Happy Camp, CA demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
539
-7.1% year-over-year change
Median household income
$41,375/yr
27.9% year-over-year change
Housing units
343
-13.4% year-over-year change

Happy Camp population

How many people live in Happy Camp

Happy Camp is home to 539 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 52.1% of Happy Camp locals are male, and 47.9% are female.

Total population
539
-7.1% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
52.1%
281
Female
47.9%
258
Value Percent YoY change
Male 281 52.1% -11.9%
Female 258 47.9% -1.1%
A higher population often means more rental variety and livelier areas. The gender balance—how many men live here compared to women—can reveal a lot about the community and the lifestyles of its residents. Use this info to get a sense of the area's pace and personality.

Age demographics

The median age in Happy Camp is 58, with the population distributed as follows: about 12.6% are children under 15, then 5.8% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 18% of the population, while another 28.4% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 35.2% are 65 or older.

Median age
57.6
Age breakdown
Under 15
12.6%
15 to 24
5.8%
25 to 44
18%
45 to 64
28.4%
Over 65
35.2%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 68 12.6% -1.4%
15 to 24 31 5.8% -13.9%
25 to 44 97 18% 0.0%
45 to 64 153 28.4% -16.4%
Over 65 190 35.2% -2.6%
The age composition helps you get insight into who lives in the area. A younger population might mean a more active, fast-paced vibe, while an older one could suggest a quieter, slower lifestyle. If there's a balanced makeup, you’re likely to find a variety of services, housing types, and community spaces that cater to different life stages.

Racial makeup

In Happy Camp, 94.1% of the population are US-born citizens, while 5.9% have gained naturalized citizenship. There’s also a share of 17.8% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
94.1%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
5.9%
Non-citizens
0%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 507 94.1% -6.3%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 32 5.9% -17.9%
Racial breakdown
White
58.8%
Black or African American
0%
American Indian and Alaska Native
20.6%
Asian
0%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
17.8%
Other
2.8%
Value Percent
White 317 58.8%
American Indian and Alaska Native 111 20.6%
Two or more races 96 17.8%
Other 15 2.8%

Households in Happy Camp

A peek inside Happy Camp households

Happy Camp has 268 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 49.2% are families, while the remaining 50.8% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
268
-4.3% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
136
Family households
132
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 136 50.8% -18.6%
Family households 132 49.2% 16.8%
The mix between family and non-family households gives a glimpse into daily life. A higher percentage of families might mean more parks and schools, while more non-family setups can mean flexible housing and diverse living styles. For renters, this can signal what kinds of homes are common and can help you figure out if the area matches your lifestyle.

Housing in Happy Camp

The housing landscape of Happy Camp

Happy Camp's housing consists of 343 units, with 62.7% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Then there are the multifamily buildings in the area, and for those seeking flexibility, non-traditional options like mobile homes account for 36.2% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
343
-13.4% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 215 62.7%
Mobile home 124 36.2%
Boat, RV, van, etc. 4 1.2%
Homes built since 2020
35
-10.3% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Happy Camp

In Happy Camp, the median construction year is 1969. About 4.1% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 12.5% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 2.9% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 3.8% between 2010 and 2019, and 10.2% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 14 4.1% -57.6%
Built between 1940 and 1949 43 12.5% 4.9%
Built between 1950 and 1959 53 15.4% -30.3%
Built between 1960 and 1969 71 20.7% 16.4%
Built between 1970 and 1979 58 16.9% -13.4%
Built between 1980 and 1989 31 9% -42.6%
Built between 1990 and 1999 15 4.4% 36.4%
Built between 2000 and 2009 10 2.9% -28.6%
Built between 2010 and 2019 13 3.8% N/A
Built in 2020 or later 35 10.2% -10.3%
As a renter, knowing when homes were built helps you understand the potential condition and design of rental units. Newer builds may have more contemporary layouts, while older homes can offer character or larger lots, depending on the area.

Happy Camp occupancy rates

Out of the 268 occupied housing units in Happy Camp, 63.1% are owner-occupied, while 36.9% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 21.9% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
268
-4.3% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
99
Owner occupied
169
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 99 36.9% -23.3%
Owner occupied 169 63.1% 11.9%
Unoccupied housing units
21.9%
Unoccupied housing units refer to homes that are currently without residents—whether they're waiting for renters or owners, used seasonally, or simply unclaimed. A higher share of empty homes may mean more housing availability, while a low number can reflect a tighter market with more competition. This, along with the renter-vs.-owner mix, helps paint a clearer picture of what types of housing and services are likely to be available in the area.

Happy Camp housing costs

Housing costs in Happy Camp come to a median of $708 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $775.

Median housing costs per month
$708/month
This figure sums up typical monthly housing costs for all households in the area. If you own, it includes mortgage payments in addition to property taxes, insurance and HOA fees. If you rent, it accounts for rent plus extras like utilities. It’s useful for seeing how local living expenses stack up compared to other places.
Median gross rent in Happy Camp
$775/month
Gross rent gives a more complete look at what renters actually pay, including not just base rent, but also utilities and fees. It’s a key number for evaluating rental affordability in your area of interest and understanding how it compares to nearby locations.

