Windsor, California facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Windsor
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Downtown Windsor in September 2024.
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 Windsor, California
Location in California
Windsor, California
Location in the United States
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| Country | United States |
| State | California |
| County | Sonoma |
| Government | |
| • Type | Council–manager |
| Area | |
| • Total | 7.46 sq mi (19.32 km2) |
| • Land | 7.44 sq mi (19.26 km2) |
| • Water | 0.02 sq mi (0.06 km2) |
| Elevation | 118 ft (36 m) |
| Population
(2020)
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| • Total | 26,344 |
| • Density | 3,542.8/sq mi (1,367.9/km2) |
| Time zone | UTC-8 (Pacific) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-7 (PDT) |
| ZIP code |
95492
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| Area code(s) | 707/369 |
| FIPS code | 06-85922 |
| GNIS feature ID | 1667892 |
Windsor is a town located in Sonoma County, California, United States. It is about 9 miles north of Santa Rosa and 63 miles north of San Francisco. In 2020, the town had a population of 26,344 people.
Contents
History of Windsor
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Early Days and Naming
The area where Windsor is now located was first home to the Southern Pomo people. They called it Tsoliikawai, which means "blackbird field."
The first European settlers arrived in 1851. In 1855, Windsor got its first post office. Hiram Lewis, who was a Pony Express rider, became the first postmaster. He named the town Windsor because it reminded him of the beautiful grounds around Windsor Castle in England, his home country.
In 1856, a business area was built in eastern Windsor. It included a store, a shoe shop, a grocery, a meat market, a saloon, a hotel, and two candy shops. The Northwestern Pacific Railroad reached the town in 1872. This made travel and trade with the Bay Area much faster and cheaper.
Fires and Earthquakes
On May 21, 1905, a big fire destroyed the center of Windsor. Strong winds helped the fire spread, damaging many businesses, including a hotel. The damage was estimated to be about $30,000.
The Great San Francisco Earthquake in 1906 also caused a lot of damage to buildings in Windsor. Many of these buildings were still being repaired from the 1905 fire.
Roads and War Time
In 1915, the Old Redwood Highway through Windsor was paved. Before this, all the roads in the area were dirt.
During World War II, a training air base for the United States Army Air Forces was built in southern Windsor. This base is now the Charles M. Schulz – Sonoma County Airport. People in Windsor often heard fighter planes and bombers flying overhead.
In 1943, a camp for German prisoners of war was built west of downtown Windsor. These prisoners worked on farms in the county, picking crops like apples and prunes. They earned $0.80 per day.
Becoming a Town
The Windsor area grew a lot in the 1980s. More people moved north from Santa Rosa along U.S. Highway 101. The local economy changed from mostly farming (especially wine grapes) to providing services for people who lived there and commuted to work.
On July 1, 1992, Windsor officially became an incorporated town. Before this, it was part of Sonoma County but not its own separate town.
A large new development began in the 1990s in downtown Windsor, near the old train station. This area was designed to be a walkable village, following ideas called New Urbanism. A big city park, called the Town Green, opened in 2001. By 2006, this downtown area had over 130 homes and 50 businesses.
In 1998, Windsor voters approved a plan to control how the town would grow, called an urban growth boundary (UGA). This plan was renewed in 2017 for another 22 years.
Geography
Windsor covers an area of about 7.3 square miles (19 square kilometers). Only a very small part of this area is water. The town is about 2 miles (3.2 km) from the Russian River.
Windsor is located along U.S. Highway 101 in the Russian River valley. Nearby towns include Healdsburg, Santa Rosa, and Forestville.
Population and People
Windsor's population has grown over the years.
| Historical population | |||
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| Census | Pop. | %± | |
| 2000 | 22,744 | — | |
| 2010 | 26,801 | 17.8% | |
| 2020 | 26,344 | −1.7% | |
| 2024 (est.) | 25,846 | −3.6% | |
| US Census | |||
| Racial and ethnic composition | 2000 | 2010 | 2020 |
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| White (non-Hispanic) | 70.3% | 60.65% | 56.48% |
| Hispanic or Latino (of any race) | 23.58% | 31.76% | 33.78% |
| Two or more races (non-Hispanic) | 2.24% | 2.54% | 4.85% |
| Asian (non-Hispanic) | 2.21% | 2.89% | 2.82% |
| Black or African American (non-Hispanic) | 0.66% | 0.71% | 0.83% |
| Native American (non-Hispanic) | 0.77% | 1.06% | 0.7% |
| Other (non-Hispanic) | 0.11% | 0.21% | 0.34% |
| Pacific Islander (non-Hispanic) | 0.13% | 0.18% | 0.2% |
2020 Census Information
The 2020 United States census showed that Windsor had 26,344 residents. Most people lived in households.
