McKinleyville, CA
Population 17,152 · California
About McKinleyville, CA
McKinleyville is a mid-sized city located in California with a population of 17,152 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $66,096 per year, which is 12% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 39.2 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in McKinleyville features a median home value of $414,200, which is 69% above the national median of $244,900. This places McKinleyville in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $1,441, 24% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 7,414 total housing units, 59% are owner-occupied (4,037 units) and 41% are renter-occupied (2,760 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in McKinleyville shows an unemployment rate of 9.3%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 14.8%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in McKinleyville have an average one-way commute time of 21.3 minutes.
Education & Demographics
37.3% of McKinleyville residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This is in line with national trends in educational attainment. The community's demographic composition includes 8.0% White, 11.5% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 3.4% Asian residents, with 3.7% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in McKinleyville, CA
Compared to national averages, McKinleyville has a median household income of $66,096 (12% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $414,200, which is 69% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,441 is 24% above the US average of $1,163. Within California, McKinleyville's income is 32% below the state average of $97,829, and home values are 37% below the state median of $653,874.
Why Live in McKinleyville, CA?
McKinleyville offers a well-educated community where 37.3% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, and short commute times averaging just 21.3 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($66,096) that falls below the national average, and a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $414,200. However, McKinleyville’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
McKinleyville has a population of 17,152 with a median age of 39.2 years. Compare McKinleyville with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in California.
Similar Cities Near McKinleyville
Cities in California with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Woodcrest | 17,111 | $139,659 | $679,400 | Compare |
| Nipomo | 17,266 | $102,382 | $674,100 | Compare |
| Cameron Park | 17,283 | $97,786 | $641,100 | Compare |
| Laguna Woods | 17,342 | $60,235 | $364,900 | Compare |
| Coalinga | 17,352 | $78,014 | $254,600 | Compare |
| Rio Linda | 16,951 | $96,083 | $438,800 | Compare |
| Truckee | 16,942 | $125,995 | $884,000 | Compare |
| Rancho Mirage | 17,375 | $109,943 | $747,800 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in California
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare McKinleyville With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about McKinleyville
What is the population of McKinleyville, CA?
The population of McKinleyville, CA is 17,152 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a mid-sized city in California.
What is the median household income in McKinleyville?
The median household income in McKinleyville, CA is $66,096 per year, which is 12% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in McKinleyville?
The median home value in McKinleyville, CA is $414,200, which is 69% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in McKinleyville?
The median monthly rent in McKinleyville, CA is $1,441, which is 24% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in McKinleyville?
The unemployment rate in McKinleyville, CA is 9.3%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is McKinleyville, CA a good place to live?
McKinleyville offers a moderate cost of living, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 17,152 and a median age of 39.2, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is McKinleyville, CA?
37.3% of residents in McKinleyville aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This above-average educational attainment often reflects a knowledge-based local economy.
What is the cost of living in McKinleyville?
Key cost-of-living indicators for McKinleyville, CA: median home value is $414,200 (69% above national), median rent is $1,441/month, and median household income is $66,096. The home-value-to-income ratio is 6.3x, which suggests housing may be stretched relative to local earnings.
What is the poverty rate in McKinleyville?
The poverty rate in McKinleyville, CA is 14.8%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. Residents and prospective movers should be aware of the economic challenges facing parts of this community.
How diverse is McKinleyville, CA?
McKinleyville's population is 8.0% White, 11.5% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 3.4% Asian, and 0.4% two or more races. 3.7% of residents are foreign-born.