Taft, CA demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
7,125
-1.4% year-over-year change
Median household income
$72,772/yr
12.9% year-over-year change
Housing units
2,876
1.3% year-over-year change

Taft population

How many people live in Taft

Taft is home to 7,125 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 51.1% of Taft locals are male, and 48.9% are female.

Total population
7,125
-1.4% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
51.1%
3,641
Female
48.9%
3,484
Value Percent YoY change
Male 3,641 51.1% -1.4%
Female 3,484 48.9% -1.4%
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 Taft is 37, with the population distributed as follows: about 15.1% are children under 15, then 12.5% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 33.5% of the population, while another 24.5% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 14.4% are 65 or older.

Median age
37.1
Age breakdown
Under 15
15.1%
15 to 24
12.5%
25 to 44
33.5%
45 to 64
24.5%
Over 65
14.4%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 1,074 15.1% -15.2%
15 to 24 891 12.5% 2.9%
25 to 44 2,390 33.5% 2.4%
45 to 64 1,743 24.5% 3.6%
Over 65 1,027 14.4% -5.0%
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 Taft, 91.9% of the population are US-born citizens, while 3.3% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 4.8% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 72.7% of locals are Caucasian, 1.2% are African American and 0.3% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 11.4% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
91.9%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
3.3%
Non-citizens
4.8%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 6,548 91.9% -2.2%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 236 3.3% -2.9%
Non-citizens 341 4.8% 17.2%
Racial breakdown
White
72.7%
Black or African American
1.2%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0%
Asian
0.3%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0.1%
Two or more races
11.4%
Other
14.3%
Value Percent
White 5,179 72.7%
Black or African American 86 1.2%
Asian 21 0.3%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 7 0.1%
Two or more races 810 11.4%
Other 1,022 14.3%

Households in Taft

A peek inside Taft households

Taft has 2,651 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 66.4% are families, while the remaining 33.6% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
2,651
-0.7% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
891
Family households
1,760
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 891 33.6% -2.0%
Family households 1,760 66.4% -0.1%
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 Taft

The housing landscape of Taft

Taft's housing consists of 2,876 units, with 67.3% 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 16.4% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
2,876
1.3% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 1,936 67.3%
3 or 4 units 216 7.5%
5 to 9 units 108 3.8%
10 to 19 units 22 0.8%
20 to 49 units 22 0.8%
50 or more units 101 3.5%
Mobile home 471 16.4%
Homes built since 2020
0
% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Taft

In Taft, the median construction year is 1971. About 12.1% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 9.4% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 347 12.1% 8.1%
Built between 1940 and 1949 270 9.4% 40.6%
Built between 1950 and 1959 405 14.1% -9.8%
Built between 1960 and 1969 374 13% 25.9%
Built between 1970 and 1979 664 23.1% -13.1%
Built between 1980 and 1989 519 18% -9.7%
Built between 1990 and 1999 13 0.4% -69.0%
Built between 2000 and 2009 50 1.7% -27.5%
Built between 2010 and 2019 234 8.1% 78.6%
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.

Taft occupancy rates

Out of the 2,651 occupied housing units in Taft, 55% are owner-occupied, while 45% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 7.8% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
2,651
-0.7% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
1,192
Owner occupied
1,459
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 1,192 45% -3.7%
Owner occupied 1,459 55% 1.9%
Unoccupied housing units
7.8%
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.

Taft housing costs

Housing costs in Taft come to a median of $1,026 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,069.

Median housing costs per month
$1,026/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 Taft
$1,069/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 Taft

Taft education at a glance

About 41% of the population in Taft went to high school, while 36.1% pursued college studies. Another 6.1% earned an associate degree and 5.4% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 4% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 423 7.3% 40.5%
High school diploma 2,365 41% -0.1%
College diploma 2,078 36.1% -0.8%
Associate degree 353 6.1% -0.6%
Bachelor's degree 312 5.4% -14.3%
Graduate degree 230 4% -9.4%
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 Taft

How much people earn in Taft

The average annual household income in Taft was $83,487 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +1% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $72,772, reflecting a +12.9% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Taft
$83,487/year
1.1% year-over-year change
Median household income in Taft
$72,772/year
12.9% year-over-year change

Taft income by age

Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $74,479 overall. Overall, 82.9% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
45 - 64 $74,479 -13.1%
Over 65 $72,775 3.3%
Above poverty level
5,282
Below poverty level
1,087
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 5,282 82.9% -2.9%
Below poverty level 1,087 17.1% -8.4%

Average renter income in Taft

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Taft, their median household income was $44,721 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 28.7%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$44,721
Rent-to-income ratio
28.7%
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 Taft

Workforce and job types in Taft

The job market in Taft is powered by 2,948 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 60% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 40% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 6.2% run their own businesses, 68.8% are employed by private companies, and 20.9% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
2,948
0.4% year-over-year change
White collar
1,768
Blue collar
1,180
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 1,768 60% -0.4%
Blue collar 1,180 40% 1.6%
Employer type
Self employees
6.2%
Private companies
68.8%
Governmental workers
20.9%
Not for profit companies
4.1%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 182 6.2% -10.8%
Private companies 2,027 68.8% 9.4%
Governmental workers 617 20.9% -18.9%
Not for profit companies 122 4.1% 2.5%
Unemployment rate
6.0%
48.4% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Taft stands at 6%, 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 Taft

How people get around in Taft

Commuting methods vary: 89.9% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 4.3% 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 2,616 89.9% -0.1%
Bicycle 39 1.3% N/A
Walk 126 4.3% -18.2%
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 Taft by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
93268 16,963 5,766 $57,778 $75,177

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FAQs about Taft demographics 

What is the total population of Taft?

Taft has a total population of 7,125 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 -1.4% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Taft?

The gender ratio in Taft is as follows:
  • 51.1% males (3,641 residents)
  • 48.9% females (3,484 residents)

What is the median age in Taft?

The median age in Taft is 37.1.

What is the age distribution of the population in Taft?

The age distribution in Taft is as follows:
  • Under 15: 15.1% (1,074 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 12.5% (891 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 33.5% (2,390 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 24.5% (1,743 residents)
  • Over 65: 14.4% (1,027 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Taft?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Taft is as follows:
  • White: 72.7% (5,179 residents)
  • Black or African American: 1.2% (86 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0% (0 residents)
  • Asian: 0.3% (21 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0.1% (7 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 11.4% (810 residents)
  • Other: 14.3% (1,022 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 91.9% of the population in Taft.

How many housing units are there in Taft?

There are 2,876 housing units in Taft, reflecting a +1.3% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Taft has a total of 2,651 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Taft?

Taft has a median household income of $72,772, representing a +12.9% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

The employment rate is 94% in Taft, with a workforce of 2,948 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 60% (1,768 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 40% (1,180 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 6.2% (182 residents)
  • Private companies: 68.8% (2,027 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 20.9% (617 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 4.1% (122 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