Walnut, CA
Population 27,857 · California
About Walnut, CA
Walnut is a mid-sized city located in California with a population of 27,857 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $133,762 per year, which is 78% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 46.4 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 Walnut features a median home value of $972,500, which is 297% above the national median of $244,900. This places Walnut in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $3,120, 168% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 9,034 total housing units, 83% are owner-occupied (7,059 units) and 17% are renter-occupied (1,475 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Walnut shows an unemployment rate of 3.6%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 8.6%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Walnut have an average one-way commute time of 34.5 minutes.
Education & Demographics
55.3% of Walnut 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 15.4% White, 0.5% Hispanic or Latino, 0.1% Black or African American, and 2.6% Asian residents, with 51.0% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Walnut, CA
Compared to national averages, Walnut has a median household income of $133,762 (78% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $972,500, which is 297% above the national median. Monthly rent at $3,120 is 168% above the US average of $1,163. Within California, Walnut's income is 37% above the state average of $97,829, and home values are 49% above the state median of $653,874.
Why Live in Walnut, CA?
Walnut offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $133,762, well above the national average, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 3.6%, and a well-educated community where 55.3% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Additionally, the city features a low poverty rate of 8.6%, better than the national average.
Potential considerations include a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $972,500. However, Walnut’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Walnut has a population of 27,857 with a median age of 46.4 years. Compare Walnut with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in California.
Similar Cities Near Walnut
Cities in California with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ridgecrest | 28,138 | $88,107 | $235,800 | Compare |
| Belmont | 27,505 | $207,609 | $2,000,001 | Compare |
| Lemon Grove | 27,489 | $79,278 | $640,600 | Compare |
| Temescal Valley | 28,560 | $119,647 | $648,200 | Compare |
| East Niles | 28,586 | $51,250 | $228,100 | Compare |
| Lemoore | 27,023 | $82,189 | $319,200 | Compare |
| Twentynine Palms | 28,738 | $56,000 | $238,400 | Compare |
| Brawley | 26,934 | $60,370 | $270,100 | 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 Walnut With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Walnut
What is the population of Walnut, CA?
The population of Walnut, CA is 27,857 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a mid-sized city in California.
What is the median household income in Walnut?
The median household income in Walnut, CA is $133,762 per year, which is 78% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Walnut?
The median home value in Walnut, CA is $972,500, which is 297% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Walnut?
The median monthly rent in Walnut, CA is $3,120, which is 168% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Walnut?
The unemployment rate in Walnut, CA is 3.6%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Walnut, CA a good place to live?
Walnut offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and a strong job market. With a population of 27,857 and a median age of 46.4, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Walnut, CA?
55.3% of residents in Walnut 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 Walnut?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Walnut, CA: median home value is $972,500 (297% above national), median rent is $3,120/month, and median household income is $133,762. The home-value-to-income ratio is 7.3x, which suggests housing may be stretched relative to local earnings.
What is the poverty rate in Walnut?
The poverty rate in Walnut, CA is 8.6%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Walnut, CA?
Walnut's population is 15.4% White, 0.5% Hispanic or Latino, 0.1% Black or African American, 2.6% Asian, and 2.5% two or more races. 51.0% of residents are foreign-born.