Gualala, CA demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
2,651
31.6% year-over-year change
Median household income
$127,206/yr
36.2% year-over-year change
Housing units
1,311
3.5% year-over-year change

Gualala population

How many people live in Gualala

Gualala is home to 2,651 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 55.1% of Gualala locals are male, and 44.9% are female.

Total population
2,651
31.6% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
55.1%
1,460
Female
44.9%
1,191
Value Percent YoY change
Male 1,460 55.1% 30.6%
Female 1,191 44.9% 32.9%
A higher population often means more rental variety and livelier areas. The gender balance—how many men live here compared to women—can reveal a lot about the community and the lifestyles of its residents. Use this info to get a sense of the area's pace and personality.

Age demographics

The median age in Gualala is 42, with the population distributed as follows: about 30.4% are children under 15, then 5.8% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 19.4% of the population, while another 27.3% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 17.1% are 65 or older.

Median age
42.1
Age breakdown
Under 15
30.4%
15 to 24
5.8%
25 to 44
19.4%
45 to 64
27.3%
Over 65
17.1%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 807 30.4% 58.5%
15 to 24 153 5.8% 98.7%
25 to 44 514 19.4% 88.3%
45 to 64 723 27.3% 31.9%
Over 65 454 17.1% -25.3%
The age composition helps you get insight into who lives in the area. A younger population might mean a more active, fast-paced vibe, while an older one could suggest a quieter, slower lifestyle. If there's a balanced makeup, you’re likely to find a variety of services, housing types, and community spaces that cater to different life stages.

Racial makeup

In Gualala, 93.2% of the population are US-born citizens, while 3.8% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 3% of residents are non-citizens. There’s also a share of 37.2% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
93.2%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
3.8%
Non-citizens
3%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 2,472 93.2% 34.4%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 101 3.8% -1.0%
Non-citizens 79 3% 8.2%
Racial breakdown
White
58.5%
Black or African American
0.1%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0%
Asian
0%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
37.2%
Other
4.3%
Value Percent
White 1,550 58.5%
Black or African American 2 0.1%
Two or more races 985 37.2%
Other 114 4.3%

Households in Gualala

A peek inside Gualala households

Gualala has 887 households, with an average of 3 members in each. Of these, 68.6% are families, while the remaining 31.6% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
887
7.5% year-over-year change
Average people per household
3
Non-family households
280
Family households
608
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 280 31.6% -18.8%
Family households 608 68.6% 26.7%
The mix between family and non-family households gives a glimpse into daily life. A higher percentage of families might mean more parks and schools, while more non-family setups can mean flexible housing and diverse living styles. For renters, this can signal what kinds of homes are common and can help you figure out if the area matches your lifestyle.

Housing in Gualala

The housing landscape of Gualala

Gualala's housing consists of 1,311 units, with 97.2% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space.

Housing units
1,311
3.5% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 1,275 97.2%
3 or 4 units 18 1.4%
20 to 49 units 18 1.4%
Homes built since 2020
% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Gualala

In Gualala, the median construction year is 1976. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built between 1950 and 1959 37 2.8% -13.9%
Built between 1960 and 1969 250 19.1% -4.6%
Built between 1970 and 1979 573 43.7% 76.3%
Built between 1980 and 1989 173 13.2% -26.4%
Built between 1990 and 1999 166 12.7% -27.8%
Built between 2000 and 2009 112 8.5% -22.2%
As a renter, knowing when homes were built helps you understand the potential condition and design of rental units. Newer builds may have more contemporary layouts, while older homes can offer character or larger lots, depending on the area.

Gualala occupancy rates

Out of the 887 occupied housing units in Gualala, 74% are owner-occupied, while 26.2% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 32.3% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
887
7.5% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
232
Owner occupied
656
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 232 26.2% -15.0%
Owner occupied 656 74% 18.8%
Unoccupied housing units
32.3%
Unoccupied housing units refer to homes that are currently without residents—whether they're waiting for renters or owners, used seasonally, or simply unclaimed. A higher share of empty homes may mean more housing availability, while a low number can reflect a tighter market with more competition. This, along with the renter-vs.-owner mix, helps paint a clearer picture of what types of housing and services are likely to be available in the area.

Gualala housing costs

Housing costs in Gualala come to a median of $2,734 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $2,824.

