Median Income
$80,101
7% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
9.0%
73% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
38.8%
21% higher than US avg
Unemployment
1.9%
47% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
How Cowan Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population497
Median Age21.5 yrs
Density3,550/mi²
Male / Female53% / 47%
Largest GroupWhite 37%
Veterans0.0%
Economy
A+
Median Income$80,101
Per Capita$28,095
Unemployment1.9%
Poverty0.0%
County GDP$13,282M
Commute26 min
Housing
Ownership63.6%
Zillow$447,681
Housing Units100
Rent Burden29.0%
Health
Obesity38.8%
Uninsured24.9%
Smoking16.2%
Depression22.4%
Heart Disease6.7%
Climate
Avg Temp63°F (17°C)
AQI52 (Moderate)
Rain12.3 in/yr
Elevation77 ft (23 m)
Education
D
Bachelor's+9.0%
High School+70.1%
Graduate+0.0%
School Score3.99
Community
2024 VoteR 51% / D 47%
Commute26 min
Broadband69.4%
EV Stations8
Libraries13
Is Cowan a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Cowan receives an overall livability score of 3.2 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, a low poverty rate. Areas to be aware of include a high uninsured rate, high obesity rates. Cowan offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Cowan is $80,101, roughly in line with the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 1.9%. Only 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 26 minutes.
Education
9.0% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 70.1% have completed high school. School test scores average 4/10, below typical benchmarks.
Climate & Weather
Cowan enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 63°F. Winters average 48°F in January while summers reach 79°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 12.3 inches. Air quality is rated Moderate with a median AQI of 52.
Cowan has a population of 497 with a density of 3,550 people per square mile, spread across 0.1 square miles. The median age is 21.5 years, 45% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 46.9% female and 53.1% male. The city is predominantly Hispanic (52.3%), with 37.4% White. English is the primary language spoken at home by 40.5% of residents, while 5.3% speak Spanish. 0.0% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 8.0% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 75.1% have health insurance coverage.
Population
497
Total Population
2023 Census
21.5yrs
Median Age
45% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
40.5%
48% below US avg
Spanish
5.3%
60% below US avg
The median household income in Cowan is $80,101, which is 7% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $28,095 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,057, 26% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 1.9% (below the 3.6% US average). 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 8,584 business establishments, including 403 restaurants. The cost of living index is 110.7, slightly above the national baseline of 100. Workers commute an average of 26 minutes. 0.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $80,101 |
| 7% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $28,095 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,057 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $57,281 |
| Gini Index | 0.458 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 1.9% |
| 47% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 8,584 |
| County GDP | $13,282M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 403 |
| Healthcare | 479 |
| Retail | 547 |
| Manufacturing | 116 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,616 |
| 32% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 110.70 (100=avg) |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 25.6 min |
| Drive Alone | 89.8% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 0.0% |
Zillow estimates the typical home value at $447,681. Fair market rent ranges from $1,647 for a one-bedroom to $2,053 for a two-bedroom apartment. 63.6% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 100 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1977. The average annual property tax is $4,616 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 29.0% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing.
Rental Costs
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $1,513 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,647 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $2,053 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $2,752 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $3,165 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 63.6% |
| Owner-Occupied | 63.6% |
| Renter-Occupied | 36.4% |
| Housing Units | 100 |
| Median Year Built | 1977 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,616 |
| 32% above US avg |
In Cowan, 38.8% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 12.7% have diabetes (above the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 6.7% of residents, above the national average. 31.8% have high blood pressure. 16.2% are current smokers. 16.7% report binge drinking. 35.9% are physically inactive, above the national average. 22.4% report depression. 21.0% experience frequent mental distress. 24.9% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,387. The dentist ratio is 1:2,148. 78.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.1 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Cowan vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 38.8% |
| 21% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 12.7% |
| Heart Disease | 6.7% |
| High Blood Pressure | 31.8% |
| Asthma | 10.5% |
| COPD | 7.0% |
| Cancer | 5.7% |
| Stroke | 3.7% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 16.2% |
| 16% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 16.7% |
| Physical Inactivity | 35.9% |
| Depression | 22.4% |
| Mental Distress | 21.0% |
| Physical Distress | 17.8% |
| Short Sleep | 36.7% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 75.1% |
| Uninsured | 24.9% |
| 190% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,387 |
| Dentists | 1:2,148 |
| Mental Health | 1:398 |
| Checkup Rate | 69.0% |
| Dental Visits | 51.0% |
| Premature Death | 8,849/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.1/10 |
| Exercise Access | 78.3% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 479 |
Cowan enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 63°F (17°C). Winters average 48°F in January while summers reach 79°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 12.3 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). Air quality is rated Moderate with a median AQI of 52. 46% of days have good air quality. The city sits at an elevation of 77 feet.
