Plumas County, California Demographics 2026

Population Overview

Plumas County is located in California with a total population of 19,607. It is the 51st most populous county out of 58 in California.

Age Demographics

The median age in Plumas County is 52.1 years. This is 39% higher than the state median of 37.6 years. 11.2% 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 Plumas County is $64,946. This is 33% lower than the state median of $96,334. Compared to the national median of $78,538, household income here is 17% lower. The poverty rate stands at 10.7%. This is 10% lower than the state poverty rate of 12.0%. The unemployment rate is 9.7%. This is 51% higher than the state rate of 6.4%. The median home value is $327,400. Housing costs are 53% lower than the state median of $695,400. The home-value-to-income ratio is 5.0x. 74.8% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 34% higher than the state average of 55.8%.

Race & Ethnicity

The largest racial or ethnic group in Plumas County is White (non-Hispanic), making up 81.8% of the population. Hispanic or Latino residents account for 10.0%. The White (non-Hispanic) population is significantly higher than the state average (81.8% vs 34.6%). The Black or African American population (0.7%) is well below the state average of 5.3%. The Hispanic or Latino population (10.0%) is well below the state average of 39.8%. The Asian population (0.5%) is well below the state average of 15.0%.

Education

20.5% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 44% 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 94.0%.