Education in Happy Camp

Happy Camp education at a glance

About 41.5% of the population in Happy Camp went to high school, while 30.3% pursued college studies. Another 6.2% earned an associate degree and 12.3% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 7.7% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 9 2% -40.0%
High school diploma 189 41.5% -6.4%
College diploma 138 30.3% 4.5%
Associate degree 28 6.2% -31.7%
Bachelor's degree 56 12.3% -13.8%
Graduate degree 35 7.7% -20.4%
A community’s education mix can offer insights into the local economy and housing market. Higher levels of education often align with more job opportunities and stable incomes, which can increase demand for homes and influence both rent prices and rental availability.

Income in Happy Camp

How much people earn in Happy Camp

The average annual household income in Happy Camp was $52,638 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +9.3% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $41,375, reflecting a +27.9% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Happy Camp
$52,638/year
9.3% year-over-year change
Median household income in Happy Camp
$41,375/year
27.9% year-over-year change

Happy Camp income by age

In Happy Camp, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $65,417. Overall, 83.9% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
25 - 44 $65,417 55.1%
Over 65 $37,917 22.2%
Above poverty level
448
Below poverty level
86
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 448 83.9% 5.2%
Below poverty level 86 16.1% -39.0%

Average renter income in Happy Camp

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Happy Camp, their median household income was $39,500 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 23.5%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$39,500
Rent-to-income ratio
23.5%
Understanding the rent-to-income ratio can help renters gauge if local housing costs align with their earnings. A ratio under 30% usually signals affordability, while exceeding this mark means rent is taking a larger-than-recommended bite out of income. That could make it harder for you to cover other costs like transportation, healthcare, or child care.

Employment in Happy Camp

Workforce and job types in Happy Camp

The job market in Happy Camp is powered by 158 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 81.6% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 18.4% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 4.4% run their own businesses, 34.8% are employed by private companies, and 58.9% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
158
-6.5% year-over-year change
White collar
129
Blue collar
29
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 129 81.6% 0.8%
Blue collar 29 18.4% -29.3%
Employer type
Self employees
4.4%
Private companies
34.8%
Governmental workers
58.9%
Not for profit companies
1.9%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 7 4.4% -58.8%
Private companies 55 34.8% -27.6%
Governmental workers 93 58.9% 34.8%
Not for profit companies 3 1.9% -57.1%
Unemployment rate
24.0%
-21.9% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Happy Camp stands at 24%, representing the share of the workforce currently without a job and actively looking for one.

For renters, the unemployment rate helps paint a picture of job security and financial stability in the area. Rates around 4% to 5% are considered typical. A lower-than-average rate might suggest strong job prospects and a thriving local economy, while a higher rate could hint at fewer opportunities—both useful to consider when planning a move.

Transportation in Happy Camp

How people get around in Happy Camp

Commuting methods vary: 73.1% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 20% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 117 73.1% -7.9%
Bus or trolleybus 1 0.6% -50.0%
Bicycle 3 1.9% -40.0%
Walk 32 20% 39.1%
Understanding how locals get to work can help you plan your own routine. High car usage might mean you’ll need a vehicle, while strong public transit or walkability could save you the hassle. Commute times also play a big role in quality of life—shorter trips can give you more time for the things you enjoy.

What is the median and average household income in Happy Camp by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
96039 583 279 $41,813 $53,354

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FAQs about Happy Camp demographics 

What is the total population of Happy Camp?

Happy Camp has a total population of 539 residents, according to the latest release from the U.S. Census Bureau: the 2019-2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates. This figure changed by -7.1% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Happy Camp?

The gender ratio in Happy Camp is as follows:
  • 52.1% males (281 residents)
  • 47.9% females (258 residents)

What is the median age in Happy Camp?

The median age in Happy Camp is 57.6.

What is the age distribution of the population in Happy Camp?

The age distribution in Happy Camp is as follows:
  • Under 15: 12.6% (68 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 5.8% (31 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 18% (97 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 28.4% (153 residents)
  • Over 65: 35.2% (190 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Happy Camp?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Happy Camp is as follows:
  • White: 58.8% (317 residents)
  • Black or African American: 0% (0 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 20.6% (111 residents)
  • Asian: 0% (0 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 17.8% (96 residents)
  • Other: 2.8% (15 residents)

What percentage of the population in Happy Camp are U.S.-born citizens?

U.S.-born citizens represent 94.1% of the population in Happy Camp.

How many housing units are there in Happy Camp?

There are 343 housing units in Happy Camp, reflecting a -13.4% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

How many households are in Happy Camp and what is the average household size?

Happy Camp has a total of 268 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Happy Camp?

Happy Camp has a median household income of $41,375, representing a +27.9% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for Happy Camp?

The employment rate is 76% in Happy Camp, with a workforce of 158 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 81.6% (129 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 18.4% (29 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 4.4% (7 residents)
  • Private companies: 34.8% (55 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 58.9% (93 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 1.9% (3 residents)

Data source & methodology

The demographic data on this page was sourced from the latest U.S. Census Bureau release—the 2019–2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates.

The information, issued annually, is compiled and published by the Point2Homes Research Team as soon as new data becomes available.

No representation, guarantee, or warranty is made concerning the accuracy or completeness of modified or aggregated information for particular areas.

Page last updated: September 2025