Shafter, CA
Population 20,618 · California
About Shafter, CA
Shafter is a mid-sized city in California with a population of 20,618 residents. The median household income is $67,989 per year, which is near the national average. The median age in Shafter is 28 years.
Housing in Shafter has a median home value of $306,800 and median monthly rent of $1,140. Of the 5,684 total housing units, the majority are owner-occupied, with 3,576 owner-occupied and 1,875 renter-occupied units.
The unemployment rate in Shafter is 6.5% and the poverty rate is 21.3%. 10.7% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The average commute time is 22.3 minutes.
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.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Shafter
What is the population of Shafter, CA?
The population of Shafter, CA is 20,618 according to the latest Census data.
What is the median household income in Shafter?
The median household income in Shafter, CA is $67,989 per year.
What is the median home value in Shafter?
The median home value in Shafter, CA is $306,800.
What is the average rent in Shafter?
The median monthly rent in Shafter, CA is $1,140.
What is the unemployment rate in Shafter?
The unemployment rate in Shafter, CA is 6.5%.