Thermal, CA demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
1,800
26.8% year-over-year change
Median household income
$/yr
% year-over-year change
Housing units
886
12.0% year-over-year change

Thermal population

How many people live in Thermal

Thermal is home to 1,800 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 40.3% of Thermal locals are male, and 59.7% are female.

Total population
1,800
26.8% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
40.3%
726
Female
59.7%
1,074
Value Percent YoY change
Male 726 40.3% 77.1%
Female 1,074 59.7% 6.3%
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 Thermal is 34, with the population distributed as follows: about 18% are children under 15, then 16.2% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 27% of the population, while another 19.2% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 19.6% are 65 or older.

Median age
34.3
Age breakdown
Under 15
18%
15 to 24
16.2%
25 to 44
27%
45 to 64
19.2%
Over 65
19.6%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 324 18% 62.8%
15 to 24 292 16.2% 40.4%
25 to 44 486 27% 21.8%
45 to 64 346 19.2% 18.1%
Over 65 352 19.6% 9.7%
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 Thermal, 41.4% of the population are US-born citizens, while 25.9% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 32.6% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 1.2% of locals are Caucasian, 1.8% are African American and 0.3% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 71.8% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
41.4%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
25.9%
Non-citizens
32.6%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 746 41.4% 22.3%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 467 25.9% 17.9%
Non-citizens 587 32.6% 41.8%
Racial breakdown
White
1.2%
Black or African American
1.8%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.5%
Asian
0.3%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
71.8%
Other
24.3%
Value Percent
White 22 1.2%
Black or African American 33 1.8%
American Indian and Alaska Native 9 0.5%
Asian 5 0.3%
Two or more races 1,293 71.8%
Other 438 24.3%

Households in Thermal

A peek inside Thermal households

Thermal has 735 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 51.3% are families, while the remaining 48.7% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
735
14.8% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
358
Family households
377
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 358 48.7% 12.9%
Family households 377 51.3% 16.7%
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 Thermal

The housing landscape of Thermal

Thermal's housing consists of 886 units, with 41.9% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 6.3% 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 40.5% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
886
12.0% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 371 41.9%
1 unit, attached 56 6.3%
2 units 39 4.4%
5 to 9 units 23 2.6%
10 to 19 units 30 3.4%
50 or more units 8 0.9%
Mobile home 359 40.5%
Homes built since 2020
0
% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Thermal

In Thermal, the median construction year is 1977. 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 34 3.8% -17.1%
Built between 1950 and 1959 84 9.5% -8.7%
Built between 1960 and 1969 27 3% 237.5%
Built between 1970 and 1979 411 46.4% 7.0%
Built between 1980 and 1989 147 16.6% 8.1%
Built between 1990 and 1999 93 10.5% -7.0%
Built between 2000 and 2009 32 3.6% 6.7%
Built between 2010 and 2019 58 6.6% N/A
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.

Thermal occupancy rates

Out of the 735 occupied housing units in Thermal, 56.6% are owner-occupied, while 43.4% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 17% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
735
14.8% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
319
Owner occupied
416
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 319 43.4% 29.7%
Owner occupied 416 56.6% 5.6%
Unoccupied housing units
17.0%
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.

Thermal housing costs

Housing costs in Thermal come to a median of $771 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $986.

Median housing costs per month
$771/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 Thermal
$986/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 Thermal

Thermal education at a glance

About 43.9% of the population in Thermal went to high school, while 5.1% pursued college studies. Another 1.1% earned an associate degree and 4.8% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 2.6% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 593 42.6% 8.2%
High school diploma 611 43.9% 22.9%
College diploma 71 5.1% 61.4%
Associate degree 15 1.1% -57.1%
Bachelor's degree 67 4.8% 34.0%
Graduate degree 36 2.6% N/A
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 Thermal

How much people earn in Thermal

The average annual household income in Thermal was $40,650 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +24.4% change from the previous year.

Average household income in Thermal
$40,650/year
24.4% year-over-year change

Thermal income by age

In Thermal, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $48,148. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $46,667 overall. Overall, 80.2% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
25 - 44 $48,148 43.9%
45 - 64 $46,667 47.1%
Over 65 $16,091 0.3%
Above poverty level
1,410
Below poverty level
347
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 1,410 80.2% 45.4%
Below poverty level 347 19.8% -18.7%

Average renter income in Thermal

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Thermal, their median household income was $31,210 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 37.9%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$31,210
Rent-to-income ratio
37.9%
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 Thermal

Workforce and job types in Thermal

The job market in Thermal is powered by 843 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 37.1% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 62.9% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 10.8% run their own businesses, 75.4% are employed by private companies, and 9.6% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
843
26.0% year-over-year change
White collar
313
Blue collar
530
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 313 37.1% 42.9%
Blue collar 530 62.9% 17.8%
Employer type
Self employees
10.8%
Private companies
75.4%
Governmental workers
9.6%
Not for profit companies
4.2%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 91 10.8% -4.2%
Private companies 636 75.4% 20.2%
Governmental workers 81 9.6% 189.3%
Not for profit companies 35 4.2% 105.9%
Unemployment rate
4.3%
-2.6% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Thermal stands at 4.3%, 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 Thermal

How people get around in Thermal

In Thermal, the average commute time is 22 minutes. Commuting methods vary: 86.8% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 4.7% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Commute time
22 min
15.8% year-over-year change
Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 719 86.8% 24.4%
Motorcycle 15 1.8% N/A
Bicycle 20 2.4% N/A
Walk 39 4.7% -23.5%
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 Thermal by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
92274 18,167 5,734 $38,654 $58,428

Explore more communities

FAQs about Thermal demographics 

What is the total population of Thermal?

Thermal has a total population of 1,800 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 +26.8% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Thermal?

The gender ratio in Thermal is as follows:
  • 40.3% males (726 residents)
  • 59.7% females (1,074 residents)

What is the median age in Thermal?

The median age in Thermal is 34.3.

What is the age distribution of the population in Thermal?

The age distribution in Thermal is as follows:
  • Under 15: 18% (324 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 16.2% (292 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 27% (486 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 19.2% (346 residents)
  • Over 65: 19.6% (352 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Thermal?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Thermal is as follows:
  • White: 1.2% (22 residents)
  • Black or African American: 1.8% (33 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.5% (9 residents)
  • Asian: 0.3% (5 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 71.8% (1,293 residents)
  • Other: 24.3% (438 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 41.4% of the population in Thermal.

How many housing units are there in Thermal?

There are 886 housing units in Thermal, reflecting a +12.0% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Thermal has a total of 735 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

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

The employment rate is 95.7% in Thermal, with a workforce of 843 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 37.1% (313 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 62.9% (530 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 10.8% (91 residents)
  • Private companies: 75.4% (636 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 9.6% (81 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 4.2% (35 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