Median Income
$60,506
19% lower than US avg
Home Value
$123,700
56% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
14.6%
57% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$773
34% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
39.4%
23% higher than US avg
Unemployment
4.2%
17% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
5.8%
53% lower than US avg
How California Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population4,523
Median Age39.3 yrs
Density1,169/mi²
Male / Female46% / 54%
Largest GroupWhite 85%
Veterans9.7%
Economy
B+
Median Income$60,506
Per Capita$28,917
Unemployment4.2%
Poverty5.8%
Commute26 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$123,700
Rent$773
Ownership68.9%
Zillow$243,347
Housing Units2,062
Rent Burden19.9%
Health
Obesity39.4%
Uninsured12.6%
Smoking17.8%
Depression26.1%
Heart Disease5.8%
Climate
Avg Temp55°F (13°C)
Rain43.2 in/yr
Elevation899 ft (274 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+14.6%
High School+85.6%
Graduate+4.8%
School Score5.51
Community
2024 VoteR 77% / D 22%
Commute26 min
Broadband80.9%
EV Stations3
Is California a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, California receives an overall livability score of 3.7 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B+. Key strengths include affordable housing, a low poverty rate. Areas to be aware of include a high uninsured rate, high obesity rates. California offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in California is $60,506, 19% below the national average of $75,149. Unemployment stands at 4.2%, indicating a healthy job market. Only 5.8% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 26 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in California is $123,700, 56% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $773 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Education
14.6% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 85.6% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.5/10.
Climate & Weather
California experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 55°F. Winters average 30°F in January while summers reach 78°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 43.2 inches, including 9.7 inches of snow.
California has a population of 4,523 with a density of 1,169 people per square mile, spread across 3.9 square miles. The median age is 39.3 years, 1% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 54.1% female and 45.9% male. The city is predominantly White (85.1%), with 14.2% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 87.7% of residents, while 12.3% speak Spanish. 9.7% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 15.9% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 87.4% have health insurance coverage.
Population
4,523
Total Population
2023 Census
39.3yrs
Median Age
1% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
California vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
87.7%
12% above US avg
Spanish
12.3%
8% below US avg
Social Characteristics
California vs U.S. Average
The median household income in California is $60,506, which is 19% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $28,917 (below the $39,052 national figure). The unemployment rate is 4.2% (above the 3.6% US average). 5.8% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The cost of living index is 90.8, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 26 minutes. 3.3% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: California vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $60,506 |
| 19% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $28,917 |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 4.2% |
| 17% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 5.8% |
| 53% below US avg |
Tax & Cost of Living
| |
| Cost of Living | 90.80 (100=avg) |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 25.9 min |
| Drive Alone | 80.8% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 3.3% |
The median home value in California is $123,700, 56% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $243,347, higher than the Census estimate. According to Redfin, the median sale price is $189,900 with homes selling in an average of 29 days. Homes sell for 0% of their list price, suggesting buyers have room to negotiate. Monthly rent averages $773 (34% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $775 for a one-bedroom to $970 for a two-bedroom apartment. 68.9% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 2,062 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1970. 19.9% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $123,700 |
| 56% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $243,347 |
| Redfin Median Sale | $189,900 |
| Median List Price | $269,900 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median Sale Price | $189,900 |
| Median List Price | $269,900 |
| $/Sq Ft | $138 |
| Homes Sold | 5 |
| Days on Market | 29 days |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 0.0% |
| Price Drops | 30.0% |
| Inventory | 10 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $773 |
| 34% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 19.9% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $732 |
| 1 Bedroom | $775 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $970 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,265 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,457 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 68.9% |
| Owner-Occupied | 68.9% |
| Renter-Occupied | 31.1% |
| Housing Units | 2,062 |
| Median Year Built | 1970 |
Property Tax
In California, 39.4% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 10.3% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.8% of residents. 32.0% have high blood pressure. 17.8% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 17.5% report binge drinking. 30.4% are physically inactive, above the national average. 26.1% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 19.4% experience frequent mental distress. 12.6% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate).
Health Metrics: California vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 39.4% |
| 23% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 10.3% |
| Heart Disease | 5.8% |
| High Blood Pressure | 32.0% |
| Asthma | 10.8% |
| COPD | 7.6% |
| Cancer | 7.2% |
| Stroke | 3.1% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 17.8% |
| 27% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 17.5% |
| Physical Inactivity | 30.4% |
| Depression | 26.1% |
| Mental Distress | 19.4% |
| Physical Distress | 14.6% |
| Short Sleep | 38.5% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 87.4% |
| Uninsured | 12.6% |
| 47% above US avg |
| Checkup Rate | 75.3% |
| Dental Visits | 56.4% |
Food & Exercise
California experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 55°F (13°C). Winters average 30°F in January while summers reach 78°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 43.2 inches. The area receives 9.7 inches of snow annually. The city sits at an elevation of 899 feet.
