Median Income
$83,096
11% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
46.0%
36% higher than US avg
Median Rent
$2,462
112% higher than US avg
Obesity Rate
24.9%
22% lower than US avg
Unemployment
1.3%
64% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
2.7%
78% lower than US avg
How Vandenberg AFB Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population3,688
Median Age25.7 yrs
Density165/mi²
Male / Female54% / 46%
Largest GroupWhite 64%
Economy
A+
Median Income$83,096
Per Capita$30,921
Unemployment1.3%
Poverty2.7%
County GDP$41,425M
Commute11 min
Housing
C+
Home ValueN/A
Rent$2,462
OwnershipN/A
Rent Burden39.4%
Health
Obesity24.9%
UninsuredN/A
Depression20.7%
Climate
Avg Temp59°F
AQI48 (Good)
Rain15.4 in/yr
Elevation432 ft
Education
A+
Bachelor's+46.0%
High School+100.0%
School Score4.69
Community
2024 VoteR 35% / D 62%
Commute11 min
Libraries20
Is Vandenberg AFB a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Vandenberg AFB receives an overall livability score of 4.1 out of 5.0, earning a grade of A. Key strengths include above-average household incomes, low unemployment, a highly educated population, a low poverty rate. Vandenberg AFB stands out as an excellent place to live, with strong marks across most quality-of-life indicators.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Vandenberg AFB is $83,096, 11% above the national average of $75,149. Residents generally enjoy above-average earning potential. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 1.3%. Only 2.7% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 11 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
Renters pay a median of $2,462 per month, significantly above the national average of $1,163.
Education
Educational attainment is solid, with 46.0% holding a bachelor's degree or higher, near the national average. 100.0% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 4.7/10.
Climate & Weather
Vandenberg AFB enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 59°F. Winters average 54°F in January while summers reach 64°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 15.4 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 48.
Vandenberg AFB has a population of 3,688 with a density of 165 people per square mile. The median age is 25.7 years, 34% younger than the national median of 38.9. The city is predominantly White (63.6%), with 6.6% Hispanic, 10.2% Black.
Population
25.7yrs
Median Age
34% below US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Vandenberg AFB vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
| English Only | 89.3% |
| 14% above US avg |
| Spanish | 10.7% |
| 20% below US avg |
Social Characteristics
Vandenberg AFB vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Vandenberg AFB is $83,096, which is 11% above the national average of $75,149. The unemployment rate is 1.3% (below the 3.6% US average). 2.7% of residents live below the poverty line. Workers commute an average of 11 minutes.
Income: Vandenberg AFB vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $83,096 |
| 11% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $30,921 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,340 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $108,768 |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 1.3% |
| 64% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 2.7% |
| 78% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 17,497 |
| County GDP | $41,425M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 1,253 |
| Healthcare | 1,508 |
| Retail | 1,476 |
| Manufacturing | 521 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $10,996 |
| 214% above US avg |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 11.0 min |
| Work from Home | 6.9% |
Monthly rent averages $2,462 (112% above US avg).
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $2,462 |
| 112% above US avg |
| Rent Burden | 39.4% |
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
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $10,996 |
| 214% above US avg |
In Vandenberg AFB, 24.9% of adults are obese (below the 32.1% national rate). 20.7% report depression. 17.6% are physically inactive.
Health Metrics: Vandenberg AFB vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 24.9% |
| 22% below US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.8% |
| High Blood Pressure | 27.7% |
| Asthma | 9.5% |
| COPD | 3.5% |
| Stroke | 2.5% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| |
| Binge Drinking | 19.7% |
| Physical Inactivity | 17.6% |
| Depression | 20.7% |
| Mental Distress | 16.1% |
| Physical Distress | 10.8% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 100.0% |
| |
| Checkup Rate | 70.9% |
| Premature Death | 6,123/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.6/10 |
| Exercise Access | 92.3% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 1,508 |
Crime Rates: Vandenberg AFB vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 36 |
| FEMA Disasters | 364 |
Safety Score
Vandenberg AFB has an average annual temperature of 59°F (15°C). Winters average 54°F in January while summers reach 64°F in July. Annual precipitation is 15.4 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 48.
Temperature
54°F Jan (12°C)
64°F Jul (18°C)
| Annual Average | 59.3°F |
| 10% above US avg |
| January Average | 54°F (12°C) |
| July Average | 64°F (18°C) |
Precipitation & Snow
| Annual Rainfall | 15.4 inches |
| 59% below US avg |
| Snowfall | 0.0 inches/yr |
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 48.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Geography
| Elevation | 432 ft (132 m) |
| Area | 22.4 sq mi (58.0 km²) |
| Population Density | 165/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 34.7280°N, 120.5065°W |
| County FIPS | 06083 |