Watsonville, CA demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
51,712
-0.5% year-over-year change
Median household income
$78,393/yr
4.8% year-over-year change
Housing units
15,790
-0.0% year-over-year change

Watsonville population

How many people live in Watsonville

Watsonville is home to 51,712 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 49.8% of Watsonville locals are male, and 50.2% are female.

Total population
51,712
-0.5% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
49.8%
25,764
Female
50.2%
25,948
Value Percent YoY change
Male 25,764 49.8% -0.4%
Female 25,948 50.2% -0.5%
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 Watsonville is 34, with the population distributed as follows: about 23.4% are children under 15, then 16.5% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 24.1% of the population, while another 23.1% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 13% are 65 or older.

Median age
33.8
Age breakdown
Under 15
23.4%
15 to 24
16.5%
25 to 44
24.1%
45 to 64
23.1%
Over 65
13%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 12,075 23.4% -3.2%
15 to 24 8,523 16.5% 1.7%
25 to 44 12,456 24.1% -1.8%
45 to 64 11,945 23.1% -0.3%
Over 65 6,713 13% 4.2%
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 Watsonville, 63.6% of the population are US-born citizens, while 12.6% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 23.8% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 26.5% of locals are Caucasian, 0.6% are African American and 2.7% have Asian roots. Another 3.2% are Indigenous American, 0.1% are Pacific Islanders, while 44.7% identify as another race. There’s also a share of 22.3% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
63.6%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
12.6%
Non-citizens
23.8%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 32,882 63.6% -0.5%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 6,506 12.6% -13.6%
Non-citizens 12,324 23.8% 8.2%
Racial breakdown
White
26.5%
Black or African American
0.6%
American Indian and Alaska Native
3.2%
Asian
2.7%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0.1%
Two or more races
22.3%
Other
44.7%
Value Percent
White 13,709 26.5%
Black or African American 291 0.6%
American Indian and Alaska Native 1,628 3.2%
Asian 1,392 2.7%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 62 0.1%
Two or more races 11,513 22.3%
Other 23,117 44.7%

Households in Watsonville

A peek inside Watsonville households

Watsonville has 15,151 households, with an average of 3 members in each. Of these, 76.7% are families, while the remaining 23.3% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
15,151
-0.8% year-over-year change
Average people per household
3
Non-family households
3,529
Family households
11,622
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 3,529 23.3% -3.2%
Family households 11,622 76.7% -0.0%
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 Watsonville

The housing landscape of Watsonville

Watsonville's housing consists of 15,790 units, with 52.5% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 7.6% 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 7.1% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
15,790
-0.0% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 8,294 52.5%
1 unit, attached 1,203 7.6%
2 units 304 1.9%
3 or 4 units 1,005 6.4%
5 to 9 units 1,030 6.5%
10 to 19 units 605 3.8%
20 to 49 units 1,127 7.1%
50 or more units 1,107 7%
Mobile home 1,115 7.1%
Homes built since 2020
33
32.0% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Watsonville

In Watsonville, the median construction year is 1977. About 11.6% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 3.3% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 17% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 2.3% between 2010 and 2019, and 0.2% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 1,826 11.6% -7.0%
Built between 1940 and 1949 518 3.3% -38.0%
Built between 1950 and 1959 1,596 10.1% -12.4%
Built between 1960 and 1969 1,788 11.3% 18.0%
Built between 1970 and 1979 3,191 20.2% 3.7%
Built between 1980 and 1989 2,538 16.1% -6.5%
Built between 1990 and 1999 1,257 8% 14.3%
Built between 2000 and 2009 2,682 17% 9.7%
Built between 2010 and 2019 361 2.3% 23.2%
Built in 2020 or later 33 0.2% 32.0%
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.

Watsonville occupancy rates

Out of the 15,151 occupied housing units in Watsonville, 44.8% are owner-occupied, while 55.2% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 4% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
15,151
-0.8% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
8,358
Owner occupied
6,793
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 8,358 55.2% -2.9%
Owner occupied 6,793 44.8% 2.0%
Unoccupied housing units
4.0%
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.

Watsonville housing costs

Housing costs in Watsonville come to a median of $1,914 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,889.