Temperature
30°F Jan (-1°C)
78°F Jul (25°C)
| Annual Average | 55.0°F |
| 2% above US avg |
| January Average | 30°F (-1°C) |
| July Average | 78°F (25°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 899 ft (274 m) |
| Area | 3.9 sq mi (10.0 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,169/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 38.6275°N, 92.5666°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| Nearest Airport | Columbia Regional (COU)
23 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
43.2"
14% above US avg
Wettest Month (May)
4.98"
Earthquake History
10 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.3. Most recent: M2.5 on Jul 15, 2025.
| May 18, 2005 |
Missouri |
M3.3 |
123 km |
| Jul 31, 2005 |
Missouri |
M3.3 |
17 km |
| Mar 30, 2001 |
1 km SW of Hermitage, Missouri |
M3.1 |
102 km |
| Jan 21, 1992 |
5 km SE of Linn Creek, Missouri |
M3.1 |
70 km |
| Feb 8, 2004 |
6 km SSW of Stoutsville, Missouri |
M2.9 |
113 km |
| Jul 8, 2003 |
1 km N of Leasburg, Missouri |
M2.9 |
125 km |
| Apr 4, 2015 |
3 km ESE of Clinton, Missouri |
M2.6 |
107 km |
| Mar 7, 2009 |
7 km S of Miramiguoa Park, Missouri |
M2.6 |
139 km |
| Jul 15, 2025 |
3 km W of Hale, Missouri |
M2.5 |
129 km |
| Apr 29, 2018 |
3 km WNW of Evergreen, Missouri |
M2.5 |
119 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Tornado History
375 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 12 fatalities, 283 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Mar 12, 2006 |
EF4 |
97 km |
0 |
| Apr 19, 1973 |
EF4 |
84 km |
0 |
| May 22, 2019 |
EF3 |
33 km |
0 |
| Jan 7, 2008 |
EF3 |
93 km |
0 |
| Jan 7, 2008 |
EF3 |
92 km |
0 |
| Mar 12, 2006 |
EF3 |
72 km |
0 |
| Mar 12, 2006 |
EF3 |
77 km |
4 |
| May 4, 2003 |
EF3 |
84 km |
4 |
| Nov 10, 1998 |
EF3 |
41 km |
0 |
| Jul 4, 1995 |
EF3 |
87 km |
0 |
| Nov 27, 1990 |
EF3 |
41 km |
0 |
| Nov 27, 1990 |
EF3 |
30 km |
0 |
| May 1, 1983 |
EF3 |
60 km |
0 |
| May 12, 1980 |
EF3 |
74 km |
0 |
| May 4, 1977 |
EF3 |
72 km |
0 |
| Apr 20, 1973 |
EF3 |
76 km |
0 |
| Apr 20, 1973 |
EF3 |
72 km |
0 |
| Apr 20, 1973 |
EF3 |
81 km |
0 |
| Jun 12, 1970 |
EF3 |
86 km |
0 |
| Apr 15, 2023 |
EF2 |
84 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNNAMED (7,388 ac, 1994).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 1994 |
UNNAMED |
7,388 |
86 km |
| 1994 |
UNNAMED |
5,344 |
99 km |
| 2006 |
BIG SPRING FIRE |
4,921 |
88 km |
| 2010 |
UNNAMED |
4,767 |
85 km |
| 2009 |
MOUNTAIN CREEK |
4,322 |
94 km |
| 1991 |
UNNAMED |
4,179 |
98 km |
| 1992 |
UNNAMED |
3,538 |
83 km |
| 1991 |
UNNAMED |
3,492 |
96 km |
| 1994 |
UNNAMED |
3,336 |
84 km |
| 1991 |
UNNAMED |
3,135 |
94 km |
| 2012 |
KINFOLK RD |
2,883 |
96 km |
| 1991 |
UNNAMED |
2,763 |
79 km |
| 2007 |
UNNAMED |
2,710 |
88 km |
| 2005 |
UNNAMED |
2,590 |
85 km |
| 2006 |
UNNAMED |
2,575 |
84 km |
| 1991 |
UNNAMED |
2,569 |
98 km |
| 2002 |
UNNAMED |
2,418 |
86 km |
| 1991 |
UNNAMED |
2,369 |
83 km |
| 2021 |
UNNAMED |
2,166 |
90 km |
| 1991 |
UNNAMED |
2,062 |
85 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
30°F (-1°C) |
2.0 in |
Coldest |
| February |
35°F (1°C) |
2.3 in |
|
| March |
44°F (7°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| April |
55°F (13°C) |
4.9 in |
|
| May |
65°F (18°C) |
5.0 in |
Wettest |
| June |
73°F (23°C) |
4.4 in |
|
| July |
78°F (25°C) |
4.7 in |
Warmest |
| August |
76°F (25°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| September |
69°F (20°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| October |
57°F (14°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| November |
45°F (7°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| December |
34°F (1°C) |
1.9 in |
Driest |
California has a seasonal temperature swing of 48°F / from 30°F in January to 78°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 43.2 inches, with May being the wettest month (5.0") and December the driest (1.9").
