2023 Sonoma County, California Demographics | Comprehensive Overview
Data and insights for Sonoma County, California, including population, age & gender distribution, race & ethnicity, median & household income distribution, property value distribution, educational attainment, health insurance coverage, nativity & citizenship, commuting & transportation, employment, veteran service, poverty & income and SNAP/food stamp recipients. Based on 2023 American Community Survey Estimates.
Sonoma County, California Key Demographic Statistics (2023 Estimates)
Key demographic statistics summarized from the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey (ACS).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2023 American Community Survey (ACS) Estimates
Sonoma County, California Demographics: Age & Gender Distribution (2023)
Key Demographic Indicators for Sonoma County, California
The following statistics highlight Sonoma County, California population and median age, based on U.S. Census Bureau 2023 ACS Estimates.
- Total Population
- 485,642
- Median Age (Total)
- 42.7 years
- Median Age (Male)
- 41.6 years
- Median Age (Female)
- 44.1 years
Sonoma County, California Age Distribution Comparison with California 2023
Compare Sonoma County, California age demographics with California to understand regional demographic patterns.
| Metric | Sonoma County, California | California | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Age | 42.7 yrs | 38.4 yrs | +4.3 yrs |
| Under 5 years | 4.70% | 5.28% | -0.6pp |
| Children (5–17 years) | 14.64% | 16.05% | -1.4pp |
| Young Adults (18–24) | 7.83% | 9.24% | -1.4pp |
| Middle-aged (35–54) | 25.55% | 26.54% | -1.0pp |
| Seniors (65+) | 20.96% | 16.55% | +4.4pp |
| Total Dependency Ratio | 67.52 | 60.98 | +6.5 |
Note: "pp" indicates percentage points. "yrs" indicates years. The dependency ratio measures the burden on working-age population (18-64) to support dependents (under 18 and 65+).
Dependency Ratios Analysis
- Total Dependency Ratio
- 67.52
- Youth Dependency Ratio
- 32.40 Population under 18 relative to working age (18-64).
- Old-Age Dependency Ratio
- 35.12 Population 65+ relative to working age (18-64).
A higher ratio indicates a greater financial and social burden on the working population to support non-working age groups.
Sonoma County, California Demographics: Racial and Ethnic Composition (2023)
Diversity & Cultural Composition of Sonoma County, California
The racial makeup and ethnic composition of Sonoma County, California are detailed below, drawing from the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 ACS Estimates.
- Diversity Index Score
- 55.94
- Diversity Tier
- moderate
- Definition
- The probability that two individuals chosen at random will be from different racial or ethnic groups.
Diversity Comparison with California
Compare Sonoma County, California racial and ethnic demographics with California to understand regional diversity patterns.
Sonoma County, California Diversity
55.94
moderateCalifornia Diversity
69.81
highRacial and Ethnic Composition Comparison
| Racial/Ethnic Group | Sonoma County, California | California | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| White Alone (Non-Hispanic) | 59.14% | 32.57% | +26.6pp |
| Hispanic or Latino (Any Race) | 29.44% | 40.75% | -11.3pp |
| Two or More Races | 4.58% | 4.52% | +0.1pp |
| Asian Alone | 4.29% | 15.83% | -11.5pp |
| Black/African American Alone | 1.45% | 5.09% | -3.6pp |
| Some Other Race Alone | 0.48% | 0.62% | -0.1pp |
| American Indian and Alaska Native Alone | 0.31% | 0.27% | +0.0pp |
| Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander Alone | 0.31% | 0.34% | -0.0pp |
| Diversity Index Score | 55.94 | 69.81 | -13.87 |
Note: "pp" indicates percentage points. Higher Diversity Index Scores (green) indicate greater racial/ethnic diversity.
Sonoma County, California Economic Demographics: Household Income Statistics (2023)
Economic Snapshot for Sonoma County, California
The following data illustrates the financial landscape of Sonoma County, California, based on the latest U.S. Census Bureau 2023 ACS Estimates.
