which is 16% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Poplar-Cotton Center?
The unemployment rate in Poplar-Cotton Center, CA is 5.8%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Poplar-Cotton Center, CA a good place to live?
Poplar-Cotton Center offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 2,038 and a median age of 30.4, the city appeals to young professionals and families.
How educated is Poplar-Cotton Center, CA?
4.7% of residents in Poplar-Cotton Center 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 Poplar-Cotton Center?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Poplar-Cotton Center, CA: median home value is $209,100 (15% below national), median rent is $977/month, and median household income is $51,893. The home-value-to-income ratio is 4.0x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Poplar-Cotton Center?
The poverty rate in Poplar-Cotton Center, CA is 27.0%, 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 Poplar-Cotton Center, CA?
Poplar-Cotton Center's population is 78.9% White, 0.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 4.0% Asian, and 0.0% two or more races. 46.2% of residents are foreign-born.