McKinleyville, CA demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
17,113
-0.2% year-over-year change
Median household income
$73,327/yr
10.9% year-over-year change
Housing units
7,346
-0.9% year-over-year change

McKinleyville population

How many people live in McKinleyville

McKinleyville is home to 17,113 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 49.6% of McKinleyville locals are male, and 50.4% are female.

Total population
17,113
-0.2% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
49.6%
8,494
Female
50.4%
8,619
Value Percent YoY change
Male 8,494 49.6% 2.4%
Female 8,619 50.4% -2.7%
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 McKinleyville is 41, with the population distributed as follows: about 17.4% are children under 15, then 13.4% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 26.3% of the population, while another 23.7% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 19.1% are 65 or older.

Median age
41.1
Age breakdown
Under 15
17.4%
15 to 24
13.4%
25 to 44
26.3%
45 to 64
23.7%
Over 65
19.1%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 2,984 17.4% -11.2%
15 to 24 2,293 13.4% 6.5%
25 to 44 4,507 26.3% -7.1%
45 to 64 4,058 23.7% 8.8%
Over 65 3,271 19.1% 6.9%
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 McKinleyville, 94.7% of the population are US-born citizens, while 3.9% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 1.4% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 73.9% of locals are Caucasian, 0.1% are African American and 2.4% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 16.1% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
94.7%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
3.9%
Non-citizens
1.4%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 16,212 94.7% -0.3%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 670 3.9% -7.5%
Non-citizens 231 1.4% 37.5%
Racial breakdown
White
73.9%
Black or African American
0.1%
American Indian and Alaska Native
3.1%
Asian
2.4%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
16.1%
Other
4.3%
Value Percent
White 12,645 73.9%
Black or African American 19 0.1%
American Indian and Alaska Native 533 3.1%
Asian 419 2.4%
Two or more races 2,761 16.1%
Other 736 4.3%

Households in McKinleyville

A peek inside McKinleyville households

McKinleyville has 6,670 households, with an average of 3 members in each. Of these, 61.3% are families, while the remaining 38.7% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
6,670
-1.9% year-over-year change
Average people per household
3
Non-family households
2,581
Family households
4,089
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 2,581 38.7% -12.5%
Family households 4,089 61.3% 6.3%
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 McKinleyville

The housing landscape of McKinleyville

McKinleyville's housing consists of 7,346 units, with 76.3% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 6.2% and offer a more compact, shared living style. Then there are the multifamily buildings in the area, and for those seeking flexibility, non-traditional options like mobile homes account for 8.3% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
7,346
-0.9% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 5,606 76.3%
1 unit, attached 458 6.2%
2 units 193 2.6%
3 or 4 units 259 3.5%
5 to 9 units 74 1%
10 to 19 units 38 0.5%
20 to 49 units 56 0.8%
50 or more units 54 0.7%
Mobile home 608 8.3%
Homes built since 2020
67
139.3% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in McKinleyville

In McKinleyville, the median construction year is 1991. About 3.8% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 2.8% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 21.9% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 5.7% between 2010 and 2019, and 0.9% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 278 3.8% 23.0%
Built between 1940 and 1949 205 2.8% -27.6%
Built between 1950 and 1959 741 10.1% 19.5%
Built between 1960 and 1969 707 9.6% 5.8%
Built between 1970 and 1979 673 9.2% -10.9%
Built between 1980 and 1989 801 10.9% 0.6%
Built between 1990 and 1999 1,851 25.2% 4.4%
Built between 2000 and 2009 1,607 21.9% -11.0%
Built between 2010 and 2019 416 5.7% -9.4%
Built in 2020 or later 67 0.9% 139.3%
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.

McKinleyville occupancy rates

Out of the 6,670 occupied housing units in McKinleyville, 62.9% are owner-occupied, while 37.1% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 9.2% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
6,670
-1.9% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
2,476
Owner occupied
4,194
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 2,476 37.1% -10.3%
Owner occupied 4,194 62.9% 3.9%
Unoccupied housing units
9.2%
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.

McKinleyville housing costs

Housing costs in McKinleyville come to a median of $1,529 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,607.

