Sierra County, California Demographics 2026

Population Overview

Sierra County is located in California with a total population of 2,731. It is the 57th most populous county out of 58 in California.

Age Demographics

The median age in Sierra County is 56.0 years. This is 49% higher than the state median of 37.6 years. Only 12.8% of residents are under 18, indicating fewer families with children. 15.2% 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 Sierra County is $60,000. This is 38% lower than the state median of $96,334. Compared to the national median of $78,538, household income here is 24% lower. The poverty rate stands at 12.3%. This is 3% higher than the state poverty rate of 12.0%. The unemployment rate is 12.2%. This is 90% higher than the state rate of 6.4%. The median home value is $334,100. Housing costs are 52% lower than the state median of $695,400. The home-value-to-income ratio is 5.6x. 78.3% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 40% higher than the state average of 55.8%.

Race & Ethnicity

Sierra County has a predominantly White (non-Hispanic) population, comprising 88.8% of all residents. Hispanic or Latino residents account for 9.6%. The White (non-Hispanic) population is significantly higher than the state average (88.8% vs 34.6%). The Black or African American population (0.3%) is well below the state average of 5.3%. The Hispanic or Latino population (9.6%) is well below the state average of 39.8%.

Education

24.4% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 33% 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 91.4%.