Petaluma, CA
Population 59,321 · California
About Petaluma, CA
Petaluma is a mid-sized city located in California with a population of 59,321 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $109,823 per year, which is 46% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 45 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 Petaluma features a median home value of $834,900, which is 241% above the national median of $244,900. This places Petaluma in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $2,379, 105% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 24,842 total housing units, 64% are owner-occupied (15,431 units) and 36% are renter-occupied (8,724 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Petaluma shows an unemployment rate of 4.5%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 6.2%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Petaluma have an average one-way commute time of 30.3 minutes.
Education & Demographics
42.9% of Petaluma 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 13.8% White, 2.8% Hispanic or Latino, 0.2% Black or African American, and 6.8% Asian residents, with 15.1% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Petaluma, CA
Compared to national averages, Petaluma has a median household income of $109,823 (46% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $834,900, which is 241% above the national median. Monthly rent at $2,379 is 105% above the US average of $1,163. Within California, Petaluma's income is 12% above the state average of $97,829, and home values are 28% above the state median of $653,874.
Why Live in Petaluma, CA?
Petaluma offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $109,823, well above the national average, and a well-educated community where 42.9% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, and a low poverty rate of 6.2%, better than the national average.
Potential considerations include a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $834,900. However, as a mid-sized city, Petaluma provides access to a wide range of amenities and services.
Petaluma has a population of 59,321 with a median age of 45 years. Compare Petaluma with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in California.
Similar Cities Near Petaluma
Cities in California with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hanford | 59,389 | $73,544 | $323,600 | Compare |
| Santee | 59,485 | $105,613 | $653,400 | Compare |
| Monterey Park | 59,639 | $77,605 | $818,300 | Compare |
| Cupertino | 58,886 | $231,139 | $2,000,001 | Compare |
| Gardena | 59,765 | $79,291 | $667,600 | Compare |
| Gilroy | 58,561 | $131,554 | $975,800 | Compare |
| San Rafael | 60,604 | $109,317 | $1,246,200 | Compare |
| Pico Rivera | 60,821 | $86,956 | $621,400 | 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 Petaluma With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Petaluma
What is the population of Petaluma, CA?
The population of Petaluma, CA is 59,321 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 Petaluma?
The median household income in Petaluma, CA is $109,823 per year, which is 46% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Petaluma?
The median home value in Petaluma, CA is $834,900, which is 241% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Petaluma?
The median monthly rent in Petaluma, CA is $2,379, which is 105% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Petaluma?
The unemployment rate in Petaluma, CA is 4.5%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Petaluma, CA a good place to live?
Petaluma offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 59,321 and a median age of 45, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Petaluma, CA?
42.9% of residents in Petaluma 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 Petaluma?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Petaluma, CA: median home value is $834,900 (241% above national), median rent is $2,379/month, and median household income is $109,823. The home-value-to-income ratio is 7.6x, which suggests housing may be stretched relative to local earnings.
What is the poverty rate in Petaluma?
The poverty rate in Petaluma, CA is 6.2%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Petaluma, CA?
Petaluma's population is 13.8% White, 2.8% Hispanic or Latino, 0.2% Black or African American, 6.8% Asian, and 1.3% two or more races. 15.1% of residents are foreign-born.