Shafter, California Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates
The population of Shafter, California is 20,618 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 344th-largest city in California. The median household income is $67,989, the median home value is $306,800, and the median age is 28.0.
The population has grown 32.6% since 2010 (17,160 → 22,754).
20,618
Population
533
People / sq mi
$67,989
Median Income
$306,800
Median Home Value
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Shafter covers 38.7 sq mi of land at 533 people per square mile.
About Shafter, CA
Educational attainment is the headline number in Shafter: 10.7% of adults 25 and older have a four-year degree. Shafter is a city in California with a population of 20,618.
Median household income is $67,989, below the US median of $78,538. The poverty rate, 18.1%, is among the steepest of comparable US cities and above the national 12.4%. The typical home is valued at $306,800, with typical rent around $1,140.
College credentials are comparatively rare here: just 10.7%, below the national 35.0%. Almost everyone commutes — only 3.3% work from home, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 22 minutes each way.
Shafter city Population History (2010-2024)
The city of Shafter city had a population of 17,160 in 2010 and 22,754 in 2024, a 32.6% growth over 14 years. The peak was 22,754 in 2024. Average annual growth rate: 2.05%.
22,754
Population (2024)
17,160
Population (2010)
22,754
Peak (2024)
2.05%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 17,160 |
| 2011 | 17,440 |
| 2012 | 17,194 |
| 2013 | 17,273 |
| 2014 | 17,612 |
| 2015 | 18,367 |
| 2016 | 18,985 |
| 2017 | 19,472 |
| 2018 | 19,998 |
| 2019 | 20,401 |
| 2020 | 20,063 |
| 2021 | 20,231 |
| 2022 | 21,027 |
| 2023 | 21,917 |
| 2024 | 22,754 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 39.0% |
| Black or African American | 1.5% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 3.1% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Economy & Income
$67,989
Median Household Income
$22,147
Per Capita Income
18.1%
Poverty Rate
4.1%
Unemployment Rate
Housing
$306,800
Median Home Value
$1,140
Median Rent
65.6%
Owner-Occupied
Education
72.3%
High School+
10.7%
Bachelor's+
Commute
0.0%
Drive Alone
84.3%
Public Transit
3.3%
Work From Home
22.3 min
Avg Commute
Community Profile
6.2%
Foreign Born
41.4%
Non-English at Home
3.0%
Veterans
8.3%
With Disability
91.4%
Health Insurance
87.7%
Internet Access
Employment by Industry
| Professional, Scientific & Management | 21.1% |
| Agriculture & Mining | 18.3% |
| Retail Trade | 7.8% |
| Finance, Insurance & Real Estate | 7.5% |
| Manufacturing | 7.0% |
| Construction | 6.8% |
| Public Administration | 6.8% |
| Education, Health Care & Social Services | 4.4% |
| Arts, Entertainment & Food Services | 3.8% |
| Information | 0.7% |
| Transportation & Warehousing | 0.1% |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Shafter, California has a population of 20,618 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 344th-largest city in California.
The median household income in Shafter, California is $67,989, with 18.1% of residents living below the federal poverty level.
The median home value in Shafter, California is $306,800, with median monthly rent at $1,140 and a homeownership rate of 65.6%.
The median age in Shafter, California is 28.0 years. The population is 49.5% male and 50.5% female.
The population has grown 32.6% since 2010 (17,160 → 22,754).
Where to stay in Shafter
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.