La Mesa city, California Demographics & Population 2026
As of 2026, La Mesa city, California has a total population of 60,835, the 153rd largest city in California, with a median household income of $84,337, which is 12% lower than the state average. The poverty rate is 11.7%.
Key Takeaways
- Housing affordability is a challenge — homes cost 8.8x the median household income.
La Mesa city Quick Facts
How La Mesa 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+)
La Mesa city Rankings in California
Explore California Rankings
Cities Similar to La Mesa city
These cities in the same state have comparable population and economic profiles.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | Bachelor's+ | Poverty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pico Rivera city | 60,821 | $86,956 | $621,400 | 15.8% | 9.6% |
| Woodland city | 61,256 | $87,880 | $505,200 | 30.2% | 8.2% |
| Gardena city | 59,765 | $79,291 | $667,600 | 28.0% | 11.1% |
| Monterey Park city | 59,639 | $77,605 | $818,300 | 34.9% | 13.2% |
| Montebello city | 61,376 | $74,955 | $660,700 | 22.0% | 12.8% |
Population Overview
La Mesa city is a mid-sized community located in California. The total population is 60,835. It ranks as the 153rd most populous out of 1,577 cities and towns in California.
Age Demographics
The median age in La Mesa city is 37.1 years. This is 1% lower than the state median of 37.6 years.
Economy, Income & Housing
The median household income in La Mesa city is $84,337. This is 12% lower than the state median of $96,334. Compared to the national median of $78,538, household income here is 7% higher. The poverty rate stands at 11.7%. This is 2% lower than the state poverty rate of 12.0%. The unemployment rate is 6.3%. This is 1% lower than the state rate of 6.4%. The median home value is $738,800. Housing costs are 6% higher than the state median of $695,400. The home-value-to-income ratio of 8.8x suggests that housing affordability is a significant concern for many residents. 46.0% 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 La Mesa city is White (non-Hispanic), making up 51.9% of the population. Hispanic or Latino residents account for 27.9%. The Black or African American population is significantly higher than the state average (8.1% vs 5.3%). The Asian population (6.0%) is well below the state average of 15.0%.
Education
38.4% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 5% 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 94.2%.
Data Sources & Methodology
All demographic data for La Mesa 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 La Mesa city, California?
La Mesa city, California has a population of 60,835 according to the most recent U.S. Census ACS 5-Year Estimates.
What is the median household income in La Mesa city, CA?
The median household income in La Mesa city is $84,337, which is 7% higher the national median of $78,538.
What is the poverty rate in La Mesa city, CA?
The poverty rate in La Mesa city is 11.7%. This means approximately 7,000 residents live below the federal poverty line.
What is the racial makeup of La Mesa city, California?
La Mesa city's population is 51.9% White, 8.1% Black, 27.9% Hispanic/Latino, and 6.0% Asian.
What is the median home value in La Mesa city, CA?
The median home value in La Mesa city is $738,800. The home-value-to-income ratio is 8.8x.
How educated is La Mesa city, California?
38.4% of adults (25+) in La Mesa city hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 14.1% hold a graduate or professional degree.