South Dos Palos, California Demographics & Population 2026
During the 2020–2024 ACS period, South Dos Palos, California had a total population of 1,102, the 1039th largest community in California. The poverty rate is 47.5%.
Data vintage: U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2020–2024 5-Year Estimates · refreshed July 2026 · Methodology & source notes
Key Takeaways
- More than 1 in 4 residents live below the poverty line (47.5%), well above the national average of 12.4%.
- Only 6.3% of adults have a bachelor's degree, well below the national average of 35.7%.
South Dos Palos Quick Facts
How South Dos Palos Changed
Change from the 2019–2023 ACS period to 2020–2024. These are rolling five-year estimates, not year-over-year measurements.
| Metric | 2019–2023 | 2020–2024 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Population | 1,637 | 1,102 | -32.7% |
| Median home value | $278,000 | $324,500 | +16.7% |
How South Dos Palos Compares
Median Household Income
Median Home Value
Economy & Housing
Household Income Distribution
Detailed income brackets
Employment
Housing Overview
People & Demographics
Age Distribution
Race & Ethnicity
Diversity Index
A less diverse community where one racial or ethnic group represents a large majority.
State average: 70 | National average: 61
Education
Educational Attainment (Adults 25+)
South Dos Palos Rankings in California
Explore California Rankings
Other Cities in Merced County
| City | Population | Median Income | Poverty | Home Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Merced | 91,953 | $63,122 | 23.9% | $372,600 |
| Los Banos | 47,593 | $68,171 | 17.3% | $440,900 |
| Atwater | 32,162 | $64,472 | 20.9% | $363,400 |
| Livingston | 14,606 | $74,494 | 17.1% | $372,700 |
| Winton | 11,797 | $57,015 | 14.0% | $339,400 |
| Delhi | 11,009 | $67,500 | 15.5% | $349,700 |
| Franklin (Merced County) | 7,392 | $58,295 | 22.9% | $308,200 |
| Gustine | 6,133 | $59,532 | 4.0% | $441,700 |
| Hilmar-Irwin | 6,132 | $79,948 | 12.8% | $449,600 |
| McSwain | 5,783 | $139,131 | 17.1% | $690,100 |
Cities Similar to South Dos Palos
These cities in the same state have comparable population and economic profiles.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | Bachelor's+ | Poverty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Knights Landing | 1,099 | $49,458 | $431,100 | 0.0% | 12.8% |
| Squirrel Mountain Valley | 1,108 | N/A | $375,600 | 9.2% | 2.1% |
| Red Corral | 1,096 | $85,581 | $424,400 | 17.7% | 7.8% |
| Penryn | 1,114 | $127,361 | $808,500 | 38.1% | 2.4% |
| Cedar Flat | 1,089 | $99,153 | $992,500 | 65.0% | 6.0% |
Population Overview
South Dos Palos is a small community located in California, within Merced County. The total population is 1,102. It ranks as the 1039th most populous out of 1,570 Census-designated places in California.
Age Demographics
The median age in South Dos Palos is 35.1 years. This is 7% lower than the state median of 37.9 years. With 32.4% of the population under 18, South Dos Palos has a notably young demographic profile, suggesting a family-oriented community.
Economy, Income & Housing
The poverty rate stands at 47.5%. This is 296% 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 5.6%. This is 16% lower than the state rate of 6.6%. The median home value is $324,500. Housing costs are 56% lower than the state median of $734,700. 40.5% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 28% lower than the state average of 55.9%.
Race & Ethnicity
South Dos Palos has a predominantly Hispanic or Latino population, comprising 86.2% of all residents. White (non-Hispanic) residents account for 11.9%. The White (non-Hispanic) population (11.9%) is well below the state average of 33.8%. The Black or African American population (1.9%) is well below the state average of 5.2%. The Hispanic or Latino population is significantly higher than the state average (86.2% vs 40.2%).
Education
6.3% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 83% lower than the state rate of 37.1%. Nationally, 35.7% of adults hold at least a bachelor's degree. The high school graduation rate (or equivalent) is 81.8%.
Data Sources & Methodology
All demographic data for South Dos Palos, California is sourced from the U.S. Census Bureau's American Community Survey (ACS) 2020–2024 5-Year Estimates. The ACS collects data from approximately 3.5 million households annually and pools five years of responses so that even small communities can be measured, though the margin of error widens as the population falls. Comparisons are made against California state averages and national averages calculated from the same dataset. Rankings reflect the city's position among all 1,570 Census-designated places in California. Read more about how these figures are produced on our methodology page, or visit data.census.gov for official data.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of South Dos Palos, California?
South Dos Palos, California has a population of 1,102 according to the most recent U.S. Census ACS 5-Year Estimates.
What is the median household income in South Dos Palos, CA?
The Census Bureau does not publish a reliable median household income estimate for South Dos Palos — the community is too small for the ACS sample. The national median is $80,734.
What is the poverty rate in South Dos Palos, CA?
The poverty rate in South Dos Palos is 47.5%. This means approximately 524 residents live below the federal poverty line.
What is the racial makeup of South Dos Palos, California?
South Dos Palos's population is 11.9% White, 1.9% Black, 86.2% Hispanic/Latino, and 0.0% Asian.
What is the median home value in South Dos Palos, CA?
The median home value in South Dos Palos is $324,500.
How educated is South Dos Palos, California?
6.3% of adults (25+) in South Dos Palos hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 2.9% hold a graduate or professional degree.