Novato, CA Census Data
The 176th largest city in California by population · 188 cities ranked
Novato is the 176th largest city in California by population and ranks 53rd of 188 for median household income. With 52,689 residents, it has a lower poverty rate than 112 other California cities. This snapshot draws from the 2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates.
Updated: 2026-04-13 · Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 2023
Population
52,689
50.8% male · 49.2% female
Median Age
47.8
9.1 above the national average (38.7 yrs)
Median Household Income
$112,193
$33,655 above the national average ($78,538)
Bachelor's Degree or Higher
47.5%
12.5% above the national average (35.0%)
HS diploma or higher: 90.8%
Poverty Rate
9.0%
3.4% below the national average (12.4%)
Uninsured: 3.7%
Broadband Access
96.3%
6.6% above the national average (89.7%)
Median Home Value
$1,007,100
Median rent: $2,422 · 66% owner-occupied
Unemployment Rate
6.7%
Labor force participation: 57.0%
Per Capita Income
$61,452
Individual average income (not household)
Veteran Population
5.6%
Disability rate: 11.6%
How Novato Compares to Other California Cities
Rankings among all 188 California cities tracked in the 2023 ACS.
| Ranking | Position | Tier |
|---|---|---|
| Largest by Population | 176th of 188 | Bottom 25% |
| Highest Median Income | 53rd of 188 | Top half |
| Lowest Poverty Rate | 76th of 188 | Top half |
| Highest Bachelor's Attainment | 45th of 188 | Top 25% |
| Highest Home Value | 43rd of 188 | Top 25% |
Demographics
Race & Ethnicity
Age Distribution
Commute to Work
Novato, CA Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of Novato, CA?
The population of Novato, CA is 52,689 according to the 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates. The median age is 47.8 years.
What is the median household income in Novato?
The median household income in Novato, CA is $112,193, above the national average of $78,538. Per capita income is $61,452.
What is the poverty rate in Novato?
The poverty rate in Novato, CA is 9.0%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. About 3.7% of residents lack health insurance.
What percentage of Novato residents have a college degree?
47.5% of adults (25+) in Novato hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 90.8% have at least a high school diploma. The national average for bachelor's degree holders is 35.0%.
What is the median home value in Novato?
The median home value in Novato, CA is $1,007,100. Median rent is $2,422 per month, with 66% of housing units owner-occupied.
What is the racial makeup of Novato?
Novato's population is 62.5% White, 3.7% Black, 27.0% Hispanic or Latino, and 6.6% Asian (source: 2023 ACS).
How does Novato rank among California cities?
Novato is the 176th largest city in California by population, the 53rd highest for median household income, the 76th lowest for poverty rate, the 45th highest for bachelor's degree attainment among 188 ranked California cities.
What is the unemployment rate in Novato?
The unemployment rate in Novato, CA is 6.7%, with a labor force participation rate of 57.0%. Per capita income is $61,452.
Cities Similar to Novato
Other California cities with comparable population and income levels.