Shafter, CA demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
21,193
2.8% year-over-year change
Median household income
$71,215/yr
4.7% year-over-year change
Housing units
5,924
4.2% year-over-year change

Shafter population

How many people live in Shafter

Shafter is home to 21,193 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 49.4% of Shafter locals are male, and 50.6% are female.

Total population
21,193
2.8% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
49.4%
10,460
Female
50.6%
10,733
Value Percent YoY change
Male 10,460 49.4% 2.4%
Female 10,733 50.6% 3.2%
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 Shafter is 28, with the population distributed as follows: about 27.3% are children under 15, then 16.4% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 32.8% of the population, while another 16.1% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 7.5% are 65 or older.

Median age
28.1
Age breakdown
Under 15
27.3%
15 to 24
16.4%
25 to 44
32.8%
45 to 64
16.1%
Over 65
7.5%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 5,783 27.3% -0.1%
15 to 24 3,465 16.4% 6.2%
25 to 44 6,951 32.8% 5.9%
45 to 64 3,404 16.1% -3.5%
Over 65 1,590 7.5% 7.9%
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 Shafter, 75.9% of the population are US-born citizens, while 8.1% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 16% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 30.6% of locals are Caucasian, 1.4% are African American and 2.6% have Asian roots. Another 1.5% are Indigenous American, 0.1% are Pacific Islanders, while 22.9% identify as another race. There’s also a share of 40.8% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
75.9%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
8.1%
Non-citizens
16%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 16,087 75.9% 4.4%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 1,710 8.1% 7.6%
Non-citizens 3,396 16% -6.2%
Racial breakdown
White
30.6%
Black or African American
1.4%
American Indian and Alaska Native
1.5%
Asian
2.6%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0.1%
Two or more races
40.8%
Other
22.9%
Value Percent
White 6,476 30.6%
Black or African American 302 1.4%
American Indian and Alaska Native 327 1.5%
Asian 552 2.6%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 24 0.1%
Two or more races 8,652 40.8%
Other 4,860 22.9%

Households in Shafter

A peek inside Shafter households

Shafter has 5,677 households, with an average of 4 members in each. Of these, 85% are families, while the remaining 15% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
5,677
4.2% year-over-year change
Average people per household
4
Non-family households
849
Family households
4,828
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 849 15% 1.9%
Family households 4,828 85% 4.5%
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 Shafter

The housing landscape of Shafter

Shafter's housing consists of 5,924 units, with 81.3% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 1.3% and offer a more compact, shared living style. Then there are the multifamily buildings in the area, and for those seeking flexibility, non-traditional options like mobile homes account for 8.4% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
5,924
4.2% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 4,816 81.3%
1 unit, attached 79 1.3%
2 units 133 2.2%
3 or 4 units 242 4.1%
5 to 9 units 41 0.7%
20 to 49 units 42 0.7%
50 or more units 73 1.2%
Mobile home 498 8.4%
Homes built since 2020
653
31.1% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Shafter

In Shafter, the median construction year is 1993. About 7.8% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 1.6% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 15.6% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 14.2% between 2010 and 2019, and 11% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 464 7.8% 46.8%
Built between 1940 and 1949 98 1.6% -21.6%
Built between 1950 and 1959 746 12.6% 8.1%
Built between 1960 and 1969 396 6.7% -11.8%
Built between 1970 and 1979 712 12% 19.1%
Built between 1980 and 1989 363 6.1% 42.9%
Built between 1990 and 1999 723 12.2% -15.3%
Built between 2000 and 2009 927 15.6% -9.4%
Built between 2010 and 2019 842 14.2% -4.0%
Built in 2020 or later 653 11% 31.1%
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.

Shafter occupancy rates

Out of the 5,677 occupied housing units in Shafter, 64.7% are owner-occupied, while 35.3% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 4.2% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
5,677
4.2% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
2,003
Owner occupied
3,674
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 2,003 35.3% 6.8%
Owner occupied 3,674 64.7% 2.7%
Unoccupied housing units
4.2%
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.

