City Report · CA

Norwalk

Pop. 99,789·202nd most expensive in California·Norwalk rents are up 6.9% over the past year
Median rent (all units)
$2,757/mo
Year-over-Year
+6.9%
Month-over-Month
-2.5%
vs US Median
+$792
Falling (Monthly)
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Most AffordableMost Expensive
Norwalk · $2,757
More expensive than 86% of US cities · National median $1,965/mo
Rent Reality Score
66/100
Good value
OverheatedFairGreat value

Rents are 8% below what Norwalk's 10-year trend predicts — a better deal than its own history suggests.

Actual rent
$2,757/mo
Expected by trend
$2,994/mo
The Rent Reality Score compares today's median rent to where Norwalk's own long-run trajectory projects it should be. See the full rankings →
Medians by bedroom

Rent by unit size

Studio
$1,730
1 BR
$1,940
2 BR
$2,450
3 BR
$3,110
4 BR+
$3,450
Research median
$2,450/mo

Bedroom estimates are gross rents that include essential utilities (electricity, water, gas, sewer, trash).

Rent trends

12-month history

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Last updated: July 20, 2026

Annual cost
$33,084/yr
At $2,757/mo median
Rent Market Meter
Landlord's Market
Renter's MarketBalancedLandlord's Market
Rents are climbing (6.9% YoY), so leverage tilts toward landlords. Act sooner rather than later.
Based on rent-price momentum (+6.9% YoY, -2.5% MoM), not inventory.
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Demographics

Who lives here

Norwalk, CA is majority owner-occupied, has a median income above the national average, 21.3% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher.

Population
99,789
Median income
$100,085
Median age
37.3
Renters
31.7%
Age distribution
21.7%
24.8%
27%
12.1%
14.4%
Under 1821.7%
18–3424.8%
35–5427%
55–6412.1%
65+14.4%
Gender
50.1%
49.9%
Male50.1%
Female49.9%
Race & ethnicity
19.6%
70.4%
13.4%
White19.6%
Black3.9%
Hispanic70.4%
Asian13.4%
Education (25+)
22.9%
27.4%
28.5%
21.3%
No HS diploma22.9%
HS diploma27.4%
Some college28.5%
Bachelor's+21.3%
Housing tenure
68.3%
31.7%
Owner68.3%
Renter31.7%

Source: U.S. Census Bureau · ACS 2024 5-Year Estimates

2021 vs 2026

How Norwalk, CA has changed in 5 years

Rent
$2,112 → $2,757
up 30.5%
Income
$83,217 → $100,085
up 20.3%
Population
103,330 → 99,789
down 3.4%
Renter share
33.2% → 31.7%
-1.5 pts
Bachelor's+
20.1% → 21.3%
+1.2 pts
Median age
35.5 → 37.3
+1.8 yrs

Five years ago, renters in Norwalk, CA paid around $2,112 a month. That figure now sits near $2,757, up 30.5% from the 2021 baseline. On the earnings side, the typical household in Norwalk, CA now reports about $100,085, up from $83,217 in 2021. Because rent grew faster than wages over the same span, the affordability picture has tightened relative to 2021. Census counts show Norwalk, CA losing about 3,541 residents over the five-year window, down 3.4% on net. The renter share has eased from 33.2% to 31.7%, with owner-occupied housing accounting for the remainder. For context, the 2021 to 2026 window covers an unusually volatile run for US rents nationally, and Norwalk, CA reflects that arc in its own way.

Community

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View Norwalk rent history (2015–2026) →
Salary vs rent

Can you afford rent in Norwalk on your salary?

At $2,757/mo, how Norwalk rent compares to typical pay (30% rule).

By apartment size

Norwalk rent by bedroom count

Median rent for each apartment size in Norwalk. Click any size for full breakdown.

Local insights

Tips for renters in Norwalk

About renting in Norwalk, CA

Last updated: July 20, 2026

The median rent in Norwalk is $2,757/mo as of July 2026. A studio apartment averages $1,730/mo while a 2-bedroom runs $2,450/mo. One-bedroom apartments average $1,940/mo and 3-bedroom units go for $3,110/mo.

At 33% of local median household income ($100,085/yr), Norwalk ranks as moderate compared to the national benchmark of 30%. Rents have increased 6.9% over the past year.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Is Norwalk an affordable city for renters?

Norwalk is considered moderate for renters. At $2,757/mo, rent takes approximately 33% of the local median household income ($100,085/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%. Norwalk slightly exceeds that threshold, so budgeting carefully matters here.

How much income do you need to rent in Norwalk?

To keep rent at or below 30% of gross income, you would need to earn at least $110,000/year (~$53/hour full-time) to afford the median rent of $2,757/mo in Norwalk. The local median household income is $100,085/yr, meaning the typical Norwalk household falls short of that threshold.

Is rent going up or down in Norwalk?

Rent in Norwalk has increased 6.9% over the past year as of July 2026, putting upward pressure on renter budgets.

How does Norwalk rent compare to other cities in California?

Norwalk is middle-of-the-pack for California for rent, ranking #202 out of 387 tracked cities at $2,757/mo.

Which nearby cities are cheaper to rent in than Norwalk?

Several nearby cities have lower median rents than Norwalk ($2,757/mo): Downey ($2,312/mo), Bellflower ($2,472/mo).

What percentage of Norwalk residents rent vs. own?

According to Census data, approximately 31.7% of Norwalk households are renters, while 68.3% are owner-occupied. Norwalk leans toward homeownership, which can mean a smaller rental inventory.

How does Norwalk rent compare to the national average?

Norwalk's median rent of $2,757/mo is $792 (40%) above the US national median of $1,965/mo. Within California, it ranks #202 out of 387 tracked cities.
Income Affordability
33%
MODERATE

At $2,757/mo, rent takes ~33% of Norwalk's median household income ($100,085/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%.

Norwalk 33%Benchmark 30%
State income tax1–13.3%
Run the Norwalk affordability calculator →
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Neighborhoods

Estimated from ZIP-level data

Schools nearby

Public schools near Norwalk, CA

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