Carson, California Demographics & Population 2026
During the 2020–2024 ACS period, Carson, California had a total population of 92,871, the 83rd largest city in California, with a median household income of $108,703, which is 10% higher than the state average. The poverty rate is 8.7%.
Data vintage: U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2020–2024 5-Year Estimates · refreshed July 2026 · Methodology & source notes
Key Takeaways
- One of the most racially diverse communities in California (diversity index: 72/100).
Carson Quick Facts
How Carson 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 | 93,523 | 92,871 | -0.7% |
| Median household income | $107,391 | $108,703 | +1.2% |
| Median home value | $645,600 | $704,400 | +9.1% |
How Carson 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
This community is exceptionally diverse, with no single racial or ethnic group dominating the population.
State average: 70 | National average: 61
Education
Educational Attainment (Adults 25+)
Carson Rankings in California
Explore California Rankings
Other Cities in Los Angeles County
| City | Population | Median Income | Poverty | Home Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles | 3,857,263 | $81,939 | 16.6% | $921,200 |
| Long Beach | 455,548 | $87,430 | 14.8% | $806,600 |
| Santa Clarita | 230,221 | $123,062 | 7.4% | $784,700 |
| Glendale | 190,748 | $88,393 | 12.9% | $1,102,300 |
| Lancaster | 169,169 | $81,511 | 15.6% | $446,600 |
| Palmdale | 164,634 | $81,770 | 15.7% | $471,000 |
| Pomona | 147,943 | $79,479 | 14.3% | $593,800 |
| Torrance | 142,130 | $116,217 | 7.8% | $1,074,700 |
| Pasadena | 136,969 | $105,192 | 13.3% | $1,093,300 |
| East Los Angeles | 111,647 | $68,741 | 17.3% | $643,100 |
Cities Similar to Carson
These cities in the same state have comparable population and economic profiles.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | Bachelor's+ | Poverty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chino | 92,652 | $104,682 | $683,400 | 27.2% | 8.0% |
| San Marcos | 94,882 | $109,377 | $868,000 | 43.8% | 9.2% |
| Santa Monica | 91,169 | $114,885 | $1,755,500 | 70.7% | 11.2% |
| Santa Barbara | 87,779 | $106,182 | $1,570,800 | 51.9% | 14.0% |
| San Leandro | 87,826 | $101,420 | $844,200 | 33.3% | 8.3% |
Population Overview
Carson is a mid-sized community located in California, within Los Angeles County. The total population is 92,871. It ranks as the 83rd most populous out of 1,570 Census-designated places in California.
Age Demographics
The median age in Carson is 41.7 years. This is 10% higher than the state median of 37.9 years.
Economy, Income & Housing
The median household income in Carson is $108,703. This is 10% higher than the state median of $99,122. It is also 35% higher than the national median of $80,734. The poverty rate stands at 8.7%. This is 28% lower than the state poverty rate of 12.0%. The unemployment rate is 7.8%. This is 18% higher than the state rate of 6.6%. The median home value is $704,400. Housing costs are 4% lower than the state median of $734,700. The home-value-to-income ratio of 6.5x suggests that housing affordability is a significant concern for many residents. 74.1% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 33% higher than the state average of 55.9%.
Race & Ethnicity
Carson is a highly diverse community where no single racial or ethnic group constitutes a majority of the population. Asian residents account for 26.8%. The White (non-Hispanic) population (6.3%) is well below the state average of 33.8%. The Black or African American population is significantly higher than the state average (21.6% vs 5.2%). The Asian population is significantly higher than the state average (26.8% vs 15.3%).
Education
29.3% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 21% lower 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 84.5%.
Data Sources & Methodology
All demographic data for Carson, 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 Carson, California?
Carson, California has a population of 92,871 according to the most recent U.S. Census ACS 5-Year Estimates.
What is the median household income in Carson, CA?
The median household income in Carson is $108,703, which is 35% higher than the national median of $80,734.
What is the poverty rate in Carson, CA?
The poverty rate in Carson is 8.7%. This means approximately 7,975 residents live below the federal poverty line.
What is the racial makeup of Carson, California?
Carson's population is 6.3% White, 21.6% Black, 39.1% Hispanic/Latino, and 26.8% Asian.
What is the median home value in Carson, CA?
The median home value in Carson is $704,400. The home-value-to-income ratio is 6.5x.
How educated is Carson, California?
29.3% of adults (25+) in Carson hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 8.6% hold a graduate or professional degree.