RSS FeedsPopulation & Housing
Growth Trends
Housing Characteristics
Based on the 2000 Census, the total population of Napa County was 124,279, with the majority (78%) living within the five incorporated cities, and 22% living in the unincorporated portion of the County. The City of Napa has the highest population, 72,585 persons (58% of the total County population).
The median household income in Napa County was $51,400, which is 8% higher than the 2000 statewide median. The highest median income in the County was in the unincorporated areas, with a median income of $63,600, and the lowest median income was found in Calistoga, with a median of $39,500.
As of 2004, the labor force in Napa County was 72,400, with a 3.9% unemployment rate. It is estimated that the total farm worker population in Napa County ranges from 2,965 to 6,500, with approximately 12% regular workers, 38% seasonal workers, and 50% harvest-only workers.
GROWTH TRENDS
Between 1990 and 2000, Napa County experienced an approximately 12% increase in overall population and a 10% increase in number of households. The American Canyon area experienced the most rapid population growth, with an approximate 26% increase in this time period. The second most notable population increase occurred in the City of St. Helena, with a 19% increase between 1990 and 2000. Both the Town of Yountville and the unincorporated areas of the County experienced a decrease in total population during this period. The Association of Bay Area Governments (ABAG) projects that populations in Napa County will continue to experience steady growth over the next 25 years. However, the anticipated levels of growth differ greatly between the 12 geographic regions assessed in this chapter. American Canyon is projected to be the most rapidly growing incorporated area, with a projected 61% increase in population over the next 25 years, and an almost doubling in the number of available jobs. Economically, Napa is the second fastest growing city in the County, with the number of jobs projected to increase by 40% by 2030. It also remains the jurisdiction within which the bulk (64%) of the 29,000+ person increase in population is projected to take place. The remaining incorporated areas in the County, St. Helena, Calistoga, and Yountville, seem to have reached their maximum populations with relatively low growth rates projected for the future. Future growth rates in the Town of Yountville and the unincorporated portion of Napa County are expected to be even less significant if they continue to decline.
HOUSING CHARACTERISTICS
As of the 2000 Census, the total number of housing units in Napa County was 48,554, with 45,402 (93.5%) occupied housing units and 3,152 (6.5%) vacant housing units. According to the ABAG Regional Housing Needs Determination, the total housing need in Napa County for 2001 to 2006 is 7,063 units. Each of the Housing Elements for the jurisdictions in Napa County addresses current and future housing needs and future supply of housing stock to meet the projected regional demand. The Housing Elements of the Cities of Yountville, Napa, and Calistoga contain housing objectives that exceed ABAG requirements, raising the programmed amount of new housing in Napa County above ABAG’s projected need. However, available housing is not necessarily affordable for all segments of the population in Napa County.
Housing will continue to remain a critical issue for Napa County over the coming decade. Land availability and housing for lower income levels and special needs groups, such as farm workers, is a current challenge. Housing needs for these population groups will only be met through the implementation of the housing policies and programs set out by each jurisdiction’s Housing Element.
