Explore Santa Rosa local geography, civic resources and voter guides, with dated official population and registration facts for Sonoma County.
At a glance: Santa Rosa is an incorporated city in Sonoma County. Population: 179,798 (California Department of Finance estimate as of January 1, 2026). Registered voters: 109,653 (California Secretary of State, as of September 4, 2026).
Santa Rosa extends across the Santa Rosa Plain and into the surrounding hills, forming Sonoma County's principal urban center. Downtown, Railroad Square, creek corridors, and outlying residential districts give the city several distinct landscapes. Howarth Memorial Park and Finley Community Park are prominent recreation resources. The Prince Memorial Greenway brings public walking space into the downtown creek corridor, while community centers support programs across the city. Santa Rosa incorporated on March 26, 1868. It is a charter city with a council-manager government and serves as Sonoma County's county seat.
Santa Rosa's Recreation and Parks portal provides program registration, facility information, and park updates.
Yes. It is part of Santa Rosa's municipal park system.
The city clerk handles municipal candidate matters, while the Sonoma County Registrar of Voters provides voter services and official results.
109,653 (California Secretary of State, as of September 4, 2026).
CA Slates began with shared voter guides in 2012 and expanded into its current publication family and connected program.