South Taft, CA
Population 2,534 · California
About South Taft, CA
South Taft is a small town located in California with a population of 2,534 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $41,875 per year, which is 44% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 25.8 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 Taft features a median home value of $155,700, which is 36% below the national median of $244,900. This positions South Taft in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $892, 23% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 767 total housing units, 41% are owner-occupied (281 units) and 59% are renter-occupied (412 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 Taft shows an unemployment rate of 13.7%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 40.1%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in South Taft have an average one-way commute time of 38.1 minutes, suggesting many residents commute to jobs in a nearby metro area.
Education & Demographics
9.2% of South Taft 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 63.7% White, 2.2% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 2.5% Asian residents, with 25.8% of the population being foreign-born.
How South Taft Ranks in California
Cost of Living in South Taft, CA
Compared to national averages, South Taft has a median household income of $41,875 (44% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $155,700, which is 36% below the national median. Monthly rent at $892 is 23% below the US average of $1,163. Within California, South Taft's income is 57% below the state average of $97,829, and home values are 76% below the state median of $653,874.
Why Live in South Taft, CA?
South Taft offers affordable housing with a median home value of $155,700, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $892/month.
Potential considerations include median household income ($41,875) that falls below the national average. However, South Taft’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
South Taft has a population of 2,534 with a median age of 25.8 years. Compare South Taft with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in California.
Similar Cities Near South Taft
Cities in California with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bayview CDP (Contra Costa County), California | 2,533 | $132,356 | $669,700 | Compare |
| Highlands | 2,535 | $250,001 | $2,000,001 | Compare |
| Pine Canyon | 2,538 | $106,284 | $372,400 | Compare |
| Weldon | 2,525 | $27,353 | $153,300 | Compare |
| China Lake Acres | 2,523 | $67,438 | $168,100 | Compare |
| La Selva Beach | 2,519 | $159,094 | $1,195,100 | Compare |
| Cayucos | 2,517 | $82,778 | $947,000 | Compare |
| Nice | 2,517 | $70,274 | $173,100 | 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 South Taft With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about South Taft
What is the population of South Taft, CA?
The population of South Taft, CA is 2,534 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 Taft?
The median household income in South Taft, CA is $41,875 per year, which is 44% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in South Taft?
The median home value in South Taft, CA is $155,700, which is 36% below the national median of $244,900. A significant portion of residents rent their homes.
What is the average rent in South Taft?
The median monthly rent in South Taft, CA is $892, which is 23% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in South Taft?
The unemployment rate in South Taft, CA is 13.7%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is South Taft, CA a good place to live?
South Taft offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 2,534 and a median age of 25.8, the city appeals to young professionals and families.
How educated is South Taft, CA?
9.2% of residents in South Taft 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 Taft?
Key cost-of-living indicators for South Taft, CA: median home value is $155,700 (36% below national), median rent is $892/month, and median household income is $41,875. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.7x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in South Taft?
The poverty rate in South Taft, CA is 40.1%, 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 Taft, CA?
South Taft's population is 63.7% White, 2.2% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 2.5% Asian, and 0.0% two or more races. 25.8% of residents are foreign-born.