Average costs for common services in California. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$227 ($136-$363) |
| Specialist Visit |
$318 ($182-$499) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$182 ($91-$318) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$1,998 ($726-$4,540) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$118 ($68-$182) |
| Dental Filling |
$227 ($136-$363) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$41 ($23-$68) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$68 ($45-$109) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$272 ($136-$454) |
| Tire Rotation |
$36 ($18-$68) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$545 ($363-$908) |
| Battery Replacement |
$182 ($91-$318) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$91 ($54-$136) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$82 ($45-$127) |
| HVAC Repair |
$363 ($136-$726) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,356 ($3,632-$10,896) |
| Roof Repair |
$908 ($363-$1,816) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,172 ($4,994-$13,620) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,362 ($454-$3,178) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,620 ($4,540-$27,240) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,540 ($1,816-$9,080) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,362 ($726-$2,724) |
| Will Preparation |
$454 ($182-$908) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,270 ($908-$4,540) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$23 ($14-$41) |
| Women's Haircut |
$50 ($27-$91) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$136 ($68-$227) |
| Manicure |
$23 ($14-$41) |
| Pedicure |
$36 ($23-$59) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$73 ($45-$118) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.72 ($2.72-$4.99) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.18 ($2.27-$4.54) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.45 ($2.27-$4.99) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.09 ($2.72-$5.90) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$4.99 ($3.63-$6.81) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.91 ($0.54-$1.63) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$127 ($73-$227) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$64 ($27-$136) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$64 ($36-$109) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$64 ($36-$91) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$59 ($27-$91) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$77 ($45-$136) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$182 ($68-$454) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,816 ($1,090-$3,178) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$64 ($27-$118) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$14 ($7.26-$23) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$91 ($27-$227) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$27 ($14-$68) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,090 ($545-$2,270) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$908 ($454-$1,816) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$363 ($182-$636) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$45 ($23-$91) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$908 ($363-$2,270) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,350 ($4,540-$27,240) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$54 ($27-$91) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$91 ($45-$182) |
| Dog Grooming |
$54 ($27-$91) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$36 ($18-$68) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$272 ($136-$454) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$182 ($91-$363) |
View all 9 services
Frequently Asked Questions About California
What is the population of California?
California has a population of 4,523 residents and is located in Missouri. The population density is 1,169 people per square mile, spread across 3.9 square miles. The median age of residents is 39.3 years. The population is 54.1% female and 45.9% male.
Is California expensive to live in?
California is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 90.8 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $60,506, 19% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $123,700 (56% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $773 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
What is the weather like in California?
California has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 55°F (13°C). Winter temperatures average 30°F in January, while summers reach an average of 78°F in July. Annual rainfall totals 43.2 inches, with 9.7 inches of snow.
How is the job market in California?
California has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 4.2%, near the national average of 3.6%. The average commute time is 26 minutes, and 3.3% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in California?
The median home value in California is $123,700. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $243,347. According to Redfin, the median sale price is $189,900, with homes typically selling within 29 days. For renters, the median monthly rent is $773. Fair market rent is $775 for a 1-bedroom and $970 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 68.9%.
How are the schools in California?
Schools in California score 5.5 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 14.6% of adults in California hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 85.6% have completed high school. 4.8% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is California?
The obesity rate in California is 39.4% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 17.8% of adults are smokers. 30.4% are physically inactive. 26.1% of residents report depression. 12.6% lack health insurance (above the national rate).
What is transportation like in California?
The average commute in California is 26 minutes. 80.8% of workers drive alone to work, and 3.3% work from home.
What are the demographics of California?
The racial and ethnic makeup of California is 85.1% White, 0.9% Black or African American, 14.2% Hispanic or Latino. 87.7% of residents speak only English at home, while 12.3% speak Spanish. 9.7% of the population are military veterans. 15.9% of residents have a disability. 87.4% have health insurance coverage.