Cost of Living in Fort Irwin, CA
Population 8,791 · California · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Fort Irwin sits on the smaller end of the California city distribution. That scale shapes the housing market, the labor pool, and the services available to residents in ways the data below makes visible. Unemployment has stayed elevated relative to the national figure — 9.2% as of the most recent ACS release — which shows up in household-income and poverty figures as well.
Fort Irwin is about 65 miles northeast of Victorville, the nearest large metro — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Victorville's typical home runs $343,000 for context.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Fort Irwin
Median rent runs $1,601/month, 22% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $66,964/year is 10% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 9.2%, above the national average of 4.8%. California's top state income tax rate is 13.3% and the combined sales tax is 8.7%. The climate averages highs of 82.1°F and lows of 53.8°F. Overall, Fort Irwin has a cost of living index of 122 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 22% more expensive.
Fort Irwin is a military installation
This location is a military installation. Civilian housing is primarily found in surrounding communities — here are the nearest cities with full cost of living data:
🏠 Housing
HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom
💰 Estimated Monthly Budget
Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.
🛒 Food & Groceries
National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.
🚗 Transportation
Commute Mode
⚡ Utilities
📋 Taxes
💼 Income & Employment
🎓 Education
👥 Demographics
🌤 Climate
NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | 61 | 66 | 73 | 80 | 89 | 99 | 105 | 104 | 96 | 83 | 70 | 60 |
| Low °F | 36 | 40 | 46 | 51 | 60 | 68 | 74 | 73 | 66 | 54 | 43 | 35 |
| Precip" | 0.57 | 0.70 | 0.43 | 0.22 | 0.05 | 0.03 | 0.28 | 0.20 | 0.17 | 0.24 | 0.32 | 0.56 |
| Snow" | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.2 |
💨 Air Quality
EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Fort Irwin, CA?
Fort Irwin has a cost index of 122 (100 = national average). It is 22% above the national average.
What is average rent in Fort Irwin, CA?
The median gross rent in Fort Irwin is $1,601 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the median income in Fort Irwin?
The median household income in Fort Irwin is $66,964 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Fort Irwin, CA?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Fort Irwin is 8.7%. The California state income tax top rate is 13.3%.
Is Fort Irwin, CA affordable?
Fort Irwin is above average in cost of living, with an index of 122 — about 22% higher than the national average.
What is the weather like in Fort Irwin?
Fort Irwin has average high temperatures of 82.1°F and average lows of 53.8°F. Annual precipitation is 3.8". Average annual snowfall is 0.2". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Fort Irwin at a Glance
- Population
- 8,791
- Median Income
- $66,964
- Median Rent
- $1,601/mo
- Unemployment
- 9.2%
- Avg High Temp
- 82.1°F
- Sales Tax
- 8.7%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data