Ukiah, CA
Population 16,419 · California
About Ukiah, CA
Ukiah is a mid-sized city located in California with a population of 16,419 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $67,122 per year, which is 11% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 39.3 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Ukiah features a median home value of $448,100, which is 83% above the national median of $244,900. This places Ukiah in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $1,330, 14% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 6,600 total housing units, 46% are owner-occupied (2,780 units) and 54% are renter-occupied (3,287 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 Ukiah shows an unemployment rate of 8.3%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 16.3%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Ukiah have an average one-way commute time of 18.4 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
22.9% of Ukiah 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 28.9% White, 5.4% Hispanic or Latino, 0.9% Black or African American, and 1.6% Asian residents, with 13.3% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Ukiah, CA
Compared to national averages, Ukiah has a median household income of $67,122 (11% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $448,100, which is 83% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,330 is 14% above the US average of $1,163. Within California, Ukiah's income is 31% below the state average of $97,829, and home values are 31% below the state median of $653,874.
Why Live in Ukiah, CA?
Ukiah offers short commute times averaging just 18.4 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($67,122) that falls below the national average, and a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $448,100. However, Ukiah’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Ukiah has a population of 16,419 with a median age of 39.3 years. Compare Ukiah with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in California.
Similar Cities Near Ukiah
Cities in California with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kerman | 16,492 | $57,556 | $331,500 | Compare |
| Bostonia | 16,545 | $73,549 | $435,900 | Compare |
| Clearlake | 16,604 | $41,580 | $204,500 | Compare |
| Fillmore | 16,665 | $90,343 | $567,500 | Compare |
| Ripon | 16,117 | $120,061 | $666,400 | Compare |
| Moraga | 16,790 | $199,800 | $1,597,600 | Compare |
| Artesia | 16,044 | $97,712 | $763,700 | Compare |
| El Segundo | 16,863 | $149,149 | $1,521,600 | 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 Ukiah With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Ukiah
What is the population of Ukiah, CA?
The population of Ukiah, CA is 16,419 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 Ukiah?
The median household income in Ukiah, CA is $67,122 per year, which is 11% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Ukiah?
The median home value in Ukiah, CA is $448,100, which is 83% above the national median of $244,900. A significant portion of residents rent their homes.
What is the average rent in Ukiah?
The median monthly rent in Ukiah, CA is $1,330, which is 14% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Ukiah?
The unemployment rate in Ukiah, CA is 8.3%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Ukiah, CA a good place to live?
Ukiah offers a moderate cost of living, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 16,419 and a median age of 39.3, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Ukiah, CA?
22.9% of residents in Ukiah 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 Ukiah?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Ukiah, CA: median home value is $448,100 (83% above national), median rent is $1,330/month, and median household income is $67,122. The home-value-to-income ratio is 6.7x, which suggests housing may be stretched relative to local earnings.
What is the poverty rate in Ukiah?
The poverty rate in Ukiah, CA is 16.3%, 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 Ukiah, CA?
Ukiah's population is 28.9% White, 5.4% Hispanic or Latino, 0.9% Black or African American, 1.6% Asian, and 1.5% two or more races. 13.3% of residents are foreign-born.