Willits, CA demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
4,920
-0.5% year-over-year change
Median household income
$63,447/yr
13.4% year-over-year change
Housing units
2,319
10.1% year-over-year change

Willits population

How many people live in Willits

Willits is home to 4,920 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 45.4% of Willits locals are male, and 54.6% are female.

Total population
4,920
-0.5% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
45.4%
2,233
Female
54.6%
2,687
Value Percent YoY change
Male 2,233 45.4% -3.6%
Female 2,687 54.6% 2.2%
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 Willits is 43, with the population distributed as follows: about 16.3% are children under 15, then 15.2% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 19.2% of the population, while another 19.2% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 30.1% are 65 or older.

Median age
42.9
Age breakdown
Under 15
16.3%
15 to 24
15.2%
25 to 44
19.2%
45 to 64
19.2%
Over 65
30.1%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 804 16.3% -23.4%
15 to 24 749 15.2% 15.9%
25 to 44 943 19.2% -7.5%
45 to 64 942 19.2% 15.9%
Over 65 1,482 30.1% 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 Willits, 85.4% of the population are US-born citizens, while 9.9% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 4.7% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 56.4% of locals are Caucasian, 1.3% are African American and 1.4% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 30.5% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
85.4%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
9.9%
Non-citizens
4.7%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 4,200 85.4% -5.2%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 488 9.9% 156.8%
Non-citizens 232 4.7% -28.4%
Racial breakdown
White
56.4%
Black or African American
1.3%
American Indian and Alaska Native
4.4%
Asian
1.4%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
30.5%
Other
6%
Value Percent
White 2,777 56.4%
Black or African American 62 1.3%
American Indian and Alaska Native 218 4.4%
Asian 69 1.4%
Two or more races 1,499 30.5%
Other 295 6%

Households in Willits

A peek inside Willits households

Willits has 2,162 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 46% are families, while the remaining 54% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
2,162
10.4% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
1,167
Family households
995
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 1,167 54% 12.2%
Family households 995 46% 8.3%
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 Willits

The housing landscape of Willits

Willits's housing consists of 2,319 units, with 51.7% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 7.7% 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 0.7% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
2,319
10.1% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 1,198 51.7%
1 unit, attached 179 7.7%
2 units 73 3.2%
3 or 4 units 251 10.8%
5 to 9 units 180 7.8%
10 to 19 units 83 3.6%
20 to 49 units 106 4.6%
50 or more units 78 3.4%
Mobile home 16 0.7%
Boat, RV, van, etc. 155 6.7%
Homes built since 2020
69
13.1% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Willits

In Willits, the median construction year is 1976. About 8.6% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 7.9% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 5.8% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 5.5% between 2010 and 2019, and 3% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 199 8.6% 27.6%
Built between 1940 and 1949 184 7.9% -8.5%
Built between 1950 and 1959 380 16.4% -4.5%
Built between 1960 and 1969 75 3.2% -51.9%
Built between 1970 and 1979 507 21.9% 22.5%
Built between 1980 and 1989 411 17.7% -4.2%
Built between 1990 and 1999 233 10% 29.4%
Built between 2000 and 2009 134 5.8% 20.7%
Built between 2010 and 2019 127 5.5% N/A
Built in 2020 or later 69 3% 13.1%
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.

Willits occupancy rates

Out of the 2,162 occupied housing units in Willits, 40.9% are owner-occupied, while 59.1% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 6.8% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
2,162
10.4% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
1,277
Owner occupied
885
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 1,277 59.1% 7.3%
Owner occupied 885 40.9% 15.1%
Unoccupied housing units
6.8%
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.

Willits housing costs

Housing costs in Willits come to a median of $1,359 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,197.

Median housing costs per month
$1,359/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 Willits
$1,197/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 Willits

Willits education at a glance

About 41.6% of the population in Willits went to high school, while 24.2% pursued college studies. Another 8.2% earned an associate degree and 9.4% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 5.3% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 432 11.3% 46.9%
High school diploma 1,591 41.6% 9.5%
College diploma 923 24.2% -1.4%
Associate degree 314 8.2% -32.3%
Bachelor's degree 359 9.4% 2.0%
Graduate degree 203 5.3% -4.7%
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 Willits

How much people earn in Willits

The average annual household income in Willits was $83,934 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +11.2% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $63,447, reflecting a +13.4% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Willits
$83,934/year
11.2% year-over-year change
Median household income in Willits
$63,447/year
13.4% year-over-year change

Willits income by age

In Willits, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $110,541. Overall, 90.1% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
25 - 44 $110,541 85.1%
Over 65 $48,375 -7.5%
Above poverty level
4,373
Below poverty level
480
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 4,373 90.1% 5.5%
Below poverty level 480 9.9% -28.0%

Average renter income in Willits

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Willits, their median household income was $26,250 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 54.7%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$26,250
Rent-to-income ratio
54.7%
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 Willits

Workforce and job types in Willits

The job market in Willits is powered by 1,920 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 64.3% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 35.7% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 10.3% run their own businesses, 60.9% are employed by private companies, and 12.3% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
1,920
22.4% year-over-year change
White collar
1,234
Blue collar
686
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 1,234 64.3% 11.2%
Blue collar 686 35.7% 49.5%
Employer type
Self employees
10.3%
Private companies
60.9%
Governmental workers
12.3%
Not for profit companies
16.6%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 197 10.3% 159.2%
Private companies 1,169 60.9% 28.2%
Governmental workers 236 12.3% -4.1%
Not for profit companies 318 16.6% -5.1%
Unemployment rate
10.3%
5.7% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Willits stands at 10.3%, 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 Willits

How people get around in Willits

Commuting methods vary: 80.1% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 13.1% 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 1,521 80.1% 33.4%
Walk 248 13.1% 27.2%
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 Willits by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
95490 14,677 5,701 $79,594 $98,368

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FAQs about Willits demographics 

What is the total population of Willits?

Willits has a total population of 4,920 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 Willits?

The gender ratio in Willits is as follows:
  • 45.4% males (2,233 residents)
  • 54.6% females (2,687 residents)

What is the median age in Willits?

The median age in Willits is 42.9.

What is the age distribution of the population in Willits?

The age distribution in Willits is as follows:
  • Under 15: 16.3% (804 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 15.2% (749 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 19.2% (943 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 19.2% (942 residents)
  • Over 65: 30.1% (1,482 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Willits?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Willits is as follows:
  • White: 56.4% (2,777 residents)
  • Black or African American: 1.3% (62 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 4.4% (218 residents)
  • Asian: 1.4% (69 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 30.5% (1,499 residents)
  • Other: 6% (295 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 85.4% of the population in Willits.

How many housing units are there in Willits?

There are 2,319 housing units in Willits, reflecting a +10.1% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Willits has a total of 2,162 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Willits?

Willits has a median household income of $63,447, representing a +13.4% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

The employment rate is 89.7% in Willits, with a workforce of 1,920 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 64.3% (1,234 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 35.7% (686 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 10.3% (197 residents)
  • Private companies: 60.9% (1,169 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 12.3% (236 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 16.6% (318 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