Modoc County, California Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 56th-largest in California
The population of Modoc County, California is 8,646 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 56th-largest county in California. The median household income is $56,648, the median home value is $212,000, and the median age is 49.0.
The population of Modoc County has declined 12.4% since 2010 (9,698 → 8,491), a -0.94% annualized rate.
8,646
Population
-0.94%
Annual growth
2
People / sq mi
$56,648
Median Income
$212,000
Median Home Value
Modoc County covers 3,948 sq mi of land at 2.2 people per square mile.
About Modoc County, CA
What distinguishes Modoc County is density: among the most sparsely settled of US counties, around 2 people per square mile. Modoc County is a county in California with a population of 8,646.
The typical household here earns about $56,648, below the US median of $78,538. The poverty rate is 11.3%, below the national 12.4%. The typical home is valued at $212,000, with typical rent around $818.
23.0% of adults 25 and older hold a bachelor’s degree, below the national average of 35.0%. A solid 11.6% of workers are based at home, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 22 minutes each way.
Modoc County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Modoc County had a population of 9,698 in 2010 and 8,491 in 2024, a -12.4% growth over 14 years. The peak was 9,698 in 2010. Average annual growth rate: -0.94%.
8,491
Population (2024)
9,698
Population (2010)
9,698
Peak (2010)
-0.94%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 9,698 |
| 2011 | 9,513 |
| 2012 | 9,358 |
| 2013 | 9,154 |
| 2014 | 9,078 |
| 2015 | 9,064 |
| 2016 | 8,957 |
| 2017 | 8,864 |
| 2018 | 8,816 |
| 2019 | 8,866 |
| 2020 | 8,677 |
| 2021 | 8,640 |
| 2022 | 8,625 |
| 2023 | 8,566 |
| 2024 | 8,491 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 80.7% |
| Black or African American | 0.8% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 6.3% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
49.0
Median Age
50.9%
Female
49.1%
Male
31.0%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 16.4% · Seniors (65+): 31.0%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $56,648$-39,686 vs state |
| Mean household income | $74,476 |
| Per-capita income | $30,660 |
| Poverty rate | 11.3%+2.9% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 2.7% |
| Employment-to-population | 43.2% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Modoc County is professional & business services, accounting for 22.3% of workers.
How residents commute
0.0%
Drive alone
6.7%
Carpool
72.9%
Public transit
11.6%
Work from home
21.5 min
Avg commute
Housing
$212,000$-483,400 vs state
Median home value
$818
Median rent
77.3%
Homeownership rate
4,774
Total housing units
68.4%
Occupied
31.6%
Vacant
22.7%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
90.2%
With health insurance
91.0%
With broadband internet
36.5%
Foreign-born
11.4%
Veterans (18+)
18.9%
With a disability
88.4%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
87.9%
High School+
23.0%
Bachelor's+
Largest cities in California
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Part of California
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County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Modoc County, California has a population of 8,646 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 56th-largest county in California. Population density is 2 people per square mile.
The population of Modoc County has declined 12.4% since 2010 (9,698 → 8,491), a -0.94% annualized rate.
The median household income in Modoc County, California is $56,648, with mean (average) household income of $74,476 and per-capita income of $30,660. 11.3% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Modoc County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (80.7%), Hispanic or Latino (6.3%), Black or African American (0.8%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Modoc County, California is 49.0 years. Residents are 50.9% female and 49.1% male.
The median home value in Modoc County is $212,000 and median monthly rent is $818. 77.3% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 4,774 total housing units, 31.6% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Modoc County, California is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 22.3% of workers. The unemployment rate is 2.7%.
Los Angeles is among the largest cities associated with Modoc County, California, with a population of 3,857,897.
Modoc County, CA Climate
Modoc County, CA has an average annual temperature of 7.8°C (46°F) and receives about 401 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is August and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
7.8°C
Avg Temp
401
Precip (mm/yr)
Aug
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | -2° / 29° | 49 mm |
| February | 0° / 33° | 41 mm |
| March | 3° / 37° | 44 mm |
| April | 6° / 42° | 32 mm |
| May | 10° / 50° | 36 mm |
| June | 14° / 58° | 26 mm |
| July | 19° / 65° | 9 mm |
| August | 19° / 66° | 14 mm |
| September | 15° / 58° | 19 mm |
| October | 9° / 49° | 30 mm |
| November | 3° / 37° | 51 mm |
| December | -1° / 29° | 50 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 Modoc County, CA
The most comfortable months to visit Modoc County, CA are typically July, August and September, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is August (around 30°C high). The coldest is January (near -7°C low). November is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near Modoc County
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.