Portola, CA
Population 2,462 · California
About Portola, CA
Portola is a small town located in California with a population of 2,462 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $42,385 per year, which is 44% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 36.2 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Portola features a median home value of $232,100, which is 5% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Portola in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $837, 28% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 1,292 total housing units, 48% are owner-occupied (506 units) and 52% are renter-occupied (552 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 Portola shows an unemployment rate of 17.3%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 27.3%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Portola have an average one-way commute time of 20.2 minutes.
Education & Demographics
12.4% of Portola 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 19.1% White, 2.9% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 2.9% Asian residents, with 6.2% of the population being foreign-born.
How Portola Ranks in California
Cost of Living in Portola, CA
Compared to national averages, Portola has a median household income of $42,385 (44% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $232,100, which is 5% below the national median. Monthly rent at $837 is 28% below the US average of $1,163. Within California, Portola's income is 57% below the state average of $97,829, and home values are 65% below the state median of $653,874.
Why Live in Portola, CA?
Portola offers affordable housing with a median home value of $232,100, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $837/month, and short commute times averaging just 20.2 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($42,385) that falls below the national average. However, Portola’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Portola has a population of 2,462 with a median age of 36.2 years. Compare Portola with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in California.
Similar Cities Near Portola
Cities in California with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Janesville | 2,447 | $70,938 | $289,400 | Compare |
| Pajaro | 2,480 | $82,083 | $638,400 | Compare |
| Rose Hills | 2,485 | $123,220 | $883,500 | Compare |
| Sky Valley | 2,437 | $47,656 | $136,500 | Compare |
| Lewiston | 2,434 | $58,125 | $328,900 | Compare |
| Kings Beach | 2,493 | $53,964 | $680,200 | Compare |
| Romoland | 2,430 | $101,000 | $403,600 | Compare |
| Vista Santa Rosa | 2,418 | $68,476 | $401,900 | 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 Portola With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Portola
What is the population of Portola, CA?
The population of Portola, CA is 2,462 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 Portola?
The median household income in Portola, CA is $42,385 per year, which is 44% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Portola?
The median home value in Portola, CA is $232,100, which is 5% below the national median of $244,900. A significant portion of residents rent their homes.
What is the average rent in Portola?
The median monthly rent in Portola, CA is $837, which is 28% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Portola?
The unemployment rate in Portola, CA is 17.3%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Portola, CA a good place to live?
Portola offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 2,462 and a median age of 36.2, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Portola, CA?
12.4% of residents in Portola 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 Portola?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Portola, CA: median home value is $232,100 (5% below national), median rent is $837/month, and median household income is $42,385. The home-value-to-income ratio is 5.5x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Portola?
The poverty rate in Portola, CA is 27.3%, 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 Portola, CA?
Portola's population is 19.1% White, 2.9% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 2.9% Asian, and 0.0% two or more races. 6.2% of residents are foreign-born.