Sonoma, CA demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
10,670
-0.5% year-over-year change
Median household income
$98,527/yr
-2.7% year-over-year change
Housing units
5,992
1.1% year-over-year change

Sonoma population

How many people live in Sonoma

Sonoma is home to 10,670 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 46.1% of Sonoma locals are male, and 53.9% are female.

Total population
10,670
-0.5% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
46.1%
4,917
Female
53.9%
5,753
Value Percent YoY change
Male 4,917 46.1% 0.1%
Female 5,753 53.9% -1.1%
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 Sonoma is 57, with the population distributed as follows: about 9.8% are children under 15, then 9.4% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 16.2% of the population, while another 30.4% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 34.3% are 65 or older.

Median age
57.3
Age breakdown
Under 15
9.8%
15 to 24
9.4%
25 to 44
16.2%
45 to 64
30.4%
Over 65
34.3%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 1,042 9.8% -6.1%
15 to 24 999 9.4% 2.6%
25 to 44 1,725 16.2% -1.4%
45 to 64 3,245 30.4% -4.4%
Over 65 3,659 34.3% 4.6%
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 Sonoma, 88.3% of the population are US-born citizens, while 7.9% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 3.9% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 82.6% of locals are Caucasian, 1.2% are African American and 2% have Asian roots. Another 0.4% are Indigenous American, 1.3% are Pacific Islanders, while 4.2% identify as another race. There’s also a share of 8.4% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
88.3%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
7.9%
Non-citizens
3.9%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 9,417 88.3% -1.2%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 840 7.9% -0.8%
Non-citizens 413 3.9% 18.7%
Racial breakdown
White
82.6%
Black or African American
1.2%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.4%
Asian
2%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
1.3%
Two or more races
8.4%
Other
4.2%
Value Percent
White 8,810 82.6%
Black or African American 128 1.2%
American Indian and Alaska Native 43 0.4%
Asian 212 2%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 135 1.3%
Two or more races 899 8.4%
Other 443 4.2%

Households in Sonoma

A peek inside Sonoma households

Sonoma has 5,285 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 52.4% are families, while the remaining 47.6% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
5,285
0.5% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
2,517
Family households
2,768
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 2,517 47.6% 1.7%
Family households 2,768 52.4% -0.6%
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 Sonoma

The housing landscape of Sonoma

Sonoma's housing consists of 5,992 units, with 58.1% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 10.6% 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 9.4% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
5,992
1.1% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 3,482 58.1%
1 unit, attached 635 10.6%
2 units 240 4%
3 or 4 units 392 6.5%
5 to 9 units 330 5.5%
10 to 19 units 94 1.6%
20 to 49 units 92 1.5%
50 or more units 167 2.8%
Mobile home 560 9.4%
Homes built since 2020
68
126.7% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Sonoma

In Sonoma, the median construction year is 1977. About 6% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 5.8% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 14.4% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 3.9% between 2010 and 2019, and 1.1% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 360 6% 32.8%
Built between 1940 and 1949 350 5.8% 14.0%
Built between 1950 and 1959 493 8.2% 12.6%
Built between 1960 and 1969 758 12.6% -10.4%
Built between 1970 and 1979 1,435 24% 15.0%
Built between 1980 and 1989 854 14.2% -14.8%
Built between 1990 and 1999 582 9.7% 15.2%
Built between 2000 and 2009 861 14.4% -17.0%
Built between 2010 and 2019 231 3.9% -5.7%
Built in 2020 or later 68 1.1% 126.7%
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.

Sonoma occupancy rates

Out of the 5,285 occupied housing units in Sonoma, 65% are owner-occupied, while 35% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 11.8% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
5,285
0.5% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
1,850
Owner occupied
3,435
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 1,850 35% -4.5%
Owner occupied 3,435 65% 3.5%
Unoccupied housing units
11.8%
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.

Sonoma housing costs

Housing costs in Sonoma come to a median of $2,264 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $2,226.

