Mendocino County, California Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 38th-largest in California
The population of Mendocino County, California is 90,709 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 38th-largest county in California. The median household income is $64,688, the median home value is $486,000, and the median age is 43.9.
The population of Mendocino County has grown 1.6% since 2010 (87,796 → 89,175), a +0.11% annualized rate.
90,709
Population
+0.11%
Annual growth
26
People / sq mi
$64,688
Median Income
$486,000
Median Home Value
Mendocino County covers 3,507 sq mi of land at 25.9 people per square mile.
About Mendocino County, CA
Housing cost is the defining feature of Mendocino County: the median home is valued at $486,000. Mendocino County is a county in California with a population of 90,709. It ranks #38 among counties in California by population.
The typical household here earns about $64,688, below the US median of $78,538. About 10.7% of residents live below the federal poverty level, below the national 12.4%. Home prices are steep, with the typical property valued at $486,000, with typical rent around $1,325.
Roughly 24.9% of adults have a bachelor’s, below the national 35.0%. About 11.7% of workers primarily work from home, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 22 minutes each way.
High housing values reframe the income picture in Mendocino County — even solid earnings stretch less against home prices and rents at this level.
Mendocino County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Mendocino County had a population of 87,796 in 2010 and 89,175 in 2024, a 1.6% growth over 14 years. The peak was 91,362 in 2020. Average annual growth rate: 0.12%.
89,175
Population (2024)
87,796
Population (2010)
91,362
Peak (2020)
0.12%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 87,796 |
| 2011 | 87,335 |
| 2012 | 87,293 |
| 2013 | 87,070 |
| 2014 | 87,247 |
| 2015 | 87,131 |
| 2016 | 87,319 |
| 2017 | 87,690 |
| 2018 | 87,549 |
| 2019 | 86,932 |
| 2020 | 91,362 |
| 2021 | 91,303 |
| 2022 | 90,027 |
| 2023 | 89,354 |
| 2024 | 89,175 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 68.3% |
| Black or African American | 0.9% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 6.8% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
43.9
Median Age
50.4%
Female
49.6%
Male
24.0%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 17.5% · Seniors (65+): 24.0%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $64,688$-31,646 vs state |
| Mean household income | $91,472 |
| Per-capita income | $37,230 |
| Poverty rate | 10.7%+2.3% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 5.3% |
| Employment-to-population | 51.1% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Mendocino County is professional & business services, accounting for 23.6% of workers.
How residents commute
0.4%
Drive alone
6.5%
Carpool
71.5%
Public transit
11.7%
Work from home
22.3 min
Avg commute
Housing
$486,000$-209,400 vs state
Median home value
$1,325
Median rent
60.9%
Homeownership rate
41,495
Total housing units
83.3%
Occupied
16.7%
Vacant
39.1%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
91.8%
With health insurance
92.1%
With broadband internet
19.6%
Foreign-born
6.6%
Veterans (18+)
18.5%
With a disability
78.4%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
86.2%
High School+
24.9%
Bachelor's+
Largest cities in California
Other counties in California
Part of California
Metro areas in California
County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Mendocino County, California has a population of 90,709 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 38th-largest county in California. Population density is 26 people per square mile.
The population of Mendocino County has grown 1.6% since 2010 (87,796 → 89,175), a +0.11% annualized rate.
The median household income in Mendocino County, California is $64,688, with mean (average) household income of $91,472 and per-capita income of $37,230. 10.7% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Mendocino County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (68.3%), Hispanic or Latino (6.8%), Black or African American (0.9%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Mendocino County, California is 43.9 years. Residents are 50.4% female and 49.6% male.
The median home value in Mendocino County is $486,000 and median monthly rent is $1,325. 60.9% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 41,495 total housing units, 16.7% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Mendocino County, California is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 23.6% of workers. The unemployment rate is 5.3%.
Los Angeles is among the largest cities associated with Mendocino County, California, with a population of 3,857,897.
Mendocino County, CA Climate
Mendocino County, CA has an average annual temperature of 12.1°C (54°F) and receives about 1323 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is December. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
12.1°C
Avg Temp
1323
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Dec
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | 7° / 45° | 255 mm |
| February | 8° / 46° | 197 mm |
| March | 9° / 48° | 188 mm |
| April | 10° / 50° | 86 mm |
| May | 13° / 55° | 32 mm |
| June | 16° / 60° | 8 mm |
| July | 18° / 65° | 3 mm |
| August | 18° / 65° | 10 mm |
| September | 17° / 63° | 23 mm |
| October | 14° / 57° | 81 mm |
| November | 9° / 49° | 206 mm |
| December | 7° / 44° | 234 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 Mendocino County, CA
The most comfortable months to visit Mendocino County, CA are typically July, August and September, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is July (around 27°C high). The coldest is December (near 1°C low). January is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near Mendocino County
Visiting or relocating to Mendocino County, CA? Compare hotels and short-term rentals across the county — live availability and prices.
Top-rated places to stay near Mendocino County
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.