The population included:
- 22.3% were under 18 years old.
- 17.8% were 65 years or older.
- The average age was 42.2 years.
About 76.3% of homes were owned by the people living in them, and 23.7% were rented. In 2023, the average household income was $129,004.
Economy and Tourism
Shopping Areas
Windsor has several shopping centers where people can find stores and businesses. These include Bell Village, Lakewood Shopping Center, and Old Downtown Windsor.
Tourism Efforts
In 2009, Windsor joined the Sonoma County Business Improvement Area. This helps the town promote itself to tourists and visitors.
Arts and Culture
Community Events
Since 2001, Windsor has hosted a free concert series every week on the Town Green. The town also holds many other community events throughout the year.
Some of these events are:
- The annual Earth Day and Wellness Festival.
- The Windsor Days Parade.
- The Cinco de Mayo Festival.
- The Community Art and Flower Show.
Other popular events have included the Windsor Half Marathon and Expo, the annual Sonoma County Hot Air Balloon Classic, and the Ironman Vineman triathlon.
Every December, Windsor celebrates the start of the holiday season with the Charlie Brown Christmas Tree Grove. This event features 200 Christmas trees decorated by local businesses, groups, and residents.
Local Museum
The Windsor Historical Society opened a museum in February 2009. It has exhibits that show the history of the area. The museum is located in the historic Hembree House.
Parks and Recreation
Windsor has many community and neighborhood parks. Most parks offer sports fields, play areas, restrooms, and picnic spots.
The Windsor Golf Club, a public golf course, has hosted professional golf events in the past.
Town Government
The Town of Windsor is managed by a five-member Town Council. This council includes the mayor and vice mayor. Since November 2020, the mayor is elected by the people. The vice mayor is chosen each year from the council members. Council members serve four-year terms.
The Town Council hires a Town Manager. This person helps carry out the council's plans and acts as the town's main executive officer.
As of November 2022, Rosa Reynoza is the mayor.
State and National Representation
In the California State Legislature, Windsor is part of the 2nd Senate district and the 2nd Assembly district.
In the United States House of Representatives, Windsor is in California's 2nd congressional district.
As of February 2019, Windsor had 15,446 registered voters. Most voters were registered as Democrats or Republicans.
Education
Most of Windsor is part of the Windsor Unified School District. A small part of the town is in the Mark West Union Elementary School District and Santa Rosa High School District.
In 2009, Windsor Middle School was recognized as a California Distinguished School.
High Schools
- Windsor High School
- Windsor Oaks Academy (located at Windsor High School)
Elementary and Middle Schools
- Brooks Elementary School
- Mattie Washburn Elementary School
- Cali Calmecac Language Academy (a charter school for grades K-8)
- Windsor Middle School
- Windsor Christian Academy (a private school for grades K-8)
- New North County Consortium (for special education needs)
Higher Education Nearby
There are colleges and universities located near Windsor in Sonoma County:
- Empire College
- Santa Rosa Junior College
- Sonoma State University
Infrastructure and Services
Transportation
Roads
Windsor is served by U.S. Highway 101. This major highway runs through California, Oregon, and Washington.
Windsor is also a very bicycle-friendly community. It won an award in 2015 from The League of American Bicyclists.
Train Service
The Sonoma–Marin Area Rail Transit (SMART) is a passenger train and bike path project. The train service to Windsor station began on May 31, 2025.
Nearby Airport
The Charles M. Schulz - Sonoma County Airport (STS) is just south of Windsor. This airport offers direct flights to several major cities.
The Sonoma County Airport has hosted the Wings Over Wine Country Air Show since 1997. It is the largest air show in the North Bay area, attracting over 25,000 visitors each year.
Library Services
The Sonoma County Library system has several branches. In 1996, the old Town Hall building in Windsor was renovated to become the Windsor Regional Library. This new library opened on November 3, 1996.
Emergency Services
Fire Department
Windsor is served by the Sonoma County Fire District. This district was formed in April 2019 by combining several smaller fire districts.
Police Department
Since 1992, the Town of Windsor has worked with the Sonoma County Sheriff's Office for police services. The Sheriff's Office provides staff for the Windsor Police force.
Windsor was ranked the 34th safest city in California by SafeWise in 2016.
Emergency Medical Services (EMS)
Windsor has a contract with Bell's Ambulance Service. They provide 911 emergency medical services with paramedics and EMTs 24 hours a day, every day. Bell's Ambulance has had a station in Windsor since 1991.
Notable People
- David Ruprecht, a television game show host
- Guy Fieri, a famous American television personality
- Scooby Wright – a linebacker who played for the Arizona Wildcats and in the NFL for the Arizona Cardinals and New England Patriots
