San Jose, CA Census Data

The 3rd largest city in California by population · 188 cities ranked

San Jose is the 3rd largest city in California by population and ranks 20th of 188 for median household income. With 990,054 residents, it has a lower poverty rate than 135 other California cities. 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 990,054
50.9% male · 49.1% female
Median Age 38.1
0.6 below the national average (38.7 yrs)
Median Household Income $141,565
$63,027 above the national average ($78,538)
Bachelor's Degree or Higher 46.5%
11.5% above the national average (35.0%)
HS diploma or higher: 85.5%
Poverty Rate 7.8%
4.6% below the national average (12.4%)
Uninsured: 4.9%
Broadband Access 97.4%
7.7% above the national average (89.7%)
Median Home Value $1,187,800
Median rent: $2,617 · 56% owner-occupied
Unemployment Rate 4.7%
Labor force participation: 64.6%
Per Capita Income $61,675
Individual average income (not household)
Veteran Population 2.7%
Disability rate: 9.6%

How San Jose Compares to Other California Cities

Rankings among all 188 California cities tracked in the 2023 ACS.

RankingPositionTier
Largest by Population3rd of 188Top 10%
Highest Median Income20th of 188Top 25%
Lowest Poverty Rate53rd of 188Top half
Highest Bachelor's Attainment47th of 188Top 25%
Highest Home Value23rd of 188Top 25%

Demographics

Race & Ethnicity

Age Distribution

Commute to Work

San Jose, CA Frequently Asked Questions

What is the population of San Jose, CA?
The population of San Jose, CA is 990,054 according to the 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates. The median age is 38.1 years.
What is the median household income in San Jose?
The median household income in San Jose, CA is $141,565, above the national average of $78,538. Per capita income is $61,675.
What is the poverty rate in San Jose?
The poverty rate in San Jose, CA is 7.8%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. About 4.9% of residents lack health insurance.
What percentage of San Jose residents have a college degree?
46.5% of adults (25+) in San Jose hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 85.5% 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 San Jose?
The median home value in San Jose, CA is $1,187,800. Median rent is $2,617 per month, with 56% of housing units owner-occupied.
What is the racial makeup of San Jose?
San Jose's population is 29.0% White, 2.9% Black, 31.0% Hispanic or Latino, and 38.6% Asian (source: 2023 ACS).
How does San Jose rank among California cities?
San Jose is the 3rd largest city in California by population, the 20th highest for median household income, the 53rd lowest for poverty rate, the 47th highest for bachelor's degree attainment among 188 ranked California cities.
What is the unemployment rate in San Jose?
The unemployment rate in San Jose, CA is 4.7%, with a labor force participation rate of 64.6%. Per capita income is $61,675.

Cities Similar to San Jose

Other California cities with comparable population and income levels.