Sonoma, CA
Population 10,726 · California
About Sonoma, CA
Sonoma is a mid-sized city located in California with a population of 10,726 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $101,281 per year, which is 35% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 54.4 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 Sonoma features a median home value of $954,300, which is 290% above the national median of $244,900. This places Sonoma in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $2,216, 91% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 5,929 total housing units, 63% are owner-occupied (3,320 units) and 37% are renter-occupied (1,938 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Sonoma shows an unemployment rate of 7.0%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 8.5%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Sonoma have an average one-way commute time of 26.8 minutes.
Education & Demographics
47.7% of Sonoma 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 11.4% White, 2.5% Hispanic or Latino, 0.1% Black or African American, and 4.3% Asian residents, with 10.7% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Sonoma, CA
Compared to national averages, Sonoma has a median household income of $101,281 (35% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $954,300, which is 290% above the national median. Monthly rent at $2,216 is 91% above the US average of $1,163. Within California, Sonoma's income is 4% above the state average of $97,829, and home values are 46% above the state median of $653,874.
Why Live in Sonoma, CA?
Sonoma offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $101,281, well above the national average, and a well-educated community where 47.7% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, and a low poverty rate of 8.5%, better than the national average.
Potential considerations include a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $954,300. However, Sonoma’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Sonoma has a population of 10,726 with a median age of 54.4 years. Compare Sonoma with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in California.
Similar Cities Near Sonoma
Cities in California with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Placerville | 10,730 | $70,602 | $450,600 | Compare |
| Morro Bay | 10,717 | $92,553 | $864,900 | Compare |
| Lake Arrowhead | 10,746 | $88,147 | $545,100 | Compare |
| Soquel | 10,691 | $114,991 | $908,500 | Compare |
| Calimesa | 10,680 | $90,313 | $423,300 | Compare |
| Citrus | 10,813 | $101,179 | $614,200 | Compare |
| Potomac Park | 10,634 | $45,617 | $201,200 | Compare |
| Delhi | 10,525 | $66,306 | $338,800 | 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 Sonoma With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Sonoma
What is the population of Sonoma, CA?
The population of Sonoma, CA is 10,726 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 Sonoma?
The median household income in Sonoma, CA is $101,281 per year, which is 35% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Sonoma?
The median home value in Sonoma, CA is $954,300, which is 290% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Sonoma?
The median monthly rent in Sonoma, CA is $2,216, which is 91% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Sonoma?
The unemployment rate in Sonoma, CA is 7.0%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Sonoma, CA a good place to live?
Sonoma offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 10,726 and a median age of 54.4, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Sonoma, CA?
47.7% of residents in Sonoma 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 Sonoma?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Sonoma, CA: median home value is $954,300 (290% above national), median rent is $2,216/month, and median household income is $101,281. The home-value-to-income ratio is 9.4x, which suggests housing may be stretched relative to local earnings.
What is the poverty rate in Sonoma?
The poverty rate in Sonoma, CA is 8.5%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Sonoma, CA?
Sonoma's population is 11.4% White, 2.5% Hispanic or Latino, 0.1% Black or African American, 4.3% Asian, and 1.3% two or more races. 10.7% of residents are foreign-born.