Willits, CA
Population 4,945 · California
About Willits, CA
Willits is a small town located in California with a population of 4,945 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $55,971 per year, which is 26% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 41.4 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Willits features a median home value of $306,800, which is 25% above the national median of $244,900. This positions Willits in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $1,152, 1% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 2,106 total housing units, 39% are owner-occupied (769 units) and 61% are renter-occupied (1,190 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 Willits shows an unemployment rate of 11.8%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 13.7%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Willits have an average one-way commute time of 15.3 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
17.4% of Willits 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 19.0% White, 4.2% Hispanic or Latino, 1.4% Black or African American, and 11.4% Asian residents, with 10.4% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Willits, CA
Compared to national averages, Willits has a median household income of $55,971 (26% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $306,800, which is 25% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,152 is 1% below the US average of $1,163. Within California, Willits's income is 43% below the state average of $97,829, and home values are 53% below the state median of $653,874.
Why Live in Willits, CA?
Willits offers rent that’s lower than the national average at $1,152/month, and short commute times averaging just 15.3 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($55,971) that falls below the national average. However, Willits’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Willits has a population of 4,945 with a median age of 41.4 years. Compare Willits with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in California.
Similar Cities Near Willits
Cities in California with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oakhurst | 4,956 | $76,606 | $372,500 | Compare |
| Sonora | 4,965 | $62,621 | $379,300 | Compare |
| Lake Wildwood | 4,967 | $87,552 | $495,100 | Compare |
| Tara Hills | 4,912 | $116,415 | $612,200 | Compare |
| Wrightwood | 4,907 | $78,496 | $456,400 | Compare |
| Goshen | 4,895 | $72,813 | $244,800 | Compare |
| Twin Lakes CDP (Santa Cruz County), California | 4,895 | $81,288 | $958,300 | Compare |
| Lake San Marcos | 4,996 | $100,676 | $859,600 | 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 Willits With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Willits
What is the population of Willits, CA?
The population of Willits, CA is 4,945 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 Willits?
The median household income in Willits, CA is $55,971 per year, which is 26% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Willits?
The median home value in Willits, CA is $306,800, which is 25% above the national median of $244,900. A significant portion of residents rent their homes.
What is the average rent in Willits?
The median monthly rent in Willits, CA is $1,152, which is 1% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Willits?
The unemployment rate in Willits, CA is 11.8%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Willits, CA a good place to live?
Willits offers a moderate cost of living, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 4,945 and a median age of 41.4, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Willits, CA?
17.4% of residents in Willits 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 Willits?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Willits, CA: median home value is $306,800 (25% above national), median rent is $1,152/month, and median household income is $55,971. The home-value-to-income ratio is 5.5x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Willits?
The poverty rate in Willits, CA is 13.7%, 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 Willits, CA?
Willits's population is 19.0% White, 4.2% Hispanic or Latino, 1.4% Black or African American, 11.4% Asian, and 0.0% two or more races. 10.4% of residents are foreign-born.