Median Income
$74,250
1% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
18.7%
45% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$2,431
109% higher than US avg
Obesity Rate
27.6%
14% lower than US avg
Unemployment
6.7%
86% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
2.6%
79% lower than US avg
How Petaluma Center Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population815
Median Age22.3 yrs
Density697/mi²
Male / Female43% / 58%
Largest GroupWhite 50%
Veterans14.0%
Economy
B+
Median Income$74,250
Per Capita$21,853
Unemployment6.7%
Poverty2.6%
County GDP$36,854M
Commute13 min
Housing
C
Rent$2,431
Ownership1.3%
Zillow$720,967
Housing Units199
Rent Burden47.5%
Health
Obesity27.6%
Uninsured0.4%
Smoking11.4%
Depression22.7%
Climate
Avg Temp58°F (14°C)
AQI28 (Good)
Rain25.6 in/yr
Elevation91 ft (28 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+18.7%
High School+98.9%
Graduate+13.8%
School Score6.57
Community
2024 VoteR 17% / D 81%
Commute13 min
Broadband100.0%
EV Stations9
Libraries21
Is Petaluma Center a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Petaluma Center receives an overall livability score of 2.9 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include a low poverty rate, high health insurance coverage, strong internet connectivity. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment. Petaluma Center has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Petaluma Center is $74,250, roughly in line with the national average of $75,149. The unemployment rate of 6.7% is somewhat elevated compared to the national rate of 3.6%. Only 2.6% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 13 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
Renters pay a median of $2,431 per month, significantly above the national average of $1,163.
Education
18.7% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 98.9% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.6/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Petaluma Center enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 58°F. Winters average 48°F in January while summers reach 67°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 25.6 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 28.
Petaluma Center has a population of 815 with a density of 697 people per square mile, spread across 1.2 square miles. The median age is 22.3 years, 43% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 57.5% female and 42.5% male. The city is predominantly White (49.9%), with 36.1% Hispanic, 6.4% Black, 1.1% Asian. English is the primary language spoken at home by 70.4% of residents, while 30.5% speak Spanish. 14.0% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 1.6% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 99.6% have health insurance coverage.
Population
815
Total Population
2023 Census
22.3yrs
Median Age
43% below US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Petaluma Center vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
70.4%
10% below US avg
Spanish
30.5%
128% above US avg
Social Characteristics
Petaluma Center vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Petaluma Center is $74,250, which is 1% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $21,853 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,799, 26% higher than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 6.7% (above the 3.6% US average). 2.6% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 12,900 business establishments, including 708 restaurants. The cost of living index is 110.7, slightly above the national baseline of 100. Workers commute an average of 13 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 7.5% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Petaluma Center vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $74,250 |
| 1% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $21,853 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,799 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $247,441 |
| Gini Index | 0.516 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 6.7% |
| 86% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 2.6% |
| 79% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 12,900 |
| County GDP | $36,854M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 708 |
| Healthcare | 1,246 |
| Retail | 938 |
| Manufacturing | 193 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $17,587 |
| 402% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 110.70 (100=avg) |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 12.7 min |
| Drive Alone | 62.9% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 7.5% |
Zillow estimates the typical home value at $720,967. Monthly rent averages $2,431 (109% above the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $1,647 for a one-bedroom to $2,053 for a two-bedroom apartment. 1.3% of housing units are owner-occupied (below the 65.4% national rate). There are 199 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1970. The average annual property tax is $17,587 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 47.5% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing, indicating a significant affordability challenge for renters.
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $2,431 |
| 109% above US avg |
| Rent Burden | 47.5% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $1,513 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,647 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $2,053 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $2,752 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $3,165 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 1.3% |
| Owner-Occupied | 1.3% |
| Renter-Occupied | 98.7% |
| Housing Units | 199 |
| Median Year Built | 1970 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $17,587 |
| 402% above US avg |
In Petaluma Center, 27.6% of adults are obese, below the national rate of 32.1%. 9.5% have diabetes. 28.9% have high blood pressure. 11.4% are current smokers. 18.5% report binge drinking. 19.7% are physically inactive, below the national average. 22.7% report depression. 17.1% experience frequent mental distress. 0.4% of residents lack health insurance (below the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:671. The dentist ratio is 1:803. 97.5% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 9.5 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Petaluma Center vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 27.6% |
| 14% below US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.5% |
| High Blood Pressure | 28.9% |
| Asthma | 9.6% |
| COPD | 4.7% |
| Cancer | 6.5% |
| Stroke | 2.9% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 11.4% |
| 19% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 18.5% |
| Physical Inactivity | 19.7% |
| Depression | 22.7% |
| Mental Distress | 17.1% |
| Physical Distress | 12.0% |
| Short Sleep | 35.5% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 99.6% |
| Uninsured | 0.4% |
| 95% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:671 |
| Dentists | 1:803 |
| Mental Health | 1:104 |
| Checkup Rate | 69.6% |
| Dental Visits | 67.1% |
| Premature Death | 4,149/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 9.5/10 |
| Exercise Access | 97.5% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 1,246 |
Petaluma Center enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 58°F (14°C). Winters average 48°F in January while summers reach 67°F in July / relatively mild seasonal variation. Annual precipitation totals 25.6 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 28 / among the cleanest air in the country. 86% of days have good air quality. The city sits at an elevation of 91 feet.
