Inyo County, California Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 52nd-largest in California
The population of Inyo County, California is 18,803 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 52nd-largest county in California. The median household income is $72,432, the median home value is $338,400, and the median age is 45.6.
The population of Inyo County has declined 0.1% since 2010 (18,503 → 18,485), a -0.01% annualized rate.
18,803
Population
-0.01%
Annual growth
2
People / sq mi
$72,432
Median Income
$338,400
Median Home Value
Inyo County covers 10,197 sq mi of land at 1.8 people per square mile.
About Inyo County, CA
Inyo County stands apart on settlement density — it is among the most sparsely settled of US counties, at roughly 2 people per square mile. With 18,803 residents, Inyo County is a county in California.
The typical household earns $72,432 a year, below the US median of $78,538. About 7.7% of residents live below the federal poverty level, below the national 12.4%. Home values run above average at $338,400, with typical rent around $1,140.
About 31.8% of adults 25 and older have a bachelor’s degree, below the 35.0% national figure. A solid 12.4% of workers are based at home, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 16 minutes each way.
Inyo County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Inyo County had a population of 18,503 in 2010 and 18,485 in 2024, a -0.1% growth over 14 years. The peak was 18,999 in 2020. Average annual growth rate: 0.01%.
18,485
Population (2024)
18,503
Population (2010)
18,999
Peak (2020)
0.01%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 18,503 |
| 2011 | 18,385 |
| 2012 | 18,344 |
| 2013 | 18,348 |
| 2014 | 18,280 |
| 2015 | 18,097 |
| 2016 | 17,897 |
| 2017 | 17,819 |
| 2018 | 17,894 |
| 2019 | 17,993 |
| 2020 | 18,999 |
| 2021 | 18,920 |
| 2022 | 18,745 |
| 2023 | 18,548 |
| 2024 | 18,485 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 64.6% |
| Black or African American | 1.0% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 15.1% |
| Two or More Races | 0.7% |
Age & Sex
45.6
Median Age
49.1%
Female
50.9%
Male
24.5%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 16.7% · Seniors (65+): 24.5%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $72,432$-23,902 vs state |
| Mean household income | $93,044 |
| Per-capita income | $40,569 |
| Poverty rate | 7.7%-0.7% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 1.6% |
| Employment-to-population | 55.4% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Inyo County is professional & business services, accounting for 21.9% of workers.
How residents commute
1.0%
Drive alone
5.6%
Carpool
65.3%
Public transit
12.4%
Work from home
15.8 min
Avg commute
Housing
$338,400$-357,000 vs state
Median home value
$1,140
Median rent
67.1%
Homeownership rate
9,500
Total housing units
83.4%
Occupied
16.6%
Vacant
32.9%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
92.9%
With health insurance
92.0%
With broadband internet
21.4%
Foreign-born
7.4%
Veterans (18+)
15.9%
With a disability
84.5%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
92.8%
High School+
31.8%
Bachelor's+
Largest cities in California
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Part of California
Metro areas in California
County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Inyo County, California has a population of 18,803 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 52nd-largest county in California. Population density is 2 people per square mile.
The population of Inyo County has declined 0.1% since 2010 (18,503 → 18,485), a -0.01% annualized rate.
The median household income in Inyo County, California is $72,432, with mean (average) household income of $93,044 and per-capita income of $40,569. 7.7% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Inyo County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (64.6%), Hispanic or Latino (15.1%), Black or African American (1.0%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Inyo County, California is 45.6 years. Residents are 49.1% female and 50.9% male.
The median home value in Inyo County is $338,400 and median monthly rent is $1,140. 67.1% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 9,500 total housing units, 16.6% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Inyo County, California is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 21.9% of workers. The unemployment rate is 1.6%.
Los Angeles is among the largest cities associated with Inyo County, California, with a population of 3,857,897.
Inyo County, CA Climate
Inyo County, CA has an average annual temperature of 15.2°C (59°F) and receives about 134 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
15.2°C
Avg Temp
134
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | 5° / 41° | 19 mm |
| February | 7° / 45° | 21 mm |
| March | 10° / 49° | 15 mm |
| April | 13° / 56° | 7 mm |
| May | 18° / 65° | 6 mm |
| June | 23° / 74° | 4 mm |
| July | 27° / 80° | 10 mm |
| August | 26° / 79° | 13 mm |
| September | 22° / 72° | 9 mm |
| October | 16° / 61° | 5 mm |
| November | 9° / 49° | 12 mm |
| December | 5° / 41° | 13 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 Inyo County, CA
The most comfortable months to visit Inyo County, CA are typically September, June and May, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is July (around 36°C high). The coldest is January (near -1°C low). February is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near Inyo County
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.