San Fernando, CA
Population 23,716 · California
About San Fernando, CA
San Fernando is a mid-sized city located in California with a population of 23,716 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $79,694 per year, which is 6% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 36.3 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in San Fernando features a median home value of $630,700, which is 158% above the national median of $244,900. This places San Fernando in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $1,690, 45% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 6,611 total housing units, 63% are owner-occupied (3,901 units) and 37% are renter-occupied (2,337 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in San Fernando shows an unemployment rate of 7.1%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 10.5%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in San Fernando have an average one-way commute time of 29.7 minutes.
Education & Demographics
16.1% of San Fernando 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 79.2% White, 3.1% Hispanic or Latino, 0.2% Black or African American, and 12.7% Asian residents, with 34.4% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in San Fernando, CA
Compared to national averages, San Fernando has a median household income of $79,694 (6% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $630,700, which is 158% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,690 is 45% above the US average of $1,163. Within California, San Fernando's income is 19% below the state average of $97,829, and home values are 4% below the state median of $653,874.
Why Live in San Fernando, CA?
San Fernando offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $79,694, well above the national average, and a low poverty rate of 10.5%, better than the national average.
Potential considerations include a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $630,700. However, San Fernando’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
San Fernando has a population of 23,716 with a median age of 36.3 years. Compare San Fernando with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in California.
Similar Cities Near San Fernando
Cities in California with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ladera Ranch | 23,609 | $184,257 | $1,046,600 | Compare |
| East San Gabriel | 23,521 | $107,184 | $955,000 | Compare |
| Rosemont | 23,448 | $86,178 | $436,400 | Compare |
| Bay Point | 24,065 | $80,684 | $479,100 | Compare |
| Linda | 23,215 | $69,161 | $337,700 | Compare |
| Oakdale | 23,155 | $86,478 | $432,800 | Compare |
| Patterson | 24,306 | $93,542 | $427,400 | Compare |
| Bloomington | 24,324 | $81,220 | $443,300 | 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 Fernando With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about San Fernando
What is the population of San Fernando, CA?
The population of San Fernando, CA is 23,716 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a mid-sized city in California.
What is the median household income in San Fernando?
The median household income in San Fernando, CA is $79,694 per year, which is 6% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in San Fernando?
The median home value in San Fernando, CA is $630,700, which is 158% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in San Fernando?
The median monthly rent in San Fernando, CA is $1,690, which is 45% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in San Fernando?
The unemployment rate in San Fernando, CA is 7.1%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is San Fernando, CA a good place to live?
San Fernando offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 23,716 and a median age of 36.3, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is San Fernando, CA?
16.1% of residents in San Fernando 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 Fernando?
Key cost-of-living indicators for San Fernando, CA: median home value is $630,700 (158% above national), median rent is $1,690/month, and median household income is $79,694. The home-value-to-income ratio is 7.9x, which suggests housing may be stretched relative to local earnings.
What is the poverty rate in San Fernando?
The poverty rate in San Fernando, CA is 10.5%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is San Fernando, CA?
San Fernando's population is 79.2% White, 3.1% Hispanic or Latino, 0.2% Black or African American, 12.7% Asian, and 0.8% two or more races. 34.4% of residents are foreign-born.