Solvang, CA
Population 6,034 · California
About Solvang, CA
Solvang is a small town located in California with a population of 6,034 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $118,208 per year, which is 57% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 53.6 years is notably older the US median age of 38.9 years, suggesting a more established community with a higher proportion of long-term residents.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Solvang features a median home value of $936,900, which is 283% above the national median of $244,900. This places Solvang in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $1,773, 52% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 2,619 total housing units, 60% are owner-occupied (1,526 units) and 40% are renter-occupied (1,000 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Solvang shows an unemployment rate of 2.8%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 7.7%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Solvang have an average one-way commute time of 31.5 minutes.
Education & Demographics
38.5% of Solvang residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This is in line with national trends in educational attainment. The community's demographic composition includes 18.2% White, 0.4% Hispanic or Latino, 0.6% Black or African American, and 3.3% Asian residents, with 17.9% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Solvang, CA
Compared to national averages, Solvang has a median household income of $118,208 (57% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $936,900, which is 283% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,773 is 52% above the US average of $1,163. Within California, Solvang's income is 21% above the state average of $97,829, and home values are 43% above the state median of $653,874.
Why Live in Solvang, CA?
Solvang offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $118,208, well above the national average, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 2.8%, and a well-educated community where 38.5% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Additionally, the city features a low poverty rate of 7.7%, better than the national average.
Potential considerations include a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $936,900. However, Solvang’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Solvang has a population of 6,034 with a median age of 53.6 years. Compare Solvang with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in California.
Similar Cities Near Solvang
Cities in California with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cambria | 6,038 | $89,049 | $868,400 | Compare |
| Happy Valley | 6,046 | $80,578 | $293,800 | Compare |
| Pollock Pines | 6,056 | $74,190 | $389,500 | Compare |
| Homeland | 6,060 | $54,863 | $189,600 | Compare |
| Las Flores CDP (Orange County), California | 6,007 | $196,250 | $1,068,900 | Compare |
| Oak View | 5,984 | $109,856 | $709,300 | Compare |
| Eucalyptus Hills | 5,976 | $137,580 | $821,900 | Compare |
| Durham | 6,111 | $120,778 | $612,100 | 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 Solvang With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Solvang
What is the population of Solvang, CA?
The population of Solvang, CA is 6,034 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small town in California.
What is the median household income in Solvang?
The median household income in Solvang, CA is $118,208 per year, which is 57% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Solvang?
The median home value in Solvang, CA is $936,900, which is 283% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Solvang?
The median monthly rent in Solvang, CA is $1,773, which is 52% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Solvang?
The unemployment rate in Solvang, CA is 2.8%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Solvang, CA a good place to live?
Solvang offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and a strong job market. With a population of 6,034 and a median age of 53.6, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Solvang, CA?
38.5% of residents in Solvang aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This above-average educational attainment often reflects a knowledge-based local economy.
What is the cost of living in Solvang?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Solvang, CA: median home value is $936,900 (283% above national), median rent is $1,773/month, and median household income is $118,208. 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 Solvang?
The poverty rate in Solvang, CA is 7.7%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Solvang, CA?
Solvang's population is 18.2% White, 0.4% Hispanic or Latino, 0.6% Black or African American, 3.3% Asian, and 0.5% two or more races. 17.9% of residents are foreign-born.