Rio Dell, California Demographics & Population 2026
During the 2020–2024 ACS period, Rio Dell, California had a total population of 3,349, the 762nd largest city in California, with a median household income of $42,753, which is 57% lower than the state average. The poverty rate is 17.6%.
Data vintage: U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2020–2024 5-Year Estimates · refreshed July 2026 · Methodology & source notes
Key Takeaways
- Household income is 57% below the state average, indicating significant economic challenges.
- Housing affordability is a challenge — homes cost 7.1x the median household income.
- Unemployment rate of 14.3% is notably above the national average.
Rio Dell Quick Facts
How Rio Dell Changed
Change from the 2019–2023 ACS period to 2020–2024. These are rolling five-year estimates, not year-over-year measurements.
| Metric | 2019–2023 | 2020–2024 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Population | 3,371 | 3,349 | -0.7% |
| Median household income | $46,055 | $42,753 | -7.2% |
| Median home value | $313,400 | $301,700 | -3.7% |
How Rio Dell Compares
Median Household Income
Median Home Value
Economy & Housing
Household Income Distribution
Detailed income brackets
Employment
Housing Overview
People & Demographics
Age Distribution
Race & Ethnicity
Diversity Index
A diverse community with significant representation from multiple racial and ethnic groups.
State average: 70 | National average: 61
Education
Educational Attainment (Adults 25+)
Rio Dell Rankings in California
Explore California Rankings
Other Cities in Humboldt County
| City | Population | Median Income | Poverty | Home Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Eureka | 26,010 | $57,662 | 18.1% | $404,500 |
| Arcata | 18,607 | $46,713 | 27.2% | $484,600 |
| McKinleyville | 17,113 | $73,327 | 14.2% | $457,600 |
| Fortuna | 12,326 | $62,289 | 18.2% | $379,700 |
| Myrtletown | 5,322 | $60,457 | 17.2% | $453,400 |
| Humboldt Hill | 3,551 | $71,667 | 15.0% | $406,500 |
| Cutten | 3,550 | $97,225 | 12.2% | $471,300 |
| Pine Hills | 2,875 | $78,393 | 16.1% | $487,800 |
| Bayview (Humboldt County) | 2,803 | $48,406 | 22.9% | $416,400 |
| Hoopa | 2,233 | $64,643 | 21.5% | $248,500 |
Cities Similar to Rio Dell
These cities in the same state have comparable population and economic profiles.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | Bachelor's+ | Poverty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Planada | 3,506 | $42,727 | $266,400 | 2.2% | 21.4% |
| Squaw Valley | 3,361 | $49,904 | $271,700 | 27.5% | 16.3% |
| Cottonwood (Kern County) | 3,107 | $44,247 | $321,600 | 5.8% | 46.5% |
| San Joaquin | 3,708 | $43,011 | $266,300 | 1.5% | 41.0% |
| Mount Shasta | 3,182 | $47,917 | $330,200 | 33.6% | 17.5% |
Population Overview
Rio Dell is a small community located in California, within Humboldt County. The total population is 3,349. It ranks as the 762nd most populous out of 1,570 Census-designated places in California.
Age Demographics
The median age in Rio Dell is 35.2 years. This is 7% lower than the state median of 37.9 years.
Economy, Income & Housing
The median household income in Rio Dell is $42,753. This is 57% lower than the state median of $99,122. It is also 47% lower than the national median of $80,734. The poverty rate stands at 17.6%. This is 46% higher than the state poverty rate of 12.0%. The unemployment rate is 14.3%. This is 117% higher than the state rate of 6.6%. The median home value is $301,700. Housing costs are 59% lower than the state median of $734,700. The home-value-to-income ratio of 7.1x suggests that housing affordability is a significant concern for many residents. 56.8% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 2% higher than the state average of 55.9%.
Race & Ethnicity
The largest racial or ethnic group in Rio Dell is White (non-Hispanic), making up 55.8% of the population. Hispanic or Latino residents account for 27.7%. The White (non-Hispanic) population is significantly higher than the state average (55.8% vs 33.8%). The Black or African American population (2.0%) is well below the state average of 5.2%. The Asian population (2.7%) is well below the state average of 15.3%.
Education
10.7% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 71% lower than the state rate of 37.1%. Nationally, 35.7% of adults hold at least a bachelor's degree. The high school graduation rate (or equivalent) is 92.4%.
Data Sources & Methodology
All demographic data for Rio Dell, California is sourced from the U.S. Census Bureau's American Community Survey (ACS) 2020–2024 5-Year Estimates. The ACS collects data from approximately 3.5 million households annually and pools five years of responses so that even small communities can be measured, though the margin of error widens as the population falls. Comparisons are made against California state averages and national averages calculated from the same dataset. Rankings reflect the city's position among all 1,570 Census-designated places in California. Read more about how these figures are produced on our methodology page, or visit data.census.gov for official data.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of Rio Dell, California?
Rio Dell, California has a population of 3,349 according to the most recent U.S. Census ACS 5-Year Estimates.
What is the median household income in Rio Dell, CA?
The median household income in Rio Dell is $42,753, which is 47% lower than the national median of $80,734.
What is the poverty rate in Rio Dell, CA?
The poverty rate in Rio Dell is 17.6%. This means approximately 589 residents live below the federal poverty line.
What is the racial makeup of Rio Dell, California?
Rio Dell's population is 55.8% White, 2.0% Black, 27.7% Hispanic/Latino, and 2.7% Asian.
What is the median home value in Rio Dell, CA?
The median home value in Rio Dell is $301,700. The home-value-to-income ratio is 7.1x.
How educated is Rio Dell, California?
10.7% of adults (25+) in Rio Dell hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 3.1% hold a graduate or professional degree.