Median Income
$52,661
30% lower than US avg
Home Value
$306,100
9% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
40.0%
19% higher than US avg
Median Rent
$629
46% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
31.0%
3% lower than US avg
Unemployment
16.8%
367% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
13.7%
10% higher than US avg
How Mariposa Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population1,202
Median Age49.8 yrs
Density298/mi²
Male / Female48% / 53%
Largest GroupWhite 84%
Veterans7.5%
Economy
C
Median Income$52,661
Per Capita$30,407
Unemployment16.8%
Poverty13.7%
County GDP$1,036M
Commute34 min
Housing
B
Home Value$306,100
Rent$629
Ownership62.8%
Zillow$391,306
Housing Units709
Rent Burden36.0%
Health
Obesity31.0%
Uninsured8.5%
Smoking13.6%
Depression26.0%
Heart Disease5.6%
Climate
Avg Temp50°F (10°C)
AQI45 (Good)
Rain32.7 in/yr
Elevation2,021 ft (616 m)
Education
A
Bachelor's+40.0%
High School+94.8%
Graduate+5.9%
School Score4.87
Community
2024 VoteR 59% / D 38%
Commute34 min
Broadband85.9%
EV Stations3
Libraries5
Is Mariposa a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Mariposa receives an overall livability score of 3.3 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include a highly educated population. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment, below-average incomes. Mariposa offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Mariposa is $52,661, 30% below the national average of $75,149. At 16.8%, unemployment is notably high. 13.7% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 34 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Mariposa is $306,100, roughly aligned with the national median of $281,900. Renters pay a median of $629 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. The price-to-income ratio of 5.8x means housing costs are stretched relative to local earnings.
Education
Educational attainment is solid, with 40.0% holding a bachelor's degree or higher, near the national average. 94.8% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 4.9/10.
Climate & Weather
Mariposa experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 50°F. Winters average 38°F in January while summers reach 68°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 32.7 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 45.
Mariposa has a population of 1,202 with a density of 298 people per square mile, spread across 3.0 square miles. The median age is 49.8 years, 28% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 52.5% female and 47.5% male. The city is predominantly White (83.9%), with 6.1% Hispanic, 4.1% Black, 2.5% Asian. English is the primary language spoken at home by 94.9% of residents. 7.5% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 28.0% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 91.5% have health insurance coverage.
Population
1,202
Total Population
2023 Census
49.8yrs
Median Age
28% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
94.9%
21% above US avg
Spanish
4.7%
65% below US avg
The median household income in Mariposa is $52,661, which is 30% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $30,407 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,008, 30% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 16.8% (above the 3.6% US average). 13.7% of residents live below the poverty line. The area has 643 business establishments, including 53 restaurants. The cost of living index is 110.7, slightly above the national baseline of 100. Workers commute an average of 34 minutes (longer than the 28-minute US average). 8.1% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $52,661 |
| 30% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $30,407 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,008 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $66,082 |
| Gini Index | 0.437 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 16.8% |
| 367% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 13.7% |
| 10% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 643 |
| County GDP | $1,036M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 53 |
| Healthcare | 37 |
| Retail | 38 |
| Manufacturing | 11 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,157 |
| 19% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 110.70 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 1.36% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 34.2 min |
| Drive Alone | 33.1% |
| Public Transit | 16.2% |
| Work from Home | 8.1% |
The median home value in Mariposa is $306,100, 9% above the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $391,306, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $629 (46% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $1,148 for a one-bedroom to $1,454 for a two-bedroom apartment. 62.8% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 709 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1974. The average annual property tax is $4,157 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 36.0% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 5.8x, above the traditionally affordable threshold of 3-4x.
Home Values
| Census Median | $306,100 |
| 9% above US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $391,306 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $629 |
| 46% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 36.0% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $1,016 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,148 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,454 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $2,022 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,439 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 62.8% |
| Owner-Occupied | 62.8% |
| Renter-Occupied | 37.2% |
| Housing Units | 709 |
| Median Year Built | 1974 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,157 |
| 19% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 1.36% |
In Mariposa, 31.0% of adults are obese, below the national rate of 32.1%. 9.6% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.6% of residents. 29.1% have high blood pressure. 13.6% are current smokers. 18.2% report binge drinking. 22.3% are physically inactive. 26.0% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 19.7% experience frequent mental distress. 8.5% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:4,287. The dentist ratio is 1:1,891. 44.8% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.1 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Mariposa vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 31.0% |
| 3% below US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.6% |
| Heart Disease | 5.6% |
| High Blood Pressure | 29.1% |
| Asthma | 11.2% |
| COPD | 6.3% |
| Cancer | 7.2% |
| Stroke | 3.1% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 13.6% |
| 3% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 18.2% |
| Physical Inactivity | 22.3% |
| Depression | 26.0% |
| Mental Distress | 19.7% |
| Physical Distress | 14.0% |
| Short Sleep | 34.8% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 91.5% |
| Uninsured | 8.5% |
| 1% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:4,287 |
| Dentists | 1:1,891 |
| Mental Health | 1:297 |
| Checkup Rate | 70.2% |
| Dental Visits | 60.5% |
| Premature Death | 9,759/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.1/10 |
| Exercise Access | 44.8% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 37 |
Mariposa experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 50°F (10°C). Winters average 38°F in January while summers reach 68°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 32.7 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 45. 70% of days have good air quality. The city sits at an elevation of 2,021 feet.
