Vandenberg AFB, CA
Population 3,688 · California
About Vandenberg AFB, CA
Vandenberg AFB is a small town located in California with a population of 3,688 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $83,096 per year, which is 11% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 25.7 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 Vandenberg AFB features a median home value of $0, which is 100% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Vandenberg AFB one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $2,462, 112% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 1,192 total housing units, 0% are owner-occupied (0 units) and 100% are renter-occupied (1,179 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 Vandenberg AFB shows an unemployment rate of 5.6%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 2.1%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Vandenberg AFB have an average one-way commute time of 11 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
46.0% of Vandenberg AFB 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 10.5% White, 6.6% Hispanic or Latino, 1.5% Black or African American, and 2.6% Asian residents, with 4.8% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Vandenberg AFB, CA
Compared to national averages, Vandenberg AFB has a median household income of $83,096 (11% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $0, which is 100% below the national median. Monthly rent at $2,462 is 112% above the US average of $1,163. Within California, Vandenberg AFB's income is 15% below the state average of $97,829, and home values are 100% below the state median of $653,874.
Why Live in Vandenberg AFB, CA?
Vandenberg AFB offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $83,096, well above the national average, and affordable housing with a median home value of $0, below the US average of $244,900, and a well-educated community where 46.0% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Additionally, the city features a low poverty rate of 2.1%, better than the national average, and short commute times averaging just 11 minutes.
Vandenberg AFB has a population of 3,688 with a median age of 25.7 years. Compare Vandenberg AFB with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in California.
Similar Cities Near Vandenberg AFB
Cities in California with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mono Vista | 3,696 | $70,353 | $401,800 | Compare |
| Lenwood | 3,708 | $70,714 | $139,600 | Compare |
| Rexland Acres | 3,667 | $54,491 | $186,300 | Compare |
| Winchester | 3,716 | $75,353 | $429,500 | Compare |
| Angels | 3,721 | $60,353 | $444,400 | Compare |
| Felton | 3,721 | $117,375 | $836,700 | Compare |
| Lake Isabella | 3,654 | $26,763 | $112,200 | Compare |
| Crockett | 3,642 | $102,400 | $713,000 | 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 Vandenberg AFB With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Vandenberg AFB
What is the population of Vandenberg AFB, CA?
The population of Vandenberg AFB, CA is 3,688 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 Vandenberg AFB?
The median household income in Vandenberg AFB, CA is $83,096 per year, which is 11% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Vandenberg AFB?
The median home value in Vandenberg AFB, CA is $0, which is 100% below the national median of $244,900. A significant portion of residents rent their homes.
What is the average rent in Vandenberg AFB?
The median monthly rent in Vandenberg AFB, CA is $2,462, which is 112% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Vandenberg AFB?
The unemployment rate in Vandenberg AFB, CA is 5.6%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Vandenberg AFB, CA a good place to live?
Vandenberg AFB offers above-average incomes, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 3,688 and a median age of 25.7, the city appeals to young professionals and families.
How educated is Vandenberg AFB, CA?
46.0% of residents in Vandenberg AFB 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 Vandenberg AFB?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Vandenberg AFB, CA: median home value is $0 (100% below national), median rent is $2,462/month, and median household income is $83,096. The home-value-to-income ratio is 0.0x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Vandenberg AFB?
The poverty rate in Vandenberg AFB, CA is 2.1%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Vandenberg AFB, CA?
Vandenberg AFB's population is 10.5% White, 6.6% Hispanic or Latino, 1.5% Black or African American, 2.6% Asian, and 10.0% two or more races. 4.8% of residents are foreign-born.