Temperature
48°F Jan (9°C)
67°F Jul (19°C)
| Annual Average | 58.0°F |
| 7% above US avg |
| January Average | 48°F (9°C) |
| July Average | 67°F (19°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 91 ft (28 m) |
| Area | 1.2 sq mi (3.0 km²) |
| Population Density | 697/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 38.2507°N, 122.7888°W |
| Timezone | America/Los_Angeles |
| County | Marin County County |
| Nearest Airport | Metro Oakland International (OAK) 48 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
25.6"
33% below US avg
Wettest Month (Feb)
5.23"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 28.0 |
| Rating | Good |
| Good Days % | 86.3% |
| Unhealthy Days | 0 |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
| Ozone (O₃) | 0.0326 ppm |
| NO₂ (Nitrogen Dioxide) | 9.1 ppb |
| CO (Carbon Monoxide) | 0.31 ppm |
| PM2.5 (Fine Particles) | 5.4 μg/m³ |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively High |
| Risk Score | 96.4 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 24.7 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 99.2 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively High |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Moderate |
| Flood |
Relatively High |
| Hail |
Very Low |
| Strong Wind |
Very Low |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Very Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
No Rating |
| Landslide |
Relatively High |
| Coastal Flood |
Very High |
| Tsunami |
Relatively Moderate |
| Volcano |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
4,167 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M6.0. Most recent: M2.7 on Aug 27, 2025.
| Aug 24, 2014 |
The 2014 South Napa, California Earthquake |
M6.0 |
42 km |
| Aug 10, 2016 |
20 km NNE of Upper Lake, California |
M5.1 |
120 km |
| Sep 3, 2000 |
5 km WSW of Yountville, California |
M4.9 |
36 km |
| Sep 4, 1995 |
13 km SW of Middletown, California |
M4.8 |
48 km |
| Apr 18, 2007 |
15 km N of Potter Valley, California |
M4.8 |
138 km |
| May 12, 2006 |
7 km W of Cobb, California |
M4.7 |
63 km |
| May 21, 1996 |
8 km ESE of East Foothills, California |
M4.7 |
136 km |
| Aug 11, 1993 |
14 km ESE of Alum Rock, California |
M4.7 |
143 km |
| Jan 2, 2025 |
4 km NW of Cobb, CA |
M4.7 |
66 km |
| Aug 18, 1999 |
0 km S of Bolinas, California |
M4.6 |
39 km |
| Jan 11, 2000 |
6 km N of Geyserville, California |
M4.6 |
59 km |
| Feb 18, 2004 |
4 km WNW of Cobb, California |
M4.6 |
65 km |
| Jan 12, 2014 |
8 km W of Cobb, California |
M4.5 |
63 km |
| Sep 25, 2012 |
3 km N of Talmage, California |
M4.5 |
107 km |
| Aug 3, 2006 |
5 km W of Glen Ellen, California |
M4.5 |
22 km |
| Jun 8, 2024 |
7 km NW of The Geysers, CA |
M4.5 |
63 km |
| Sep 19, 1992 |
7 km NW of Cobb, California |
M4.5 |
68 km |
| Apr 24, 2007 |
7 km WSW of Cobb, California |
M4.5 |
61 km |
| Jun 3, 2023 |
2km NW of The Geysers, CA |
M4.5 |
60 km |
| Mar 14, 2013 |
5 km W of Cobb, California |
M4.4 |
63 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Tornado History
31 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF2. Total: 1 injury.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 1, 1958 |
EF2 |
17 km |
0 |
| Mar 18, 2011 |
EF1 |
24 km |
0 |
| Jan 23, 2010 |
EF1 |
97 km |
0 |
| Mar 20, 2005 |
EF1 |
74 km |
0 |
| Jan 27, 2005 |
EF1 |
50 km |
0 |
| Dec 5, 1998 |
EF1 |
24 km |
0 |
| Dec 23, 1996 |
EF1 |
12 km |
0 |
| Feb 22, 1996 |
EF1 |
34 km |
0 |
| Dec 2, 1992 |
EF1 |
17 km |
0 |
| Dec 2, 1992 |
EF1 |
19 km |
0 |
| Dec 2, 1992 |
EF1 |
33 km |
0 |
| Feb 27, 1983 |
EF1 |
24 km |
0 |
| Nov 10, 1964 |
EF1 |
31 km |
0 |
| Feb 17, 1959 |
EF1 |
50 km |
0 |
| Apr 1, 1958 |
EF1 |
80 km |
0 |
| Sep 28, 2019 |
EF0 |
98 km |
0 |
| Apr 27, 2016 |
EF0 |
65 km |
0 |
| Apr 7, 2011 |
EF0 |
58 km |
0 |
| Mar 20, 2005 |
EF0 |
96 km |
0 |
| Jan 11, 2005 |
EF0 |
72 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Tsunami History
4 tsunamis recorded within 500 km.
