Rio Oso, CA
Population 421 · California
About Rio Oso, CA
Rio Oso is a small community located in California with a population of 421 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $172,500 per year, which is 130% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 36.1 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Rio Oso features a median home value of $478,800, which is 96% above the national median of $244,900. This places Rio Oso in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $0, 100% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 141 total housing units, 89% are owner-occupied (108 units) and 11% are renter-occupied (14 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Rio Oso shows an unemployment rate of 4.5%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 3.8%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Rio Oso have an average one-way commute time of 27.9 minutes.
Education & Demographics
23.4% of Rio Oso 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 5.9% White, 6.9% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.0% Asian residents, with 6.7% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Rio Oso, CA
Compared to national averages, Rio Oso has a median household income of $172,500 (130% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $478,800, which is 96% above the national median. Monthly rent at $0 is 100% below the US average of $1,163. Within California, Rio Oso's income is 76% above the state average of $97,829, and home values are 27% below the state median of $653,874.
Why Live in Rio Oso, CA?
Rio Oso offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $172,500, well above the national average, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $0/month, and a low poverty rate of 3.8%, better than the national average.
Potential considerations include a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $478,800. However, Rio Oso’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Rio Oso has a population of 421 with a median age of 36.1 years. Compare Rio Oso with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in California.
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Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Rio Oso
What is the population of Rio Oso, CA?
The population of Rio Oso, CA is 421 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 Rio Oso?
The median household income in Rio Oso, CA is $172,500 per year, which is 130% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Rio Oso?
The median home value in Rio Oso, CA is $478,800, which is 96% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Rio Oso?
The median monthly rent in Rio Oso, CA is $0, which is 100% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Rio Oso?
The unemployment rate in Rio Oso, CA is 4.5%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Rio Oso, CA a good place to live?
Rio Oso offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 421 and a median age of 36.1, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Rio Oso, CA?
23.4% of residents in Rio Oso 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 Rio Oso?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Rio Oso, CA: median home value is $478,800 (96% above national), median rent is $0/month, and median household income is $172,500. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.8x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Rio Oso?
The poverty rate in Rio Oso, CA is 3.8%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Rio Oso, CA?
Rio Oso's population is 5.9% White, 6.9% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.0% Asian, and 1.2% two or more races. 6.7% of residents are foreign-born.