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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 distinguished by its share of foreign-born residents, 9.9% of the population. Madera County is a county in California with a population of 158,790. It ranks #32 among counties in California by population.

Median household income is $75,496, near the US median of $78,538. Poverty sits at 15.4%, above the national 12.4%. Home prices are steep, with the typical property valued at $367,700, with typical rent around $1,307.

Fewer adults hold degrees here than in most comparable places — 17.1%, below the national 35.0%. About 8.4% of the workforce is home-based, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 28 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
Madera County population, 2010–2024 · Source: U.S. Census Bureau — decennial census & Population Estimates

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.