Atwater ZIP Codes — Merced County, CA

There is one unique ZIP code in Atwater, California and it is 95301. Area code: 209.

ZIP codes

76.06

sq mi land

0.01

sq mi water

209

area code

Atwater, CA ZIP code map

About Atwater, CA

Atwater, California, is a vibrant city located in Merced County. Known for its friendly community and rich agricultural background, Atwater offers a unique blend of small-town charm and access to larger urban centers. As part of the Central Valley region, it serves as a hub for residents and visitors alike.

Location & geography

Atwater is situated in the heart of California's Central Valley, surrounded by fertile agricultural land. It is approximately 10 miles northwest of Merced and about 30 miles east of Fresno, making it conveniently located for travel and commerce. The city encompasses a land area of 76.06 square miles, with a minimal water area of 0.01 square miles.

Community & economy

The community of Atwater is characterized by its strong agricultural roots, with many residents engaged in farming and related industries. Daily life is enhanced by local events and community gatherings, reflecting the warm, friendly nature of its inhabitants. As a growing city, Atwater features various amenities, including shopping centers, schools, and parks that cater to families and individuals.

Transportation

Atwater is easily accessible via Highway 99, which runs through the city, providing connections to nearby regions. The nearest major airport is the Merced Municipal Airport, located approximately 7 miles to the southeast. Public transportation options are available, facilitating travel within the city and to neighboring areas.

History

Atwater was founded in the early 20th century, initially catering to the needs of the surrounding agricultural community. Its growth was significantly influenced by the development of irrigation and farming practices that made the area prosperous. Notable events in Atwater's history include its incorporation as a city in 1922 and its evolving industry focused on agriculture and services.

Did you know?

One surprising fact about Atwater is that it is home to the iconic Castle Air Force Base, which was operational until 1995 and is now utilized for various community events. Additionally, Atwater hosts the annual Atwater Fair, celebrating the area's agricultural heritage and fostering community spirit.

ZIP codes for Atwater, CA (1)

ZIP code	City	County	Map
95301	Atwater	Merced	View map

Demographics & statistics

41,660

Population

34.2

Median age

$66,749

Median household income

$33,452

Per capita income

$342,900

Median home value

$1,174

Median monthly rent

58.4%

Home ownership

16.1%

Poverty rate

10.3%

Unemployment

7,837

Housing units

17.5%

Bachelor's or higher

Age distribution

Male Female

1,284

Under 5

1,147

1,844

5–9

1,646

1,987

10–14

1,774

1,568

15–19

1,400

1,422

20–24

1,269

3,122

25–34

2,788

3,019

35–44

2,695

2,589

45–54

2,312

1,352

55–59

1,208

1,094

60–64

976

1,595

65–74

1,425

781

75–84

698

351

85+

314

← Male

Female →

Age summary

Group	Count	%
Under 18	11,626	27.9%
18 and over	30,034	72.1%
65 and over	5,164	12.4%
Median age	34.2 years

Race & ethnicity

White 35.2%

Hispanic or Latino 26.7%

Other race 22.4%

Two or more races 6.1%

Asian 4.5%

Black or African American 3.6%

American Indian / Alaska Native 0.9%

Native Hawaiian / Pacific Islander 0.6%

Group	Count	%
White	19,987	35.2%
Hispanic or Latino	15,142	26.7%
Other race	12,725	22.4%
Two or more races	3,480	6.1%
Asian	2,584	4.5%
Black or African American	2,045	3.6%
American Indian / Alaska Native	504	0.9%
Native Hawaiian / Pacific Islander	335	0.6%

Household income

Under $10k 3.4%

$10k–$15k 5.1%

$15k–$25k 7.4%

$25k–$35k 7.6%

$35k–$50k 10.5%

$50k–$75k 20.5%

$75k–$100k 12.3%

$100k–$150k 17.6%

$150k–$200k 8.2%

$200k+ 7.5%

Range	% of households
Under $10k	3.4%
$10k–$15k	5.1%
$15k–$25k	7.4%
$25k–$35k	7.6%
$35k–$50k	10.5%
$50k–$75k	20.5%
$75k–$100k	12.3%
$100k–$150k	17.6%
$150k–$200k	8.2%
$200k+	7.5%
Median income	$66,749

Housing

Home values

Under $50k 6.0%

$50k–$100k 2.6%

$100k–$150k 0.4%

$150k–$200k 4.1%

$200k–$300k 23.7%

$300k–$500k 42.2%

$500k–$1M 19.9%

$1M+ 1.2%

Housing overview

Metric	Value
Median home value	$342,900
Median rent / month	$1,174
Owner occupied	58.4%
Renter occupied	41.6%
Vacant	2.6%
Single-family detached	71.5%
Large apartment buildings	1.5%
Mobile homes	7.1%
Median rooms	5.7
Avg household size (owned)	3.21

Year built

Era	%
2020 or later	0.1%
2010–2019	4.7%
2000–2009	16.9%
1990–1999	9.8%
1980–1989	17.1%
1970–1979	21.1%
1960–1969	9.7%
1950–1959	12.2%
1940–1949	6.0%
1939 or earlier	2.6%

