Topanga, CA
Population 8,781 · California
About Topanga, CA
Topanga is a small town located in California with a population of 8,781 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $142,553 per year, which is 90% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 46 years is notably older the US median age of 38.9 years, suggesting a more established community with a higher proportion of long-term residents.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Topanga features a median home value of $1,643,000, which is 571% above the national median of $244,900. This places Topanga in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $3,501, 201% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 3,563 total housing units, 77% are owner-occupied (2,397 units) and 23% are renter-occupied (701 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Topanga shows an unemployment rate of 6.9%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 6.7%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Topanga have an average one-way commute time of 29.6 minutes.
Education & Demographics
61.6% of Topanga residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This significantly higher educational attainment rate often correlates with access to knowledge-economy jobs and higher household incomes. The community's demographic composition includes 6.7% White, 1.2% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 3.5% Asian residents, with 22.1% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Topanga, CA
Compared to national averages, Topanga has a median household income of $142,553 (90% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $1,643,000, which is 571% above the national median. Monthly rent at $3,501 is 201% above the US average of $1,163. Within California, Topanga's income is 46% above the state average of $97,829, and home values are 151% above the state median of $653,874.
Why Live in Topanga, CA?
Topanga offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $142,553, well above the national average, and a well-educated community where 61.6% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, and a low poverty rate of 6.7%, better than the national average.
Potential considerations include a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $1,643,000. However, Topanga’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Topanga has a population of 8,781 with a median age of 46 years. Compare Topanga with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in California.
Similar Cities Near Topanga
Cities in California with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fort Irwin | 8,791 | $66,964 | $0 | Compare |
| Montecito | 8,823 | $222,966 | $2,000,001 | Compare |
| Rodeo | 8,735 | $88,819 | $652,100 | Compare |
| Marina del Rey | 8,844 | $142,440 | $470,600 | Compare |
| Larkfield-Wikiup | 8,861 | $94,889 | $670,800 | Compare |
| Orosi | 8,679 | $49,279 | $231,400 | Compare |
| East Foothills | 8,630 | $188,558 | $1,214,000 | Compare |
| Cloverdale | 8,933 | $104,238 | $613,400 | 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 Topanga With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Topanga
What is the population of Topanga, CA?
The population of Topanga, CA is 8,781 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 Topanga?
The median household income in Topanga, CA is $142,553 per year, which is 90% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Topanga?
The median home value in Topanga, CA is $1,643,000, which is 571% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Topanga?
The median monthly rent in Topanga, CA is $3,501, which is 201% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Topanga?
The unemployment rate in Topanga, CA is 6.9%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Topanga, CA a good place to live?
Topanga offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 8,781 and a median age of 46, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Topanga, CA?
61.6% of residents in Topanga aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This above-average educational attainment often reflects a knowledge-based local economy.
What is the cost of living in Topanga?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Topanga, CA: median home value is $1,643,000 (571% above national), median rent is $3,501/month, and median household income is $142,553. The home-value-to-income ratio is 11.5x, which suggests housing may be stretched relative to local earnings.
What is the poverty rate in Topanga?
The poverty rate in Topanga, CA is 6.7%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Topanga, CA?
Topanga's population is 6.7% White, 1.2% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 3.5% Asian, and 1.1% two or more races. 22.1% of residents are foreign-born.