We know moving to a new area for a job or to grow a business requires a lot of research and that you need reliable data in order to make informed decisions. Demographic information is an important part of the Sonoma County story and we’ve pulled together a comprehensive list of reports facts and figures to help you get familiar with the finer details of our community and economy.
Click Here to Access the Sonoma County Economic Development Board’s Data Center
In 2020, Sonoma County was estimated to have 488,863 residents. This is more than Monterey, Santa Cruz, Marin, and Napa counties who have populations less than 440,000. Sonoma County's population is also significantly less than Contra Costa, Alameda, and Santa Clara counties who have populations over 1 million.
As of 2021, Sonoma County’s median household income was $84,978. The only Bay Area county that had a lower median household income was Monterey ($77,453). The other Bay Area counties are ranked as follows; Napa ($91,451), Santa Cruz ($88,030), Contra Costa ($108,209), Alameda ($105,545), Marin ($108,240), and Santa Clara ($131,856).
The 2021 population of Sonoma County is predominantly white (61.9%). Individuals of Latino or Hispanic origin represent the largest minority group, accounting for over a quarter of the population (27.3%). Other ethnic and racial groups represent a smaller portion of the population: Asian (4.6%), Two or More Races (4%), American Indian or Alaska Native (2.2%), Black (2.1%), and Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander (0.4%). Over time, the White population appears to be decreasing, while the Hispanic and/or Latino population is growing.
Sonoma County has the second highest median age compared to neighboring counties at 41.4 years. It falls behind only Marin County (47.2 years) and is equivalent to Napa’s median age. This aging population in the county could be partially responsible for the robust growth that the healthcare industry has experienced in Sonoma County. The largest age cohort in the county is persons 40-59 years old (26.2%), followed by persons 30-49 years old (25.1%).
Sonoma County out performs the California average in rates of attending Some College, attaining a Bachelor’s Degree, and attaining a Graduate/Professional degree. It still trails Marin County in Bachelor’s and Grad/Professional Degree attainment. In terms of attaining at least a high school diploma, Sonoma County aligns with the U.S. average (89.5%).
Do you identify as a Black, Indigenous, or Person of Color (BIPOC) and are planning to open a business in Sonoma County? There are many resources to help you get started. Please see organizations and links below for more information?
Sonoma County Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
North Bay Black Chamber of Commerce
Sonoma County Economic Development Board Assistance for Minority-Owned and Underserved Businesses
