Redding is the state's largest city north of Sacramento, as well as the northernmost designated metropolitan area and city with over 100,000 people in California. It is the fourth largest city in the Sacramento Valley and the northernmost in the Central Valley.
As of the census of 2000, there were 80,865 people, 32,103 households, and 20,995 families residing in the city. The population density was 1,383.8 people per square mile (534.3/km²). There were 33,802 housing units at an average density of 578.4/sq mi (223.3/km²). The racial makeup of the city was 88.70% White, 1.05% African American, 2.23% Native American, 2.95% Asian, 0.12% Pacific Islander, 1.64% from other races, and 3.32% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 5.43% of the population.
There were 32,103 households out of which 31.9% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 48.1% were married couples living together, 13.0% had a female householder with no husband present, and 34.6% were non-families. 27.6% of all households were made up of individuals and 11.4% had someone living alone who was above age 64. The average household size was 2.44 and the average family size was 2.97.
In the city the population was spread out with 26.1% under the age of 18, 9.7% from 18 to 24, 26.4% from 25 to 44, 22.2% from 45 to 64, and 15.5% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 37 years. For every 100 females there were 92.0 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 87.5 males.
The median income for a household in the city was $34,194, and the median income for a family was $41,164. Males had a median income of $35,985 versus $24,652 for females. The per capita income for the city was $18,207. 15.6% of the population and 11.3% of families were below the poverty line. 21.2% of those under the age of 18, and 7.5% of those 65 and older were living below the poverty line.
According to the 2000 census, there were 114,424 people in both the city and unincorporated areas of Redding's 3 ZIP codes. There were 31,585 people in 96001, 4,254 live west of the city limits or in nearby Keswick. In 96002, there were 30,333 people, 2,361 of which lived in Churn Creek Bottom. In 96003, there were 41,463 people, 10,543 of which lived in either unincorporated areas of Redding or Shasta Lake City, northern and western portions of Bella Vista, including all of Jones Valley. and don't have a P.O. box. Of the entire population, 86,223 lived in the city or urban areas and 17,145 lived in the country.
The California Department of Finance lists the 2008 population at 92,690 within the current 2000 census boundaries. The City of Redding lists over 106,000 because of recent annexations. Some areas of north and west Redding have recently been annexed.
Amtrak, the national passenger rail system, provides service to Redding, operating its Coast Starlight daily in both directions between Seattle, Washington and Los Angeles, California.
Redding provides a city bus transportation system called RABA (Redding Area Bus Authority). RABA provides routes throughout the city of Redding and also provides transportation throughout Redding's suburbs.
Air Transportation for the Redding area is provided by two general aviation airports. Redding Municipal Airport, located south of Redding, has scheduled regional airline service from two airlines, Horizon Air, and SkyWest (United Express). Benton Airpark is located on the west side of Redding.