Atwater city, California Demographics & Population 2026
As of 2026, Atwater city, California has a total population of 32,013, the 256th largest city in California, with a median household income of $63,945, which is 34% lower than the state average. The poverty rate is 20.0%.
Key Takeaways
- Household income is 34% below the state average, indicating significant economic challenges.
- Unemployment rate of 11.0% is notably above the national average.
Atwater city Quick Facts
How Atwater city Compares
Median Household Income
Median Home Value
Economy & Housing
Household Income Distribution
Employment
Housing Overview
People & Demographics
Age Distribution
Race & Ethnicity
Diversity Index
A diverse community with significant representation from multiple racial and ethnic groups.
State average: 69 | National average: 60
Education
Educational Attainment (Adults 25+)
Atwater city Rankings in California
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Cities Similar to Atwater city
These cities in the same state have comparable population and economic profiles.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | Bachelor's+ | Poverty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bell city | 32,830 | $60,641 | $561,400 | 8.7% | 22.8% |
| Banning city | 30,680 | $57,699 | $322,900 | 17.4% | 19.1% |
| San Pablo city | 31,771 | $78,215 | $516,000 | 15.0% | 12.0% |
| Santa Paula city | 31,202 | $77,130 | $559,300 | 14.7% | 15.3% |
| Seaside city | 31,964 | $82,303 | $692,600 | 27.5% | 14.9% |
Population Overview
Atwater city is a mid-sized community located in California. The total population is 32,013. It ranks as the 256th most populous out of 1,577 cities and towns in California.
Age Demographics
The median age in Atwater city is 33.9 years. This is 10% lower than the state median of 37.6 years. With 28.4% of the population under 18, Atwater city has a notably young demographic profile, suggesting a family-oriented community.
Economy, Income & Housing
The median household income in Atwater city is $63,945. This is 34% lower than the state median of $96,334. Compared to the national median of $78,538, household income here is 19% lower. The poverty rate stands at 20.0%. This is 67% higher than the state poverty rate of 12.0%. With more than one in five residents living below the poverty line, economic hardship is a significant challenge for the community. The unemployment rate is 11.0%. This is 71% higher than the state rate of 6.4%. The median home value is $340,600. Housing costs are 51% lower than the state median of $695,400. The home-value-to-income ratio is 5.3x. 52.3% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 6% lower than the state average of 55.8%.
Race & Ethnicity
The largest racial or ethnic group in Atwater city is Hispanic or Latino, making up 57.5% of the population. White (non-Hispanic) residents account for 29.3%. The Asian population (5.3%) is well below the state average of 15.0%.
Education
13.1% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 64% lower than the state rate of 36.5%. Nationally, 35.0% of adults hold at least a bachelor's degree. The high school graduation rate (or equivalent) is 73.8%.
Data Sources & Methodology
All demographic data for Atwater city, California is sourced from the U.S. Census Bureau's American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023). The ACS collects data from approximately 3.5 million households annually, providing reliable estimates for communities of all sizes. Comparisons are made against California state averages and national averages calculated from the same dataset. Rankings reflect the city's position among all 1,577 Census-designated places in California. For official data, visit data.census.gov.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of Atwater city, California?
Atwater city, California has a population of 32,013 according to the most recent U.S. Census ACS 5-Year Estimates.
What is the median household income in Atwater city, CA?
The median household income in Atwater city is $63,945, which is 19% lower the national median of $78,538.
What is the poverty rate in Atwater city, CA?
The poverty rate in Atwater city is 20.0%. This means approximately 6,343 residents live below the federal poverty line.
What is the racial makeup of Atwater city, California?
Atwater city's population is 29.3% White, 3.4% Black, 57.5% Hispanic/Latino, and 5.3% Asian.
What is the median home value in Atwater city, CA?
The median home value in Atwater city is $340,600. The home-value-to-income ratio is 5.3x.
How educated is Atwater city, California?
13.1% of adults (25+) in Atwater city hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 2.3% hold a graduate or professional degree.