San Francisco, CA Census Data
The 4th largest city in California by population · 188 cities ranked
San Francisco is the 4th largest city in California by population and ranks 21st of 188 for median household income. With 836,321 residents, its poverty rate of 10.6% 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
836,321
51.4% male · 48.6% female
Median Age
39.7
1.0 above the national average (38.7 yrs)
Median Household Income
$141,446
$62,908 above the national average ($78,538)
Bachelor's Degree or Higher
60.1%
25.1% above the national average (35.0%)
HS diploma or higher: 88.8%
Poverty Rate
10.6%
1.8% below the national average (12.4%)
Uninsured: 3.5%
Broadband Access
96.3%
6.6% above the national average (89.7%)
Median Home Value
$1,380,500
Median rent: $2,419 · 38% owner-occupied
Unemployment Rate
5.6%
Labor force participation: 66.1%
Per Capita Income
$82,931
Individual average income (not household)
Veteran Population
2.6%
Disability rate: 11.2%
How San Francisco Compares to Other California Cities
Rankings among all 188 California cities tracked in the 2023 ACS.
| Ranking | Position | Tier |
|---|---|---|
| Largest by Population | 4th of 188 | Top 10% |
| Highest Median Income | 21st of 188 | Top 25% |
| Lowest Poverty Rate | 98th of 188 | Bottom half |
| Highest Bachelor's Attainment | 20th of 188 | Top 25% |
| Highest Home Value | 13th of 188 | Top 10% |
Demographics
Race & Ethnicity
Age Distribution
Commute to Work
San Francisco, CA Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of San Francisco, CA?
The population of San Francisco, CA is 836,321 according to the 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates. The median age is 39.7 years.
What is the median household income in San Francisco?
The median household income in San Francisco, CA is $141,446, above the national average of $78,538. Per capita income is $82,931.
What is the poverty rate in San Francisco?
The poverty rate in San Francisco, CA is 10.6%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. About 3.5% of residents lack health insurance.
What percentage of San Francisco residents have a college degree?
60.1% of adults (25+) in San Francisco hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 88.8% 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 Francisco?
The median home value in San Francisco, CA is $1,380,500. Median rent is $2,419 per month, with 38% of housing units owner-occupied.
What is the racial makeup of San Francisco?
San Francisco's population is 40.5% White, 5.1% Black, 15.9% Hispanic or Latino, and 35.0% Asian (source: 2023 ACS).
How does San Francisco rank among California cities?
San Francisco is the 4th largest city in California by population, the 21st highest for median household income, the 98th lowest for poverty rate, the 20th highest for bachelor's degree attainment among 188 ranked California cities.
What is the unemployment rate in San Francisco?
The unemployment rate in San Francisco, CA is 5.6%, with a labor force participation rate of 66.1%. Per capita income is $82,931.
Cities Similar to San Francisco
Other California cities with comparable population and income levels.