Bedrooms

Size	% of units
No bedroom (studio)	2.4%
1 bedroom	4.9%
2 bedrooms	20.2%
3 bedrooms	49.6%
4 bedrooms	18.3%
5+ bedrooms	4.5%

Vehicles per household

Vehicles	% of households
No vehicle	7.1%
1 vehicle	26.5%
2 vehicles	33.7%
3 or more	32.7%

Heating fuel

Fuel type	%
Utility gas	64.9%
Electricity	28.0%
Propane / LP gas	2.5%
Wood	1.2%
Solar	2.5%
No fuel used	0.2%

Households & families

Household type	Count	%
Married-couple family	6,379	49.7%
Cohabiting couple	751	5.9%
Male householder, no spouse	1,950	15.2%
Female householder, no spouse	3,748	29.2%
Households with children under 18	5,383	42.0%
Households with seniors (65+)	3,674	28.6%
Average household size	3.14

Marital status

Status	Male	Female
Never married	41.4%	28.6%
Married	46.7%	45.4%
Separated	2.3%	4.5%
Widowed	1.9%	10.6%
Divorced	7.6%	10.9%

Education

Less than 9th grade 15.0%

Some HS, no diploma 11.7%

HS graduate 26.4%

Some college, no degree 21.8%

Associate's degree 7.7%

Bachelor's degree 12.5%

Graduate / professional 5.0%

Metric	%
HS diploma or higher	73.3%
Bachelor's or higher	17.5%

School enrollment (ages 3–17)

Type	Count	%
Nursery / preschool	472	3.9%
Kindergarten	801	6.7%
Elementary school	5,503	45.9%
High school	2,997	25.0%
College / grad school	2,214	18.5%

Employment

Industry of employment

Education & healthcare 25.5%

Manufacturing 11.3%

Retail trade 10.0%

Construction 9.4%

Agriculture & mining 9.1%

Transportation & utilities 7.4%

Professional & management 6.3%

Arts, food & hospitality 4.8%

Wholesale trade 4.3%

Other services 4.0%

Public administration 4.0%

Finance & real estate 3.1%

Information 0.9%

Occupation

Category	%
Management, business & arts	30.2%
Service	16.2%
Sales & office	16.1%
Natural resources & construction	19.0%
Production & transportation	18.5%

Employment type

Type	%
Private sector	76.4%
Government	17.4%
Self-employed	6.1%
Unpaid family workers	0.1%

Commute

Method	%
Drive alone	80.8%
Carpool	9.0%
Public transit	0.3%
Walk	1.5%
Other means	4.0%
Avg commute (minutes)	26.6

Poverty

All people 16.1%

Under 18 years 21.4%

18 and over 14.1%

Married-couple families 8.3%

Female-led households 33.9%

Income support

Source	% of households
Social Security	27.4%
Retirement income	21.0%
Supplemental Security	9.8%
Cash public assistance	3.7%
Food stamps / SNAP	16.0%

Health indicators

Condition	%
High blood pressure	28.8%
High cholesterol	29.1%
Heart disease	6.0%
Stroke	3.2%
Asthma	10.7%
Arthritis	21.3%
Kidney disease	3.1%
Pulmonary disease	7.1%
Cancer	5.2%

Behavior / access	%
Binge drinking	18.4%
No physical activity	26.0%
Less than 7 hrs sleep	33.7%
Fair or poor health	19.6%
Poor mental health	16.4%
Poor physical health	12.3%
No health insurance	18.8%
Visited doctor (checkup)	65.7%
Visited dentist	55.5%
Cholesterol screening	87.7%
Teeth loss	16.1%

Veterans & disability

Veterans	Count	%
Civilian veterans	1,858	6.2%

Disability	%
Any disability	13.5%
Under 18	7.5%
18–64 years	10.5%
65 and over	40.9%

Health insurance coverage

Type	%
Private insurance	57.3%
Public insurance	44.5%
Uninsured under 19	4.8%

Language & origin

Language spoken at home (age 5+)

Language	Count	%
English only	39,229	94.2%
Spanish	6,336	16.2%
Other Indo-European	5,417	13.8%
Asian & Pacific Islander	485	1.2%
Other languages	434	1.1%

Place of birth & citizenship

Origin	Count	%
Native born (US)	33,125	79.5%
Born in same state	32,693	78.5%
Born in different state	27,400	65.8%
Foreign born	432	1.0%
Naturalized citizen	8,535	20.5%
Not a US citizen	3,656	42.8%

Ancestry

Ancestry	Count	%
Italian	2,578	6.2%
French	1,794	4.3%
Arab	725	1.7%
English	384	0.9%
Polish	276	0.7%

Ancestry	Count	%
Dutch	46	0.1%
German	34	0.1%
Norwegian	17	0%
Irish	15	0%

Technology access

Metric	% of households
Computer access	30.8%
Internet access	95.6%

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 2025 estimates.

Frequently asked questions

What ZIP codes does Atwater, CA have?

Atwater, CA has one ZIP code: 95301. Each ZIP code serves a distinct delivery area within the city and surrounding region.