Napa is a city located in Napa County in the northern part of the U.S. state of California. Known internationally for its wine industry, Napa is situated in a fertile valley just east of the Mayacamas Mountains. As of the 2020 census, Napa had a population of 79,277 residents, making it the largest city in Napa County.
Population
According to the 2020 census, the population of Napa was 79,277. This represents a 12.5% increase from the 2010 census population of 70,565. Napa is currently the 104th largest city in California by population.
The racial makeup of Napa in 2020 was:
- White: 57.3%
- Hispanic or Latino: 34.1%
- Asian: 5.7%
- Black or African American: 1.6%
- Two or more races: 3.8%
The median age in Napa is 39.5 years old. 22.5% of the population is under 18 years old, while 13.4% is aged 65 or older.
Economy and Major Employers
The economy of Napa relies heavily on the wine industry and tourism. As of 2022, the top employers in Napa are:
- Napa Valley Unified School District
- Queen of the Valley Medical Center
- County of Napa government
- City of Napa government
- Napa State Hospital
- Marriott International hotels
- Safeway grocery stores
- Napa Auto Parts/Genuine Parts Company
- The Meritage Resort and Spa
- South Napa Marketplace
Other major industries include healthcare, retail, education, manufacturing, and hospitality. Well-known companies headquartered in Napa include JaM Cellars, Trinchero Family Estates, and The Hess Collection. The unemployment rate in Napa is generally low at around 2-3%.
Napa also benefits from its close proximity to San Francisco and Oakland and its location in the Bay Area. Numerous residents commute to jobs in the larger metropolitan area.
Tourism
Tourism is a huge industry in Napa and a major driver of the local economy. Over 4.7 million people visited Napa in 2021, accounting for $2.23 billion in tourist spending. Most visitors come to Napa to explore the region’s famous wineries and vineyards through tastings, tours, and wine country getaways.
In addition to wineries, popular Napa attractions include:
- World-class spas for relaxation and rejuvenation
- Oxbow Public Market – a culinary destination with local food vendors and restaurants
- Downtown Napa’s restaurants, shops, galleries, and nightlife
- Bothe-Napa Valley State Park for hiking and camping
- Pet-friendly attractions like the Napa Valley Wine Train
Popular events that attract tourists annually include BottleRock Napa music festival, Napa Lighted Art Festival, Napa Valley Film Festival, and many harvest and holiday celebrations.
Arts and Culture
Napa has a thriving arts and culture scene. The city is home to over 20 art galleries and studios that showcase works by local artists. Public art can be spotted throughout Napa, including over 40 murals in the city’s Mural District. Performing arts venues in Napa include the Napa Valley Opera House and the Lincoln Theater.
Annual cultural events include the Napa County Fair, Napa Lighted Art Festival, Napa Valley Film Festival, and numerous food, wine, and harvest celebrations that highlight the region’s agriculture and cuisine. The city also hosts festivals and events celebrating Napa’s diversity, such as the Napa Valley Pride festival and Día de los Muertos.
Sports
Napa is home to several sports teams and organizations, providing entertainment to locals and visitors alike. The Napa Silverados are a professional Minor League baseball team founded in 2021. They play at the newly built Silverado Ballpark.
Other local teams include the Napa Panthers Semi-Pro Football Team and Napa United Soccer Club. Many high school and recreational sports leagues also call Napa home, utilizing fields and facilities like the Napa Valley College Sports Complex.
Outdoor recreation like bicycling, running, hiking, boating, and more can be enjoyed in Napa thanks to its beautiful natural setting and mild climate. Popular races occur throughout the year, such as the Napa to Sonoma Half Marathon and Napa Valley Tour de Cure.
Local Government
The City of Napa was incorporated in 1872 and operates under a Council-Manager form of government. The City Council consists of 5 members elected to serve 4-year terms. The Mayor is elected by fellow City Council members, not by citizens. The City Council appoints professional City Manager to oversee day-to-day operations.
Residents of Napa also vote for representatives at the county, state, and federal levels. Napa is located within California’s 5th congressional district, represented by Democrat Mike Thompson.
Living in Napa
The cost of living index for Napa is 147, which is significantly higher than the national average. Median home prices currently exceed $800,000. Rentals also tend to be pricier, with a two-bedroom apartment averaging around $2,500 per month.
However, Napa residents enjoy a very high quality of life. Low crime rates, clean environment, mild year-round weather, award-winning dining and shopping, and abundant recreational opportunities make Napa a desirable place to live.
Napa has a fairly small-town feel despite its nearly 80,000 population. The community is tight-knit with engaged residents and many opportunities to get involved via nonprofit organizations, festivals and events, and city programs and committees.
Whether you’re a lifelong local or a visitor discovering Napa for the first time, there is something for everyone in this world-famous valley city.