Temperature
38°F Jan (3°C)
68°F Jul (20°C)
| Annual Average | 49.5°F |
| 8% below US avg |
| January Average | 38°F (3°C) |
| July Average | 68°F (20°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 2,021 ft (616 m) |
| Area | 3.0 sq mi (7.9 km²) |
| Population Density | 298/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 37.4912°N, 119.9732°W |
| Timezone | America/Los_Angeles |
| County | Mariposa County County |
| Nearest Airport | Merced Yosemite Regional (MCE) 32 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
32.7"
14% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jan)
6.00"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 45.0 |
| Rating | Good |
| Good Days % | 69.7% |
| Unhealthy Days | 6 |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Moderate |
| Risk Score | 86.4 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 93.0 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 21.3 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively High |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Very Low |
| Strong Wind |
Very Low |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively High |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Relatively Moderate |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
No Rating |
| Landslide |
Relatively High |
| Volcano |
Very Low |
| Avalanche |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
7,305 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M6.0. Most recent: M2.7 on Aug 21, 2025.
| Jul 8, 2021 |
Antelope Valley, CA |
M6.0 |
120 km |
| Oct 24, 1990 |
3 km NE of Mono City, California |
M5.8 |
98 km |
| May 15, 1999 |
9 km WSW of Aspen Springs, California |
M5.5 |
102 km |
| Sep 18, 2004 |
27 km NW of Benton, California |
M5.4 |
128 km |
| Sep 18, 2004 |
27 km NW of Benton, California |
M5.4 |
130 km |
| Apr 11, 2020 |
30km SE of Bodie, CA |
M5.2 |
126 km |
| Sep 12, 1994 |
8 km ESE of Mesa Vista, California |
M5.1 |
145 km |
| Jul 8, 2021 |
32km SE of Markleeville, CA |
M5.0 |
121 km |
| Jan 16, 1993 |
9 km E of Gilroy, California |
M4.9 |
142 km |
| Apr 23, 1995 |
22 km NNE of Soledad, California |
M4.9 |
147 km |
| Jul 15, 1998 |
8 km W of Aspen Springs, California |
M4.9 |
103 km |
| Jun 9, 1998 |
8 km WNW of Aspen Springs, California |
M4.9 |
104 km |
| Nov 30, 1997 |
2 km ESE of Mammoth Lakes, California |
M4.9 |
92 km |
| Dec 22, 1995 |
California-Nevada border region |
M4.9 |
140 km |
| Nov 22, 1997 |
3 km ESE of Mammoth Lakes, California |
M4.9 |
93 km |
| Dec 28, 1995 |
9 km WNW of Topaz Lake, Nevada |
M4.8 |
139 km |
| Dec 31, 1997 |
9 km ESE of Mammoth Lakes, California |
M4.8 |
99 km |
| Feb 16, 2016 |
8 km S of Wilkerson, California |
M4.8 |
142 km |
| Apr 26, 2008 |
27km SE of Smith Valley, NV |
M4.7 |
145 km |
| May 15, 1999 |
11 km WSW of Aspen Springs, California |
M4.7 |
101 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Tornado History
69 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF2. Total: 3 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Sep 5, 2020 |
EF2 |
58 km |
0 |
| Mar 22, 1962 |
EF2 |
78 km |
0 |
| Apr 27, 1953 |
EF2 |
92 km |
0 |
| Mar 11, 2023 |
EF1 |
69 km |
0 |
| Jan 10, 2023 |
EF1 |
95 km |
0 |
| Sep 5, 2020 |
EF1 |
73 km |
0 |
| Jan 17, 2019 |
EF1 |
81 km |
0 |
| Nov 15, 2015 |
EF1 |
74 km |
0 |
| Apr 14, 2006 |
EF1 |
92 km |
0 |
| Dec 16, 2002 |
EF1 |
52 km |
0 |
| May 20, 2002 |
EF1 |
64 km |
0 |
| Feb 14, 1998 |
EF1 |
82 km |
0 |
| Dec 12, 1996 |
EF1 |
83 km |
0 |
| Nov 22, 1996 |
EF1 |
46 km |
0 |
| Jan 14, 1995 |
EF1 |
49 km |
0 |
| Feb 19, 1980 |
EF1 |
83 km |
0 |
| Mar 4, 1978 |
EF1 |
77 km |
0 |
| Mar 4, 1978 |
EF1 |
78 km |
0 |
| Mar 1, 1978 |
EF1 |
87 km |
0 |
| Apr 22, 1967 |
EF1 |
81 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Nearby Volcanoes
4 volcanoes within 200 km.
