West Athens, CA
Population 9,064 · California
About West Athens, CA
West Athens is a small town located in California with a population of 9,064 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $77,750 per year, which is 3% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 33.5 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 West Athens features a median home value of $666,100, which is 172% above the national median of $244,900. This places West Athens in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $1,506, 29% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 2,840 total housing units, 58% are owner-occupied (1,644 units) and 42% are renter-occupied (1,178 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in West Athens shows an unemployment rate of 11.6%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 10.8%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in West Athens have an average one-way commute time of 28.8 minutes.
Education & Demographics
22.1% of West Athens 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 33.3% White, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 9.2% Asian residents, with 17.9% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in West Athens, CA
Compared to national averages, West Athens has a median household income of $77,750 (3% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $666,100, which is 172% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,506 is 29% above the US average of $1,163. Within California, West Athens's income is 21% below the state average of $97,829, and home values are 2% above the state median of $653,874.
Why Live in West Athens, CA?
West Athens offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $77,750, well above the national average, and a low poverty rate of 10.8%, better than the national average.
Potential considerations include a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $666,100. However, West Athens’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
West Athens has a population of 9,064 with a median age of 33.5 years. Compare West Athens with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in California.
Similar Cities Near West Athens
Cities in California with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tiburon | 9,035 | $212,794 | $2,000,001 | Compare |
| Waterford | 9,177 | $73,092 | $372,900 | Compare |
| Rio del Mar | 8,938 | $150,313 | $1,242,600 | Compare |
| Cloverdale | 8,933 | $104,238 | $613,400 | Compare |
| Live Oak | 9,264 | $66,590 | $317,900 | Compare |
| Larkfield-Wikiup | 8,861 | $94,889 | $670,800 | Compare |
| Marina del Rey | 8,844 | $142,440 | $470,600 | Compare |
| Montecito | 8,823 | $222,966 | $2,000,001 | 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.
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Frequently Asked Questions about West Athens
What is the population of West Athens, CA?
The population of West Athens, CA is 9,064 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 West Athens?
The median household income in West Athens, CA is $77,750 per year, which is 3% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in West Athens?
The median home value in West Athens, CA is $666,100, which is 172% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in West Athens?
The median monthly rent in West Athens, CA is $1,506, which is 29% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in West Athens?
The unemployment rate in West Athens, CA is 11.6%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is West Athens, CA a good place to live?
West Athens offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 9,064 and a median age of 33.5, the city appeals to young professionals and families.
How educated is West Athens, CA?
22.1% of residents in West Athens 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 West Athens?
Key cost-of-living indicators for West Athens, CA: median home value is $666,100 (172% above national), median rent is $1,506/month, and median household income is $77,750. The home-value-to-income ratio is 8.6x, which suggests housing may be stretched relative to local earnings.
What is the poverty rate in West Athens?
The poverty rate in West Athens, CA is 10.8%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is West Athens, CA?
West Athens's population is 33.3% White, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 9.2% Asian, and 50.7% two or more races. 17.9% of residents are foreign-born.