Thermal, CA
Population 1,420 · California
About Thermal, CA
Thermal is a small town located in California with a population of 1,420 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $0 per year, which is 100% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 37 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Thermal features a median home value of $183,200, which is 25% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Thermal in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $922, 21% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 791 total housing units, 62% are owner-occupied (394 units) and 38% are renter-occupied (246 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Thermal shows an unemployment rate of 5.5%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 30.1%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Thermal have an average one-way commute time of 19 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
4.9% of Thermal 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 93.1% White, 0.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.1% Black or African American, and 0.1% Asian residents, with 57.0% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Thermal, CA
Compared to national averages, Thermal has a median household income of $0 (100% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $183,200, which is 25% below the national median. Monthly rent at $922 is 21% below the US average of $1,163. Within California, Thermal's income is 100% below the state average of $97,829, and home values are 72% below the state median of $653,874.
Why Live in Thermal, CA?
Thermal offers affordable housing with a median home value of $183,200, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $922/month, and short commute times averaging just 19 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($0) that falls below the national average. However, Thermal’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Thermal has a population of 1,420 with a median age of 37 years. Compare Thermal with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in California.
Similar Cities Near Thermal
Cities in California with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tuolumne City | 1,404 | $60,694 | $392,600 | Compare |
| Colma | 1,441 | $121,488 | $1,040,900 | Compare |
| Green Valley CDP (Solano County), California | 1,443 | $114,500 | $1,168,500 | Compare |
| Inverness | 1,396 | $78,199 | $1,694,400 | Compare |
| Lake Riverside | 1,445 | $122,833 | $390,000 | Compare |
| Sheridan | 1,447 | $79,732 | $425,000 | Compare |
| Niland | 1,388 | $0 | $207,100 | Compare |
| Grizzly Flats | 1,387 | $89,705 | $369,100 | 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 Thermal With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Thermal
What is the population of Thermal, CA?
The population of Thermal, CA is 1,420 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 Thermal?
The median household income in Thermal, CA is $0 per year, which is 100% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Thermal?
The median home value in Thermal, CA is $183,200, which is 25% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Thermal?
The median monthly rent in Thermal, CA is $922, which is 21% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Thermal?
The unemployment rate in Thermal, CA is 5.5%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Thermal, CA a good place to live?
Thermal offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 1,420 and a median age of 37, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Thermal, CA?
4.9% of residents in Thermal 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 Thermal?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Thermal, CA: median home value is $183,200 (25% below national), median rent is $922/month, and median household income is $0. The home-value-to-income ratio is Infinityx, which suggests housing may be stretched relative to local earnings.
What is the poverty rate in Thermal?
The poverty rate in Thermal, CA is 30.1%, 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 Thermal, CA?
Thermal's population is 93.1% White, 0.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.1% Black or African American, 0.1% Asian, and 2.8% two or more races. 57.0% of residents are foreign-born.