Sonoma County, California Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 17th-largest in California
The population of Sonoma County, California is 485,642 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 17th-largest county in California. The median household income is $102,840, the median home value is $779,000, and the median age is 42.7.
The population of Sonoma County has grown 0.1% since 2010 (484,675 → 485,375), a +0.01% annualized rate.
485,642
Population
+0.01%
Annual growth
308
People / sq mi
$102,840
Median Income
$779,000
Median Home Value
Sonoma County covers 1,575 sq mi of land at 308.3 people per square mile.
About Sonoma County, CA
Sonoma County is a county in California with a population of 485,642. It ranks #17 among counties in California by population. The median age is 42.7, older than the national median. The population is 49.2% male and 50.8% female.
The median household income in Sonoma County is $102,840, above the US median of $74,580. 4.8% of residents live below the federal poverty level. Home values sit at a median of $779,000, with monthly rent averaging $2,093. The homeownership rate of 62.2% is lower than the national rate of 64.8%.
Educational attainment in Sonoma County reflects 37.8% of adults 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree or higher, above the national average of 34.3%. Roughly 14.4% of workers primarily work from home, similar to the national work-from-home rate of 14.2%. The average commute is 25.3 minutes each way.
Sonoma County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Sonoma County had a population of 484,675 in 2010 and 485,375 in 2024, a 0.1% growth over 14 years. The peak was 502,445 in 2016. Average annual growth rate: 0.01%.
485,375
Population (2024)
484,675
Population (2010)
502,445
Peak (2016)
0.01%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 484,675 |
| 2011 | 487,231 |
| 2012 | 489,784 |
| 2013 | 493,870 |
| 2014 | 498,317 |
| 2015 | 500,598 |
| 2016 | 502,445 |
| 2017 | 502,203 |
| 2018 | 497,221 |
| 2019 | 492,318 |
| 2020 | 488,501 |
| 2021 | 484,561 |
| 2022 | 483,398 |
| 2023 | 483,366 |
| 2024 | 485,375 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 64.5% |
| Black or African American | 1.6% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 3.7% |
| Two or More Races | 0.1% |
Age & Sex
42.7
Median Age
50.8%
Female
49.2%
Male
21.0%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 15.7% · Seniors (65+): 21.0%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $102,840+$6,506 vs state |
| Mean household income | $138,572 |
| Per-capita income | $54,941 |
| Poverty rate | 4.8%-3.6% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 3.3% |
| Employment-to-population | 61.0% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Sonoma County is professional & business services, accounting for 22.5% of workers.
How residents commute
1.0%
Drive alone
2.4%
Carpool
71.0%
Public transit
14.4%
Work from home
25.3 min
Avg commute
Housing
$779,000+$83,600 vs state
Median home value
$2,093
Median rent
62.2%
Homeownership rate
206,319
Total housing units
92.3%
Occupied
7.7%
Vacant
37.8%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
94.6%
With health insurance
97.0%
With broadband internet
19.0%
Foreign-born
5.2%
Veterans (18+)
12.1%
With a disability
73.2%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
88.9%
High School+
37.8%
Bachelor's+
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County rankings
Common questions about Sonoma County, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
Sonoma County, California has a population of 485,642 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 17th-largest county in California. Population density is 308 people per square mile.
The population of Sonoma County has grown 0.1% since 2010 (484,675 → 485,375), a +0.01% annualized rate.
The median household income in Sonoma County, California is $102,840, with mean (average) household income of $138,572 and per-capita income of $54,941. 4.8% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Sonoma County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (64.5%), Hispanic or Latino (3.7%), Black or African American (1.6%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Sonoma County, California is 42.7 years. Residents are 50.8% female and 49.2% male.
The median home value in Sonoma County is $779,000 and median monthly rent is $2,093. 62.2% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 206,319 total housing units, 7.7% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Sonoma County, California is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 22.5% of workers. The unemployment rate is 3.3%.
Los Angeles is among the largest cities associated with Sonoma County, California, with a population of 3,857,897.
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.