- Median Household Income
- $102,840 (Adjusted for inflation)
- Total Households Analyzed
- 190,498
Income Comparison with California
Compare Sonoma County, California household income with California to understand regional economic patterns.
Sonoma County, California
$102,840
California
$100,149
Income Distribution Comparison
| Income Bracket | Sonoma County, California | California | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Less than $20,000 | 7.79% | 9.77% | -2.0pp |
| $20,000 to $34,999 | 6.88% | 7.66% | -0.8pp |
| $35,000 to $49,999 | 7.77% | 7.94% | -0.2pp |
| $50,000 to $74,999 | 13.39% | 13.14% | +0.2pp |
| $75,000 to $149,999 | 32.03% | 29.31% | +2.7pp |
| $150,000 or more | 32.13% | 32.19% | -0.1pp |
Note: "pp" indicates percentage points. Higher percentages in high-income brackets (green) indicate greater affluence compared to California.
Sonoma County, California Real Estate Demographics: Property Values (2023)
Real Estate Market Snapshot for Sonoma County, California
The following data highlights the distribution of owner-occupied housing values in Sonoma County, California, based on the latest U.S. Census Bureau 2023 ACS Estimates.
- Median Property Value
- $779,000
- Total Properties Analyzed
- 118,489 (Owner-occupied units)
Property Value Comparison with California
Compare Sonoma County, California property values with California to understand regional real estate market patterns.
Sonoma County, California
$779,000
California
$759,500
Property Value Distribution Comparison
| Value Bracket | Sonoma County, California | California | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Less than $25,000 | 1.10% | 1.73% | -0.6pp |
| $25,000 to $49,999 | 0.45% | 0.83% | -0.4pp |
| $50,000 to $99,999 | 1.74% | 1.77% | -0.0pp |
| $100,000 to $199,999 | 3.09% | 2.36% | +0.7pp |
| $200,000 to $499,999 | 10.43% | 18.89% | -8.5pp |
| $500,000 to $999,999 | 73.13% | 58.11% | +15.0pp |
| $1,000,000 or more | 10.06% | 16.30% | -6.2pp |
Note: "pp" indicates percentage points. Higher percentages in high-value brackets (green) indicate more expensive real estate compared to California.
Sonoma County, California Educational Attainment Statistics (2023)
Education Snapshot for Sonoma County, California
The following statistics represent the educational background of residents aged 25 and older in Sonoma County, California, based on U.S. Census Bureau 2023 ACS Estimates.
- High School Graduate or Higher
- 88.86%
- Bachelor's Degree or Higher
- 37.85%
- Total Population Analyzed (25+)
- 353,701
Education Level Comparison with California
Compare Sonoma County, California educational attainment with California to understand regional education patterns.
Bachelor's+ in Sonoma County, California
37.85%
Bachelor's+ in California
38.12%
Detailed Education Level Comparison
| Education Level | Sonoma County, California | California | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Less than HS | 11.14% | 15.15% | -4.0pp |
| HS Graduate | 18.65% | 20.47% | -1.8pp |
| Some College/Associate's | 32.37% | 26.26% | +6.1pp |
| Bachelor's Degree | 23.52% | 23.22% | +0.3pp |
| Graduate/Professional | 14.33% | 14.91% | -0.6pp |
| HS Graduate or Higher | 88.86% | 84.85% | +4.0pp |
Note: "pp" indicates percentage points. Higher percentages in advanced education levels (green badges) indicate higher educational attainment compared to California.
Sonoma County, California Health Insurance Coverage Statistics (2023)
Healthcare Coverage Snapshot for Sonoma County, California
The following data illustrates the health coverage landscape of Sonoma County, California, based on U.S. Census Bureau 2023 ACS Estimates.
