Porterville, CA demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
63,157
0.6% year-over-year change
Median household income
$60,461/yr
2.5% year-over-year change
Housing units
20,171
0.7% year-over-year change

Porterville population

How many people live in Porterville

Porterville is home to 63,157 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 49.6% of Porterville locals are male, and 50.4% are female.

Total population
63,157
0.6% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
49.6%
31,321
Female
50.4%
31,836
Value Percent YoY change
Male 31,321 49.6% -1.6%
Female 31,836 50.4% 2.9%
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 Porterville is 31, with the population distributed as follows: about 24.4% are children under 15, then 16.9% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 27.4% of the population, while another 19% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 12.2% are 65 or older.

Median age
30.9
Age breakdown
Under 15
24.4%
15 to 24
16.9%
25 to 44
27.4%
45 to 64
19%
Over 65
12.2%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 15,436 24.4% -2.4%
15 to 24 10,652 16.9% 5.1%
25 to 44 17,330 27.4% -0.7%
45 to 64 12,026 19% 4.0%
Over 65 7,713 12.2% -1.3%
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 Porterville, 72.6% of the population are US-born citizens, while 12.6% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 14.9% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 33% of locals are Caucasian, 1.6% are African American and 3.1% have Asian roots. Another 2.3% are Indigenous American, 0.2% are Pacific Islanders, while 34.1% identify as another race. There’s also a share of 25.6% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
72.6%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
12.6%
Non-citizens
14.9%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 45,823 72.6% -0.2%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 7,949 12.6% 6.1%
Non-citizens 9,385 14.9% 0.3%
Racial breakdown
White
33%
Black or African American
1.6%
American Indian and Alaska Native
2.3%
Asian
3.1%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0.2%
Two or more races
25.6%
Other
34.1%
Value Percent
White 20,824 33%
Black or African American 1,030 1.6%
American Indian and Alaska Native 1,454 2.3%
Asian 1,963 3.1%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 158 0.2%
Two or more races 16,193 25.6%
Other 21,535 34.1%

Households in Porterville

A peek inside Porterville households

Porterville has 19,335 households, with an average of 3 members in each. Of these, 79.1% are families, while the remaining 20.9% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
19,335
0.5% year-over-year change
Average people per household
3
Non-family households
4,049
Family households
15,286
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 4,049 20.9% -0.4%
Family households 15,286 79.1% 0.7%
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 Porterville

The housing landscape of Porterville

Porterville's housing consists of 20,171 units, with 69.5% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 2.2% 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 5.5% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
20,171
0.7% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 14,015 69.5%
1 unit, attached 451 2.2%
2 units 997 4.9%
3 or 4 units 1,013 5%
5 to 9 units 854 4.2%
10 to 19 units 148 0.7%
20 to 49 units 612 3%
50 or more units 964 4.8%
Mobile home 1,104 5.5%
Boat, RV, van, etc. 13 0.1%
Homes built since 2020
108
3.9% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Porterville

In Porterville, the median construction year is 1980. About 6.6% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 5.5% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 14.2% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 4.7% between 2010 and 2019, and 0.5% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 1,341 6.6% -7.8%
Built between 1940 and 1949 1,114 5.5% -11.7%
Built between 1950 and 1959 1,811 9% 0.2%
Built between 1960 and 1969 2,447 12.1% 2.5%
Built between 1970 and 1979 3,273 16.2% 3.5%
Built between 1980 and 1989 2,696 13.4% 5.8%
Built between 1990 and 1999 3,566 17.7% 0.0%
Built between 2000 and 2009 2,871 14.2% 1.1%
Built between 2010 and 2019 944 4.7% 5.5%
Built in 2020 or later 108 0.5% 3.9%
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.

Porterville occupancy rates

Out of the 19,335 occupied housing units in Porterville, 54.3% are owner-occupied, while 45.7% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 4.1% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
19,335
0.5% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
8,833
Owner occupied
10,502
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 8,833 45.7% 1.8%
Owner occupied 10,502 54.3% -0.6%
Unoccupied housing units
4.1%
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.

