Taft Heights, CA
Population 1,588 · California
About Taft Heights, CA
Taft Heights is a small town located in California with a population of 1,588 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $62,125 per year, which is 17% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 31.6 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 Taft Heights features a median home value of $187,700, which is 23% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Taft Heights in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $1,135, 2% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 739 total housing units, 52% are owner-occupied (315 units) and 48% are renter-occupied (292 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Taft Heights shows an unemployment rate of 9.3%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 15.9%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Taft Heights have an average one-way commute time of 25.4 minutes.
Education & Demographics
9.7% of Taft Heights 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 44.6% White, 1.4% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.0% Asian residents, with 11.6% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Taft Heights, CA
Compared to national averages, Taft Heights has a median household income of $62,125 (17% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $187,700, which is 23% below the national median. Monthly rent at $1,135 is 2% below the US average of $1,163. Within California, Taft Heights's income is 36% below the state average of $97,829, and home values are 71% below the state median of $653,874.
Why Live in Taft Heights, CA?
Taft Heights offers affordable housing with a median home value of $187,700, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $1,135/month.
Potential considerations include median household income ($62,125) that falls below the national average. However, Taft Heights’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Taft Heights has a population of 1,588 with a median age of 31.6 years. Compare Taft Heights with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in California.
Similar Cities Near Taft Heights
Cities in California with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Los Molinos | 1,590 | $34,324 | $220,300 | Compare |
| Newcastle | 1,594 | $110,446 | $596,400 | Compare |
| Quincy | 1,580 | $87,008 | $284,500 | Compare |
| Parklawn | 1,574 | $70,813 | $0 | Compare |
| Woodacre | 1,574 | $225,521 | $1,102,900 | Compare |
| Garberville | 1,568 | $37,760 | $418,000 | Compare |
| Black Point-Green Point | 1,560 | $125,875 | $1,603,200 | Compare |
| Leona Valley | 1,559 | $134,625 | $668,000 | 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 Heights With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Taft Heights
What is the population of Taft Heights, CA?
The population of Taft Heights, CA is 1,588 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 Heights?
The median household income in Taft Heights, CA is $62,125 per year, which is 17% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Taft Heights?
The median home value in Taft Heights, CA is $187,700, which is 23% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Taft Heights?
The median monthly rent in Taft Heights, CA is $1,135, which is 2% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Taft Heights?
The unemployment rate in Taft Heights, CA is 9.3%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Taft Heights, CA a good place to live?
Taft Heights offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 1,588 and a median age of 31.6, the city appeals to young professionals and families.
How educated is Taft Heights, CA?
9.7% of residents in Taft Heights 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 Heights?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Taft Heights, CA: median home value is $187,700 (23% below national), median rent is $1,135/month, and median household income is $62,125. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.0x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Taft Heights?
The poverty rate in Taft Heights, CA is 15.9%, 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 Heights, CA?
Taft Heights's population is 44.6% White, 1.4% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.0% Asian, and 0.0% two or more races. 11.6% of residents are foreign-born.