- Overall Uninsured Rate
- 5.4%
- Total Uninsured Population
- 26,060
- Total Civilian Population
- 482,063
The uninsured rates vary significantly by demographic group. Children under 18 and seniors aged 65+ generally have higher coverage rates due to public programs like Medicaid/CHIP and Medicare.
Health Insurance Coverage Comparison with California
Compare Sonoma County, California health insurance coverage with California to understand regional healthcare access patterns.
Uninsured in Sonoma County, California
5.4%
Uninsured in California
5.9%
Uninsured Rates by Age and Sex
| Age Group | Sonoma County, California | California | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Male | Female | Male | Female | |
| Under 18 | 3.4% | 3.0% | 3.1% | 3.1% |
| 18-34 years | 9.9% | 6.8% | 11.7% | 8.0% |
| 35-64 years | 8.5% | 6.8% | 8.8% | 6.1% |
| 65+ years | 0.9% | 0.5% | 1.1% | 0.9% |
Note: Lower uninsured rates indicate better health insurance coverage. The 18-34 age group typically has the highest uninsured rates, while seniors 65+ have near-universal coverage through Medicare.
Sonoma County, California Nativity & Citizenship Statistics (2023)
Citizenship Snapshot for Sonoma County, California
The following data details the citizenship status and nativity of the population in Sonoma County, California, based on U.S. Census Bureau 2023 ACS Estimates.
- U.S. Citizenship Rate
- 91.4% (Native-born + Naturalized)
- Naturalized Citizens
- 38,830 (Foreign-born individuals who acquired citizenship)
- Non-Citizen Residents
- 41,928
Citizenship Comparison with California
Compare Sonoma County, California citizenship and nativity with California to understand regional immigration and naturalization patterns.
Citizenship in Sonoma County, California
91.4%
Citizenship in California
87.3%
Nativity and Citizenship Comparison
| Nativity/Citizenship Status | Sonoma County, California | California | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Born in the United States | 82.2% | 70.8% | +11.4pp |
| Born in PR or U.S. Territories | 0.1% | 0.2% | -0.1pp |
| Born abroad of American parent(s) | 1.1% | 1.4% | -0.3pp |
| U.S. citizen by naturalization | 8.0% | 15.0% | -7.0pp |
| Not a U.S. citizen | 8.6% | 12.7% | -4.1pp |
| Total U.S. Citizens | 91.4% | 87.3% | +4.1pp |
Note: "pp" indicates percentage points. Higher naturalization rates (green) indicate greater immigrant integration compared to California.
Sonoma County, California Commuting & Transportation Statistics (2023)
Commuter Snapshot for Sonoma County, California
The following data details the commuting habits of the workforce in Sonoma County, California, based on U.S. Census Bureau 2023 ACS Estimates.
- Drove to Work (Car/Truck/Van)
- 80.2%
- Public Transportation Usage
- 1.0%
- Work From Home Rate
- 14.4%
- Total Workers Analyzed
- 239,742
Transportation Comparison with California
Compare Sonoma County, California commuting patterns with California to understand regional transportation preferences.
Drove in Sonoma County, California
80.2%
Drove in California
77.4%
Commute Mode Comparison
| Transportation Method | Sonoma County, California | California | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Car, truck, or van | 80.2% | 77.4% | +2.8pp |
| Public transportation | 1.0% | 3.3% | -2.3pp |
| Bicycle | 0.7% | 0.8% | -0.1pp |
| Walked | 2.4% | 2.5% | -0.1pp |
| Taxicab, motorcycle, or other | 1.4% | 1.9% | -0.5pp |
| Worked from home | 14.4% | 14.1% | +0.3pp |
Note: "pp" indicates percentage points. Higher public transit or work-from-home rates (green) indicate more diverse commuting options compared to California.
Sonoma County, California Employment by Class of Worker (2023)
Workforce Snapshot for Sonoma County, California
The following statistics categorize the civilian employed population aged 16 and over in Sonoma County, California by their employment sector, based on U.S. Census Bureau 2023 ACS Estimates.