Median housing costs per month
$1,914/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 Watsonville
$1,889/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 Watsonville

Watsonville education at a glance

About 38.1% of the population in Watsonville went to high school, while 20.7% pursued college studies. Another 7.5% earned an associate degree and 7.8% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 3.3% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 8,253 22.5% 2.7%
High school diploma 13,969 38.1% 4.4%
College diploma 7,583 20.7% -7.6%
Associate degree 2,761 7.5% 3.8%
Bachelor's degree 2,870 7.8% 1.3%
Graduate degree 1,214 3.3% -10.5%
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 Watsonville

How much people earn in Watsonville

The average annual household income in Watsonville was $96,285 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +2.3% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $78,393, reflecting a +4.8% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Watsonville
$96,285/year
2.3% year-over-year change
Median household income in Watsonville
$78,393/year
4.8% year-over-year change

Watsonville income by age

In Watsonville, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $85,675. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $92,237 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $53,043, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $51,638 in earnings. Overall, 85.4% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $53,043 3.0%
25 - 44 $85,675 8.5%
45 - 64 $92,237 4.4%
Over 65 $51,638 10.1%
Above poverty level
43,360
Below poverty level
7,384
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 43,360 85.4% 0.0%
Below poverty level 7,384 14.6% -3.5%

Average renter income in Watsonville

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Watsonville, their median household income was $60,424 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 37.5%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$60,424
Rent-to-income ratio
37.5%
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 Watsonville

Workforce and job types in Watsonville

The job market in Watsonville is powered by 21,924 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 61% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 39% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 8.7% run their own businesses, 70.2% are employed by private companies, and 14.1% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
21,924
-1.4% year-over-year change
White collar
13,367
Blue collar
8,557
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 13,367 61% -2.0%
Blue collar 8,557 39% -0.5%
Employer type
Self employees
8.7%
Private companies
70.2%
Governmental workers
14.1%
Not for profit companies
7%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 1,898 8.7% 4.2%
Private companies 15,379 70.2% -1.4%
Governmental workers 3,101 14.1% -1.1%
Not for profit companies 1,546 7% -7.4%
Unemployment rate
7.7%
-3.9% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Watsonville stands at 7.7%, 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 Watsonville

How people get around in Watsonville

Commuting methods vary: 86.8% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 1.3% 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 18,222 86.8% -1.6%
Bus or trolleybus 257 1.2% 2.0%
Subway or elevated 44 0.2% N/A
Motorcycle 62 0.3% 34.8%
Bicycle 40 0.2% 566.7%
Walk 268 1.3% -8.8%
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 Watsonville by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
95076 82,806 24,656 $91,099 $118,619
95019 5,933 1,805 $67,474 $86,850

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FAQs about Watsonville demographics 

What is the total population of Watsonville?

Watsonville has a total population of 51,712 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 -0.5% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Watsonville?

The gender ratio in Watsonville is as follows:
  • 49.8% males (25,764 residents)
  • 50.2% females (25,948 residents)

What is the median age in Watsonville?

The median age in Watsonville is 33.8.

What is the age distribution of the population in Watsonville?

The age distribution in Watsonville is as follows:
  • Under 15: 23.4% (12,075 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 16.5% (8,523 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 24.1% (12,456 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 23.1% (11,945 residents)
  • Over 65: 13% (6,713 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Watsonville?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Watsonville is as follows:
  • White: 26.5% (13,709 residents)
  • Black or African American: 0.6% (291 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 3.2% (1,628 residents)
  • Asian: 2.7% (1,392 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0.1% (62 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 22.3% (11,513 residents)
  • Other: 44.7% (23,117 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 63.6% of the population in Watsonville.

How many housing units are there in Watsonville?

There are 15,790 housing units in Watsonville, reflecting a -0.0% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Watsonville has a total of 15,151 households, with an average of 3 people in each.

What is the median household income in Watsonville?

Watsonville has a median household income of $78,393, representing a +4.8% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

The employment rate is 92.3% in Watsonville, with a workforce of 21,924 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 61% (13,367 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 39% (8,557 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 8.7% (1,898 residents)
  • Private companies: 70.2% (15,379 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 14.1% (3,101 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 7% (1,546 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