Median housing costs per month
$2,264/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 Sonoma
$2,226/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 Sonoma

Sonoma education at a glance

About 22.9% of the population in Sonoma went to high school, while 19.7% pursued college studies. Another 6.8% earned an associate degree and 32.2% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 16.3% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 190 2.1% 8.6%
High school diploma 2,100 22.9% -5.2%
College diploma 1,809 19.7% -6.0%
Associate degree 627 6.8% -15.0%
Bachelor's degree 2,949 32.2% 19.3%
Graduate degree 1,492 16.3% -9.8%
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 Sonoma

How much people earn in Sonoma

The average annual household income in Sonoma was $146,907 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +0.2% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $98,527, reflecting a -2.7% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Sonoma
$146,907/year
0.2% year-over-year change
Median household income in Sonoma
$98,527/year
-2.7% year-over-year change

Sonoma income by age

In Sonoma, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $104,700. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $123,875 overall. Overall, 90.1% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
25 - 44 $104,700 6.4%
45 - 64 $123,875 -5.2%
Over 65 $78,766 4.2%
Above poverty level
9,385
Below poverty level
1,035
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 9,385 90.1% -1.6%
Below poverty level 1,035 9.9% 20.9%

Average renter income in Sonoma

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Sonoma, their median household income was $67,074 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 39.8%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$67,074
Rent-to-income ratio
39.8%
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 Sonoma

Workforce and job types in Sonoma

The job market in Sonoma is powered by 4,912 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 88.4% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 11.6% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 16.2% run their own businesses, 62.4% are employed by private companies, and 12.2% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
4,912
0.8% year-over-year change
White collar
4,340
Blue collar
572
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 4,340 88.4% -0.8%
Blue collar 572 11.6% 15.1%
Employer type
Self employees
16.2%
Private companies
62.4%
Governmental workers
12.2%
Not for profit companies
9.3%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 795 16.2% 0.4%
Private companies 3,065 62.4% -0.7%
Governmental workers 597 12.2% -6.4%
Not for profit companies 455 9.3% 26.7%
Unemployment rate
5.7%
-19.5% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Sonoma stands at 5.7%, 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 Sonoma

How people get around in Sonoma

In Sonoma, the average commute time is 25 minutes. Commuting methods vary: 70.8% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 4.6% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Commute time
25 min
-5.2% year-over-year change
Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 3,424 70.8% 0.9%
Motorcycle 11 0.2% -8.3%
Bicycle 50 1% 85.2%
Walk 225 4.6% 22.3%
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 Sonoma by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
95476 35,196 15,072 $105,374 $154,409

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FAQs about Sonoma demographics 

What is the total population of Sonoma?

Sonoma has a total population of 10,670 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 Sonoma?

The gender ratio in Sonoma is as follows:
  • 46.1% males (4,917 residents)
  • 53.9% females (5,753 residents)

What is the median age in Sonoma?

The median age in Sonoma is 57.3.

What is the age distribution of the population in Sonoma?

The age distribution in Sonoma is as follows:
  • Under 15: 9.8% (1,042 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 9.4% (999 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 16.2% (1,725 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 30.4% (3,245 residents)
  • Over 65: 34.3% (3,659 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Sonoma?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Sonoma is as follows:
  • White: 82.6% (8,810 residents)
  • Black or African American: 1.2% (128 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.4% (43 residents)
  • Asian: 2% (212 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 1.3% (135 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 8.4% (899 residents)
  • Other: 4.2% (443 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 88.3% of the population in Sonoma.

How many housing units are there in Sonoma?

There are 5,992 housing units in Sonoma, 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 Sonoma and what is the average household size?

Sonoma has a total of 5,285 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Sonoma?

Sonoma has a median household income of $98,527, representing a -2.7% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

The employment rate is 94.3% in Sonoma, with a workforce of 4,912 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 88.4% (4,340 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 11.6% (572 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 16.2% (795 residents)
  • Private companies: 62.4% (3,065 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 12.2% (597 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 9.3% (455 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