Living in Needles, California
Cost of living, income, home prices, rent and demographics of Needles · Census data 2020–2024
Needles has 4,872 residents with a median age of 49.5. The median household income is $38,243 (61% lower than the California median), the median home value is $157,200, the median rent is $745/month.
Needles at a glance
- Population
- 4,872
- Median age
- 49.5State: 37.9
- Median household income
- $38,243State: $99,122
- Median home value
- $157,200State: $734,700
- Median rent
- $745/moState: $2,036
- Homeowners
- 52.1%
- Bachelor's degree or higher
- 10.2%
- Average commute
- 19 min
Is Needles a good place to live?
Pros: Home values 79% lower than the state median; an average commute of 19 minutes.
Cons: Median household income 61% lower than the California median; unemployment of 12.9%; a poverty rate of 29.7%.
The weather is best in February to April and November.
Cost of living in Needles
Housing is the biggest part of the cost of living. In Needles the median home value is $157,200, 53% lower than the U.S. median. Renters pay a median of $745 per month, which is 33.8% of household income. Homeowners with a mortgage pay $1,139 a month in housing costs.
Needles median household income
The median household income in Needles is $38,243 and the income per person is $29,068. 29.7% of residents live below the poverty line (California: 12%).
Housing in Needles: homes for sale and rent
- Housing units
- 3,007
- Owner-occupied
- 52.1%
- Renter-occupied
- 47.9%
- Vacant
- 26.2%Includes seasonal homes
- Median year built
- 1979
- Average household size
- 2.20
Needles demographics
- Population
- 4,872
- Median age
- 49.5
- Under 18
- 16.6%
- 65 and older
- 22.6%
- Households
- 2,218
- Foreign-born
- 4.2%
- Veterans
- 8.4%Adults 18+
Hispanic or Latino can be of any race. Population history of Needles ›
Education in Needles
10.2% of adults 25 and older in Needles have a bachelor's degree or higher (California: 37.1%), and 2.2% have a graduate or professional degree.
Jobs and commute in Needles
- Unemployment rate
- 12.9%State: 6.6%
- Average commute
- 19 minState: 29 min
- Work from home
- 5.9%
- Drive alone
- 79.3%
- Public transit
- 0%
- Walk to work
- 1.5%
- Homes with broadband
- 90.5%
Needles vs nearby towns
| Town | Population | Median income | Home value | Rent |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Needles | 4,872 | $38,243 | $157,200 | $745 |
| Arizona Village | 713 | $28,750 | — | $493 |
| Mohave Valley | 2,555 | $60,134 | $256,900 | $1,299 |
| Willow Valley | 981 | $50,428 | $266,800 | — |
| Golden Shores | 1,555 | $44,077 | $209,800 | $939 |
| Mesquite Creek | 548 | $59,063 | $217,500 | $1,567 |
| Fort Mohave | 15,715 | $64,815 | $294,300 | $1,010 |
| Crystal Beach | 299 | $131,080 | $425,300 | — |
| Bullhead City | 42,496 | $50,556 | $211,500 | $1,079 |
More for people moving to Needles
Needles ZIP code ›Weather and climate ›Living in Needles: FAQ
What is the median household income in Needles, CA?
The median household income in Needles is $38,243, 61% 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 Needles?
The median home value in Needles is $157,200, compared with $734,700 in California.
How much is rent in Needles?
The median gross rent in Needles is $745 per month, about 33.8% of household income.
Is Needles, CA a good place to live?
Pluses: home values 79% lower than the state median; an average commute of 19 minutes. Minuses: median household income 61% lower than the California median; unemployment of 12.9%; a poverty rate of 29.7%.
What is the median age in Needles?
The median age in Needles is 49.5 years (California: 37.9).
How long is the commute in Needles?
The average commute to work in Needles is 19 minutes; 5.9% of workers work from home.
What is the unemployment rate in Needles?
The unemployment rate in Needles is 12.9% (U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-year estimates 2020–2024).
How educated is Needles?
10.2% of adults in Needles 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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