Mendocino, CA
Population 630 · California
About Mendocino, CA
Mendocino is a small community located in California with a population of 630 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $67,115 per year, which is 11% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 68.3 years is notably older the US median age of 38.9 years, suggesting a more established community with a higher proportion of long-term residents.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Mendocino features a median home value of $540,500, which is 121% above the national median of $244,900. This places Mendocino in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $1,402, 21% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 581 total housing units, 88% are owner-occupied (306 units) and 12% are renter-occupied (40 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Mendocino shows an unemployment rate of 10.2%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 0.0%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Mendocino have an average one-way commute time of 47.2 minutes, suggesting many residents commute to jobs in a nearby metro area.
Education & Demographics
60.8% of Mendocino residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This significantly higher educational attainment rate often correlates with access to knowledge-economy jobs and higher household incomes. The community's demographic composition includes 8.3% White, 0.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 2.1% Asian residents, with 1.6% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Mendocino, CA
Compared to national averages, Mendocino has a median household income of $67,115 (11% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $540,500, which is 121% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,402 is 21% above the US average of $1,163. Within California, Mendocino's income is 31% below the state average of $97,829, and home values are 17% below the state median of $653,874.
Why Live in Mendocino, CA?
Mendocino offers a well-educated community where 60.8% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, and a low poverty rate of 0.0%, better than the national average.
Potential considerations include median household income ($67,115) that falls below the national average, and a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $540,500. However, Mendocino’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Mendocino has a population of 630 with a median age of 68.3 years. Compare Mendocino with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in California.
Similar Cities Near Mendocino
Cities in California with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dustin Acres | 628 | $52,708 | $218,500 | Compare |
| Manton | 628 | $132,535 | $427,400 | Compare |
| Matheny | 628 | $68,269 | $167,000 | Compare |
| Buena Vista | 624 | $88,664 | $225,000 | Compare |
| Fulton | 637 | $166,336 | $864,400 | Compare |
| West Point | 642 | $68,088 | $0 | Compare |
| Fort Jones | 616 | $43,438 | $212,700 | Compare |
| Groveland | 644 | $60,972 | $329,500 | 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 Mendocino With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Mendocino
What is the population of Mendocino, CA?
The population of Mendocino, CA is 630 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small community in California.
What is the median household income in Mendocino?
The median household income in Mendocino, CA is $67,115 per year, which is 11% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Mendocino?
The median home value in Mendocino, CA is $540,500, which is 121% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Mendocino?
The median monthly rent in Mendocino, CA is $1,402, which is 21% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Mendocino?
The unemployment rate in Mendocino, CA is 10.2%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Mendocino, CA a good place to live?
Mendocino offers a moderate cost of living, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 630 and a median age of 68.3, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Mendocino, CA?
60.8% of residents in Mendocino 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 Mendocino?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Mendocino, CA: median home value is $540,500 (121% above national), median rent is $1,402/month, and median household income is $67,115. The home-value-to-income ratio is 8.1x, which suggests housing may be stretched relative to local earnings.
What is the poverty rate in Mendocino?
The poverty rate in Mendocino, CA is 0.0%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Mendocino, CA?
Mendocino's population is 8.3% White, 0.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 2.1% Asian, and 0.0% two or more races. 1.6% of residents are foreign-born.