Tehachapi, California Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates
The population of Tehachapi, California is 12,366 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 447th-largest city in California. The median household income is $67,785, the median home value is $344,700, and the median age is 39.2.
The population has declined 22.6% since 2010 (14,367 → 11,114).
12,366
Population
1204
People / sq mi
$67,785
Median Income
$344,700
Median Home Value
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Tehachapi covers 10.3 sq mi of land at 1204 people per square mile.
About Tehachapi, CA
Tehachapi is defined demographically by education — 14.5% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree, below the national average. With 12,366 residents, Tehachapi is a city in California.
Median household income is $67,785, below the US median of $78,538. Poverty runs at 4.8%, below the national 12.4%. The typical home is valued at $344,700, with typical rent around $1,278.
Tehachapi is among the least college-educated US cities, at 14.5% — below the national 35.0%. Most workers commute: only 6.4% work from home, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 26 minutes each way.
Tehachapi city Population History (2010-2024)
The city of Tehachapi city had a population of 14,367 in 2010 and 11,114 in 2024, a -22.6% growth over 14 years. The peak was 14,367 in 2010. Average annual growth rate: -1.74%.
11,114
Population (2024)
14,367
Population (2010)
14,367
Peak (2010)
-1.74%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 14,367 |
| 2011 | 14,332 |
| 2012 | 13,827 |
| 2013 | 13,289 |
| 2014 | 13,227 |
| 2015 | 13,004 |
| 2016 | 12,471 |
| 2017 | 12,565 |
| 2018 | 12,399 |
| 2019 | 13,011 |
| 2020 | 13,016 |
| 2021 | 12,330 |
| 2022 | 12,374 |
| 2023 | 10,951 |
| 2024 | 11,114 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 59.9% |
| Black or African American | 6.7% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 3.9% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Economy & Income
$67,785
Median Household Income
$23,388
Per Capita Income
4.8%
Poverty Rate
3.1%
Unemployment Rate
Housing
$344,700
Median Home Value
$1,278
Median Rent
61.2%
Owner-Occupied
Education
78.7%
High School+
14.5%
Bachelor's+
Commute
0.0%
Drive Alone
78.0%
Public Transit
6.4%
Work From Home
25.8 min
Avg Commute
Community Profile
16.8%
Foreign Born
71.4%
Non-English at Home
8.0%
Veterans
16.4%
With Disability
94.1%
Health Insurance
97.5%
Internet Access
Employment by Industry
| Professional, Scientific & Management | 23.0% |
| Public Administration | 12.8% |
| Arts, Entertainment & Food Services | 10.4% |
| Education, Health Care & Social Services | 9.4% |
| Finance, Insurance & Real Estate | 8.6% |
| Manufacturing | 7.4% |
| Construction | 5.8% |
| Information | 5.8% |
| Agriculture & Mining | 4.9% |
| Retail Trade | 2.5% |
| Transportation & Warehousing | 1.4% |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Tehachapi, California has a population of 12,366 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 447th-largest city in California.
The median household income in Tehachapi, California is $67,785, with 4.8% of residents living below the federal poverty level.
The median home value in Tehachapi, California is $344,700, with median monthly rent at $1,278 and a homeownership rate of 61.2%.
The median age in Tehachapi, California is 39.2 years. The population is 63.9% male and 36.1% female.
The population has declined 22.6% since 2010 (14,367 → 11,114).
Tehachapi city, CA Climate
Tehachapi city, CA has an average annual temperature of 12.9°C (55°F) and receives about 306 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is August and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
12.9°C
Avg Temp
306
Precip (mm/yr)
Aug
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | 5° / 41° | 48 mm |
| February | 6° / 43° | 47 mm |
| March | 7° / 45° | 53 mm |
| April | 10° / 50° | 25 mm |
| May | 14° / 57° | 10 mm |
| June | 18° / 65° | 3 mm |
| July | 22° / 72° | 2 mm |
| August | 23° / 73° | 8 mm |
| September | 20° / 67° | 8 mm |
| October | 15° / 59° | 11 mm |
| November | 9° / 48° | 44 mm |
| December | 5° / 42° | 47 mm |
1970–2000 normals from WorldClim 2.1 (~9 km grid). Precipitation can be less precise near mountains or coastlines, where rainfall varies sharply over short distances.
Best time to visit Tehachapi city, CA
The most comfortable months to visit Tehachapi city, CA are typically July, September and August, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is August (around 31°C high). The coldest is January (near -1°C low). March is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near Tehachapi
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.