Watsonville, CA Census Data
The 180th largest city in California by population · 188 cities ranked
Watsonville is the 180th largest city in California by population and ranks 157th of 188 for median household income. With 51,968 residents, its poverty rate of 15.1% ranks among the higher rates in California. 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
51,968
49.8% male · 50.2% female
Median Age
32.7
6.0 below the national average (38.7 yrs)
Median Household Income
$74,785
$3,753 below the national average ($78,538)
Bachelor's Degree or Higher
12.7%
22.3% below the national average (35.0%)
HS diploma or higher: 65.5%
Poverty Rate
15.1%
2.7% above the national average (12.4%)
Uninsured: 9.8%
Broadband Access
92.3%
2.6% above the national average (89.7%)
Median Home Value
$657,700
Median rent: $1,784 · 44% owner-occupied
Unemployment Rate
7.9%
Labor force participation: 57.4%
Per Capita Income
$34,282
Individual average income (not household)
Veteran Population
2.5%
Disability rate: 11.8%
How Watsonville Compares to Other California Cities
Rankings among all 188 California cities tracked in the 2023 ACS.
| Ranking | Position | Tier |
|---|---|---|
| Largest by Population | 180th of 188 | Bottom 25% |
| Highest Median Income | 157th of 188 | Bottom 25% |
| Lowest Poverty Rate | 153rd of 188 | Bottom 25% |
| Highest Bachelor's Attainment | 175th of 188 | Bottom 25% |
| Highest Home Value | 104th of 188 | Bottom half |
Demographics
Race & Ethnicity
Age Distribution
Commute to Work
Watsonville, CA Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of Watsonville, CA?
The population of Watsonville, CA is 51,968 according to the 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates. The median age is 32.7 years.
What is the median household income in Watsonville?
The median household income in Watsonville, CA is $74,785, below the national average of $78,538. Per capita income is $34,282.
What is the poverty rate in Watsonville?
The poverty rate in Watsonville, CA is 15.1%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. About 9.8% of residents lack health insurance.
What percentage of Watsonville residents have a college degree?
12.7% of adults (25+) in Watsonville hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 65.5% 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 Watsonville?
The median home value in Watsonville, CA is $657,700. Median rent is $1,784 per month, with 44% of housing units owner-occupied.
What is the racial makeup of Watsonville?
Watsonville's population is 30.0% White, 1.0% Black, 83.5% Hispanic or Latino, and 2.5% Asian (source: 2023 ACS).
How does Watsonville rank among California cities?
Watsonville is the 180th largest city in California by population, the 157th highest for median household income, the 153rd lowest for poverty rate, the 175th highest for bachelor's degree attainment among 188 ranked California cities.
What is the unemployment rate in Watsonville?
The unemployment rate in Watsonville, CA is 7.9%, with a labor force participation rate of 57.4%. Per capita income is $34,282.
Cities Similar to Watsonville
Other California cities with comparable population and income levels.