Novato, CA demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
52,546
-0.3% year-over-year change
Median household income
$115,736/yr
3.2% year-over-year change
Housing units
20,982
-1.3% year-over-year change

Novato population

How many people live in Novato

Novato is home to 52,546 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 50.8% of Novato locals are male, and 49.2% are female.

Total population
52,546
-0.3% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
50.8%
26,704
Female
49.2%
25,842
Value Percent YoY change
Male 26,704 50.8% -0.2%
Female 25,842 49.2% -0.4%
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 Novato is 48, with the population distributed as follows: about 16.6% are children under 15, then 11% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 19.9% of the population, while another 28.6% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 24% are 65 or older.

Median age
47.5
Age breakdown
Under 15
16.6%
15 to 24
11%
25 to 44
19.9%
45 to 64
28.6%
Over 65
24%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 8,723 16.6% 1.8%
15 to 24 5,760 11% 6.5%
25 to 44 10,435 19.9% -3.0%
45 to 64 15,016 28.6% -2.0%
Over 65 12,612 24% -0.1%
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 Novato, 75.5% of the population are US-born citizens, while 13.5% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 11% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 58.8% of locals are Caucasian, 2.6% are African American and 7% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 15.7% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
75.5%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
13.5%
Non-citizens
11%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 39,676 75.5% -1.1%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 7,093 13.5% -2.4%
Non-citizens 5,777 11% 8.9%
Racial breakdown
White
58.8%
Black or African American
2.6%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.9%
Asian
7%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
15.7%
Other
15%
Value Percent
White 30,890 58.8%
Black or African American 1,342 2.6%
American Indian and Alaska Native 488 0.9%
Asian 3,703 7%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 14 0%
Two or more races 8,231 15.7%
Other 7,878 15%

Households in Novato

A peek inside Novato households

Novato has 20,056 households, with an average of 3 members in each. Of these, 68.4% 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
20,056
-1.8% year-over-year change
Average people per household
3
Non-family households
6,334
Family households
13,722
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 6,334 31.6% -4.3%
Family households 13,722 68.4% -0.7%
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 Novato

The housing landscape of Novato

Novato's housing consists of 20,982 units, with 58.4% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 11.7% 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 3.1% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
20,982
-1.3% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 12,264 58.4%
1 unit, attached 2,454 11.7%
2 units 357 1.7%
3 or 4 units 1,003 4.8%
5 to 9 units 1,267 6%
10 to 19 units 708 3.4%
20 to 49 units 1,276 6.1%
50 or more units 1,009 4.8%
Mobile home 644 3.1%
Homes built since 2020
73
37.7% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Novato

In Novato, the median construction year is 1975. About 2.6% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 3.4% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 13% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 1.6% between 2010 and 2019, and 0.4% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 535 2.6% -18.1%
Built between 1940 and 1949 711 3.4% 0.8%
Built between 1950 and 1959 2,845 13.6% -6.0%
Built between 1960 and 1969 3,715 17.7% -3.9%
Built between 1970 and 1979 5,720 27.3% -2.0%
Built between 1980 and 1989 2,649 12.6% 6.3%
Built between 1990 and 1999 1,673 8% -9.3%
Built between 2000 and 2009 2,723 13% 10.2%
Built between 2010 and 2019 338 1.6% 7.6%
Built in 2020 or later 73 0.4% 37.7%
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.

Novato occupancy rates

Out of the 20,056 occupied housing units in Novato, 66.1% are owner-occupied, while 33.9% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 4.4% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
20,056
-1.8% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
6,798
Owner occupied
13,258
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 6,798 33.9% -3.5%
Owner occupied 13,258 66.1% -0.9%
Unoccupied housing units
4.4%
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.

Novato housing costs

Housing costs in Novato come to a median of $2,694 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $2,506.