Median housing costs per month
$1,529/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 McKinleyville
$1,607/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 McKinleyville

McKinleyville education at a glance

About 27.9% of the population in McKinleyville went to high school, while 26.3% pursued college studies. Another 8.8% earned an associate degree and 23.1% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 12.7% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 160 1.2% 272.1%
High school diploma 3,713 27.9% 4.7%
College diploma 3,508 26.3% -2.8%
Associate degree 1,173 8.8% -16.0%
Bachelor's degree 3,074 23.1% 2.1%
Graduate degree 1,693 12.7% 8.3%
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 McKinleyville

How much people earn in McKinleyville

The average annual household income in McKinleyville was $92,235 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +5.6% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $73,327, reflecting a +10.9% shift over the same period.

Average household income in McKinleyville
$92,235/year
5.6% year-over-year change
Median household income in McKinleyville
$73,327/year
10.9% year-over-year change

McKinleyville income by age

In McKinleyville, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $75,357. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $98,250 overall. Overall, 85.8% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
25 - 44 $75,357 7.0%
45 - 64 $98,250 23.0%
Over 65 $58,767 8.9%
Above poverty level
14,537
Below poverty level
2,400
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 14,537 85.8% 0.1%
Below poverty level 2,400 14.2% -4.8%

Average renter income in McKinleyville

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in McKinleyville, their median household income was $41,969 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 45.9%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$41,969
Rent-to-income ratio
45.9%
Understanding the rent-to-income ratio can help renters gauge if local housing costs align with their earnings. A ratio under 30% usually signals affordability, while exceeding this mark means rent is taking a larger-than-recommended bite out of income. That could make it harder for you to cover other costs like transportation, healthcare, or child care.

Employment in McKinleyville

Workforce and job types in McKinleyville

The job market in McKinleyville is powered by 7,276 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 82% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 18% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 19.2% run their own businesses, 45.8% are employed by private companies, and 28.8% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
7,276
2.9% year-over-year change
White collar
5,967
Blue collar
1,309
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 5,967 82% 8.7%
Blue collar 1,309 18% -17.3%
Employer type
Self employees
19.2%
Private companies
45.8%
Governmental workers
28.8%
Not for profit companies
6.2%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 1,396 19.2% 1.6%
Private companies 3,332 45.8% -3.3%
Governmental workers 2,094 28.8% 14.5%
Not for profit companies 454 6.2% 7.3%
Unemployment rate
7.9%
-13.7% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in McKinleyville stands at 7.9%, representing the share of the workforce currently without a job and actively looking for one.

For renters, the unemployment rate helps paint a picture of job security and financial stability in the area. Rates around 4% to 5% are considered typical. A lower-than-average rate might suggest strong job prospects and a thriving local economy, while a higher rate could hint at fewer opportunities—both useful to consider when planning a move.

Transportation in McKinleyville

How people get around in McKinleyville

Commuting methods vary: 84.6% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 1.2% 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 6,016 84.6% 2.0%
Bus or trolleybus 32 0.4% -11.1%
Motorcycle 15 0.2% N/A
Bicycle 105 1.5% 1,066.7%
Walk 82 1.2% 15.5%
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 McKinleyville by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
95519 18,728 7,429 $73,280 $95,118

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FAQs about McKinleyville demographics 

What is the total population of McKinleyville?

McKinleyville has a total population of 17,113 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 -0.2% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in McKinleyville?

The gender ratio in McKinleyville is as follows:
  • 49.6% males (8,494 residents)
  • 50.4% females (8,619 residents)

What is the median age in McKinleyville?

The median age in McKinleyville is 41.1.

What is the age distribution of the population in McKinleyville?

The age distribution in McKinleyville is as follows:
  • Under 15: 17.4% (2,984 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 13.4% (2,293 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 26.3% (4,507 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 23.7% (4,058 residents)
  • Over 65: 19.1% (3,271 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of McKinleyville?

The racial and ethnic makeup of McKinleyville is as follows:
  • White: 73.9% (12,645 residents)
  • Black or African American: 0.1% (19 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 3.1% (533 residents)
  • Asian: 2.4% (419 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 16.1% (2,761 residents)
  • Other: 4.3% (736 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 94.7% of the population in McKinleyville.

How many housing units are there in McKinleyville?

There are 7,346 housing units in McKinleyville, reflecting a -0.9% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

McKinleyville has a total of 6,670 households, with an average of 3 people in each.

What is the median household income in McKinleyville?

McKinleyville has a median household income of $73,327, representing a +10.9% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for McKinleyville?

The employment rate is 92.1% in McKinleyville, with a workforce of 7,276 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 82% (5,967 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 18% (1,309 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 19.2% (1,396 residents)
  • Private companies: 45.8% (3,332 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 28.8% (2,094 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 6.2% (454 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