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
Housing cost is the defining feature of Sonoma County: the median home is valued at $779,000. With 485,642 residents, Sonoma County is a county in California. It ranks #17 among counties in California by population.
Households here are among the highest-earning of all US counties: median income is $102,840, above the US median of $78,538. The poverty rate, 4.8%, is on the lower side for US counties and below the national 12.4%. Home prices are steep, with the typical property valued at $779,000, with typical rent around $2,093.
Educational attainment is on the higher side for US counties — 37.8% of adults hold a four-year degree, above the national 35.0%. Remote work is on the higher side at 14.4%, close to the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 25 minutes each way.
High housing values reframe the income picture in Sonoma County — even solid earnings stretch less against home prices and rents at this level.
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.