National City, CA Census Data
The 165th largest city in California by population · 188 cities ranked
National City is the 165th largest city in California by population and ranks 180th of 188 for median household income. With 55,960 residents, its poverty rate of 14.0% 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
55,960
48.5% male · 51.5% female
Median Age
36.6
2.1 below the national average (38.7 yrs)
Median Household Income
$64,248
$14,290 below the national average ($78,538)
Bachelor's Degree or Higher
16.9%
18.1% below the national average (35.0%)
HS diploma or higher: 76.5%
Poverty Rate
14.0%
1.6% above the national average (12.4%)
Uninsured: 12.9%
Broadband Access
91.4%
1.7% above the national average (89.7%)
Median Home Value
$580,900
Median rent: $1,619 · 34% owner-occupied
Unemployment Rate
7.5%
Labor force participation: 57.2%
Per Capita Income
$34,518
Individual average income (not household)
Veteran Population
6.1%
Disability rate: 12.8%
How National City Compares to Other California Cities
Rankings among all 188 California cities tracked in the 2023 ACS.
| Ranking | Position | Tier |
|---|---|---|
| Largest by Population | 165th of 188 | Bottom 25% |
| Highest Median Income | 180th of 188 | Bottom 25% |
| Lowest Poverty Rate | 144th of 188 | Bottom 25% |
| Highest Bachelor's Attainment | 161st of 188 | Bottom 25% |
| Highest Home Value | 131st of 188 | Bottom half |
Demographics
Race & Ethnicity
Age Distribution
Commute to Work
National City, CA Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of National City, CA?
The population of National City, CA is 55,960 according to the 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates. The median age is 36.6 years.
What is the median household income in National City?
The median household income in National City, CA is $64,248, below the national average of $78,538. Per capita income is $34,518.
What is the poverty rate in National City?
The poverty rate in National City, CA is 14.0%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. About 12.9% of residents lack health insurance.
What percentage of National City residents have a college degree?
16.9% of adults (25+) in National City hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 76.5% 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 National City?
The median home value in National City, CA is $580,900. Median rent is $1,619 per month, with 34% of housing units owner-occupied.
What is the racial makeup of National City?
National City's population is 32.5% White, 4.4% Black, 65.8% Hispanic or Latino, and 17.0% Asian (source: 2023 ACS).
How does National City rank among California cities?
National City is the 165th largest city in California by population, the 180th highest for median household income, the 144th lowest for poverty rate, the 161st highest for bachelor's degree attainment among 188 ranked California cities.
What is the unemployment rate in National City?
The unemployment rate in National City, CA is 7.5%, with a labor force participation rate of 57.2%. Per capita income is $34,518.
Cities Similar to National City
Other California cities with comparable population and income levels.