Taft, CA
Population 7,228 · California
About Taft, CA
Taft is a small town located in California with a population of 7,228 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $64,479 per year, which is 14% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 36.2 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Taft features a median home value of $246,400, which is 1% above the national median of $244,900. This positions Taft in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $989, 15% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 2,840 total housing units, 54% are owner-occupied (1,432 units) and 46% are renter-occupied (1,238 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Taft shows an unemployment rate of 4.2%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 17.7%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Taft have an average one-way commute time of 20.3 minutes.
Education & Demographics
11.0% of 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 30.9% White, 3.3% Hispanic or Latino, 0.1% Black or African American, and 1.4% Asian residents, with 6.8% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Taft, CA
Compared to national averages, Taft has a median household income of $64,479 (14% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $246,400, which is 1% above the national median. Monthly rent at $989 is 15% below the US average of $1,163. Within California, Taft's income is 34% below the state average of $97,829, and home values are 62% below the state median of $653,874.
Why Live in Taft, CA?
Taft offers rent that’s lower than the national average at $989/month, and short commute times averaging just 20.3 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($64,479) that falls below the national average. However, Taft’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Taft has a population of 7,228 with a median age of 36.2 years. Compare Taft with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in California.
Similar Cities Near Taft
Cities in California with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mammoth Lakes | 7,233 | $87,121 | $657,000 | Compare |
| Ladera Heights | 7,249 | $153,403 | $1,593,500 | Compare |
| San Martin | 7,199 | $156,292 | $1,315,900 | Compare |
| Sausalito | 7,171 | $173,030 | $1,858,900 | Compare |
| Cottonwood CDP (Shasta County), California | 7,170 | $96,679 | $362,800 | Compare |
| Highgrove | 7,164 | $109,657 | $594,400 | Compare |
| Mira Monte | 7,301 | $77,900 | $827,300 | Compare |
| Cherry Valley | 7,302 | $78,125 | $358,000 | 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 Taft With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Taft
What is the population of Taft, CA?
The population of Taft, CA is 7,228 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 Taft?
The median household income in Taft, CA is $64,479 per year, which is 14% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Taft?
The median home value in Taft, CA is $246,400, which is 1% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Taft?
The median monthly rent in Taft, CA is $989, which is 15% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Taft?
The unemployment rate in Taft, CA is 4.2%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Taft, CA a good place to live?
Taft offers a moderate cost of living, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 7,228 and a median age of 36.2, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Taft, CA?
11.0% of residents in 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 Taft?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Taft, CA: median home value is $246,400 (1% above national), median rent is $989/month, and median household income is $64,479. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.8x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Taft?
The poverty rate in Taft, CA is 17.7%, 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 Taft, CA?
Taft's population is 30.9% White, 3.3% Hispanic or Latino, 0.1% Black or African American, 1.4% Asian, and 1.6% two or more races. 6.8% of residents are foreign-born.