South Dos Palos, CA
Population 1,637 · California
About South Dos Palos, CA
South Dos Palos is a small town located in California with a population of 1,637 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $55,288 per year, which is 26% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 27.9 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 South Dos Palos features a median home value of $278,000, which is 14% above the national median of $244,900. This positions South Dos Palos in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $0, 100% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 455 total housing units, 46% are owner-occupied (211 units) and 54% are renter-occupied (244 units). The higher proportion of renters may reflect a transient population, younger demographics, or high housing costs relative to income.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in South Dos Palos shows an unemployment rate of 15.3%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 35.2%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in South Dos Palos have an average one-way commute time of 40.5 minutes, suggesting many residents commute to jobs in a nearby metro area.
Education & Demographics
7.0% of South Dos Palos 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 84.5% White, 0.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.0% Asian residents, with 27.0% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in South Dos Palos, CA
Compared to national averages, South Dos Palos has a median household income of $55,288 (26% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $278,000, which is 14% above the national median. Monthly rent at $0 is 100% below the US average of $1,163. Within California, South Dos Palos's income is 43% below the state average of $97,829, and home values are 57% below the state median of $653,874.
Why Live in South Dos Palos, CA?
South Dos Palos offers rent that’s lower than the national average at $0/month.
Potential considerations include median household income ($55,288) that falls below the national average. However, South Dos Palos’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
South Dos Palos has a population of 1,637 with a median age of 27.9 years. Compare South Dos Palos with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in California.
Similar Cities Near South Dos Palos
Cities in California with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pine Valley | 1,646 | $124,722 | $582,900 | Compare |
| Seeley | 1,654 | $56,917 | $186,200 | Compare |
| Sunnyside-Tahoe City | 1,658 | $121,154 | $1,032,700 | Compare |
| Terra Bella | 1,658 | $62,073 | $225,000 | Compare |
| Middletown | 1,659 | $170,605 | $481,900 | Compare |
| McClellan Park | 1,665 | $24,866 | $0 | Compare |
| Descanso | 1,670 | $125,714 | $606,100 | Compare |
| Elizabeth Lake | 1,677 | $102,333 | $381,500 | 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 South Dos Palos With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about South Dos Palos
What is the population of South Dos Palos, CA?
The population of South Dos Palos, CA is 1,637 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 South Dos Palos?
The median household income in South Dos Palos, CA is $55,288 per year, which is 26% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in South Dos Palos?
The median home value in South Dos Palos, CA is $278,000, which is 14% above the national median of $244,900. A significant portion of residents rent their homes.
What is the average rent in South Dos Palos?
The median monthly rent in South Dos Palos, CA is $0, which is 100% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in South Dos Palos?
The unemployment rate in South Dos Palos, CA is 15.3%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is South Dos Palos, CA a good place to live?
South Dos Palos offers a moderate cost of living, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 1,637 and a median age of 27.9, the city appeals to young professionals and families.
How educated is South Dos Palos, CA?
7.0% of residents in South Dos Palos 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 South Dos Palos?
Key cost-of-living indicators for South Dos Palos, CA: median home value is $278,000 (14% above national), median rent is $0/month, and median household income is $55,288. The home-value-to-income ratio is 5.0x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in South Dos Palos?
The poverty rate in South Dos Palos, CA is 35.2%, 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 South Dos Palos, CA?
South Dos Palos's population is 84.5% White, 0.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.0% Asian, and 5.3% two or more races. 27.0% of residents are foreign-born.