Huntington Beach, California Demographics & Population 2026
During the 2020–2024 ACS period, Huntington Beach, California had a total population of 195,240, the 23rd largest city in California, with a median household income of $120,919, which is 22% higher than the state average. The poverty rate is 7.8%.
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 9.1x the median household income.
Huntington Beach Quick Facts
How Huntington Beach 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 | 196,010 | 195,240 | -0.4% |
| Median household income | $119,885 | $120,919 | +0.9% |
| Median home value | $1,047,300 | $1,100,000 | +5.0% |
How Huntington Beach 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+)
Huntington Beach Rankings in California
Explore California Rankings
Other Cities in Orange County
| City | Population | Median Income | Poverty | Home Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Anaheim | 344,521 | $95,227 | 12.4% | $831,200 |
| Santa Ana | 312,534 | $93,999 | 10.8% | $713,000 |
| Irvine | 311,690 | $136,719 | 10.8% | $1,191,500 |
| Garden Grove | 170,964 | $92,174 | 12.3% | $814,100 |
| Fullerton | 140,968 | $104,286 | 12.3% | $902,600 |
| Orange | 138,266 | $117,113 | 9.5% | $945,800 |
| Costa Mesa | 110,330 | $111,505 | 9.1% | $1,115,100 |
| Mission Viejo | 92,151 | $136,123 | 5.6% | $1,009,600 |
| Westminster | 89,860 | $85,541 | 14.4% | $858,300 |
| Lake Forest | 86,281 | $135,175 | 8.5% | $937,000 |
Cities Similar to Huntington Beach
These cities in the same state have comparable population and economic profiles.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | Bachelor's+ | Poverty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Elk Grove | 179,155 | $125,924 | $630,100 | 38.9% | 8.0% |
| Oxnard | 200,928 | $96,212 | $652,700 | 19.5% | 11.1% |
| Rancho Cucamonga | 175,411 | $111,895 | $740,200 | 37.5% | 8.0% |
| Santa Clarita | 230,221 | $123,062 | $784,700 | 39.8% | 7.4% |
| Fontana | 214,169 | $102,821 | $586,800 | 21.4% | 9.9% |
Population Overview
Huntington Beach is a major urban center located in California, within Orange County. The total population is 195,240. It ranks as the 23rd most populous out of 1,570 Census-designated places in California.
Age Demographics
The median age in Huntington Beach is 44.0 years. This is 16% higher than the state median of 37.9 years.
Economy, Income & Housing
The median household income in Huntington Beach is $120,919. This is 22% higher than the state median of $99,122. It is also 50% higher than the national median of $80,734. The poverty rate stands at 7.8%. This is 35% lower than the state poverty rate of 12.0%. The unemployment rate is 5.4%. This is 18% lower than the state rate of 6.6%. The median home value is $1,100,000. Housing costs are 50% higher than the state median of $734,700. The home-value-to-income ratio of 9.1x suggests that housing affordability is a significant concern for many residents. 55.4% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied.
Race & Ethnicity
The largest racial or ethnic group in Huntington Beach is White (non-Hispanic), making up 59.0% of the population. Hispanic or Latino residents account for 18.8%. The White (non-Hispanic) population is significantly higher than the state average (59.0% vs 33.8%). The Black or African American population (1.3%) is well below the state average of 5.2%. The Hispanic or Latino population (18.8%) is well below the state average of 40.2%.
Education
49.0% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 32% 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 94.0%. Notably, 17.6% of adults hold a graduate or professional degree, indicating a highly educated workforce.
Data Sources & Methodology
All demographic data for Huntington Beach, 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 Huntington Beach, California?
Huntington Beach, California has a population of 195,240 according to the most recent U.S. Census ACS 5-Year Estimates.
What is the median household income in Huntington Beach, CA?
The median household income in Huntington Beach is $120,919, which is 50% higher than the national median of $80,734.
What is the poverty rate in Huntington Beach, CA?
The poverty rate in Huntington Beach is 7.8%. This means approximately 15,165 residents live below the federal poverty line.
What is the racial makeup of Huntington Beach, California?
Huntington Beach's population is 59.0% White, 1.3% Black, 18.8% Hispanic/Latino, and 13.0% Asian.
What is the median home value in Huntington Beach, CA?
The median home value in Huntington Beach is $1,100,000. The home-value-to-income ratio is 9.1x.
How educated is Huntington Beach, California?
49.0% of adults (25+) in Huntington Beach hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 17.6% hold a graduate or professional degree.