Watsonville, California Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates
The population of Watsonville, California is 51,968 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 180th-largest city in California. The median household income is $74,785, the median home value is $657,700, and the median age is 32.7.
The population has grown 0.1% since 2010 (51,278 → 51,320).
51,968
Population
7658
People / sq mi
$74,785
Median Income
$657,700
Median Home Value
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Watsonville covers 6.8 sq mi of land at 7658 people per square mile.
About Watsonville, CA
Watsonville is distinguished by its share of foreign-born residents, 5.1% of the population. Watsonville is a city in California with a population of 51,968.
Median household income is $74,785, near the US median of $78,538. Roughly 12.8% of residents fall below the poverty line, close to the national 12.4%. A typical home is worth $657,700, with typical rent around $1,784.
Watsonville is among the least college-educated US cities, at 12.7% — below the national 35.0%. Remote work is on the lower side here, at 6.1%, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 27 minutes each way.
Watsonville city Population History (2010-2024)
The city of Watsonville city had a population of 51,278 in 2010 and 51,320 in 2024, a 0.1% growth over 14 years. The peak was 53,919 in 2017. Average annual growth rate: 0.01%.
51,320
Population (2024)
51,278
Population (2010)
53,919
Peak (2017)
0.01%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 51,278 |
| 2011 | 51,593 |
| 2012 | 51,887 |
| 2013 | 52,412 |
| 2014 | 52,959 |
| 2015 | 53,528 |
| 2016 | 53,774 |
| 2017 | 53,919 |
| 2018 | 53,875 |
| 2019 | 53,856 |
| 2020 | 52,471 |
| 2021 | 52,056 |
| 2022 | 51,502 |
| 2023 | 51,220 |
| 2024 | 51,320 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 30.0% |
| Black or African American | 1.0% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 4.4% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Economy & Income
$74,785
Median Household Income
$27,296
Per Capita Income
12.8%
Poverty Rate
4.9%
Unemployment Rate
Housing
$657,700
Median Home Value
$1,784
Median Rent
43.6%
Owner-Occupied
Education
65.5%
High School+
12.7%
Bachelor's+
Commute
1.4%
Drive Alone
70.1%
Public Transit
6.1%
Work From Home
26.8 min
Avg Commute
Community Profile
5.1%
Foreign Born
25.2%
Non-English at Home
2.5%
Veterans
11.8%
With Disability
90.2%
Health Insurance
92.3%
Internet Access
Employment by Industry
| Professional, Scientific & Management | 20.6% |
| Agriculture & Mining | 15.0% |
| Finance, Insurance & Real Estate | 9.7% |
| Education, Health Care & Social Services | 7.8% |
| Retail Trade | 7.5% |
| Construction | 7.3% |
| Manufacturing | 7.2% |
| Arts, Entertainment & Food Services | 4.2% |
| Public Administration | 3.1% |
| Transportation & Warehousing | 2.0% |
| Information | 1.9% |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Watsonville, California has a population of 51,968 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 180th-largest city in California.
The median household income in Watsonville, California is $74,785, with 12.8% of residents living below the federal poverty level.
The median home value in Watsonville, California is $657,700, with median monthly rent at $1,784 and a homeownership rate of 43.6%.
The median age in Watsonville, California is 32.7 years. The population is 49.8% male and 50.2% female.
The population has grown 0.1% since 2010 (51,278 → 51,320).
Where to stay in Watsonville
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.