Bonita, California Demographics & Population 2026
During the 2020–2024 ACS period, Bonita, California had a total population of 12,652, the 439th largest community in California, with a median household income of $118,674, which is 20% higher than the state average. The poverty rate is 7.5%.
Data vintage: U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2020–2024 5-Year Estimates · refreshed July 2026 · Methodology & source notes
Key Takeaways
- Housing affordability is a challenge — homes cost 8.1x the median household income.
Bonita Quick Facts
How Bonita Changed
Change from the 2019–2023 ACS period to 2020–2024. These are rolling five-year estimates, not year-over-year measurements.
| Metric | 2019–2023 | 2020–2024 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Population | 13,336 | 12,652 | -5.1% |
| Median household income | $117,750 | $118,674 | +0.8% |
| Median home value | $902,200 | $962,800 | +6.7% |
How Bonita Compares
Median Household Income
Median Home Value
Economy & Housing
Household Income Distribution
Detailed income brackets
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: 70 | National average: 61
Education
Educational Attainment (Adults 25+)
Bonita Rankings in California
Explore California Rankings
Other Cities in San Diego County
| City | Population | Median Income | Poverty | Home Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| San Diego | 1,389,526 | $108,077 | 11.0% | $906,700 |
| Chula Vista | 276,375 | $108,032 | 8.8% | $758,700 |
| Oceanside | 172,242 | $97,737 | 8.3% | $770,300 |
| Escondido | 149,668 | $91,967 | 12.2% | $714,500 |
| Carlsbad | 114,373 | $142,748 | 6.9% | $1,257,000 |
| El Cajon | 104,449 | $67,511 | 20.5% | $681,700 |
| Vista | 99,114 | $94,975 | 10.5% | $762,400 |
| San Marcos | 94,882 | $109,377 | 9.2% | $868,000 |
| Encinitas | 61,480 | $162,229 | 7.4% | $1,646,800 |
| La Mesa | 60,797 | $95,028 | 11.5% | $812,000 |
Cities Similar to Bonita
These cities in the same state have comparable population and economic profiles.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | Bachelor's+ | Poverty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Emeryville | 13,081 | $117,092 | $604,800 | 70.5% | 13.8% |
| North Fair Oaks | 13,100 | $104,884 | $1,276,900 | 28.0% | 13.0% |
| Larkspur | 12,854 | $140,417 | $1,996,600 | 67.9% | 7.0% |
| Carpinteria | 13,036 | $100,658 | $1,043,100 | 44.0% | 7.0% |
| Signal Hill | 11,468 | $113,298 | $783,300 | 37.2% | 7.1% |
Population Overview
Bonita is a small city located in California, within San Diego County. The total population is 12,652. It ranks as the 439th most populous out of 1,570 Census-designated places in California.
Age Demographics
The median age in Bonita is 44.1 years. This is 16% higher than the state median of 37.9 years. 11.9% of residents are 75 or older, suggesting a significant retirement-age population with implications for healthcare services and senior housing.
Economy, Income & Housing
The median household income in Bonita is $118,674. This is 20% higher than the state median of $99,122. It is also 47% higher than the national median of $80,734. The poverty rate stands at 7.5%. This is 38% lower than the state poverty rate of 12.0%. The unemployment rate is 4.8%. This is 27% lower than the state rate of 6.6%. The median home value is $962,800. Housing costs are 31% higher than the state median of $734,700. The home-value-to-income ratio of 8.1x suggests that housing affordability is a significant concern for many residents. 76.0% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 36% higher than the state average of 55.9%.
Race & Ethnicity
The largest racial or ethnic group in Bonita is Hispanic or Latino, making up 48.6% of the population. White (non-Hispanic) residents account for 34.3%. The Black or African American population (1.9%) is well below the state average of 5.2%.
Education
39.4% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 6% higher than the state rate of 37.1%. Nationally, 35.7% of adults hold at least a bachelor's degree. The high school graduation rate (or equivalent) is 92.5%. Notably, 17.2% of adults hold a graduate or professional degree, indicating a highly educated workforce.
Data Sources & Methodology
All demographic data for Bonita, California is sourced from the U.S. Census Bureau's American Community Survey (ACS) 2020–2024 5-Year Estimates. The ACS collects data from approximately 3.5 million households annually and pools five years of responses so that even small communities can be measured, though the margin of error widens as the population falls. Comparisons are made against California state averages and national averages calculated from the same dataset. Rankings reflect the city's position among all 1,570 Census-designated places in California. Read more about how these figures are produced on our methodology page, or visit data.census.gov for official data.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of Bonita, California?
Bonita, California has a population of 12,652 according to the most recent U.S. Census ACS 5-Year Estimates.
What is the median household income in Bonita, CA?
The median household income in Bonita is $118,674, which is 47% higher than the national median of $80,734.
What is the poverty rate in Bonita, CA?
The poverty rate in Bonita is 7.5%. This means approximately 939 residents live below the federal poverty line.
What is the racial makeup of Bonita, California?
Bonita's population is 34.3% White, 1.9% Black, 48.6% Hispanic/Latino, and 12.1% Asian.
What is the median home value in Bonita, CA?
The median home value in Bonita is $962,800. The home-value-to-income ratio is 8.1x.
How educated is Bonita, California?
39.4% of adults (25+) in Bonita hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 17.2% hold a graduate or professional degree.