Shafter housing costs

Housing costs in Shafter come to a median of $1,440 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,253.

Median housing costs per month
$1,440/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 Shafter
$1,253/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 Shafter

Shafter education at a glance

About 40% of the population in Shafter went to high school, while 26.2% pursued college studies. Another 8% earned an associate degree and 7.1% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 3.7% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 2,102 14.9% 2.8%
High school diploma 5,646 40% -1.9%
College diploma 3,692 26.2% 12.4%
Associate degree 1,126 8% -0.7%
Bachelor's degree 1,005 7.1% 14.5%
Graduate degree 527 3.7% 24.3%
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 Shafter

How much people earn in Shafter

The average annual household income in Shafter was $87,888 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +9% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $71,215, reflecting a +4.7% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Shafter
$87,888/year
9.1% year-over-year change
Median household income in Shafter
$71,215/year
4.7% year-over-year change

Shafter income by age

In Shafter, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $82,771. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $81,917 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $58,654, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $38,438 in earnings. Overall, 79% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $58,654 N/A
25 - 44 $82,771 12.0%
45 - 64 $81,917 13.7%
Over 65 $38,438 11.6%
Above poverty level
16,103
Below poverty level
4,269
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 16,103 79% 3.8%
Below poverty level 4,269 21% 0.9%

Average renter income in Shafter

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Shafter, their median household income was $39,174 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 38.4%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$39,174
Rent-to-income ratio
38.4%
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 Shafter

Workforce and job types in Shafter

The job market in Shafter is powered by 8,713 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 58.5% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 41.5% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 10.4% run their own businesses, 68.6% are employed by private companies, and 16.9% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
8,713
3.0% year-over-year change
White collar
5,098
Blue collar
3,615
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 5,098 58.5% 3.9%
Blue collar 3,615 41.5% 1.8%
Employer type
Self employees
10.4%
Private companies
68.6%
Governmental workers
16.9%
Not for profit companies
4.1%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 910 10.4% -11.0%
Private companies 5,973 68.6% 2.0%
Governmental workers 1,473 16.9% 16.5%
Not for profit companies 357 4.1% 12.3%
Unemployment rate
5.8%
-7.8% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Shafter stands at 5.8%, 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 Shafter

How people get around in Shafter

Commuting methods vary: 93.5% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 1.1% 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 7,796 93.5% 0.8%
Bus or trolleybus 39 0.5% N/A
Bicycle 11 0.1% N/A
Walk 89 1.1% 242.3%
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 Shafter by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
93263 24,024 6,402 $71,528 $89,666

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FAQs about Shafter demographics 

What is the total population of Shafter?

Shafter has a total population of 21,193 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 +2.8% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Shafter?

The gender ratio in Shafter is as follows:
  • 49.4% males (10,460 residents)
  • 50.6% females (10,733 residents)

What is the median age in Shafter?

The median age in Shafter is 28.1.

What is the age distribution of the population in Shafter?

The age distribution in Shafter is as follows:
  • Under 15: 27.3% (5,783 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 16.4% (3,465 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 32.8% (6,951 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 16.1% (3,404 residents)
  • Over 65: 7.5% (1,590 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Shafter?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Shafter is as follows:
  • White: 30.6% (6,476 residents)
  • Black or African American: 1.4% (302 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 1.5% (327 residents)
  • Asian: 2.6% (552 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0.1% (24 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 40.8% (8,652 residents)
  • Other: 22.9% (4,860 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 75.9% of the population in Shafter.

How many housing units are there in Shafter?

There are 5,924 housing units in Shafter, reflecting a +4.2% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Shafter has a total of 5,677 households, with an average of 4 people in each.

What is the median household income in Shafter?

Shafter has a median household income of $71,215, representing a +4.7% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for Shafter?

The employment rate is 94.2% in Shafter, with a workforce of 8,713 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 58.5% (5,098 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 41.5% (3,615 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 10.4% (910 residents)
  • Private companies: 68.6% (5,973 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 16.9% (1,473 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 4.1% (357 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