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Population Review

Madera County, California Population 2026

Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 32nd-largest in California

The population of Madera County, California is 158,790 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 32nd-largest county in California. The median household income is $75,496, the median home value is $367,700, and the median age is 34.6.

The population of Madera County has grown 9.6% since 2010 (151,006 → 165,432), a +0.65% annualized rate.

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

158,790

Population

+0.65%

Annual growth

74

People / sq mi

$75,496

Median Income

$367,700

Median Home Value

Madera County covers 2,137 sq mi of land at 74.3 people per square mile.

About Madera County, CA

Madera County is a county in California with a population of 158,790. It ranks #32 among counties in California by population. The median age is 34.6, younger than the national median. The population is 49.1% male and 50.9% female.

The median household income in Madera County is $75,496, near the US median of $74,580. 15.4% of residents live below the federal poverty level. Home values sit at a median of $367,700, with monthly rent averaging $1,307. The homeownership rate of 65.5% is close to the national rate of 64.8%.

Educational attainment in Madera County reflects 17.1% of adults 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 34.3%. Roughly 8.4% of workers primarily work from home, below the national work-from-home rate of 14.2%. The average commute is 28.4 minutes each way.

Madera County Population History (2010-2024)

The county of Madera County had a population of 151,006 in 2010 and 165,432 in 2024, a 9.6% growth over 14 years. The peak was 165,432 in 2024. Average annual growth rate: 0.66%.

2024 · 165K20102024

165,432

Population (2024)

151,006

Population (2010)

165,432

Peak (2024)

0.66%

Avg Annual Growth

YearPopulation
2010151,006
2011151,685
2012151,520
2013151,295
2014153,357
2015153,448
2016153,694
2017155,079
2018156,373
2019156,717
2020156,434
2021159,019
2022160,414
2023163,402
2024165,432

Race & Ethnicity

White44.1%
Black or African American2.6%
Asian0.0%
Hispanic or Latino (any race)5.0%
Two or More Races0.0%

Age & Sex

34.6

Median Age

50.9%

Female

49.1%

Male

14.3%

Age 65+

Age Distribution

Under 5
6.8%
5–9
7.5%
10–14
8.2%
15–19
7.7%
20–24
6.6%
25–34
13.7%
35–44
13.1%
45–54
11.2%
55–59
5.6%
60–64
5.2%
65–74
8.8%
75–84
3.9%
85+
1.6%

Children (under 15): 22.5% · Seniors (65+): 14.3%

Income & Poverty

Median household income$75,496$-20,838 vs state
Mean household income$99,476
Per-capita income$29,698
Poverty rate15.4%+7.0% vs state
Unemployment rate5.9%
Employment-to-population50.1%

Top Industries by Employment

Professional & business services
21.4%
Agriculture
13.2%
Manufacturing
9.4%
Education & health care
7.5%
Construction
7.3%
Finance & real estate
6.7%
Retail trade
6.6%
Public administration
5.5%

The largest employment sector in Madera County is professional & business services, accounting for 21.4% of workers.

How residents commute

0.3%

Drive alone

2.0%

Carpool

72.6%

Public transit

8.4%

Work from home

28.4 min

Avg commute

Housing

$367,700$-327,700 vs state

Median home value

$1,307

Median rent

65.5%

Homeownership rate

50,368

Total housing units

88.4%

Occupied

11.6%

Vacant

34.5%

Renter-occupied

Social & access

92.5%

With health insurance

95.0%

With broadband internet

9.9%

Foreign-born

5.1%

Veterans (18+)

14.9%

With a disability

54.2%

Speak language other than English at home

Education

73.0%

High School+

17.1%

Bachelor's+

Largest cities in California

Other counties in California

Part of California

Metro areas in California

County rankings

Frequently Asked Questions

Madera County, California has a population of 158,790 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 32nd-largest county in California. Population density is 74 people per square mile.

The population of Madera County has grown 9.6% since 2010 (151,006 → 165,432), a +0.65% annualized rate.

The median household income in Madera County, California is $75,496, with mean (average) household income of $99,476 and per-capita income of $29,698. 15.4% of residents live below the federal poverty level.

In Madera County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (44.1%), Hispanic or Latino (5.0%), Black or African American (2.6%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.

The median age in Madera County, California is 34.6 years. Residents are 50.9% female and 49.1% male.

The median home value in Madera County is $367,700 and median monthly rent is $1,307. 65.5% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 50,368 total housing units, 11.6% of which are vacant.

The largest employment sector in Madera County, California is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 21.4% of workers. The unemployment rate is 5.9%.

Los Angeles is among the largest cities associated with Madera 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.