La Mesa, CA Census Data
The 153rd largest city in California by population · 188 cities ranked
La Mesa is the 153rd largest city in California by population and ranks 131st of 188 for median household income. With 60,835 residents, its poverty rate of 11.7% ranks among the higher rates in California. This snapshot draws from the 2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates.
Updated: 2026-04-13 · Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 2023
Population
60,835
47.9% male · 52.1% female
Median Age
37.1
1.6 below the national average (38.7 yrs)
Median Household Income
$84,337
$5,799 above the national average ($78,538)
Bachelor's Degree or Higher
38.4%
3.4% above the national average (35.0%)
HS diploma or higher: 94.2%
Poverty Rate
11.7%
0.7% below the national average (12.4%)
Uninsured: 5.3%
Broadband Access
96.7%
7.0% above the national average (89.7%)
Median Home Value
$738,800
Median rent: $1,958 · 46% owner-occupied
Unemployment Rate
6.3%
Labor force participation: 62.2%
Per Capita Income
$53,682
Individual average income (not household)
Veteran Population
8.4%
Disability rate: 12.4%
How La Mesa Compares to Other California Cities
Rankings among all 188 California cities tracked in the 2023 ACS.
| Ranking | Position | Tier |
|---|---|---|
| Largest by Population | 153rd of 188 | Bottom 25% |
| Highest Median Income | 131st of 188 | Bottom half |
| Lowest Poverty Rate | 117th of 188 | Bottom half |
| Highest Bachelor's Attainment | 73rd of 188 | Top half |
| Highest Home Value | 84th of 188 | Top half |
Demographics
Race & Ethnicity
Age Distribution
Commute to Work
La Mesa, CA Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of La Mesa, CA?
The population of La Mesa, CA is 60,835 according to the 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates. The median age is 37.1 years.
What is the median household income in La Mesa?
The median household income in La Mesa, CA is $84,337, above the national average of $78,538. Per capita income is $53,682.
What is the poverty rate in La Mesa?
The poverty rate in La Mesa, CA is 11.7%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. About 5.3% of residents lack health insurance.
What percentage of La Mesa residents have a college degree?
38.4% of adults (25+) in La Mesa hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 94.2% have at least a high school diploma. The national average for bachelor's degree holders is 35.0%.
What is the median home value in La Mesa?
The median home value in La Mesa, CA is $738,800. Median rent is $1,958 per month, with 46% of housing units owner-occupied.
What is the racial makeup of La Mesa?
La Mesa's population is 59.4% White, 8.4% Black, 27.9% Hispanic or Latino, and 6.4% Asian (source: 2023 ACS).
How does La Mesa rank among California cities?
La Mesa is the 153rd largest city in California by population, the 131st highest for median household income, the 117th lowest for poverty rate, the 73rd highest for bachelor's degree attainment among 188 ranked California cities.
What is the unemployment rate in La Mesa?
The unemployment rate in La Mesa, CA is 6.3%, with a labor force participation rate of 62.2%. Per capita income is $53,682.
Cities Similar to La Mesa
Other California cities with comparable population and income levels.