Humboldt County, California Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 35th-largest in California
The population of Humboldt County, California is 135,418 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 35th-largest county in California. The median household income is $61,135, the median home value is $418,800, and the median age is 39.6.
The population of Humboldt County has declined 1.9% since 2010 (135,010 → 132,380), a -0.14% annualized rate.
135,418
Population
-0.14%
Annual growth
38
People / sq mi
$61,135
Median Income
$418,800
Median Home Value
Humboldt County covers 3,568 sq mi of land at 38.0 people per square mile.
About Humboldt County, CA
Homeownership is the standout figure in Humboldt County: 56.3% of homes are owner-occupied, lower than the national rate. With 135,418 residents, Humboldt County is a county in California. It ranks #35 among counties in California by population.
Household earnings are middling, with a median of $61,135 — below the US median of $78,538. The poverty rate is 10.5%, below the national 12.4%. Home prices are steep, with the typical property valued at $418,800, with typical rent around $1,249.
Educational attainment is on the higher side for US counties — 32.1% of adults hold a four-year degree, below the national 35.0%. About 11.9% of workers primarily work from home, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 19 minutes each way.
Humboldt County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Humboldt County had a population of 135,010 in 2010 and 132,380 in 2024, a -1.9% growth over 14 years. The peak was 136,710 in 2017. Average annual growth rate: -0.14%.
132,380
Population (2024)
135,010
Population (2010)
136,710
Peak (2017)
-0.14%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 135,010 |
| 2011 | 135,257 |
| 2012 | 134,597 |
| 2013 | 134,447 |
| 2014 | 134,556 |
| 2015 | 135,177 |
| 2016 | 136,477 |
| 2017 | 136,710 |
| 2018 | 136,502 |
| 2019 | 135,839 |
| 2020 | 136,324 |
| 2021 | 134,978 |
| 2022 | 135,013 |
| 2023 | 134,009 |
| 2024 | 132,380 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 73.6% |
| Black or African American | 1.3% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 8.6% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
39.6
Median Age
50.5%
Female
49.5%
Male
19.3%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 15.7% · Seniors (65+): 19.3%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $61,135$-35,199 vs state |
| Mean household income | $86,742 |
| Per-capita income | $36,082 |
| Poverty rate | 10.5%+2.1% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 5.1% |
| Employment-to-population | 53.0% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Humboldt County is professional & business services, accounting for 25.3% of workers.
How residents commute
0.8%
Drive alone
5.3%
Carpool
67.7%
Public transit
11.9%
Work from home
19.2 min
Avg commute
Housing
$418,800$-276,600 vs state
Median home value
$1,249
Median rent
56.3%
Homeownership rate
62,625
Total housing units
87.6%
Occupied
12.4%
Vacant
43.7%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
94.2%
With health insurance
94.3%
With broadband internet
23.0%
Foreign-born
6.0%
Veterans (18+)
18.5%
With a disability
89.2%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
91.5%
High School+
32.1%
Bachelor's+
Largest cities in California
Other counties in California
Part of California
Metro areas in California
County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Humboldt County, California has a population of 135,418 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 35th-largest county in California. Population density is 38 people per square mile.
The population of Humboldt County has declined 1.9% since 2010 (135,010 → 132,380), a -0.14% annualized rate.
The median household income in Humboldt County, California is $61,135, with mean (average) household income of $86,742 and per-capita income of $36,082. 10.5% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Humboldt County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (73.6%), Hispanic or Latino (8.6%), Black or African American (1.3%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Humboldt County, California is 39.6 years. Residents are 50.5% female and 49.5% male.
The median home value in Humboldt County is $418,800 and median monthly rent is $1,249. 56.3% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 62,625 total housing units, 12.4% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Humboldt County, California is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 25.3% of workers. The unemployment rate is 5.1%.
Los Angeles is among the largest cities associated with Humboldt County, California, with a population of 3,857,897.
Humboldt County, CA Climate
Humboldt County, CA has an average annual temperature of 11°C (52°F) and receives about 1597 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is August and the coldest is December. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
11°C
Avg Temp
1597
Precip (mm/yr)
Aug
Hottest Month
Dec
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | 7° / 45° | 263 mm |
| February | 7° / 45° | 221 mm |
| March | 7° / 45° | 219 mm |
| April | 9° / 47° | 115 mm |
| May | 11° / 52° | 51 mm |
| June | 13° / 56° | 17 mm |
| July | 16° / 61° | 5 mm |
| August | 17° / 62° | 19 mm |
| September | 16° / 60° | 33 mm |
| October | 13° / 55° | 110 mm |
| November | 9° / 48° | 259 mm |
| December | 7° / 45° | 285 mm |
1970–2000 normals from WorldClim 2.1 (~9 km grid). Precipitation can be less precise near mountains or coastlines, where rainfall varies sharply over short distances.
Best time to visit Humboldt County, CA
The most comfortable months to visit Humboldt County, CA are typically August, July and September, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is August (around 25°C high). The coldest is December (near 3°C low). December is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near Humboldt County
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.