Sonoma, California

Sonoma is a town located in Sonoma County, California, USA. As of the 2000 census, the city had a total population of 9,128. Sonoma is centered around its historic town plaza, a remnant of the town's Spanish colonial past.

Geography

Sonoma is located at 38° 17′ 20″ N 122° 27′ 32″ W (38.288771, -122.458884)¹.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 6.9 km² (2.7 mi²). 6.9 km² (2.7 mi²) of it is land and none of it is covered by water.

Demographics

As of the census² of 2000, there are 9,128 people, 4,373 households, and 2,361 families residing in the city. The population density is 1,329.9/km² (3,442.3/mi²). There are 4,671 housing units at an average density of 680.6/km² (1,761.5/mi²). The racial makeup of the city is 93.80% White, 0.36% African American, 0.34% Native American, 1.70% Asian, 0.05% Pacific Islander, 1.61% from other races, and 2.14% from two or more races. 6.85% of the population are Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There are 4,373 households out of which 21.1% have children under the age of 18 living with them, 42.5% are married couples living together, 8.5% have a female householder with no husband present, and 46.0% are non-families. 39.2% of all households are made up of individuals and 21.5% have someone living alone who is 65 years of age or older. The average household size is 2.07 and the average family size is 2.77.

In the city the population is spread out with 18.6% under the age of 18, 4.8% from 18 to 24, 23.5% from 25 to 44, 28.9% from 45 to 64, and 24.2% who are 65 years of age or older. The median age is 47 years. For every 100 females there are 81.5 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there are 77.0 males.

The median income for a household in the city is $50,505, and the median income for a family is $65,600. Males have a median income of $51,831 versus $40,276 for females. The per capita income for the city is $32,387. 3.7% of the population and 2.0% of families are below the poverty line. Out of the total population, 3.3% of those under the age of 18 and 4.7% of those 65 and older are living below the poverty line.

History

Sonoma is known as the birthplace of California, for it was in the town square of Sonoma where the Bear Flag was first raised 14 June 1846. Sonoma served as the capital of the short lived California Republic. Sonoma is the location of Mission San Francisco Solano, the last and northernmost of the 21 California missions. The Plaza is a National Historic Landmark.

Sonoma is also considered the birthplace of wine making in California, dating back to the original vineyards of Augosto Hrathzy, the father of California viticulture.

Notable Residents

Jack London claimed that Sonoma meant "Valley of the Moon". This phrase is still used to reference the town.