Novato, CA
Population 52,689 · California
About Novato, CA
Novato is a mid-sized city located in California with a population of 52,689 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $112,193 per year, which is 49% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 47.8 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 Novato features a median home value of $1,007,100, which is 311% above the national median of $244,900. This places Novato in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $2,422, 108% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 21,257 total housing units, 66% are owner-occupied (13,383 units) and 34% are renter-occupied (7,048 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Novato shows an unemployment rate of 6.7%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 9.0%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Novato have an average one-way commute time of 27.7 minutes.
Education & Demographics
47.5% of Novato 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 11.2% White, 3.1% Hispanic or Latino, 0.4% Black or African American, and 15.5% Asian residents, with 22.9% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Novato, CA
Compared to national averages, Novato has a median household income of $112,193 (49% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $1,007,100, which is 311% above the national median. Monthly rent at $2,422 is 108% above the US average of $1,163. Within California, Novato's income is 15% above the state average of $97,829, and home values are 54% above the state median of $653,874.
Why Live in Novato, CA?
Novato offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $112,193, well above the national average, and a well-educated community where 47.5% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, and a low poverty rate of 9.0%, better than the national average.
Potential considerations include a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $1,007,100. However, as a mid-sized city, Novato provides access to a wide range of amenities and services.
Novato has a population of 52,689 with a median age of 47.8 years. Compare Novato with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in California.
Similar Cities Near Novato
Cities in California with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paramount | 52,546 | $70,912 | $500,400 | Compare |
| Placentia | 52,384 | $110,575 | $871,000 | Compare |
| Cathedral City | 52,047 | $67,031 | $420,700 | Compare |
| Watsonville | 51,968 | $74,785 | $657,700 | Compare |
| Huntington Park | 53,658 | $56,952 | $557,600 | Compare |
| Lincoln | 51,629 | $108,108 | $628,500 | Compare |
| Diamond Bar | 53,750 | $106,602 | $867,000 | Compare |
| Colton | 53,798 | $69,581 | $411,100 | 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 Novato With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Novato
What is the population of Novato, CA?
The population of Novato, CA is 52,689 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 Novato?
The median household income in Novato, CA is $112,193 per year, which is 49% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Novato?
The median home value in Novato, CA is $1,007,100, which is 311% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Novato?
The median monthly rent in Novato, CA is $2,422, which is 108% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Novato?
The unemployment rate in Novato, CA is 6.7%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Novato, CA a good place to live?
Novato offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 52,689 and a median age of 47.8, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Novato, CA?
47.5% of residents in Novato 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 Novato?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Novato, CA: median home value is $1,007,100 (311% above national), median rent is $2,422/month, and median household income is $112,193. The home-value-to-income ratio is 9.0x, which suggests housing may be stretched relative to local earnings.
What is the poverty rate in Novato?
The poverty rate in Novato, CA is 9.0%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Novato, CA?
Novato's population is 11.2% White, 3.1% Hispanic or Latino, 0.4% Black or African American, 15.5% Asian, and 3.0% two or more races. 22.9% of residents are foreign-born.