Santa Rosa, CA
Population 177,216 · California
About Santa Rosa, CA
Santa Rosa is a major city located in California with a population of 177,216 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $97,410 per year, which is 30% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 40.5 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Santa Rosa features a median home value of $685,000, which is 180% above the national median of $244,900. This places Santa Rosa in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $2,084, 79% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 70,961 total housing units, 56% are owner-occupied (38,324 units) and 44% are renter-occupied (29,910 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Santa Rosa shows an unemployment rate of 5.5%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 9.5%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Santa Rosa have an average one-way commute time of 22.6 minutes.
Education & Demographics
34.8% of Santa Rosa 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 30.3% White, 4.2% Hispanic or Latino, 0.5% Black or African American, and 4.9% Asian residents, with 20.8% of the population being foreign-born.
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.
Compare Santa Rosa With Other Cities
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 US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a major city in California.
What is the median household income in Santa Rosa?
The median household income in Santa Rosa, CA is $97,410 per year, which is 30% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Santa Rosa?
The median home value in Santa Rosa, CA is $685,000, which is 180% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Santa Rosa?
The median monthly rent in Santa Rosa, CA is $2,084, which is 79% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Santa Rosa?
The unemployment rate in Santa Rosa, CA is 5.5%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Santa Rosa, CA a good place to live?
Santa Rosa offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 177,216 and a median age of 40.5, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Santa Rosa, CA?
34.8% of residents in Santa Rosa 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 Santa Rosa?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Santa Rosa, CA: median home value is $685,000 (180% above national), median rent is $2,084/month, and median household income is $97,410. The home-value-to-income ratio is 7.0x, which suggests housing may be stretched relative to local earnings.
What is the poverty rate in Santa Rosa?
The poverty rate in Santa Rosa, CA is 9.5%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Santa Rosa, CA?
Santa Rosa's population is 30.3% White, 4.2% Hispanic or Latino, 0.5% Black or African American, 4.9% Asian, and 1.7% two or more races. 20.8% of residents are foreign-born.