Shafter, CA
Population 20,618 · California
About Shafter, CA
Shafter is a mid-sized city located in California with a population of 20,618 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $67,989 per year, which is 10% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 28 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 Shafter features a median home value of $306,800, which is 25% above the national median of $244,900. This positions Shafter in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $1,140, 2% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 5,684 total housing units, 66% are owner-occupied (3,576 units) and 34% are renter-occupied (1,875 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Shafter shows an unemployment rate of 6.5%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 21.3%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Shafter have an average one-way commute time of 22.3 minutes.
Education & Demographics
10.7% of Shafter 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 75.1% White, 3.1% Hispanic or Latino, 1.2% Black or African American, and 3.5% Asian residents, with 24.5% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Shafter, CA
Compared to national averages, Shafter has a median household income of $67,989 (10% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $306,800, which is 25% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,140 is 2% below the US average of $1,163. Within California, Shafter's income is 31% below the state average of $97,829, and home values are 53% below the state median of $653,874.
Why Live in Shafter, CA?
Shafter offers rent that’s lower than the national average at $1,140/month, and short commute times averaging just 22.3 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($67,989) that falls below the national average. However, Shafter’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Shafter has a population of 20,618 with a median age of 28 years. Compare Shafter with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in California.
Similar Cities Near Shafter
Cities in California with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lomita | 20,409 | $92,920 | $792,100 | Compare |
| Rosamond | 20,835 | $77,773 | $330,100 | Compare |
| Imperial | 20,943 | $83,214 | $344,700 | Compare |
| East Hemet | 20,292 | $80,621 | $370,300 | Compare |
| Lennox | 20,289 | $60,307 | $677,600 | Compare |
| La Cañada Flintridge | 20,094 | $221,451 | $2,000,001 | Compare |
| La Crescenta-Montrose | 19,940 | $119,775 | $1,151,100 | Compare |
| Stevenson Ranch | 21,317 | $146,404 | $1,033,300 | 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 Shafter With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Shafter
What is the population of Shafter, CA?
The population of Shafter, CA is 20,618 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 Shafter?
The median household income in Shafter, CA is $67,989 per year, which is 10% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Shafter?
The median home value in Shafter, CA is $306,800, which is 25% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Shafter?
The median monthly rent in Shafter, CA is $1,140, which is 2% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Shafter?
The unemployment rate in Shafter, CA is 6.5%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Shafter, CA a good place to live?
Shafter offers a moderate cost of living, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 20,618 and a median age of 28, the city appeals to young professionals and families.
How educated is Shafter, CA?
10.7% of residents in Shafter 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 Shafter?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Shafter, CA: median home value is $306,800 (25% above national), median rent is $1,140/month, and median household income is $67,989. The home-value-to-income ratio is 4.5x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Shafter?
The poverty rate in Shafter, CA is 21.3%, 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 Shafter, CA?
Shafter's population is 75.1% White, 3.1% Hispanic or Latino, 1.2% Black or African American, 3.5% Asian, and 1.3% two or more races. 24.5% of residents are foreign-born.