Rail Road Flat, CA
Population 696 · California
About Rail Road Flat, CA
Rail Road Flat is a small community located in California with a population of 696 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $85,656 per year, which is 14% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 42.6 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 Rail Road Flat features a median home value of $366,900, which is 50% above the national median of $244,900. This positions Rail Road Flat in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $743, 36% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 424 total housing units, 87% are owner-occupied (221 units) and 13% are renter-occupied (32 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Rail Road Flat shows an unemployment rate of 5.6%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 11.5%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Rail Road Flat have an average one-way commute time of 44.6 minutes, suggesting many residents commute to jobs in a nearby metro area.
Education & Demographics
22.5% of Rail Road Flat 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 0.3% White, 9.6% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 4.2% Asian residents, with 10.3% of the population being foreign-born.
How Rail Road Flat Ranks in California
Cost of Living in Rail Road Flat, CA
Compared to national averages, Rail Road Flat has a median household income of $85,656 (14% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $366,900, which is 50% above the national median. Monthly rent at $743 is 36% below the US average of $1,163. Within California, Rail Road Flat's income is 12% below the state average of $97,829, and home values are 44% below the state median of $653,874.
Why Live in Rail Road Flat, CA?
Rail Road Flat offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $85,656, well above the national average, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $743/month, and a low poverty rate of 11.5%, better than the national average.
Rail Road Flat has a population of 696 with a median age of 42.6 years. Compare Rail Road Flat with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in California.
Similar Cities Near Rail Road Flat
Cities in California with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Modjeska | 696 | $131,750 | $997,100 | Compare |
| Wilseyville | 696 | $41,141 | $288,500 | Compare |
| Fuller Acres | 695 | $41,429 | $146,300 | Compare |
| Malaga | 693 | $63,750 | $219,600 | Compare |
| Etna | 701 | $60,313 | $238,400 | Compare |
| West Goshen | 691 | $110,750 | $0 | Compare |
| Peters | 702 | $96,786 | $697,400 | Compare |
| Kernville | 688 | $49,489 | $357,100 | 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 Rail Road Flat With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Rail Road Flat
What is the population of Rail Road Flat, CA?
The population of Rail Road Flat, CA is 696 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small community in California.
What is the median household income in Rail Road Flat?
The median household income in Rail Road Flat, CA is $85,656 per year, which is 14% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Rail Road Flat?
The median home value in Rail Road Flat, CA is $366,900, which is 50% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Rail Road Flat?
The median monthly rent in Rail Road Flat, CA is $743, which is 36% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Rail Road Flat?
The unemployment rate in Rail Road Flat, CA is 5.6%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Rail Road Flat, CA a good place to live?
Rail Road Flat offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 696 and a median age of 42.6, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Rail Road Flat, CA?
22.5% of residents in Rail Road Flat 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 Rail Road Flat?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Rail Road Flat, CA: median home value is $366,900 (50% above national), median rent is $743/month, and median household income is $85,656. The home-value-to-income ratio is 4.3x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Rail Road Flat?
The poverty rate in Rail Road Flat, CA is 11.5%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Rail Road Flat, CA?
Rail Road Flat's population is 0.3% White, 9.6% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 4.2% Asian, and 0.0% two or more races. 10.3% of residents are foreign-born.