San Marcos, CA Census Data
The 81st largest city in California by population · 188 cities ranked
San Marcos is the 81st largest city in California by population and ranks 76th of 188 for median household income. With 94,078 residents, it has a lower poverty rate than 96 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
94,078
49.6% male · 50.4% female
Median Age
36.8
1.9 below the national average (38.7 yrs)
Median Household Income
$105,286
$26,748 above the national average ($78,538)
Bachelor's Degree or Higher
42.7%
7.7% above the national average (35.0%)
HS diploma or higher: 88.1%
Poverty Rate
10.2%
2.2% below the national average (12.4%)
Uninsured: 7.1%
Broadband Access
97.9%
8.2% above the national average (89.7%)
Median Home Value
$792,400
Median rent: $2,191 · 63% owner-occupied
Unemployment Rate
4.5%
Labor force participation: 61.8%
Per Capita Income
$48,055
Individual average income (not household)
Veteran Population
6.4%
Disability rate: 10.8%
How San Marcos Compares to Other California Cities
Rankings among all 188 California cities tracked in the 2023 ACS.
| Ranking | Position | Tier |
|---|---|---|
| Largest by Population | 81st of 188 | Top half |
| Highest Median Income | 76th of 188 | Top half |
| Lowest Poverty Rate | 92nd of 188 | Top half |
| Highest Bachelor's Attainment | 61st of 188 | Top half |
| Highest Home Value | 69th of 188 | Top half |
Demographics
Race & Ethnicity
Age Distribution
Commute to Work
San Marcos, CA Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of San Marcos, CA?
The population of San Marcos, CA is 94,078 according to the 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates. The median age is 36.8 years.
What is the median household income in San Marcos?
The median household income in San Marcos, CA is $105,286, above the national average of $78,538. Per capita income is $48,055.
What is the poverty rate in San Marcos?
The poverty rate in San Marcos, CA is 10.2%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. About 7.1% of residents lack health insurance.
What percentage of San Marcos residents have a college degree?
42.7% of adults (25+) in San Marcos hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 88.1% 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 Marcos?
The median home value in San Marcos, CA is $792,400. Median rent is $2,191 per month, with 63% of housing units owner-occupied.
What is the racial makeup of San Marcos?
San Marcos's population is 55.1% White, 1.5% Black, 37.3% Hispanic or Latino, and 10.9% Asian (source: 2023 ACS).
How does San Marcos rank among California cities?
San Marcos is the 81st largest city in California by population, the 76th highest for median household income, the 92nd lowest for poverty rate, the 61st highest for bachelor's degree attainment among 188 ranked California cities.
What is the unemployment rate in San Marcos?
The unemployment rate in San Marcos, CA is 4.5%, with a labor force participation rate of 61.8%. Per capita income is $48,055.
Cities Similar to San Marcos
Other California cities with comparable population and income levels.