Inyo County, California Demographics 2026

Population Overview

Inyo County is located in California with a total population of 18,803. It is the 52nd most populous county out of 58 in California.

Age Demographics

The median age in Inyo County is 45.6 years. This is 21% higher than the state median of 37.6 years. 10.8% of residents are 75 or older, suggesting a significant retirement-age population with implications for healthcare services and senior housing.

Economy, Income & Housing

The median household income in Inyo County is $72,432. This is 25% lower than the state median of $96,334. Compared to the national median of $78,538, household income here is 8% lower. The poverty rate stands at 10.5%. This is 12% lower than the state poverty rate of 12.0%. The unemployment rate is 2.8%. This is 57% lower than the state rate of 6.4%. The median home value is $338,400. Housing costs are 51% lower than the state median of $695,400. The home-value-to-income ratio is 4.7x. 67.1% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 20% higher than the state average of 55.8%.

Race & Ethnicity

The largest racial or ethnic group in Inyo County is White (non-Hispanic), making up 59.0% of the population. Hispanic or Latino residents account for 23.8%. The White (non-Hispanic) population is significantly higher than the state average (59.0% vs 34.6%). The Black or African American population (0.6%) is well below the state average of 5.3%. The Asian population (1.6%) is well below the state average of 15.0%.

Education

31.8% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 13% lower than the state rate of 36.5%. Nationally, 35.0% of adults hold at least a bachelor's degree. The high school graduation rate (or equivalent) is 92.8%.