Demographics

As of the 2020 Census, Colusa County, CA has a population of approximately 21,839 people. The median age is 36.4 years. About 51% are male and 49% female. Racially, 56% are White, 1.5% Asian, 1.4% Black, and 35% identify as Other or Two or More Races. Hispanic or Latino residents comprise 61% of the total population, reflecting the county’s diverse ethnic composition.

Elections

Colusa County, CA has about 12,000 registered voters as of 2024. Voters participate in local, state, and federal elections, including primaries and general elections. In the 2022 general election, approximately 65% of registered voters cast ballots. The county operates 7 polling locations, and vote-by-mail is widely used. Key issues include water rights and agriculture. The Colusa County Elections Department, overseen by the Clerk-Recorder, manages voting. Party registration is roughly 40% Republican, 30% Democrat, and 30% No Party Preference or other parties. Election results and information are available on the county’s official website.

Education, Employment and Housing

Colusa County, CA has about 15 public schools, including 2 high schools. The high school graduation rate is around 84%, while approximately 15% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Schools average a GreatSchools ranking of 4/10, reflecting statewide assessment scores. Adult education is supported through Colusa County Adult School, offering GED and vocational programs. School safety is generally rated average, with low incident reports. Educational programs include AVID and agriculture pathways, supporting college and career readiness.

As of 2023, Colusa County, CA, had an unemployment rate of around 12%, notably above the California average. Agriculture dominates employment, with over 40% of jobs in farming, forestry, and related services. Other major sectors include education, health care (15%), and retail trade (12%). About 65% of workers are employed in private wage positions, while 20% work in government roles. Nearly 70% of residents commute outside their city for work, with an average commute time of 24 minutes, primarily driving alone. Key employment hubs include Colusa and Williams.

Colusa County, CA, has a homeownership rate of about 60%, with a median home value around $355,000 as of early 2024. Median rent is approximately $1,350 per month. The housing stock consists mainly of single-family homes, with some apartments and older farmhouses. Popular neighborhoods include Colusa, Williams, and Arbuckle. The property market has seen moderate growth, with prices rising about 4% year-over-year. Property taxes average 1.1% of assessed value, making them relatively affordable compared to California’s urban areas. Overall, Colusa County provides a quieter, more affordable alternative to major metro housing markets.

County Crime & Safety

Colusa County, CA, with a population of around 21,500, has a relatively low crime rate compared to California’s average. In 2022, the violent crime rate was approximately 216 per 100,000 residents, while property crime stood at about 1,120 per 100,000—both below state averages. The Colusa County Sheriff’s Office regularly reports these statistics, noting that most reported crimes involve theft and burglary. Community policing and public engagement contribute to the county’s reputation for safety, although residents are encouraged to remain vigilant and report suspicious activity.