San Ardo, CA
Population 481 · California
About San Ardo, CA
San Ardo is a small community located in California with a population of 481 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $0 per year, which is 100% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 25.3 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 San Ardo features a median home value of $420,300, which is 72% above the national median of $244,900. This places San Ardo in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $1,239, 7% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 124 total housing units, 62% are owner-occupied (69 units) and 38% are renter-occupied (42 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in San Ardo shows an unemployment rate of 27.2%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 40.1%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in San Ardo have an average one-way commute time of 21.7 minutes.
Education & Demographics
0.0% of San Ardo 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 84.0% White, 2.7% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 2.1% Asian residents, with 30.6% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in San Ardo, CA
Compared to national averages, San Ardo has a median household income of $0 (100% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $420,300, which is 72% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,239 is 7% above the US average of $1,163. Within California, San Ardo's income is 100% below the state average of $97,829, and home values are 36% below the state median of $653,874.
Why Live in San Ardo, CA?
San Ardo offers short commute times averaging just 21.7 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($0) that falls below the national average, and a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $420,300. However, San Ardo’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
San Ardo has a population of 481 with a median age of 25.3 years. Compare San Ardo with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in California.
Similar Cities Near San Ardo
Cities in California with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Springville | 481 | $141,635 | $568,900 | Compare |
| Baker | 482 | $0 | $115,100 | Compare |
| Nipinnawasee | 482 | $74,488 | $345,700 | Compare |
| Pescadero | 478 | $0 | $1,843,800 | Compare |
| Lockwood CDP (Amador County), California | 487 | $182,550 | $500,000 | Compare |
| Proberta | 475 | $36,926 | $0 | Compare |
| Newell | 491 | $35,446 | $0 | Compare |
| Meadow Valley | 469 | $63,074 | $280,200 | 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 San Ardo With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about San Ardo
What is the population of San Ardo, CA?
The population of San Ardo, CA is 481 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 San Ardo?
The median household income in San Ardo, CA is $0 per year, which is 100% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in San Ardo?
The median home value in San Ardo, CA is $420,300, which is 72% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in San Ardo?
The median monthly rent in San Ardo, CA is $1,239, which is 7% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in San Ardo?
The unemployment rate in San Ardo, CA is 27.2%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is San Ardo, CA a good place to live?
San Ardo offers a moderate cost of living, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 481 and a median age of 25.3, the city appeals to young professionals and families.
How educated is San Ardo, CA?
0.0% of residents in San Ardo 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 San Ardo?
Key cost-of-living indicators for San Ardo, CA: median home value is $420,300 (72% above national), median rent is $1,239/month, and median household income is $0. The home-value-to-income ratio is Infinityx, which suggests housing may be stretched relative to local earnings.
What is the poverty rate in San Ardo?
The poverty rate in San Ardo, CA is 40.1%, 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 San Ardo, CA?
San Ardo's population is 84.0% White, 2.7% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 2.1% Asian, and 0.0% two or more races. 30.6% of residents are foreign-born.