Median housing costs per month
$2,734/month
This figure sums up typical monthly housing costs for all households in the area. If you own, it includes mortgage payments in addition to property taxes, insurance and HOA fees. If you rent, it accounts for rent plus extras like utilities. It’s useful for seeing how local living expenses stack up compared to other places.
Median gross rent in Gualala
$2,824/month
Gross rent gives a more complete look at what renters actually pay, including not just base rent, but also utilities and fees. It’s a key number for evaluating rental affordability in your area of interest and understanding how it compares to nearby locations.

Education in Gualala

Gualala education at a glance

About 40.7% of the population in Gualala went to high school, while 9% pursued college studies. Another 12.5% earned an associate degree and 25.4% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 11% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 24 1.4% 14.3%
High school diploma 698 40.7% 74.9%
College diploma 154 9% -44.6%
Associate degree 215 12.5% 9.7%
Bachelor's degree 435 25.4% 8.5%
Graduate degree 188 11% 22.9%
A community’s education mix can offer insights into the local economy and housing market. Higher levels of education often align with more job opportunities and stable incomes, which can increase demand for homes and influence both rent prices and rental availability.

Income in Gualala

How much people earn in Gualala

The average annual household income in Gualala was $151,671 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +30.3% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $127,206, reflecting a +36.2% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Gualala
$151,671/year
30.3% year-over-year change
Median household income in Gualala
$127,206/year
36.2% year-over-year change

Gualala income by age

In Gualala, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $129,218. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $100,804 overall. Overall, 97.8% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
25 - 44 $129,218 -9.9%
45 - 64 $100,804 11.5%
Over 65 $90,915 2.1%
Above poverty level
2,577
Below poverty level
57
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 2,577 97.8% 35.9%
Below poverty level 57 2.2% -40.0%

Employment in Gualala

Workforce and job types in Gualala

80.6% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 19.4% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 5.8% run their own businesses, 70.6% are employed by private companies, and 10.3% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

White collar
898
Blue collar
216
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 898 80.6% 59.5%
Blue collar 216 19.4% 37.6%
Employer type
Self employees
5.8%
Private companies
70.6%
Governmental workers
10.3%
Not for profit companies
13.2%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 65 5.8% -34.3%
Private companies 787 70.6% 95.3%
Governmental workers 115 10.3% -1.7%
Not for profit companies 147 13.2% 44.1%

Transportation in Gualala

How people get around in Gualala

Commuting methods vary: 97.3% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 2.7% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 640 97.3% 21.2%
Walk 18 2.7% 20.0%
Understanding how locals get to work can help you plan your own routine. High car usage might mean you’ll need a vehicle, while strong public transit or walkability could save you the hassle. Commute times also play a big role in quality of life—shorter trips can give you more time for the things you enjoy.

What is the median and average household income in Gualala by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
95445 2,766 926 $127,206 $157,990

Explore more communities

FAQs about Gualala demographics 

What is the total population of Gualala?

Gualala has a total population of 2,651 residents, according to the latest release from the U.S. Census Bureau: the 2019-2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates. This figure changed by +31.6% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Gualala?

The gender ratio in Gualala is as follows:
  • 55.1% males (1,460 residents)
  • 44.9% females (1,191 residents)

What is the median age in Gualala?

The median age in Gualala is 42.1.

What is the age distribution of the population in Gualala?

The age distribution in Gualala is as follows:
  • Under 15: 30.4% (807 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 5.8% (153 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 19.4% (514 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 27.3% (723 residents)
  • Over 65: 17.1% (454 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Gualala?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Gualala is as follows:
  • White: 58.5% (1,550 residents)
  • Black or African American: 0.1% (2 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0% ( residents)
  • Asian: 0% ( residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% ( residents)
  • Two or More Races: 37.2% (985 residents)
  • Other: 4.3% (114 residents)

What percentage of the population in Gualala are U.S.-born citizens?

U.S.-born citizens represent 93.2% of the population in Gualala.

How many housing units are there in Gualala?

There are 1,311 housing units in Gualala, reflecting a +3.5% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

How many households are in Gualala and what is the average household size?

Gualala has a total of 887 households, with an average of 3 people in each.

What is the median household income in Gualala?

Gualala has a median household income of $127,206, representing a +36.2% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the job market overview for Gualala?

Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 80.6% (898 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 19.4% (216 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 5.8% (65 residents)
  • Private companies: 70.6% (787 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 10.3% (115 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 13.2% (147 residents)

Data source & methodology

The demographic data on this page was sourced from the latest U.S. Census Bureau release—the 2019–2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates.

The information, issued annually, is compiled and published by the Point2Homes Research Team as soon as new data becomes available.

No representation, guarantee, or warranty is made concerning the accuracy or completeness of modified or aggregated information for particular areas.

Page last updated: September 2025