Porterville housing costs

Housing costs in Porterville come to a median of $1,197 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,148.

Median housing costs per month
$1,197/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 Porterville
$1,148/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 Porterville

Porterville education at a glance

About 40.8% of the population in Porterville went to high school, while 22.8% pursued college studies. Another 7.3% earned an associate degree and 9% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 4.1% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 7,015 16% 3.5%
High school diploma 17,896 40.8% 4.7%
College diploma 9,990 22.8% -3.7%
Associate degree 3,219 7.3% -1.2%
Bachelor's degree 3,953 9% 7.4%
Graduate degree 1,796 4.1% -13.3%
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 Porterville

How much people earn in Porterville

The average annual household income in Porterville was $76,442 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +1.4% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $60,461, reflecting a +2.5% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Porterville
$76,442/year
1.4% year-over-year change
Median household income in Porterville
$60,461/year
2.5% year-over-year change

Porterville income by age

In Porterville, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $65,452. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $66,528 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $29,827, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $50,776 in earnings. Overall, 82.8% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $29,827 1.9%
25 - 44 $65,452 6.6%
45 - 64 $66,528 0.7%
Over 65 $50,776 2.1%
Above poverty level
50,761
Below poverty level
10,513
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 50,761 82.8% 1.3%
Below poverty level 10,513 17.2% -2.7%

Average renter income in Porterville

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Porterville, their median household income was $37,220 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 37%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$37,220
Rent-to-income ratio
37%
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 Porterville

Workforce and job types in Porterville

The job market in Porterville is powered by 25,888 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 65% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 35% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 8.4% run their own businesses, 57% are employed by private companies, and 23.2% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
25,888
1.2% year-over-year change
White collar
16,825
Blue collar
9,063
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 16,825 65% 0.8%
Blue collar 9,063 35% 1.9%
Employer type
Self employees
8.4%
Private companies
57%
Governmental workers
23.2%
Not for profit companies
11.4%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 2,184 8.4% -3.8%
Private companies 14,747 57% -2.9%
Governmental workers 5,997 23.2% 1.3%
Not for profit companies 2,960 11.4% 33.5%
Unemployment rate
10.1%
12.8% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Porterville stands at 10.1%, 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 Porterville

How people get around in Porterville

Commuting methods vary: 94% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 1.4% 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 23,462 94% -0.5%
Bus or trolleybus 109 0.4% 58.0%
Railroad 9 0% N/A
Motorcycle 14 0.1% 0.0%
Bicycle 73 0.3% 356.2%
Walk 352 1.4% 7.7%
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 Porterville by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
93257 80,467 23,999 $59,704 $76,806
93258 1,398 372 $51,319 $64,068

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FAQs about Porterville demographics 

What is the total population of Porterville?

Porterville has a total population of 63,157 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 +0.6% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Porterville?

The gender ratio in Porterville is as follows:
  • 49.6% males (31,321 residents)
  • 50.4% females (31,836 residents)

What is the median age in Porterville?

The median age in Porterville is 30.9.

What is the age distribution of the population in Porterville?

The age distribution in Porterville is as follows:
  • Under 15: 24.4% (15,436 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 16.9% (10,652 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 27.4% (17,330 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 19% (12,026 residents)
  • Over 65: 12.2% (7,713 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Porterville?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Porterville is as follows:
  • White: 33% (20,824 residents)
  • Black or African American: 1.6% (1,030 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 2.3% (1,454 residents)
  • Asian: 3.1% (1,963 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0.2% (158 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 25.6% (16,193 residents)
  • Other: 34.1% (21,535 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 72.6% of the population in Porterville.

How many housing units are there in Porterville?

There are 20,171 housing units in Porterville, reflecting a +0.7% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Porterville has a total of 19,335 households, with an average of 3 people in each.

What is the median household income in Porterville?

Porterville has a median household income of $60,461, representing a +2.5% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

The employment rate is 89.9% in Porterville, with a workforce of 25,888 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 65% (16,825 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 35% (9,063 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 8.4% (2,184 residents)
  • Private companies: 57% (14,747 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 23.2% (5,997 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 11.4% (2,960 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