Needles, CA demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
4,872
-0.2% year-over-year change
Median household income
$38,243/yr
-4.1% year-over-year change
Housing units
3,007
5.6% year-over-year change

Needles population

How many people live in Needles

Needles is home to 4,872 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 51.2% of Needles locals are male, and 48.8% are female.

Total population
4,872
-0.2% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
51.2%
2,493
Female
48.8%
2,379
Value Percent YoY change
Male 2,493 51.2% -0.2%
Female 2,379 48.8% -0.2%
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 Needles is 50, with the population distributed as follows: about 12.3% are children under 15, then 11.6% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 20% of the population, while another 33.5% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 22.6% are 65 or older.

Median age
49.5
Age breakdown
Under 15
12.3%
15 to 24
11.6%
25 to 44
20%
45 to 64
33.5%
Over 65
22.6%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 598 12.3% -14.4%
15 to 24 566 11.6% 10.8%
25 to 44 973 20% 1.9%
45 to 64 1,633 33.5% 2.6%
Over 65 1,102 22.6% -2.0%
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 Needles, 95.5% of the population are US-born citizens, while 2.5% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 2% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 67.2% of locals are Caucasian, 3.2% are African American and 0.9% have Asian roots. Another 6.1% are Indigenous American, 0.1% are Pacific Islanders, while 3.9% identify as another race. There’s also a share of 18.6% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
95.5%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
2.5%
Non-citizens
2%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 4,651 95.5% -1.2%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 121 2.5% 16.4%
Non-citizens 100 2% 42.9%
Racial breakdown
White
67.2%
Black or African American
3.2%
American Indian and Alaska Native
6.1%
Asian
0.9%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0.1%
Two or more races
18.6%
Other
3.9%
Value Percent
White 3,275 67.2%
Black or African American 158 3.2%
American Indian and Alaska Native 296 6.1%
Asian 43 0.9%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 4 0.1%
Two or more races 905 18.6%
Other 191 3.9%

Households in Needles

A peek inside Needles households

Needles has 2,218 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 60.5% are families, while the remaining 39.5% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
2,218
4.1% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
876
Family households
1,342
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 876 39.5% 16.3%
Family households 1,342 60.5% -2.6%
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 Needles

The housing landscape of Needles

Needles's housing consists of 3,007 units, with 55.9% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 3.1% 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 19.4% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
3,007
5.6% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 1,680 55.9%
1 unit, attached 92 3.1%
2 units 143 4.8%
3 or 4 units 151 5%
5 to 9 units 122 4.1%
20 to 49 units 25 0.8%
50 or more units 203 6.8%
Mobile home 582 19.4%
Boat, RV, van, etc. 9 0.3%
Homes built since 2020
31
19.2% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Needles

In Needles, the median construction year is 1979. About 18.8% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 5.7% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 10.9% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 2.8% between 2010 and 2019, and 1% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 564 18.8% -0.3%
Built between 1940 and 1949 172 5.7% -1.7%
Built between 1950 and 1959 223 7.4% -3.9%
Built between 1960 and 1969 204 6.8% -6.0%
Built between 1970 and 1979 393 13.1% 15.9%
Built between 1980 and 1989 600 20% 20.7%
Built between 1990 and 1999 409 13.6% -19.2%
Built between 2000 and 2009 328 10.9% 29.6%
Built between 2010 and 2019 83 2.8% 124.3%
Built in 2020 or later 31 1% 19.2%
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.

Needles occupancy rates

Out of the 2,218 occupied housing units in Needles, 52.1% are owner-occupied, while 47.9% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 26.2% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
2,218
4.1% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
1,062
Owner occupied
1,156
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 1,062 47.9% 10.2%
Owner occupied 1,156 52.1% -0.9%
Unoccupied housing units
26.2%
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.

Needles housing costs

Housing costs in Needles come to a median of $755 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $745.

Median housing costs per month
$755/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 Needles
$745/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 Needles

Needles education at a glance

About 48.6% of the population in Needles went to high school, while 33.7% pursued college studies. Another 5.9% earned an associate degree and 7.6% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 2% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 89 2.2% -21.9%
High school diploma 1,975 48.6% -6.6%
College diploma 1,370 33.7% 23.0%
Associate degree 239 5.9% -14.0%
Bachelor's degree 310 7.6% 13.1%
Graduate degree 80 2% 6.7%
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 Needles

How much people earn in Needles

The average annual household income in Needles was $63,366 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a -6.1% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $38,243, reflecting a -4.1% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Needles
$63,366/year
-6.1% year-over-year change
Median household income in Needles
$38,243/year
-4.1% year-over-year change

Needles income by age

In Needles, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $46,008. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $29,282, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $41,731 in earnings. Overall, 70.7% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $29,282 -5.2%
25 - 44 $46,008 -42.6%
Over 65 $41,731 5.2%
Above poverty level
3,417
Below poverty level
1,414
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 3,417 70.7% -0.8%
Below poverty level 1,414 29.3% -0.4%

Average renter income in Needles

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Needles, their median household income was $21,456 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 41.7%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$21,456
Rent-to-income ratio
41.7%
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 Needles

Workforce and job types in Needles

The job market in Needles is powered by 1,541 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 68.8% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 31.2% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 9.8% run their own businesses, 61.6% are employed by private companies, and 22.1% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
1,541
6.3% year-over-year change
White collar
1,061
Blue collar
480
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 1,061 68.8% 6.3%
Blue collar 480 31.2% 6.2%
Employer type
Self employees
9.8%
Private companies
61.6%
Governmental workers
22.1%
Not for profit companies
6.6%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 151 9.8% 8.6%
Private companies 949 61.6% 11.0%
Governmental workers 340 22.1% -6.6%
Not for profit companies 101 6.6% 9.8%
Unemployment rate
12.9%
7.0% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Needles stands at 12.9%, 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 Needles

How people get around in Needles

Commuting methods vary: 92.3% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 1.5% 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 1,384 92.3% 4.4%
Walk 22 1.5% -26.7%
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 Needles by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
92332 105 25 $0 $47,016
92363 5,531 2,486 $40,068 $65,606

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FAQs about Needles demographics 

What is the total population of Needles?

Needles has a total population of 4,872 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 -0.2% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Needles?

The gender ratio in Needles is as follows:
  • 51.2% males (2,493 residents)
  • 48.8% females (2,379 residents)

What is the median age in Needles?

The median age in Needles is 49.5.

What is the age distribution of the population in Needles?

The age distribution in Needles is as follows:
  • Under 15: 12.3% (598 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 11.6% (566 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 20% (973 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 33.5% (1,633 residents)
  • Over 65: 22.6% (1,102 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Needles?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Needles is as follows:
  • White: 67.2% (3,275 residents)
  • Black or African American: 3.2% (158 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 6.1% (296 residents)
  • Asian: 0.9% (43 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0.1% (4 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 18.6% (905 residents)
  • Other: 3.9% (191 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 95.5% of the population in Needles.

How many housing units are there in Needles?

There are 3,007 housing units in Needles, reflecting a +5.6% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Needles has a total of 2,218 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Needles?

Needles has a median household income of $38,243, representing a -4.1% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

The employment rate is 87.1% in Needles, with a workforce of 1,541 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 68.8% (1,061 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 31.2% (480 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 9.8% (151 residents)
  • Private companies: 61.6% (949 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 22.1% (340 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 6.6% (101 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