Highest wave on record: 4.5 m (15 ft).
| Year |
Location |
Cause |
Max Wave |
Deaths |
Distance |
| 1868 |
N. CALIFORNIA |
Eruption + Earthquake |
4.5 m |
30 |
86 km |
| 1856 |
N. CALIFORNIA |
Eruption + Earthquake |
0.6 m |
- |
94 km |
| 1906 |
N. CALIFORNIA |
Eruption + Earthquake |
0.1 m |
- |
66 km |
| 1865 |
N. CALIFORNIA |
Eruption + Earthquake |
- |
- |
141 km |
Source: NOAA/NCEI Historical Tsunami Database. Sorted by wave height.
Nearby Volcanoes
1 volcano within 200 km.
Closest: Clear Lake (80 km).
| Name |
Type |
Elevation |
Last Eruption |
Distance |
| Clear Lake |
Volcanic field |
1,439 m (4,721 ft) |
Unknown |
80 km |
Source: Smithsonian Institution Global Volcanism Program (GVP). Sorted by distance.
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: HENNESSEY (314,241 ac, 2020).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2020 |
HENNESSEY |
314,241 |
61 km |
| 2015 |
ROCKY |
96,125 |
79 km |
| 2018 |
COUNTY |
92,450 |
73 km |
| 2019 |
KINCADE |
77,780 |
47 km |
| 2015 |
VALLEY |
77,507 |
62 km |
| 2020 |
GLASS |
68,020 |
40 km |
| 2017 |
NUNS |
56,883 |
27 km |
| 2020 |
WALLBRIDGE |
55,194 |
45 km |
| 2017 |
ATLAS |
51,664 |
50 km |
| 2018 |
RIVER |
48,920 |
92 km |
| 2004 |
RUMSEY |
39,335 |
72 km |
| 1999 |
SIXTEEN |
37,162 |
73 km |
| 2017 |
TUBBS |
36,981 |
37 km |
| 1988 |
MILLER |
35,750 |
64 km |
| 2017 |
POCKET |
18,691 |
58 km |
| 2012 |
SIXTEEN COMPLEX |
18,191 |
94 km |
| 2006 |
ZAM ASSIST |
14,404 |
95 km |
| 2008 |
WALKER |
12,441 |
95 km |
| 2004 |
GEYSERS |
12,075 |
53 km |
| 1995 |
VISION |
11,931 |
24 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
48°F (9°C) |
4.8 in |
|
| February |
51°F (10°C) |
5.2 in |
Wettest |
| March |
53°F (12°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| April |
56°F (13°C) |
1.7 in |
|
| May |
60°F (15°C) |
0.9 in |
|
| June |
64°F (18°C) |
0.3 in |
|
| July |
67°F (19°C) |
0.0 in |
Driest |
| August |
67°F (19°C) |
0.1 in |
Warmest |
| September |
67°F (19°C) |
0.1 in |
|
| October |
62°F (17°C) |
1.3 in |
|
| November |
54°F (12°C) |
2.7 in |
|
| December |
48°F (9°C) |
5.2 in |
Coldest |
Petaluma Center has a seasonal temperature swing of 19°F / from 48°F in December to 67°F in August. Total annual precipitation is 25.6 inches, with February being the wettest month (5.2") and July the driest (0.0").