Temperature
48°F Jan (9°C)
79°F Jul (26°C)
| Annual Average | 63.1°F |
| 17% above US avg |
| January Average | 48°F (9°C) |
| July Average | 79°F (26°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 77 ft (23 m) |
| Area | 0.1 sq mi (0.4 km²) |
| Population Density | 3,550/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 37.5601°N, 120.9888°W |
| Timezone | America/Los_Angeles |
| County | Merced County County |
| Nearest Airport | Merced Yosemite Regional (MCE) 32 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
12.3"
68% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jan)
2.57"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 52.0 |
| Rating | Moderate |
| Good Days % | 45.9% |
| Unhealthy Days | 35 |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
| Ozone (O₃) | 0.0467 ppm |
| NO₂ (Nitrogen Dioxide) | 10.3 ppb |
| PM2.5 (Fine Particles) | 9.0 μg/m³ |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively High |
| Risk Score | 96.9 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 61.7 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 7.3 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively High |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Moderate |
| Flood |
Relatively High |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively High |
| Winter Weather |
Very Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively High |
| Drought |
Very High |
| Cold Wave |
No Rating |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
| Volcano |
Very Low |
| Avalanche |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
4,320 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M6.0. Most recent: M2.6 on Aug 24, 2025.
| Aug 24, 2014 |
The 2014 South Napa, California Earthquake |
M6.0 |
137 km |
| Apr 18, 1990 |
5 km NNW of Aromas, California |
M5.4 |
92 km |
| Oct 21, 2012 |
24 km NE of San Lucas, California |
M5.3 |
140 km |
| Aug 12, 1998 |
10 km SW of Ridgemark, California |
M5.1 |
99 km |
| Apr 18, 1990 |
4 km E of Interlaken, California |
M5.1 |
91 km |
| Jan 16, 1993 |
9 km E of Gilroy, California |
M4.9 |
73 km |
| Apr 18, 1990 |
4 km NNW of Aromas, California |
M4.9 |
92 km |
| Apr 19, 1996 |
2 km E of Aromas, California |
M4.9 |
93 km |
| Apr 23, 1995 |
22 km NNE of Soledad, California |
M4.9 |
108 km |
| May 14, 2002 |
5 km SSW of Gilroy, California |
M4.9 |
85 km |
| Apr 18, 1990 |
4 km N of Aromas, California |
M4.7 |
91 km |
| May 21, 1996 |
8 km ESE of East Foothills, California |
M4.7 |
69 km |
| Aug 11, 1993 |
14 km ESE of Alum Rock, California |
M4.7 |
67 km |
| Aug 27, 2011 |
21 km NE of Soledad, California |
M4.6 |
110 km |
| Mar 24, 1991 |
1 km NNE of Interlaken, California |
M4.6 |
93 km |
| Sep 19, 2023 |
15 km SW of Westley, CA |
M4.5 |
30 km |
| Jan 12, 2011 |
9 km SSE of San Juan Bautista, California |
M4.5 |
99 km |
| Jan 20, 2015 |
27 km ENE of Greenfield, California |
M4.4 |
125 km |
| Apr 4, 2023 |
1km NNW of Tres Pinos, CA |
M4.4 |
90 km |
| Apr 7, 1990 |
3 km SSE of North Gate, California |
M4.4 |
94 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Tornado History
75 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF2. Total: 3 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| May 5, 1998 |
EF2 |
94 km |
0 |
| Mar 11, 1985 |
EF2 |
87 km |
0 |
| Apr 27, 1953 |
EF2 |
10 km |
0 |
| Mar 11, 2023 |
EF1 |
58 km |
0 |
| Jan 10, 2023 |
EF1 |
62 km |
0 |
| Nov 15, 2015 |
EF1 |
16 km |
0 |
| Jan 23, 2010 |
EF1 |
79 km |
0 |
| Apr 14, 2006 |
EF1 |
10 km |
0 |
| Dec 16, 2002 |
EF1 |
49 km |
0 |
| Dec 20, 2001 |
EF1 |
96 km |
0 |
| Feb 14, 1998 |
EF1 |
89 km |
0 |
| Dec 12, 1996 |
EF1 |
26 km |
0 |
| Nov 22, 1996 |
EF1 |
54 km |
0 |
| Jan 14, 1995 |
EF1 |
80 km |
0 |
| Apr 19, 1988 |
EF1 |
69 km |
0 |
| Jan 14, 1980 |
EF1 |
79 km |
0 |
| Mar 4, 1978 |
EF1 |
20 km |
0 |
| Mar 4, 1978 |
EF1 |
16 km |
0 |
| Mar 1, 1978 |
EF1 |
13 km |
0 |
| May 31, 1967 |
EF1 |
53 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Tsunami History
5 tsunamis recorded within 500 km.
