Bret Harte CDP, California Demographics & Population 2026

Population Overview

Bret Harte CDP is a small community located in California. The total population is 4,807. It ranks as the 673rd most populous out of 1,577 cities and towns in California.

Age Demographics

The median age in Bret Harte CDP is 23.5 years. This is 38% lower than the state median of 37.6 years. With 41.3% of the population under 18, Bret Harte CDP has a notably young demographic profile, suggesting a family-oriented community.

Economy, Income & Housing

The median household income in Bret Harte CDP is $42,422. This is 56% lower than the state median of $96,334. Compared to the national median of $78,538, household income here is 46% lower. The poverty rate stands at 44.1%. This is 268% 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 8.8%. This is 37% higher than the state rate of 6.4%. The median home value is $289,300. Housing costs are 58% lower than the state median of $695,400. The home-value-to-income ratio of 6.8x suggests that housing affordability is a significant concern for many residents. 36.2% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 35% lower than the state average of 55.8%.

Race & Ethnicity

Bret Harte CDP has a predominantly Hispanic or Latino population, comprising 92.4% of all residents. White (non-Hispanic) residents account for 4.9%. The White (non-Hispanic) population (4.9%) is well below the state average of 34.6%. The Black or African American population (0.5%) is well below the state average of 5.3%. The Hispanic or Latino population is significantly higher than the state average (92.4% vs 39.8%).

Education

1.8% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is among the lowest rates in the state, which may correlate with employment and income patterns. This is 95% 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 59.7%.

Data Sources & Methodology

All demographic data for Bret Harte CDP, 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.