Tehachapi, CA
Population 12,366 · California
About Tehachapi, CA
Tehachapi is a mid-sized city located in California with a population of 12,366 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $67,785 per year, which is 10% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 39.2 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Tehachapi features a median home value of $344,700, which is 41% above the national median of $244,900. This positions Tehachapi in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $1,278, 10% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 3,898 total housing units, 61% are owner-occupied (2,197 units) and 39% are renter-occupied (1,392 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Tehachapi shows an unemployment rate of 8.9%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 11.9%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Tehachapi have an average one-way commute time of 25.8 minutes.
Education & Demographics
14.5% of Tehachapi 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 33.1% White, 3.9% Hispanic or Latino, 0.4% Black or African American, and 5.6% Asian residents, with 13.2% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Tehachapi, CA
Compared to national averages, Tehachapi has a median household income of $67,785 (10% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $344,700, which is 41% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,278 is 10% above the US average of $1,163. Within California, Tehachapi's income is 31% below the state average of $97,829, and home values are 47% below the state median of $653,874.
Why Live in Tehachapi, CA?
Tehachapi offers a low poverty rate of 11.9%, better than the national average.
Potential considerations include median household income ($67,785) that falls below the national average. However, Tehachapi’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Tehachapi has a population of 12,366 with a median age of 39.2 years. Compare Tehachapi with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in California.
Similar Cities Near Tehachapi
Cities in California with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fortuna | 12,413 | $61,603 | $353,200 | Compare |
| Newman | 12,299 | $75,344 | $381,900 | Compare |
| San Marino | 12,279 | $187,633 | $2,000,001 | Compare |
| Big Bear City | 12,493 | $72,457 | $427,700 | Compare |
| Mendota | 12,554 | $46,458 | $250,400 | Compare |
| Lindsay | 12,572 | $50,563 | $268,400 | Compare |
| Tamalpais-Homestead Valley | 12,153 | $238,158 | $1,811,100 | Compare |
| Kingsburg | 12,589 | $82,562 | $356,900 | 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 Tehachapi With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Tehachapi
What is the population of Tehachapi, CA?
The population of Tehachapi, CA is 12,366 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a mid-sized city in California.
What is the median household income in Tehachapi?
The median household income in Tehachapi, CA is $67,785 per year, which is 10% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Tehachapi?
The median home value in Tehachapi, CA is $344,700, which is 41% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Tehachapi?
The median monthly rent in Tehachapi, CA is $1,278, which is 10% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Tehachapi?
The unemployment rate in Tehachapi, CA is 8.9%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Tehachapi, CA a good place to live?
Tehachapi offers a moderate cost of living, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 12,366 and a median age of 39.2, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Tehachapi, CA?
14.5% of residents in Tehachapi 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 Tehachapi?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Tehachapi, CA: median home value is $344,700 (41% above national), median rent is $1,278/month, and median household income is $67,785. The home-value-to-income ratio is 5.1x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Tehachapi?
The poverty rate in Tehachapi, CA is 11.9%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Tehachapi, CA?
Tehachapi's population is 33.1% White, 3.9% Hispanic or Latino, 0.4% Black or African American, 5.6% Asian, and 6.7% two or more races. 13.2% of residents are foreign-born.