West Carson, CA
Population 21,909 · California
About West Carson, CA
West Carson is a mid-sized city located in California with a population of 21,909 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $95,385 per year, which is 27% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 46.1 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 West Carson features a median home value of $647,100, which is 164% above the national median of $244,900. This places West Carson in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $1,833, 58% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 8,539 total housing units, 73% are owner-occupied (5,890 units) and 27% are renter-occupied (2,152 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in West Carson shows an unemployment rate of 5.1%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 6.8%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in West Carson have an average one-way commute time of 26.3 minutes.
Education & Demographics
36.6% of West Carson residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This is in line with national trends in educational attainment. The community's demographic composition includes 27.8% White, 4.4% Hispanic or Latino, 0.8% Black or African American, and 5.0% Asian residents, with 35.8% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in West Carson, CA
Compared to national averages, West Carson has a median household income of $95,385 (27% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $647,100, which is 164% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,833 is 58% above the US average of $1,163. Within California, West Carson's income is 2% below the state average of $97,829, and home values are 1% below the state median of $653,874.
Why Live in West Carson, CA?
West Carson offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $95,385, well above the national average, and a well-educated community where 36.6% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, and a low poverty rate of 6.8%, better than the national average.
Potential considerations include a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $647,100. However, West Carson’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
West Carson has a population of 21,909 with a median age of 46.1 years. Compare West Carson with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in California.
Similar Cities Near West Carson
Cities in California with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Duarte | 21,921 | $97,952 | $710,700 | Compare |
| Winter Gardens | 22,003 | $94,320 | $558,800 | Compare |
| Lakeside CDP (San Diego County), California | 21,788 | $94,877 | $585,500 | Compare |
| Yucca Valley | 21,744 | $55,302 | $321,300 | Compare |
| American Canyon | 21,698 | $123,935 | $660,100 | Compare |
| Port Hueneme | 21,691 | $76,655 | $556,200 | Compare |
| Willowbrook | 21,642 | $60,386 | $511,100 | Compare |
| Valinda | 21,626 | $99,979 | $613,200 | 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 West Carson With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about West Carson
What is the population of West Carson, CA?
The population of West Carson, CA is 21,909 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 West Carson?
The median household income in West Carson, CA is $95,385 per year, which is 27% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in West Carson?
The median home value in West Carson, CA is $647,100, which is 164% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in West Carson?
The median monthly rent in West Carson, CA is $1,833, which is 58% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in West Carson?
The unemployment rate in West Carson, CA is 5.1%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is West Carson, CA a good place to live?
West Carson offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 21,909 and a median age of 46.1, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is West Carson, CA?
36.6% of residents in West Carson 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 West Carson?
Key cost-of-living indicators for West Carson, CA: median home value is $647,100 (164% above national), median rent is $1,833/month, and median household income is $95,385. The home-value-to-income ratio is 6.8x, which suggests housing may be stretched relative to local earnings.
What is the poverty rate in West Carson?
The poverty rate in West Carson, CA is 6.8%, 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 Carson, CA?
West Carson's population is 27.8% White, 4.4% Hispanic or Latino, 0.8% Black or African American, 5.0% Asian, and 10.9% two or more races. 35.8% of residents are foreign-born.