Carlsbad city, California Demographics & Population 2026
As of 2026, Carlsbad city, California has a total population of 114,500, the 57th largest city in California, with a median household income of $139,326, which is 45% higher than the state average. The poverty rate is 6.9%.
Key Takeaways
- Household income is 45% above the state average — one of the wealthiest communities in California.
- Housing affordability is a challenge — homes cost 8.3x the median household income.
Carlsbad city Quick Facts
How Carlsbad city Compares
Median Household Income
Median Home Value
Economy & Housing
Household Income Distribution
Employment
Housing Overview
People & Demographics
Age Distribution
Race & Ethnicity
Diversity Index
Moderate diversity with one or two groups making up the majority.
State average: 69 | National average: 60
Education
Educational Attainment (Adults 25+)
Carlsbad city Rankings in California
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Cities Similar to Carlsbad city
These cities in the same state have comparable population and economic profiles.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | Bachelor's+ | Poverty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Thousand Oaks city | 125,676 | $134,367 | $951,200 | 50.9% | 8.0% |
| Temecula city | 110,404 | $117,840 | $640,400 | 39.2% | 7.4% |
| Murrieta city | 111,621 | $109,780 | $606,900 | 31.8% | 5.9% |
| San Mateo city | 103,555 | $152,669 | $1,563,200 | 57.6% | 7.9% |
| Costa Mesa city | 110,538 | $110,073 | $1,054,700 | 43.6% | 8.9% |
Population Overview
Carlsbad city is a major urban center located in California. The total population is 114,500. It ranks as the 57th most populous out of 1,577 cities and towns in California.
Age Demographics
The median age in Carlsbad city is 42.8 years. This is 14% higher than the state median of 37.6 years.
Economy, Income & Housing
The median household income in Carlsbad city is $139,326. This is 45% higher than the state median of $96,334. Compared to the national median of $78,538, household income here is 77% higher. The poverty rate stands at 6.9%. This is 42% lower than the state poverty rate of 12.0%. The unemployment rate is 6.3%. This is 2% lower than the state rate of 6.4%. The median home value is $1,156,900. Housing costs are 66% higher than the state median of $695,400. The home-value-to-income ratio of 8.3x suggests that housing affordability is a significant concern for many residents. 63.3% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 14% higher than the state average of 55.8%.
Race & Ethnicity
The largest racial or ethnic group in Carlsbad city is White (non-Hispanic), making up 66.0% of the population. Hispanic or Latino residents account for 16.8%. The White (non-Hispanic) population is significantly higher than the state average (66.0% vs 34.6%). The Black or African American population (1.0%) is well below the state average of 5.3%. The Hispanic or Latino population (16.8%) is well below the state average of 39.8%.
Education
61.4% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 68% higher 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 96.0%. Notably, 24.6% of adults hold a graduate or professional degree, indicating a highly educated workforce.
Data Sources & Methodology
All demographic data for Carlsbad 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 Carlsbad city, California?
Carlsbad city, California has a population of 114,500 according to the most recent U.S. Census ACS 5-Year Estimates.
What is the median household income in Carlsbad city, CA?
The median household income in Carlsbad city is $139,326, which is 77% higher the national median of $78,538.
What is the poverty rate in Carlsbad city, CA?
The poverty rate in Carlsbad city is 6.9%. This means approximately 7,905 residents live below the federal poverty line.
What is the racial makeup of Carlsbad city, California?
Carlsbad city's population is 66.0% White, 1.0% Black, 16.8% Hispanic/Latino, and 9.4% Asian.
What is the median home value in Carlsbad city, CA?
The median home value in Carlsbad city is $1,156,900. The home-value-to-income ratio is 8.3x.
How educated is Carlsbad city, California?
61.4% of adults (25+) in Carlsbad city hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 24.6% hold a graduate or professional degree.