Sonora, CA
Population 4,965 · California
About Sonora, CA
Sonora is a small town located in California with a population of 4,965 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $62,621 per year, which is 17% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 38.2 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Sonora features a median home value of $379,300, which is 55% above the national median of $244,900. This places Sonora in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $1,164, 0% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 2,475 total housing units, 43% are owner-occupied (940 units) and 57% are renter-occupied (1,250 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 Sonora shows an unemployment rate of 11.2%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 20.0%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Sonora have an average one-way commute time of 33 minutes.
Education & Demographics
30.2% of Sonora 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 5.3% White, 3.9% Hispanic or Latino, 1.6% Black or African American, and 2.3% Asian residents, with 3.8% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Sonora, CA
Compared to national averages, Sonora has a median household income of $62,621 (17% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $379,300, which is 55% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,164 is 0% above the US average of $1,163. Within California, Sonora's income is 36% below the state average of $97,829, and home values are 42% below the state median of $653,874.
Why Live in Sonora, CA?
Potential considerations include median household income ($62,621) that falls below the national average, and a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $379,300. However, Sonora’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Sonora has a population of 4,965 with a median age of 38.2 years. Compare Sonora with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in California.
Similar Cities Near Sonora
Cities in California with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lake Wildwood | 4,967 | $87,552 | $495,100 | Compare |
| Oakhurst | 4,956 | $76,606 | $372,500 | Compare |
| Willits | 4,945 | $55,971 | $306,800 | Compare |
| Lake San Marcos | 4,996 | $100,676 | $859,600 | Compare |
| Sunnyside | 5,003 | $114,500 | $489,300 | Compare |
| Lake of the Pines | 5,012 | $118,661 | $639,400 | Compare |
| Tara Hills | 4,912 | $116,415 | $612,200 | Compare |
| Wrightwood | 4,907 | $78,496 | $456,400 | 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 Sonora With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Sonora
What is the population of Sonora, CA?
The population of Sonora, CA is 4,965 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small town in California.
What is the median household income in Sonora?
The median household income in Sonora, CA is $62,621 per year, which is 17% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Sonora?
The median home value in Sonora, CA is $379,300, which is 55% above the national median of $244,900. A significant portion of residents rent their homes.
What is the average rent in Sonora?
The median monthly rent in Sonora, CA is $1,164, which is 0% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Sonora?
The unemployment rate in Sonora, CA is 11.2%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Sonora, CA a good place to live?
Sonora offers a moderate cost of living, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 4,965 and a median age of 38.2, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Sonora, CA?
30.2% of residents in Sonora 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 Sonora?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Sonora, CA: median home value is $379,300 (55% above national), median rent is $1,164/month, and median household income is $62,621. The home-value-to-income ratio is 6.1x, which suggests housing may be stretched relative to local earnings.
What is the poverty rate in Sonora?
The poverty rate in Sonora, CA is 20.0%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. Residents and prospective movers should be aware of the economic challenges facing parts of this community.
How diverse is Sonora, CA?
Sonora's population is 5.3% White, 3.9% Hispanic or Latino, 1.6% Black or African American, 2.3% Asian, and 0.6% two or more races. 3.8% of residents are foreign-born.