Median housing costs per month
$2,694/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 Novato
$2,506/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 Novato

Novato education at a glance

About 19.7% of the population in Novato went to high school, while 20% pursued college studies. Another 7.3% earned an associate degree and 29.9% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 16.8% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 2,637 6.3% 16.1%
High school diploma 8,230 19.7% -2.5%
College diploma 8,363 20% -6.2%
Associate degree 3,034 7.3% -4.5%
Bachelor's degree 12,492 29.9% 4.3%
Graduate degree 7,016 16.8% -0.2%
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 Novato

How much people earn in Novato

The average annual household income in Novato was $166,793 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +3.1% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $115,736, reflecting a +3.2% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Novato
$166,793/year
3.1% year-over-year change
Median household income in Novato
$115,736/year
3.2% year-over-year change

Novato income by age

In Novato, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $124,307. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $145,917 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $93,375, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $90,361 in earnings. Overall, 90.6% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $93,375 9.8%
25 - 44 $124,307 3.4%
45 - 64 $145,917 4.9%
Over 65 $90,361 0.5%
Above poverty level
46,954
Below poverty level
4,875
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 46,954 90.6% -1.0%
Below poverty level 4,875 9.4% 8.8%

Average renter income in Novato

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Novato, their median household income was $74,714 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 40.2%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$74,714
Rent-to-income ratio
40.2%
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 Novato

Workforce and job types in Novato

The job market in Novato is powered by 24,978 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 87.8% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 12.2% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 15.8% run their own businesses, 59.8% are employed by private companies, and 14% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
24,978
0.9% year-over-year change
White collar
21,918
Blue collar
3,060
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 21,918 87.8% 1.0%
Blue collar 3,060 12.2% 0.4%
Employer type
Self employees
15.8%
Private companies
59.8%
Governmental workers
14%
Not for profit companies
10.3%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 3,954 15.8% -3.2%
Private companies 14,934 59.8% 2.3%
Governmental workers 3,510 14% -5.3%
Not for profit companies 2,580 10.3% 9.2%
Unemployment rate
5.9%
-12.3% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Novato stands at 5.9%, 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 Novato

How people get around in Novato

In Novato, the average commute time is 28 minutes. Commuting methods vary: 72.2% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 2.2% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Commute time
28 min
Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 17,524 72.2% -2.3%
Taxicab 37 0.2% 37.0%
Bus or trolleybus 724 3% 3.3%
Railroad 17 0.1% -52.8%
Ferryboat 189 0.8% -28.1%
Motorcycle 21 0.1% -25.0%
Bicycle 198 0.8% 16.5%
Walk 532 2.2% 10.4%
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 Novato by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
94945 17,635 7,081 $107,790 $165,196
94947 24,100 8,854 $128,766 $168,074
94949 17,787 6,955 $120,758 $184,629

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FAQs about Novato demographics 

What is the total population of Novato?

Novato has a total population of 52,546 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 -0.3% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Novato?

The gender ratio in Novato is as follows:
  • 50.8% males (26,704 residents)
  • 49.2% females (25,842 residents)

What is the median age in Novato?

The median age in Novato is 47.5.

What is the age distribution of the population in Novato?

The age distribution in Novato is as follows:
  • Under 15: 16.6% (8,723 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 11% (5,760 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 19.9% (10,435 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 28.6% (15,016 residents)
  • Over 65: 24% (12,612 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Novato?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Novato is as follows:
  • White: 58.8% (30,890 residents)
  • Black or African American: 2.6% (1,342 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.9% (488 residents)
  • Asian: 7% (3,703 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (14 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 15.7% (8,231 residents)
  • Other: 15% (7,878 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 75.5% of the population in Novato.

How many housing units are there in Novato?

There are 20,982 housing units in Novato, reflecting a -1.3% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Novato has a total of 20,056 households, with an average of 3 people in each.

What is the median household income in Novato?

Novato has a median household income of $115,736, representing a +3.2% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

The employment rate is 94.1% in Novato, with a workforce of 24,978 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 87.8% (21,918 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 12.2% (3,060 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 15.8% (3,954 residents)
  • Private companies: 59.8% (14,934 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 14% (3,510 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 10.3% (2,580 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