Closest: Mammoth Mountain (84 km).
| Name |
Type |
Elevation |
Last Eruption |
Distance |
| Mammoth Mountain |
Lava dome(s) |
3,369 m (11,053 ft) |
1260 |
84 km |
| Mono-Inyo Craters |
Lava dome(s) |
2,796 m (9,173 ft) |
1380 |
90 km |
| Mono Lake Volcanic Field |
Pyroclastic cone(s) |
2,121 m (6,959 ft) |
1790 |
100 km |
| Golden Trout Creek |
Volcanic field |
2,886 m (9,469 ft) |
-5550 |
194 km |
Source: Smithsonian Institution Global Volcanism Program (GVP). Sorted by distance.
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: CREEK (381,441 ac, 2020).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2020 |
CREEK |
381,441 |
70 km |
| 2013 |
RIM |
257,084 |
47 km |
| 2018 |
FERGUSON |
97,307 |
22 km |
| 2017 |
DETWILER |
83,297 |
15 km |
| 1996 |
ACKERSON COMPLEX (ACKERSON) |
58,161 |
49 km |
| 1987 |
PAPER |
49,296 |
49 km |
| 1987 |
LARSON |
49,250 |
27 km |
| 1987 |
HAMM |
39,333 |
35 km |
| 2018 |
DONNELL |
36,151 |
100 km |
| 2008 |
TELEGRAPH |
33,479 |
13 km |
| 2013 |
ASPEN |
23,564 |
67 km |
| 2022 |
OAK |
19,408 |
11 km |
| 1992 |
GULCH |
18,019 |
89 km |
| 1990 |
A-ROCK |
17,706 |
28 km |
| 1996 |
ROGGE |
17,559 |
47 km |
| 2001 |
DARBY |
14,734 |
84 km |
| 2014 |
FRENCH |
14,534 |
58 km |
| 2018 |
LIONS |
14,252 |
72 km |
| 2017 |
RAILROAD |
12,765 |
32 km |
| 2018 |
WAVERLY |
12,238 |
95 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
38°F (3°C) |
6.0 in |
Wettest |
| February |
36°F (2°C) |
5.6 in |
Coldest |
| March |
38°F (4°C) |
5.6 in |
|
| April |
42°F (6°C) |
2.5 in |
|
| May |
50°F (10°C) |
1.8 in |
|
| June |
60°F (15°C) |
0.4 in |
|
| July |
68°F (20°C) |
0.1 in |
Warmest |
| August |
67°F (19°C) |
0.0 in |
Driest |
| September |
62°F (17°C) |
0.3 in |
|
| October |
53°F (12°C) |
1.4 in |
|
| November |
43°F (6°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| December |
37°F (3°C) |
6.0 in |
|
Mariposa has a seasonal temperature swing of 31°F / from 36°F in February to 68°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 32.7 inches, with January being the wettest month (6.0") and August the driest (0.0").
Average costs for common services in Mariposa. 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 | $1,101 |
| Toddler | $795 |
| Preschool | $659 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $1,003 |
| Toddler | $912 |
| Preschool | $847 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Mariposa
What is the population of Mariposa?
Mariposa has a population of 1,202 residents and is located in California. The population density is 298 people per square mile, spread across 3.0 square miles. The median age of residents is 49.8 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 52.5% female and 47.5% male.
Is Mariposa expensive to live in?
Mariposa 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 $52,661, 30% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $306,100 (9% above the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $629 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 5.8x, which means housing is a stretch relative to local earnings.
What is the weather like in Mariposa?
Mariposa has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 50°F (10°C). Winter temperatures average 38°F in January, while summers reach an average of 68°F in July. Annual rainfall totals 32.7 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 45.
How is the job market in Mariposa?
The job market in Mariposa faces challenges, with unemployment at 16.8% / significantly above the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,008. There are 643 business establishments in the area, including 53 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 34 minutes, and 8.1% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Mariposa?
The median home value in Mariposa is $306,100. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $391,306. For renters, the median monthly rent is $629. Fair market rent is $1,148 for a 1-bedroom and $1,454 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 62.8%. The average annual property tax is $4,157.
How are the schools in Mariposa?
Schools in Mariposa have an average test score of 4.9 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 40.0% of adults in Mariposa hold a bachelor's degree or higher, above the national average of 33.7%. 94.8% have completed high school. 5.9% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Mariposa?
The obesity rate in Mariposa is 31.0% (below the national rate of 32.1%). 13.6% of adults are smokers. 22.3% are physically inactive. 26.0% of residents report depression. 8.5% lack health insurance. 44.8% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:4,287.
What is transportation like in Mariposa?
The average commute in Mariposa is 34 minutes, longer than the national average of 28 minutes. 33.1% of workers drive alone to work, 16.2% use public transit, and 8.1% work from home.
What are the demographics of Mariposa?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Mariposa is 83.9% White, 4.1% Black or African American, 6.1% Hispanic or Latino, 2.5% Asian. 94.9% of residents speak only English at home, while 4.7% speak Spanish. 7.5% of the population are military veterans. 28.0% of residents have a disability. 91.5% have health insurance coverage.