Living in Fortuna, California
Cost of living, income, home prices, rent and demographics of Fortuna · Census data 2020–2024
Fortuna has 12,326 residents with a median age of 37.4. The median household income is $62,289 (37% lower than the California median), the median home value is $379,700, the median rent is $1,168/month.
Fortuna at a glance
- Population
- 12,326
- Median age
- 37.4State: 37.9
- Median household income
- $62,289State: $99,122
- Median home value
- $379,700State: $734,700
- Median rent
- $1,168/moState: $2,036
- Homeowners
- 56.1%
- Bachelor's degree or higher
- 24.8%
- Average commute
- 25 min
Is Fortuna a good place to live?
Pros: Home values 48% lower than the state median; an average commute of 25 minutes.
Cons: Median household income 37% lower than the California median; unemployment of 7%; a poverty rate of 18.2%.
The weather is best in June to September.
Cost of living in Fortuna
Housing is the biggest part of the cost of living. In Fortuna the median home value is $379,700, 14% higher than the U.S. median. Renters pay a median of $1,168 per month, which is 31.6% of household income. Homeowners with a mortgage pay $1,837 a month in housing costs.
Fortuna median household income
The median household income in Fortuna is $62,289 and the income per person is $34,685. 18.2% of residents live below the poverty line (California: 12%).
Housing in Fortuna: homes for sale and rent
- Housing units
- 5,295
- Owner-occupied
- 56.1%
- Renter-occupied
- 43.9%
- Vacant
- 7%Includes seasonal homes
- Median year built
- 1978
- Average household size
- 2.45
Fortuna demographics
- Population
- 12,326
- Median age
- 37.4
- Under 18
- 20.7%
- 65 and older
- 17.3%
- Households
- 4,925
- Foreign-born
- 14.1%
- Veterans
- 6.7%Adults 18+
Hispanic or Latino can be of any race. Population history of Fortuna ›
Education in Fortuna
24.8% of adults 25 and older in Fortuna have a bachelor's degree or higher (California: 37.1%), and 9.3% have a graduate or professional degree.
Jobs and commute in Fortuna
- Unemployment rate
- 7%State: 6.6%
- Average commute
- 25 minState: 29 min
- Work from home
- 11.1%
- Drive alone
- 71.2%
- Public transit
- 3.4%
- Walk to work
- 3%
- Homes with broadband
- 88.8%
Fortuna vs nearby towns
| Town | Population | Median income | Home value | Rent |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fortuna | 12,326 | $62,289 | $379,700 | $1,168 |
| Hydesville | 1,263 | $96,827 | $481,100 | $860 |
| Loleta | 723 | $40,086 | $589,800 | $999 |
| Ferndale | 1,552 | $63,142 | $542,000 | $1,028 |
| Rio Dell | 3,349 | $42,753 | $301,700 | $1,042 |
| Scotia | 405 | $51,250 | $342,300 | $1,185 |
| Humboldt Hill | 3,551 | $71,667 | $406,500 | $1,896 |
| Pine Hills | 2,875 | $78,393 | $487,800 | $1,633 |
| Fields Landing | 532 | $78,686 | $435,500 | — |
More for people moving to Fortuna
Fortuna ZIP code ›Weather and climate ›Living in Fortuna: FAQ
What is the median household income in Fortuna, CA?
The median household income in Fortuna is $62,289, 37% lower than the California median of $99,122 (U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-year estimates 2020–2024).
What is the average home price in Fortuna?
The median home value in Fortuna is $379,700, compared with $734,700 in California.
How much is rent in Fortuna?
The median gross rent in Fortuna is $1,168 per month, about 31.6% of household income.
Is Fortuna, CA a good place to live?
Pluses: home values 48% lower than the state median; an average commute of 25 minutes. Minuses: median household income 37% lower than the California median; unemployment of 7%; a poverty rate of 18.2%.
What is the median age in Fortuna?
The median age in Fortuna is 37.4 years (California: 37.9).
How long is the commute in Fortuna?
The average commute to work in Fortuna is 25 minutes; 11.1% of workers work from home.
What is the unemployment rate in Fortuna?
The unemployment rate in Fortuna is 7% (U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-year estimates 2020–2024).
How educated is Fortuna?
24.8% of adults in Fortuna have a bachelor's degree or higher.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-year estimates 2020–2024 (margins of error apply, especially in small towns). Figures are in 2024 dollars.
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