San Diego, CA Census Data
The 2nd largest city in California by population · 188 cities ranked
San Diego is the 2nd largest city in California by population and ranks 79th of 188 for median household income. With 1.4M residents, its poverty rate of 11.1% 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
1.4M
50.8% male · 49.2% female
Median Age
36.0
2.7 below the national average (38.7 yrs)
Median Household Income
$104,321
$25,783 above the national average ($78,538)
Bachelor's Degree or Higher
49.9%
14.9% above the national average (35.0%)
HS diploma or higher: 90.2%
Poverty Rate
11.1%
1.3% below the national average (12.4%)
Uninsured: 6.3%
Broadband Access
97.4%
7.7% above the national average (89.7%)
Median Home Value
$848,500
Median rent: $2,223 · 48% owner-occupied
Unemployment Rate
5.9%
Labor force participation: 61.1%
Per Capita Income
$53,870
Individual average income (not household)
Veteran Population
6.7%
Disability rate: 10.0%
How San Diego Compares to Other California Cities
Rankings among all 188 California cities tracked in the 2023 ACS.
| Ranking | Position | Tier |
|---|---|---|
| Largest by Population | 2nd of 188 | Top 10% |
| Highest Median Income | 79th of 188 | Top half |
| Lowest Poverty Rate | 105th of 188 | Bottom half |
| Highest Bachelor's Attainment | 40th of 188 | Top 25% |
| Highest Home Value | 57th of 188 | Top half |
Demographics
Race & Ethnicity
Age Distribution
Commute to Work
San Diego, CA Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of San Diego, CA?
The population of San Diego, CA is 1.4M according to the 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates. The median age is 36.0 years.
What is the median household income in San Diego?
The median household income in San Diego, CA is $104,321, above the national average of $78,538. Per capita income is $53,870.
What is the poverty rate in San Diego?
The poverty rate in San Diego, CA is 11.1%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. About 6.3% of residents lack health insurance.
What percentage of San Diego residents have a college degree?
49.9% of adults (25+) in San Diego hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 90.2% 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 San Diego?
The median home value in San Diego, CA is $848,500. Median rent is $2,223 per month, with 48% of housing units owner-occupied.
What is the racial makeup of San Diego?
San Diego's population is 50.4% White, 5.7% Black, 29.6% Hispanic or Latino, and 17.6% Asian (source: 2023 ACS).
How does San Diego rank among California cities?
San Diego is the 2nd largest city in California by population, the 79th highest for median household income, the 105th lowest for poverty rate, the 40th highest for bachelor's degree attainment among 188 ranked California cities.
What is the unemployment rate in San Diego?
The unemployment rate in San Diego, CA is 5.9%, with a labor force participation rate of 61.1%. Per capita income is $53,870.
Cities Similar to San Diego
Other California cities with comparable population and income levels.