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Population Review

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.

Humboldt County within California · Source: US Census TIGER/Line via us-atlas

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

Humboldt County is a county in California with a population of 135,418. It ranks #35 among counties in California by population. The median age is 39.6, in line with the national median. The population is 49.5% male and 50.5% female.

The median household income in Humboldt County is $61,135, below the US median of $74,580. 10.5% of residents live below the federal poverty level. Home values sit at a median of $418,800, with monthly rent averaging $1,249. The homeownership rate of 56.3% is lower than the national rate of 64.8%.

Educational attainment in Humboldt County reflects 32.1% of adults 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 34.3%. Roughly 11.9% of workers primarily work from home, similar to the national work-from-home rate of 14.2%. The average commute is 19.2 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%.

2017 · 137K20102024

132,380

Population (2024)

135,010

Population (2010)

136,710

Peak (2017)

-0.14%

Avg Annual Growth

YearPopulation
2010135,010
2011135,257
2012134,597
2013134,447
2014134,556
2015135,177
2016136,477
2017136,710
2018136,502
2019135,839
2020136,324
2021134,978
2022135,013
2023134,009
2024132,380

Race & Ethnicity

White73.6%
Black or African American1.3%
Asian0.0%
Hispanic or Latino (any race)8.6%
Two or More Races0.0%

Age & Sex

39.6

Median Age

50.5%

Female

49.5%

Male

19.3%

Age 65+

Age Distribution

Under 5
4.8%
5–9
5.5%
10–14
5.4%
15–19
6.4%
20–24
8.9%
25–34
13.2%
35–44
13.0%
45–54
11.4%
55–59
5.4%
60–64
6.8%
65–74
12.2%
75–84
5.3%
85+
1.8%

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 rate10.5%+2.1% vs state
Unemployment rate5.1%
Employment-to-population53.0%

Top Industries by Employment

Professional & business services
25.3%
Education & health care
11.0%
Finance & real estate
9.9%
Public administration
8.4%
Construction
8.1%
Arts, entertainment & food
5.6%
Manufacturing
4.8%
Agriculture
4.5%

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.

Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.

Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.