What to know before you move: cost, market timing, who it fits.
If you're considering a move to Ukiah, CA, the most important variables are the local housing market, the cost structure (taxes, insurance, utilities), and how well the city fits your day-to-day life. This page summarizes the housing market read; pair it with the cost of living page for the full picture.
Ukiah is a city in Mendocino County, California, with an estimated population of 16,067. The population has contracted 0.8% per year on average since 2020. The median home value in Ukiah is $486,824 as of 2026-04, down 2.9% over the last 12 months. Over the last five years, home values have averaged -3.3% annual growth, and the market currently sits about 21% below its 5-year peak. Rents in Ukiah average $2,056 per month. The composite momentum score is 27 of 100 (Declining). The market is well off recent highs — patient long-term buyers may find opportunities, but resale liquidity is reduced.
Prices well off recent highs (-20.6% from peak, -2.9% YoY). Patient long-term buyers may find opportunities, but resale liquidity is reduced.
Reasons people move here
- The data is the data: Ukiah has at least 5 years of Zillow tracking, full Census identification, and is included in the 1-criteria momentum score on this page.
- Data is sourced from public datasets (Zillow, US Census) with full citations on the methodology page.
Things to know first
- 21% off the 5-year peak. That's not a healthy correction — that's a market that ran too far and is still digesting.
- Cooling: -2.9% over the trailing year — momentum has stalled.
- Flat or shrinking population: -0.8% per year. Housing demand has to come from somewhere — verify the source.
- Stagnant long-run trend: +1.6% 10-year CAGR plus flat population — appreciation case is weak.
More about Ukiah
Sources: Zillow ZHVI (home values), Zillow ZORI (rents), US Census ACS + place population. Updated when source agencies publish revisions.