Terra Bella, CA
Population 1,658 · California
About Terra Bella, CA
Terra Bella is a small town located in California with a population of 1,658 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $62,073 per year, which is 17% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 29.1 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 Terra Bella features a median home value of $225,000, which is 8% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Terra Bella in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $1,082, 7% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 486 total housing units, 46% are owner-occupied (209 units) and 54% are renter-occupied (247 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 Terra Bella shows an unemployment rate of 42.4%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 17.6%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Terra Bella have an average one-way commute time of 22.7 minutes.
Education & Demographics
3.1% of Terra Bella 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 83.5% White, 1.9% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 1.0% Asian residents, with 38.7% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Terra Bella, CA
Compared to national averages, Terra Bella has a median household income of $62,073 (17% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $225,000, which is 8% below the national median. Monthly rent at $1,082 is 7% below the US average of $1,163. Within California, Terra Bella's income is 37% below the state average of $97,829, and home values are 66% below the state median of $653,874.
Why Live in Terra Bella, CA?
Terra Bella offers affordable housing with a median home value of $225,000, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $1,082/month, and short commute times averaging just 22.7 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($62,073) that falls below the national average. However, Terra Bella’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Terra Bella has a population of 1,658 with a median age of 29.1 years. Compare Terra Bella with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in California.
Similar Cities Near Terra Bella
Cities in California with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sunnyside-Tahoe City | 1,658 | $121,154 | $1,032,700 | Compare |
| Middletown | 1,659 | $170,605 | $481,900 | Compare |
| Seeley | 1,654 | $56,917 | $186,200 | Compare |
| McClellan Park | 1,665 | $24,866 | $0 | Compare |
| Descanso | 1,670 | $125,714 | $606,100 | Compare |
| Pine Valley | 1,646 | $124,722 | $582,900 | Compare |
| Elizabeth Lake | 1,677 | $102,333 | $381,500 | Compare |
| South Dos Palos | 1,637 | $55,288 | $278,000 | 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 Terra Bella With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Terra Bella
What is the population of Terra Bella, CA?
The population of Terra Bella, CA is 1,658 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 Terra Bella?
The median household income in Terra Bella, CA is $62,073 per year, which is 17% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Terra Bella?
The median home value in Terra Bella, CA is $225,000, which is 8% below the national median of $244,900. A significant portion of residents rent their homes.
What is the average rent in Terra Bella?
The median monthly rent in Terra Bella, CA is $1,082, which is 7% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Terra Bella?
The unemployment rate in Terra Bella, CA is 42.4%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Terra Bella, CA a good place to live?
Terra Bella offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 1,658 and a median age of 29.1, the city appeals to young professionals and families.
How educated is Terra Bella, CA?
3.1% of residents in Terra Bella 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 Terra Bella?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Terra Bella, CA: median home value is $225,000 (8% below national), median rent is $1,082/month, and median household income is $62,073. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.6x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Terra Bella?
The poverty rate in Terra Bella, CA is 17.6%, 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 Terra Bella, CA?
Terra Bella's population is 83.5% White, 1.9% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 1.0% Asian, and 1.1% two or more races. 38.7% of residents are foreign-born.