Petaluma Center, CA
Population 815 · California
About Petaluma Center, CA
Petaluma Center is a small community located in California with a population of 815 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $74,250 per year, which is 1% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 22.3 years is notably younger the US median age of 38.9 years, indicating a younger, often more dynamic population base.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Petaluma Center features a median home value of $0, which is 100% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Petaluma Center one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $2,431, 109% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 188 total housing units, 1% are owner-occupied (2 units) and 99% are renter-occupied (153 units). The higher proportion of renters may reflect a transient population, younger demographics, or high housing costs relative to income.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Petaluma Center 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 2.2%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Petaluma Center have an average one-way commute time of 12.7 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
18.7% of Petaluma Center residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The lower educational attainment rate may reflect the area's industry mix, with more employment in trades, manufacturing, or agricultural sectors. The community's demographic composition includes 32.1% White, 1.7% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 2.7% Asian residents, with 1.0% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Petaluma Center, CA
Compared to national averages, Petaluma Center has a median household income of $74,250 (1% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $0, which is 100% below the national median. Monthly rent at $2,431 is 109% above the US average of $1,163. Within California, Petaluma Center's income is 24% below the state average of $97,829, and home values are 100% below the state median of $653,874.
Why Live in Petaluma Center, CA?
Petaluma Center offers affordable housing with a median home value of $0, below the US average of $244,900, and a low poverty rate of 2.2%, better than the national average, and short commute times averaging just 12.7 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($74,250) that falls below the national average. However, Petaluma Center’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Petaluma Center has a population of 815 with a median age of 22.3 years. Compare Petaluma Center with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in California.
Similar Cities Near Petaluma Center
Cities in California with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Thornton | 815 | $47,917 | $455,300 | Compare |
| Klamath | 816 | $48,250 | $244,500 | Compare |
| Dorris | 810 | $33,879 | $120,100 | Compare |
| Tahoe Vista | 821 | $98,264 | $817,100 | Compare |
| Green Valley CDP (Los Angeles County), California | 808 | $85,208 | $369,600 | Compare |
| Manila | 826 | $58,950 | $404,000 | Compare |
| Geyserville | 830 | $107,500 | $710,100 | Compare |
| Loyalton | 830 | $65,694 | $190,700 | 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 Center With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Petaluma Center
What is the population of Petaluma Center, CA?
The population of Petaluma Center, CA is 815 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 Petaluma Center?
The median household income in Petaluma Center, CA is $74,250 per year, which is 1% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Petaluma Center?
The median home value in Petaluma Center, CA is $0, which is 100% below the national median of $244,900. A significant portion of residents rent their homes.
What is the average rent in Petaluma Center?
The median monthly rent in Petaluma Center, CA is $2,431, which is 109% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Petaluma Center?
The unemployment rate in Petaluma Center, 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 Petaluma Center, CA a good place to live?
Petaluma Center offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 815 and a median age of 22.3, the city appeals to young professionals and families.
How educated is Petaluma Center, CA?
18.7% of residents in Petaluma Center aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The educational profile reflects the area's industry mix and employment landscape.
What is the cost of living in Petaluma Center?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Petaluma Center, CA: median home value is $0 (100% below national), median rent is $2,431/month, and median household income is $74,250. The home-value-to-income ratio is 0.0x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Petaluma Center?
The poverty rate in Petaluma Center, CA is 2.2%, 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 Center, CA?
Petaluma Center's population is 32.1% White, 1.7% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 2.7% Asian, and 6.4% two or more races. 1.0% of residents are foreign-born.