Santa Rosa, CA
Population 177,216 · California
About Santa Rosa, CA
Santa Rosa is a major city in California with a population of 177,216 residents. The median household income is $97,410 per year, which is above the national average. The median age in Santa Rosa is 40.5 years.
Housing in Santa Rosa has a median home value of $685,000 and median monthly rent of $2,084. Of the 70,961 total housing units, the majority are owner-occupied, with 38,324 owner-occupied and 29,910 renter-occupied units.
The unemployment rate in Santa Rosa is 5.5% and the poverty rate is 9.5%. 34.8% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The average commute time is 22.6 minutes.
How Santa Rosa Ranks in California
Cost of Living in Santa Rosa, CA
Compared to national averages, Santa Rosa has a median household income of $97,410 (30% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $685,000, which is 180% above the national median. Monthly rent at $2,084 is 79% above the US average of $1,163. Within California, Santa Rosa's income is 0% below the state average of $97,829, and home values are 5% above the state median of $653,874.
Why Live in Santa Rosa, CA?
Santa Rosa offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $97,410, well above the national average, and a well-educated community where 34.8% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, and a low poverty rate of 9.5%, better than the national average. Additionally, the city features short commute times averaging just 22.6 minutes.
Potential considerations include a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $685,000. However, as a major city, Santa Rosa provides access to a wide range of amenities and services.
Santa Rosa has a population of 177,216 with a median age of 40.5 years. Compare Santa Rosa with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in California.
Similar Cities Near Santa Rosa
Cities in California with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Elk Grove | 177,221 | $122,229 | $603,400 | Compare |
| Ontario | 178,347 | $82,806 | $568,000 | Compare |
| Rancho Cucamonga | 174,693 | $109,511 | $694,400 | Compare |
| Oceanside | 172,542 | $93,724 | $702,000 | Compare |
| Garden Grove | 170,603 | $90,166 | $765,500 | Compare |
| Lancaster | 170,013 | $76,083 | $409,100 | Compare |
| Palmdale | 165,487 | $81,151 | $435,300 | Compare |
| Glendale | 192,270 | $84,262 | $1,043,900 | 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.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Santa Rosa
What is the population of Santa Rosa, CA?
The population of Santa Rosa, CA is 177,216 according to the latest Census data.
What is the median household income in Santa Rosa?
The median household income in Santa Rosa, CA is $97,410 per year.
What is the median home value in Santa Rosa?
The median home value in Santa Rosa, CA is $685,000.
What is the average rent in Santa Rosa?
The median monthly rent in Santa Rosa, CA is $2,084.
What is the unemployment rate in Santa Rosa?
The unemployment rate in Santa Rosa, CA is 5.5%.