- Total Employed Civilian Population
- 246,077
- Private Sector (Profit & Non-Profit)
- Includes For-Profit and Non-Profit organizations
- Government Workers
- Includes Local, State, and Federal employees
- Self-Employed Workers
- Includes own not incorporated business workers
Employment Sector Comparison with California
Compare Sonoma County, California employment patterns with California to understand regional workforce composition differences.
Government Employment in Sonoma County, California
5.8% (M) / 7.8% (F)
Government Employment in California
6.4% (M) / 8.7% (F)
Employment Sector Comparison
| Employment Sector | Sonoma County, California | California | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Private For-Profit (Combined) | M: 38.4% F: 29.1% | M: 39.7% F: 29.6% | M: -1.3pp F: -0.5pp |
| Private Non-Profit | M: 2.8% F: 6.1% | M: 3.0% F: 5.1% | M: -0.2pp F: +1.0pp |
| Government (All Levels) | M: 5.8% F: 7.8% | M: 6.4% F: 8.7% | M: -0.6pp F: -0.9pp |
| Self-Employed | M: 5.1% F: 4.6% | M: 4.3% F: 3.1% | M: +0.8pp F: +1.5pp |
Note: "pp" indicates percentage points. M = Male, F = Female. Green badges indicate higher government employment compared to California.
Definitions: "Private sector" includes employees of for-profit and non-profit companies. "Government" includes all local, state, and federal employees. "Self-employed" refers to those operating their own unincorporated businesses.
Sonoma County, California Veteran Population & Service Statistics (2023)
Veteran Community Snapshot for Sonoma County, California
The following data details the civilian veteran population aged 18 and over in Sonoma County, California, based on U.S. Census Bureau 2023 ACS Estimates.
- Total Civilian Veterans
- 20,384
- Primary Service Era
- Vietnam Era Only
8,362 veterans (41.0%)
Veteran Population Comparison with California
Compare Sonoma County, California veteran demographics with California to understand regional veteran service patterns.
Total Veterans in Sonoma County, California
20,384
Total Veterans in California
1,355,918
- Sonoma County, California: Vietnam Era Only (41.0%)
- California: Vietnam Era Only (32.1%)
Service Period Distribution Comparison
| Service Period | Sonoma County, California | California | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vietnam Era Only | 41.0% (8,362) | 32.1% (435,690) | +8.9pp |
| Between Gulf War & Vietnam | 13.0% (2,643) | 14.4% (194,775) | -1.4pp |
| Post-9/11 Only | 11.4% (2,331) | 18.0% (244,230) | -6.6pp |
| Gulf War Only | 9.8% (2,007) | 12.4% (168,616) | -2.6pp |
| Between Vietnam & Korean | 9.5% (1,942) | 7.0% (95,452) | +2.5pp |
| Korean War Only | 5.3% (1,090) | 5.3% (72,235) | 0.0pp |
| Post-9/11 + Gulf War | 4.4% (894) | 6.7% (90,489) | -2.3pp |
| WWII Only | 3.1% (627) | 1.5% (20,264) | +1.6pp |
| Gulf War + Vietnam | 0.9% (188) | 1.1% (15,525) | -0.2pp |
| Between Korean & WWII | 0.6% (123) | 0.3% (4,221) | +0.3pp |
| Vietnam + Korean | 0.5% (100) | 0.6% (7,731) | -0.1pp |
| Post-9/11 + Gulf War + Vietnam | 0.2% (43) | 0.3% (3,408) | -0.1pp |
| Korean + WWII | 0.2% (34) | 0.1% (1,954) | +0.1pp |
Note: "pp" indicates percentage points. Comparisons show relative proportions of veteran populations by service era.
Note: Periods of service include World War II (Dec 1941–Dec 1946), Korean War (Jul 1950–Jan 1955), Vietnam Era (Aug 1964–Apr 1975), Gulf War (Aug 1990–Aug 2001), and Post-9/11 (Sept 2001 or later). Veterans may have served in multiple eras.
