Santee, CA Census Data
The 158th largest city in California by population · 188 cities ranked
Santee is the 158th largest city in California by population and ranks 75th of 188 for median household income. With 59,485 residents, it has a lower poverty rate than 124 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
59,485
49.6% male · 50.4% female
Median Age
39.5
0.8 above the national average (38.7 yrs)
Median Household Income
$105,613
$27,075 above the national average ($78,538)
Bachelor's Degree or Higher
32.9%
2.1% below the national average (35.0%)
HS diploma or higher: 92.8%
Poverty Rate
8.5%
3.9% below the national average (12.4%)
Uninsured: 3.6%
Broadband Access
96.9%
7.2% above the national average (89.7%)
Median Home Value
$653,400
Median rent: $2,197 · 72% owner-occupied
Unemployment Rate
5.1%
Labor force participation: 59.4%
Per Capita Income
$56,847
Individual average income (not household)
Veteran Population
10.9%
Disability rate: 13.2%
How Santee Compares to Other California Cities
Rankings among all 188 California cities tracked in the 2023 ACS.
| Ranking | Position | Tier |
|---|---|---|
| Largest by Population | 158th of 188 | Bottom 25% |
| Highest Median Income | 75th of 188 | Top half |
| Lowest Poverty Rate | 64th of 188 | Top half |
| Highest Bachelor's Attainment | 94th of 188 | Top half |
| Highest Home Value | 107th of 188 | Bottom half |
Demographics
Race & Ethnicity
Age Distribution
Commute to Work
Santee, CA Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of Santee, CA?
The population of Santee, CA is 59,485 according to the 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates. The median age is 39.5 years.
What is the median household income in Santee?
The median household income in Santee, CA is $105,613, above the national average of $78,538. Per capita income is $56,847.
What is the poverty rate in Santee?
The poverty rate in Santee, CA is 8.5%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. About 3.6% of residents lack health insurance.
What percentage of Santee residents have a college degree?
32.9% of adults (25+) in Santee hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 92.8% 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 Santee?
The median home value in Santee, CA is $653,400. Median rent is $2,197 per month, with 72% of housing units owner-occupied.
What is the racial makeup of Santee?
Santee's population is 70.2% White, 2.4% Black, 21.9% Hispanic or Latino, and 5.5% Asian (source: 2023 ACS).
How does Santee rank among California cities?
Santee is the 158th largest city in California by population, the 75th highest for median household income, the 64th lowest for poverty rate, the 94th highest for bachelor's degree attainment among 188 ranked California cities.
What is the unemployment rate in Santee?
The unemployment rate in Santee, CA is 5.1%, with a labor force participation rate of 59.4%. Per capita income is $56,847.
Cities Similar to Santee
Other California cities with comparable population and income levels.