West Athens, California Demographics & Population 2026
During the 2020–2024 ACS period, West Athens, California had a total population of 8,726, the 526th largest community in California, with a median household income of $67,201, which is 32% lower than the state average. The poverty rate is 15.3%.
Data vintage: U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2020–2024 5-Year Estimates · refreshed July 2026 · Methodology & source notes
Key Takeaways
- Household income is 32% below the state average, indicating significant economic challenges.
- Housing affordability is a challenge — homes cost 10.7x the median household income.
- Unemployment rate of 10.0% is notably above the national average.
West Athens Quick Facts
How West Athens 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 | 9,064 | 8,726 | -3.7% |
| Median household income | $77,750 | $67,201 | -13.6% |
| Median home value | $666,100 | $718,100 | +7.8% |
How West Athens 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 diverse community with significant representation from multiple racial and ethnic groups.
State average: 70 | National average: 61
Education
Educational Attainment (Adults 25+)
West Athens Rankings in California
Explore California Rankings
Other Cities in Los Angeles County
| City | Population | Median Income | Poverty | Home Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles | 3,857,263 | $81,939 | 16.6% | $921,200 |
| Long Beach | 455,548 | $87,430 | 14.8% | $806,600 |
| Santa Clarita | 230,221 | $123,062 | 7.4% | $784,700 |
| Glendale | 190,748 | $88,393 | 12.9% | $1,102,300 |
| Lancaster | 169,169 | $81,511 | 15.6% | $446,600 |
| Palmdale | 164,634 | $81,770 | 15.7% | $471,000 |
| Pomona | 147,943 | $79,479 | 14.3% | $593,800 |
| Torrance | 142,130 | $116,217 | 7.8% | $1,074,700 |
| Pasadena | 136,969 | $105,192 | 13.3% | $1,093,300 |
| East Los Angeles | 111,647 | $68,741 | 17.3% | $643,100 |
Cities Similar to West Athens
These cities in the same state have comparable population and economic profiles.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | Bachelor's+ | Poverty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Guadalupe | 8,566 | $66,930 | $495,600 | 9.3% | 27.7% |
| Orland | 8,357 | $64,945 | $342,200 | 11.6% | 16.9% |
| Midway City | 7,999 | $66,635 | $788,600 | 19.4% | 18.0% |
| Good Hope | 8,816 | $56,981 | $391,700 | 6.1% | 27.4% |
| California Polytechnic State University | 7,915 | N/A | $564,700 | 77.5% | 7.5% |
Population Overview
West Athens is a small city located in California, within Los Angeles County. The total population is 8,726. It ranks as the 526th most populous out of 1,570 Census-designated places in California.
Age Demographics
The median age in West Athens is 34.9 years. This is 8% lower than the state median of 37.9 years.
Economy, Income & Housing
The median household income in West Athens is $67,201. This is 32% lower than the state median of $99,122. It is also 17% lower than the national median of $80,734. The poverty rate stands at 15.3%. This is 27% higher than the state poverty rate of 12.0%. The unemployment rate is 10.0%. This is 51% higher than the state rate of 6.6%. The median home value is $718,100. Housing costs are 2% lower than the state median of $734,700. The home-value-to-income ratio of 10.7x suggests that housing affordability is a significant concern for many residents. 55.2% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 1% lower than the state average of 55.9%.
Race & Ethnicity
The largest racial or ethnic group in West Athens is Black or African American, making up 49.0% of the population. Hispanic or Latino residents account for 44.0%. The White (non-Hispanic) population (1.7%) is well below the state average of 33.8%. The Black or African American population is significantly higher than the state average (49.0% vs 5.2%). The Asian population (1.1%) is well below the state average of 15.3%.
Education
24.4% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 34% 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 84.7%.
Data Sources & Methodology
All demographic data for West Athens, 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 West Athens, California?
West Athens, California has a population of 8,726 according to the most recent U.S. Census ACS 5-Year Estimates.
What is the median household income in West Athens, CA?
The median household income in West Athens is $67,201, which is 17% lower than the national median of $80,734.
What is the poverty rate in West Athens, CA?
The poverty rate in West Athens is 15.3%. This means approximately 1,321 residents live below the federal poverty line.
What is the racial makeup of West Athens, California?
West Athens's population is 1.7% White, 49.0% Black, 44.0% Hispanic/Latino, and 1.1% Asian.
What is the median home value in West Athens, CA?
The median home value in West Athens is $718,100. The home-value-to-income ratio is 10.7x.
How educated is West Athens, California?
24.4% of adults (25+) in West Athens hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 8.9% hold a graduate or professional degree.