Average costs for common services in Petaluma Center. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$277 ($166-$443) |
| Specialist Visit |
$387 ($221-$609) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$221 ($111-$387) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,435 ($886-$5,535) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$144 ($83-$221) |
| Dental Filling |
$277 ($166-$443) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$50 ($28-$83) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$83 ($55-$133) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$332 ($166-$554) |
| Tire Rotation |
$44 ($22-$83) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$664 ($443-$1,107) |
| Battery Replacement |
$221 ($111-$387) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$111 ($66-$166) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$100 ($55-$155) |
| HVAC Repair |
$443 ($166-$886) |
| HVAC System Install |
$7,749 ($4,428-$13,284) |
| Roof Repair |
$1,107 ($443-$2,214) |
| Roof Replacement |
$9,963 ($6,089-$16,605) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,661 ($554-$3,875) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$16,605 ($5,535-$33,210) |
| DUI Defense |
$5,535 ($2,214-$11,070) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,661 ($886-$3,321) |
| Will Preparation |
$554 ($221-$1,107) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,768 ($1,107-$5,535) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$28 ($17-$50) |
| Women's Haircut |
$61 ($33-$111) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$166 ($83-$277) |
| Manicure |
$28 ($17-$50) |
| Pedicure |
$44 ($28-$72) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$89 ($55-$144) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$4.54 ($3.32-$6.09) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.87 ($2.77-$5.54) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$4.21 ($2.77-$6.09) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.98 ($3.32-$7.20) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$6.09 ($4.43-$8.30) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$1.11 ($0.66-$1.99) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$155 ($89-$277) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$77 ($33-$166) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$77 ($44-$133) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$77 ($44-$111) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$72 ($33-$111) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$94 ($55-$166) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$221 ($83-$554) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$2,214 ($1,328-$3,875) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$77 ($33-$144) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$17 ($8.86-$28) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$111 ($33-$277) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$33 ($17-$83) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,328 ($664-$2,768) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$1,107 ($554-$2,214) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$443 ($221-$775) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$55 ($28-$111) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$1,107 ($443-$2,768) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$13,838 ($5,535-$33,210) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$66 ($33-$111) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$111 ($55-$221) |
| Dog Grooming |
$66 ($33-$111) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$44 ($22-$83) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$332 ($166-$554) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$221 ($111-$443) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $2,374 |
| Toddler | $1,705 |
| Preschool | $1,876 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $1,698 |
| Toddler | $1,589 |
| Preschool | $1,763 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Petaluma Center
What is the population of Petaluma Center?
Petaluma Center has a population of 815 residents and is located in California. The population density is 697 people per square mile, spread across 1.2 square miles. The median age of residents is 22.3 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 57.5% female and 42.5% male.
Is Petaluma Center expensive to live in?
Petaluma Center is slightly more expensive than average, with a cost of living index of 110.7 compared to the national baseline of 100. The median household income is $74,250, 1% below the national average of $75,149. Renters pay a median of $2,431 per month, above the national average of $1,163.
What is the weather like in Petaluma Center?
Petaluma Center enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 58°F (14°C). Winter temperatures average 48°F in January, while summers reach an average of 67°F in July. Annual rainfall totals 25.6 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 28.
How is the job market in Petaluma Center?
The unemployment rate in Petaluma Center is 6.7%, somewhat above the national average of 3.6%. Job seekers may face moderate competition. The average weekly wage is $1,799. There are 12,900 business establishments in the area, including 708 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 13 minutes, and 7.5% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Petaluma Center?
For renters, the median monthly rent is $2,431. Fair market rent is $1,647 for a 1-bedroom and $2,053 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 1.3%. The average annual property tax is $17,587.
How are the schools in Petaluma Center?
Schools in Petaluma Center score 6.6 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 18.7% of adults in Petaluma Center hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 98.9% have completed high school. 13.8% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Petaluma Center?
The obesity rate in Petaluma Center is 27.6% (below the national rate of 32.1%). 11.4% of adults are smokers. 19.7% are physically inactive. 22.7% of residents report depression. 0.4% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 97.5% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:671.
What is transportation like in Petaluma Center?
The average commute in Petaluma Center is 13 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 62.9% of workers drive alone to work, and 7.5% work from home.
What are the demographics of Petaluma Center?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Petaluma Center is 49.9% White, 6.4% Black or African American, 36.1% Hispanic or Latino, 1.1% Asian. 70.4% of residents speak only English at home, while 30.5% speak Spanish. 14.0% of the population are military veterans. 1.6% of residents have a disability. 99.6% have health insurance coverage.