Torrance, CA
Population 143,499 · California
About Torrance, CA
Torrance is a major city located in California with a population of 143,499 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $113,105 per year, which is 51% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 43.1 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 Torrance features a median home value of $1,036,600, which is 323% above the national median of $244,900. This places Torrance in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $2,214, 90% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 59,411 total housing units, 55% are owner-occupied (30,189 units) and 45% are renter-occupied (25,128 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Torrance shows an unemployment rate of 5.5%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 6.9%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Torrance have an average one-way commute time of 27.4 minutes.
Education & Demographics
53.0% of Torrance 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 12.2% White, 1.4% Hispanic or Latino, 0.8% Black or African American, and 5.6% Asian residents, with 31.0% of the population being foreign-born.
How Torrance Ranks in California
Cost of Living in Torrance, CA
Compared to national averages, Torrance has a median household income of $113,105 (51% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $1,036,600, which is 323% above the national median. Monthly rent at $2,214 is 90% above the US average of $1,163. Within California, Torrance's income is 16% above the state average of $97,829, and home values are 59% above the state median of $653,874.
Why Live in Torrance, CA?
Torrance offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $113,105, well above the national average, and a well-educated community where 53.0% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, and a low poverty rate of 6.9%, better than the national average.
Potential considerations include a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $1,036,600. However, as a major city, Torrance provides access to a wide range of amenities and services.
Torrance has a population of 143,499 with a median age of 43.1 years. Compare Torrance with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in California.
Similar Cities Near Torrance
Cities in California with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Visalia | 142,649 | $79,952 | $340,600 | Compare |
| Fullerton | 141,278 | $104,219 | $859,600 | Compare |
| Orange | 138,723 | $116,945 | $900,700 | Compare |
| Pomona | 148,391 | $78,869 | $569,600 | Compare |
| Escondido | 149,913 | $84,477 | $663,500 | Compare |
| Pasadena | 136,462 | $103,778 | $1,045,000 | Compare |
| Victorville | 135,983 | $70,663 | $342,500 | Compare |
| Roseville | 152,438 | $117,354 | $630,600 | 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 Torrance With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Torrance
What is the population of Torrance, CA?
The population of Torrance, CA is 143,499 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a major city in California.
What is the median household income in Torrance?
The median household income in Torrance, CA is $113,105 per year, which is 51% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Torrance?
The median home value in Torrance, CA is $1,036,600, which is 323% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Torrance?
The median monthly rent in Torrance, CA is $2,214, which is 90% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Torrance?
The unemployment rate in Torrance, 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 Torrance, CA a good place to live?
Torrance offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 143,499 and a median age of 43.1, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Torrance, CA?
53.0% of residents in Torrance 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 Torrance?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Torrance, CA: median home value is $1,036,600 (323% above national), median rent is $2,214/month, and median household income is $113,105. The home-value-to-income ratio is 9.2x, which suggests housing may be stretched relative to local earnings.
What is the poverty rate in Torrance?
The poverty rate in Torrance, CA is 6.9%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Torrance, CA?
Torrance's population is 12.2% White, 1.4% Hispanic or Latino, 0.8% Black or African American, 5.6% Asian, and 3.4% two or more races. 31.0% of residents are foreign-born.