Highest wave on record: 4.5 m (15 ft).
| Year |
Location |
Cause |
Max Wave |
Deaths |
Distance |
| 1868 |
N. CALIFORNIA |
Eruption + Earthquake |
4.5 m |
30 |
99 km |
| 1989 |
N. CALIFORNIA |
Earthquake |
1.0 m |
62 |
98 km |
| 1856 |
N. CALIFORNIA |
Eruption + Earthquake |
0.6 m |
- |
116 km |
| 1906 |
N. CALIFORNIA |
Eruption + Earthquake |
0.1 m |
- |
134 km |
| 1865 |
N. CALIFORNIA |
Eruption + Earthquake |
- |
- |
90 km |
Source: NOAA/NCEI Historical Tsunami Database. Sorted by wave height.
Nearby Volcanoes
3 volcanoes within 200 km.
Closest: Mammoth Mountain (173 km).
| Name |
Type |
Elevation |
Last Eruption |
Distance |
| Mammoth Mountain |
Lava dome(s) |
3,369 m (11,053 ft) |
1260 |
173 km |
| Mono-Inyo Craters |
Lava dome(s) |
2,796 m (9,173 ft) |
1380 |
175 km |
| Mono Lake Volcanic Field |
Pyroclastic cone(s) |
2,121 m (6,959 ft) |
1790 |
179 km |
Source: Smithsonian Institution Global Volcanism Program (GVP). Sorted by distance.
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: SCU LIGHTNING COMPLEX (405,787 ac, 2020).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2020 |
SCU LIGHTNING COMPLEX |
405,787 |
46 km |
| 2013 |
RIM |
257,084 |
98 km |
| 2017 |
DETWILER |
83,297 |
77 km |
| 2015 |
BUTTE |
72,894 |
86 km |
| 1987 |
PAPER |
49,296 |
85 km |
| 1987 |
LARSON |
49,250 |
95 km |
| 2007 |
LICK |
47,424 |
54 km |
| 1987 |
HAMM |
39,333 |
86 km |
| 2006 |
CANYON |
36,851 |
39 km |
| 2008 |
TELEGRAPH |
33,479 |
86 km |
| 2022 |
OAK |
19,408 |
99 km |
| 1992 |
GULCH |
18,019 |
82 km |
| 1996 |
ROGGE |
17,559 |
86 km |
| 2003 |
ANNIE |
17,383 |
43 km |
| 1996 |
MERCY |
16,993 |
79 km |
| 2024 |
CORRAL |
16,138 |
42 km |
| 2001 |
DARBY |
14,734 |
93 km |
| 2018 |
WAVERLY |
12,238 |
51 km |
| 1984 |
BONANZA |
12,105 |
90 km |
| 2009 |
CORRAL |
12,006 |
44 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
48°F (9°C) |
2.6 in |
Wettest |
| February |
52°F (11°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| March |
57°F (14°C) |
1.8 in |
|
| April |
61°F (16°C) |
1.0 in |
|
| May |
68°F (20°C) |
0.7 in |
|
| June |
75°F (24°C) |
0.2 in |
|
| July |
79°F (26°C) |
0.0 in |
Warmest, Driest |
| August |
78°F (25°C) |
0.0 in |
|
| September |
74°F (23°C) |
0.1 in |
|
| October |
65°F (18°C) |
0.6 in |
|
| November |
55°F (13°C) |
1.1 in |
|
| December |
47°F (9°C) |
2.2 in |
Coldest |
Cowan has a seasonal temperature swing of 31°F / from 47°F in December to 79°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 12.3 inches, with January being the wettest month (2.6") and July the driest (0.0").
