The population of the greater San Francisco Bay Area region is getting older, but not evenly. Across the 13 counties the newsroom serves, between 28% and 44% of households include someone age 65 or older. In some counties, nearly one in five older adults lives alone. 


At the same time, income and housing patterns diverge sharply. Some seniors enjoy high rates of homeownership and stable household support, while others face shrinking incomes, small households and rising risks of isolation.

This analysis takes a closer look at older residents across the Bay City News footprint. By examining household composition, income and housing trends, it provides a baseline picture of how seniors are living today and highlights the differences shaping their experiences from county to county.

Taken together, the data paint a picture of a region where aging is not a single story but a patchwork. Some counties are poised to support older adults through strong homeownership and family networks. Others face sharper challenges, from affordability pressures to the social costs of independence.


Looking at the population across the 13 counties, we see Marin, Mendocino, Santa Cruz, Solano and Sonoma have had the biggest decrease in the 45- to 64-year-old population while simultaneously having the most growth in the 65+ year old population. 

Taking a closer look at these counties with larger senior populations, we will now assess the household characteristics, income levels and housing burdens. 

According to the 2023 United States Census Bureau 5-year estimate, Marin has the second-highest share of residents age 65 and older with this age group making up 23.3% of the population. This is an increase of 5.8% over the past decade. Over half of households (50.8%) include someone 60 or older, and 40.7% include someone 65 or older. Notably, 16.5% of seniors live alone, highlighting a segment of the population potentially at risk of social isolation.

Economically, Marin’s seniors are affluent: the median income for those 65+ is $101,385, $41,400 below the countywide median but still among the highest in the region. Homeownership is also high, with 60.4% of seniors owning their homes. 

Mendocino has the largest share of seniors in the Bay City News coverage area, with 24% of residents age 65 or older. This is up 7.3% over the past decade, the fastest growth rate among the counties. Households with residents 60+ make up 55.3%, and 44.1% include someone 65+. One in five seniors lives alone, suggesting potential challenges in social support and caregiving.

Income for seniors is comparatively low at $62,168, but this is only $2,520 below the countywide median, the smallest gap in the region. Nearly half of seniors (48.9%) are homeowners, indicating that while incomes are modest, many seniors have housing stability.

Santa Cruz has an 18.3% share of residents 65 and older, the second-fastest growing senior population in the area (up 6.7%). Households with seniors 60+ make up 46.8%, and 36.8% include someone 65+. About 12.5% of seniors live alone, reflecting a moderate level of independent living. The median income for seniors is $85,104, which is $24,162 below the median for all residents, and 41.9% of seniors are homeowners.

Solano has a smaller but growing senior population, with 16.9% of residents 65 or older, up 5% from 10 years ago. Households with residents 60+ make up 45%, while 34.2% include someone 65+. About 10.3% of seniors live alone, highlighting that a majority still benefit from household support. Median income for seniors is $76,117, which is $23,877 below the overall county median, and 34.2% of seniors own their homes. 

Sonoma’s senior population is 21%, up 5.4% over the past decade. Households with residents 60+ make up 48.3%, and 38.3% include someone 65+. Around 14.6% of seniors live alone, signaling a moderate level of independent living. Income for seniors sits at $78,826, which is $24,014 below the countywide median, and 41.2% of seniors are homeowners. 


Regional Findings

The data show wide differences in how seniors experience aging across Bay Area counties. Marin stands out with many older adults financially secure, well established and living independently. Mendocino shows how lower-income communities can still support seniors who want to age in place. Solano, with modest incomes and lower homeownership rates, suggests greater reliance on public or family support as its population ages. In Santa Cruz, many seniors are stable, but housing costs and limited household support put pressure on others. Sonoma has a growing senior population with moderate economic stability and many living independently, highlighting both opportunities and challenges.

Taken together, these findings show that aging in the Bay Area is not a uniform experience. Some counties offer financial security and housing stability, while others reveal steep economic disadvantages. As the senior population grows, these gaps point to a need for policies and services that respond to both economic strain and housing pressure.

Katie Eritano is a senior at Stanford University majoring in communication with a minor in data science. A returning student, she spent several years working in postproduction and service jobs before resuming her studies. Katie is passionate about data storytelling and hopes to contribute data-driven content as well as support newsroom initiatives related to podcasting and product development.