Sonoma County, California Family Poverty & Income Statistics (2023)
Family Economic Security Snapshot for Sonoma County, California
The following data categorizes families in Sonoma County, California by their income relative to the federal poverty threshold, based on U.S. Census Bureau 2023 ACS Estimates.
- Families Below Poverty Line (<100%)
- 4.8% (5,756 families)
- Families Near Poverty (100-199%)
- 21.4% (25,807 families)
- Families with Secure Income (200%+)
- 73.8% (88,751 families)
Poverty Rate Comparison with California
Compare Sonoma County, California poverty levels with California to understand regional economic disparities.
Poverty Rate in Sonoma County, California
4.8%
Below poverty linePoverty Rate in California
8.5%
Below poverty lineIncome-to-Poverty Ratio Distribution Comparison
| Income Category | Sonoma County, California | California | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Below Poverty (<100%) | 4.8% (5,756) | 8.5% (786,636) | -3.7pp |
| Near Poverty (100-199%) | 21.4% (25,807) | 26.2% (2,437,162) | -4.8pp |
| Economic Security (200%+) | 73.8% (88,751) | 65.3% (6,073,975) | +8.5pp |
| Detailed Breakdown | |||
| Below 50% of Poverty | 2.2% | 3.7% | -1.5pp |
| 50-74% of Poverty | 1.0% | 2.1% | -1.1pp |
| 75-99% of Poverty | 1.5% | 2.7% | -1.2pp |
| 100-124% of Poverty | 2.0% | 3.0% | -1.0pp |
| 125-149% of Poverty | 2.0% | 3.4% | -1.4pp |
| 150-174% of Poverty | 2.9% | 3.3% | -0.4pp |
Note: "pp" indicates percentage points. Red badges indicate higher poverty; green badges indicate lower poverty compared to California.
Definition: The "Income-to-Poverty Ratio" measures a family's income against the federal poverty threshold. A ratio below 1.00 means the family is in poverty. Ratios between 1.00 and 1.99 indicate low income ("near poverty"), while ratios of 2.00 or higher suggest greater economic security.
Sonoma County, California SNAP/Food Stamps Statistics (2023)
SNAP Participation Snapshot for Sonoma County, California
The following data details household participation in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) in Sonoma County, California, based on U.S. Census Bureau 2023 ACS Estimates.
- Total Households Receiving SNAP
- 13,814 (7.25% of all households)
- Recipient Households with Children
- 5,728 (41.47% of recipients)
- Total Households Analyzed
- 190,498
SNAP Participation Comparison with California
Compare Sonoma County, California SNAP participation with California to understand regional food assistance needs.
SNAP Participation in Sonoma County, California
7.25%
13,814 householdsSNAP Participation in California
13.49%
1,860,876 householdsSNAP Household Composition Comparison
| Household Type | Sonoma County, California | California | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| With Children | No Children | With Children | No Children | |
| Married-Couple Family | 19.55% (2,700) | 9.27% (1,281) | 18.43% (342,908) | 12.15% (226,051) |
| Male Householder, No Spouse | 3.38% (467) | 2.14% (296) | 5.49% (102,252) | 4.41% (82,149) |
| Female Householder, No Spouse | 18.25% (2,521) | 9.16% (1,265) | 18.82% (350,240) | 10.60% (197,237) |
| Nonfamily Households | 0.29% (40) | 37.96% (5,244) | 0.47% (8,824) | 29.62% (551,215) |
| Total SNAP Recipients | 13,814 (7.25% of households) | 1,860,876 (13.49% of households) | ||
Note: Percentages represent the share of SNAP-receiving households in each category. Higher percentages in households with children often indicate targeting of families with greater nutritional needs.
About this data: The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) provides food assistance to low-income families. Households with children often face higher participation rates due to eligibility guidelines prioritizing child nutrition. "Nonfamily households" typically refer to individuals living alone or with unrelated roommates.