Petaluma, CA demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
59,247
-0.1% year-over-year change
Median household income
$115,430/yr
5.1% year-over-year change
Housing units
25,107
1.1% year-over-year change

Petaluma population

How many people live in Petaluma

Petaluma is home to 59,247 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 49% of Petaluma locals are male, and 51% are female.

Total population
59,247
-0.1% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
49%
29,042
Female
51%
30,205
Value Percent YoY change
Male 29,042 49% -1.3%
Female 30,205 51% 1.0%
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 Petaluma is 45, with the population distributed as follows: about 14.8% are children under 15, then 9.6% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 25.1% of the population, while another 28.4% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 22.1% are 65 or older.

Median age
45.3
Age breakdown
Under 15
14.8%
15 to 24
9.6%
25 to 44
25.1%
45 to 64
28.4%
Over 65
22.1%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 8,780 14.8% -0.7%
15 to 24 5,715 9.6% 1.4%
25 to 44 14,873 25.1% -2.0%
45 to 64 16,808 28.4% -1.2%
Over 65 13,071 22.1% 3.4%
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 Petaluma, 83.7% of the population are US-born citizens, while 10% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 6.3% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 70.1% of locals are Caucasian, 1.2% are African American and 3.8% have Asian roots. Another 1.2% are Indigenous American, 0.1% are Pacific Islanders, while 7.9% identify as another race. There’s also a share of 15.6% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
83.7%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
10%
Non-citizens
6.3%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 49,597 83.7% -0.3%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 5,926 10% 1.1%
Non-citizens 3,724 6.3% 0.3%
Racial breakdown
White
70.1%
Black or African American
1.2%
American Indian and Alaska Native
1.2%
Asian
3.8%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0.1%
Two or more races
15.6%
Other
7.9%
Value Percent
White 41,518 70.1%
Black or African American 734 1.2%
American Indian and Alaska Native 689 1.2%
Asian 2,276 3.8%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 81 0.1%
Two or more races 9,257 15.6%
Other 4,692 7.9%

Households in Petaluma

A peek inside Petaluma households

Petaluma has 24,239 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 62.8% are families, while the remaining 37.2% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
24,239
0.3% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
9,009
Family households
15,230
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 9,009 37.2% 0.5%
Family households 15,230 62.8% 0.3%
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 Petaluma

The housing landscape of Petaluma

Petaluma's housing consists of 25,107 units, with 69.6% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 6.5% 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
25,107
1.1% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 17,479 69.6%
1 unit, attached 1,634 6.5%
2 units 454 1.8%
3 or 4 units 705 2.8%
5 to 9 units 757 3%
10 to 19 units 538 2.1%
20 to 49 units 774 3.1%
50 or more units 1,988 7.9%
Mobile home 778 3.1%
Homes built since 2020
176
69.2% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Petaluma

In Petaluma, the median construction year is 1979. About 10.8% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 3.6% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 9.3% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 7.7% between 2010 and 2019, and 0.7% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 2,707 10.8% 8.1%
Built between 1940 and 1949 917 3.6% -5.0%
Built between 1950 and 1959 1,670 6.6% -8.0%
Built between 1960 and 1969 3,459 13.8% 4.0%
Built between 1970 and 1979 4,348 17.3% 0.2%
Built between 1980 and 1989 3,692 14.7% -0.5%
Built between 1990 and 1999 3,876 15.4% -3.4%
Built between 2000 and 2009 2,338 9.3% 1.7%
Built between 2010 and 2019 1,924 7.7% 8.8%
Built in 2020 or later 176 0.7% 69.2%
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.

Petaluma occupancy rates

Out of the 24,239 occupied housing units in Petaluma, 64.5% are owner-occupied, while 35.5% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 3.5% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
24,239
0.3% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
8,596
Owner occupied
15,643
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 8,596 35.5% -1.5%
Owner occupied 15,643 64.5% 1.4%
Unoccupied housing units
3.5%
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.

Petaluma housing costs

Housing costs in Petaluma come to a median of $2,532 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $2,440.

