Mendocino County Public RecordsCalifornia

As of the 2020 Census, Mendocino County, California, has a population of approximately 91,305. The median age is 44.2 years. Gender distribution is nearly even, with about 50.1% male and 49.9% female. Racial and ethnic composition includes 71.9% White, 1.2% African American, 4.1% Native American, 1.5% Asian, and 18.8% identifying as Hispanic or Latino. The county has a small percentage of Pacific Islanders (0.2%) and people of two or more races (8.2%).

Mendocino County, CA has about 56,000 registered voters as of 2024, split among Democrats (43%), Republicans (24%), and No Party Preference (27%). Elections include primaries and general, with major contests for local, state, and federal offices. In the 2020 presidential election, 63% voted for the Democratic candidate. The county operates 22 polling locations plus vote-by-mail. Key issues include cannabis regulation and wildfire management. Elections are administered by the County Registrar of Voters, ensuring compliance with state and federal law. Voter turnout was 78% in the 2020 general election.

Mendocino County, CA hosts over 40 public schools, including 18 high schools, and Mendocino College for adult and postsecondary education. About 24% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, slightly below the state average. Average test scores rank near the 40th percentile statewide. The county emphasizes school safety, with most districts reporting below-average incident rates. Educational programs include AVID, STEM, and adult GED preparation. Mendocino College enrolls roughly 4,000 students annually, supporting certificate, associate, and transfer pathways.

As of 2023, Mendocino County, CA, has an unemployment rate of approximately 5.1%. Major employment sectors include healthcare and social assistance (20%), retail trade (13%), and agriculture, forestry, fishing, and hunting (9%). The leading occupation types are office and administrative support (12%) and management (11%). About 75% of workers commute by car, averaging a 21-minute commute, with most employment centered in Ukiah and Fort Bragg. Approximately 20% of residents work outside their home city, with 10% telecommuting.

Mendocino County, CA, features a homeownership rate of about 62%, with median home values around $470,000 in 2023. Typical monthly rents average $1,350 for a two-bedroom unit. The housing market saw a 3% year-over-year value increase. Housing types range from rural single-family homes to seaside cottages, especially in Fort Bragg, Ukiah, and Willits. Notable neighborhoods include Ukiah’s Redwood Valley and coastal Mendocino Village. Property tax rates average 0.78% of assessed value, meaning about $3,666 annually on a median-priced home. The region preserves a blend of rural charm and small-town living.

Mendocino County, CA, reports higher crime rates than the national average. In 2022, the violent crime rate was approximately 6.2 per 1,000 residents, while property crime reached 31.8 per 1,000, according to FBI data. Major incidents include theft, burglary, and assaults, particularly in urban centers like Ukiah and Fort Bragg. Local law enforcement regularly publishes detailed monthly reports, encouraging community vigilance and crime prevention programs. Despite targeted efforts, the county’s crime rate remains nearly 30% higher than the California state average, highlighting ongoing safety concerns.