Barstow city, California Demographics & Population 2026
As of 2026, Barstow city, California has a total population of 25,198, the 302nd largest city in California, with a median household income of $51,811, which is 46% lower than the state average. The poverty rate is 23.2%.
Key Takeaways
- Household income is 46% below the state average, indicating significant economic challenges.
- Unemployment rate of 10.3% is notably above the national average.
Barstow city Quick Facts
How Barstow city Compares
Median Household Income
Median Home Value
Economy & Housing
Household Income Distribution
Employment
Housing Overview
People & Demographics
Age Distribution
Race & Ethnicity
Diversity Index
A diverse community with significant representation from multiple racial and ethnic groups.
State average: 69 | National average: 60
Education
Educational Attainment (Adults 25+)
Barstow city Rankings in California
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Cities Similar to Barstow city
These cities in the same state have comparable population and economic profiles.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | Bachelor's+ | Poverty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Selma city | 24,586 | $55,839 | $288,700 | 11.3% | 19.8% |
| Dinuba city | 25,201 | $59,048 | $267,300 | 13.6% | 28.1% |
| Wasco city | 26,222 | $55,521 | $251,900 | 7.4% | 19.1% |
| Reedley city | 25,446 | $62,923 | $311,700 | 16.0% | 19.7% |
| Maywood city | 24,593 | $61,655 | $595,000 | 8.2% | 18.6% |
Population Overview
Barstow city is a mid-sized community located in California. The total population is 25,198. It ranks as the 302nd most populous out of 1,577 cities and towns in California.
Age Demographics
The median age in Barstow city is 32.9 years. This is 13% lower than the state median of 37.6 years. With 28.5% of the population under 18, Barstow city has a notably young demographic profile, suggesting a family-oriented community.
Economy, Income & Housing
The median household income in Barstow city is $51,811. This is 46% lower than the state median of $96,334. Compared to the national median of $78,538, household income here is 34% lower. The poverty rate stands at 23.2%. This is 94% higher than the state poverty rate of 12.0%. With more than one in five residents living below the poverty line, economic hardship is a significant challenge for the community. The unemployment rate is 10.3%. This is 60% higher than the state rate of 6.4%. The median home value is $222,600. Housing costs are 68% lower than the state median of $695,400. The home-value-to-income ratio is 4.3x. 45.7% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 18% lower than the state average of 55.8%.
Race & Ethnicity
The largest racial or ethnic group in Barstow city is Hispanic or Latino, making up 47.5% of the population. White (non-Hispanic) residents account for 23.8%. The Black or African American population is significantly higher than the state average (18.3% vs 5.3%). The Asian population (2.1%) is well below the state average of 15.0%.
Education
11.1% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 70% lower than the state rate of 36.5%. Nationally, 35.0% of adults hold at least a bachelor's degree. The high school graduation rate (or equivalent) is 83.8%.
Data Sources & Methodology
All demographic data for Barstow city, California is sourced from the U.S. Census Bureau's American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023). The ACS collects data from approximately 3.5 million households annually, providing reliable estimates for communities of all sizes. Comparisons are made against California state averages and national averages calculated from the same dataset. Rankings reflect the city's position among all 1,577 Census-designated places in California. For official data, visit data.census.gov.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of Barstow city, California?
Barstow city, California has a population of 25,198 according to the most recent U.S. Census ACS 5-Year Estimates.
What is the median household income in Barstow city, CA?
The median household income in Barstow city is $51,811, which is 34% lower the national median of $78,538.
What is the poverty rate in Barstow city, CA?
The poverty rate in Barstow city is 23.2%. This means approximately 5,791 residents live below the federal poverty line.
What is the racial makeup of Barstow city, California?
Barstow city's population is 23.8% White, 18.3% Black, 47.5% Hispanic/Latino, and 2.1% Asian.
What is the median home value in Barstow city, CA?
The median home value in Barstow city is $222,600. The home-value-to-income ratio is 4.3x.
How educated is Barstow city, California?
11.1% of adults (25+) in Barstow city hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 3.8% hold a graduate or professional degree.