Median housing costs per month
$2,532/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 Petaluma
$2,440/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 Petaluma

Petaluma education at a glance

About 22.4% of the population in Petaluma went to high school, while 22.4% pursued college studies. Another 9.2% earned an associate degree and 27.2% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 14.5% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 2,104 4.3% 17.4%
High school diploma 10,835 22.4% -2.1%
College diploma 10,879 22.4% -3.9%
Associate degree 4,471 9.2% 5.8%
Bachelor's degree 13,159 27.2% 2.2%
Graduate degree 7,017 14.5% 0.3%
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 Petaluma

How much people earn in Petaluma

The average annual household income in Petaluma was $147,005 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +3% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $115,430, reflecting a +5.1% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Petaluma
$147,005/year
3.0% year-over-year change
Median household income in Petaluma
$115,430/year
5.1% year-over-year change

Petaluma income by age

In Petaluma, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $141,206. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $135,000 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $78,125, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $82,893 in earnings. Overall, 93.5% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $78,125 5.8%
25 - 44 $141,206 7.2%
45 - 64 $135,000 2.3%
Over 65 $82,893 5.5%
Above poverty level
54,612
Below poverty level
3,815
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 54,612 93.5% -0.5%
Below poverty level 3,815 6.5% 5.5%

Average renter income in Petaluma

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Petaluma, their median household income was $83,248 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 35.2%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$83,248
Rent-to-income ratio
35.2%
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 Petaluma

Workforce and job types in Petaluma

The job market in Petaluma is powered by 30,520 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 83.1% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 16.9% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 14.1% run their own businesses, 62.2% are employed by private companies, and 15.2% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
30,520
0.7% year-over-year change
White collar
25,362
Blue collar
5,158
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 25,362 83.1% -0.5%
Blue collar 5,158 16.9% 7.2%
Employer type
Self employees
14.1%
Private companies
62.2%
Governmental workers
15.2%
Not for profit companies
8.4%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 4,306 14.1% 5.4%
Private companies 18,984 62.2% 1.0%
Governmental workers 4,652 15.2% -4.5%
Not for profit companies 2,578 8.4% 1.2%
Unemployment rate
4.6%
2.9% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Petaluma stands at 4.6%, 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 Petaluma

How people get around in Petaluma

Commuting methods vary: 74.2% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 2.3% 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 22,128 74.2% -2.0%
Taxicab 17 0.1% 0.0%
Bus or trolleybus 363 1.2% 20.2%
Railroad 160 0.5% 48.1%
Motorcycle 27 0.1% -55.0%
Bicycle 126 0.4% -3.1%
Walk 674 2.3% -9.3%
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 Petaluma by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
94940 148 97 $47,021 $126,636
94945 17,635 7,081 $107,790 $165,196
94946 715 265 $154,688 $252,620
94952 33,785 13,985 $117,343 $156,832
94954 37,574 14,876 $113,527 $142,960

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FAQs about Petaluma demographics 

What is the total population of Petaluma?

Petaluma has a total population of 59,247 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 -0.1% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Petaluma?

The gender ratio in Petaluma is as follows:
  • 49% males (29,042 residents)
  • 51% females (30,205 residents)

What is the median age in Petaluma?

The median age in Petaluma is 45.3.

What is the age distribution of the population in Petaluma?

The age distribution in Petaluma is as follows:
  • Under 15: 14.8% (8,780 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 9.6% (5,715 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 25.1% (14,873 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 28.4% (16,808 residents)
  • Over 65: 22.1% (13,071 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Petaluma?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Petaluma is as follows:
  • White: 70.1% (41,518 residents)
  • Black or African American: 1.2% (734 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 1.2% (689 residents)
  • Asian: 3.8% (2,276 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0.1% (81 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 15.6% (9,257 residents)
  • Other: 7.9% (4,692 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 83.7% of the population in Petaluma.

How many housing units are there in Petaluma?

There are 25,107 housing units in Petaluma, reflecting a +1.1% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Petaluma has a total of 24,239 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Petaluma?

Petaluma has a median household income of $115,430, representing a +5.1% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

The employment rate is 95.4% in Petaluma, with a workforce of 30,520 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 83.1% (25,362 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 16.9% (5,158 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 14.1% (4,306 residents)
  • Private companies: 62.2% (18,984 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 15.2% (4,652 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 8.4% (2,578 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