Average costs for common services in Cowan. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$277 ($166-$443) |
| Specialist Visit |
$387 ($221-$609) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$221 ($111-$387) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,435 ($886-$5,535) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$144 ($83-$221) |
| Dental Filling |
$277 ($166-$443) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$50 ($28-$83) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$83 ($55-$133) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$332 ($166-$554) |
| Tire Rotation |
$44 ($22-$83) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$664 ($443-$1,107) |
| Battery Replacement |
$221 ($111-$387) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$111 ($66-$166) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$100 ($55-$155) |
| HVAC Repair |
$443 ($166-$886) |
| HVAC System Install |
$7,749 ($4,428-$13,284) |
| Roof Repair |
$1,107 ($443-$2,214) |
| Roof Replacement |
$9,963 ($6,089-$16,605) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,661 ($554-$3,875) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$16,605 ($5,535-$33,210) |
| DUI Defense |
$5,535 ($2,214-$11,070) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,661 ($886-$3,321) |
| Will Preparation |
$554 ($221-$1,107) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,768 ($1,107-$5,535) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$28 ($17-$50) |
| Women's Haircut |
$61 ($33-$111) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$166 ($83-$277) |
| Manicure |
$28 ($17-$50) |
| Pedicure |
$44 ($28-$72) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$89 ($55-$144) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$4.54 ($3.32-$6.09) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.87 ($2.77-$5.54) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$4.21 ($2.77-$6.09) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.98 ($3.32-$7.20) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$6.09 ($4.43-$8.30) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$1.11 ($0.66-$1.99) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$155 ($89-$277) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$77 ($33-$166) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$77 ($44-$133) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$77 ($44-$111) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$72 ($33-$111) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$94 ($55-$166) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$221 ($83-$554) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$2,214 ($1,328-$3,875) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$77 ($33-$144) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$17 ($8.86-$28) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$111 ($33-$277) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$33 ($17-$83) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,328 ($664-$2,768) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$1,107 ($554-$2,214) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$443 ($221-$775) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$55 ($28-$111) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$1,107 ($443-$2,768) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$13,838 ($5,535-$33,210) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$66 ($33-$111) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$111 ($55-$221) |
| Dog Grooming |
$66 ($33-$111) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$44 ($22-$83) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$332 ($166-$554) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$221 ($111-$443) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $1,059 |
| Toddler | $863 |
| Preschool | $715 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $999 |
| Toddler | $876 |
| Preschool | $825 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Cowan
What is the population of Cowan?
Cowan has a population of 497 residents and is located in California. The population density is 3,550 people per square mile, spread across 0.1 square miles. The median age of residents is 21.5 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 46.9% female and 53.1% male.
Is Cowan expensive to live in?
Cowan is slightly more expensive than average, with a cost of living index of 110.7 compared to the national baseline of 100. The median household income is $80,101, 7% above the national average of $75,149.
What is the weather like in Cowan?
Cowan enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 63°F (17°C). Winter temperatures average 48°F in January, while summers reach an average of 79°F in July. Annual rainfall totals 12.3 inches. Air quality is rated Moderate with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 52.
How is the job market in Cowan?
The job market in Cowan is very strong, with unemployment at just 1.9% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,057. There are 8,584 business establishments in the area, including 403 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 26 minutes, and 0.0% of workers work from home.
How are the schools in Cowan?
Schools in Cowan have an average test score of 4 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 9.0% of adults in Cowan hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 70.1% have completed high school. 0.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Cowan?
The obesity rate in Cowan is 38.8% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 16.2% of adults are smokers. 35.9% are physically inactive. 22.4% of residents report depression. 24.9% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 78.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,387.
What is transportation like in Cowan?
The average commute in Cowan is 26 minutes. 89.8% of workers drive alone to work, and 0.0% work from home.
What are the demographics of Cowan?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Cowan is 37.4% White, 52.3% Hispanic or Latino. 40.5% of residents speak only English at home, while 5.3% speak Spanish. 0.0% of the population are military veterans. 8.0% of residents have a disability. 75.1% have health insurance coverage.