Los Angeles city, California Demographics & Population 2026
As of 2026, Los Angeles city, California has a total population of 3,857,897, the 1st largest city in California, with a median household income of $80,366, which is 17% lower than the state average. The poverty rate is 16.6%.
Key Takeaways
- Los Angeles city is the 1st largest city in California with a population of 3,857,897.
- Housing affordability is a challenge — homes cost 10.9x the median household income.
Los Angeles city Quick Facts
How Los Angeles 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+)
Los Angeles city Rankings in California
Explore California Rankings
Cities Similar to Los Angeles city
These cities in the same state have comparable population and economic profiles.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | Bachelor's+ | Poverty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| San Diego city | 1,385,061 | $104,321 | $848,500 | 49.9% | 11.1% |
| San Jose city | 990,054 | $141,565 | $1,187,800 | 46.5% | 7.8% |
| San Francisco city | 836,321 | $141,446 | $1,380,500 | 60.1% | 10.6% |
| Sacramento city | 524,802 | $83,753 | $484,600 | 36.4% | 14.4% |
| Fresno city | 543,615 | $66,804 | $348,500 | 24.9% | 20.9% |
Population Overview
Los Angeles city is a major urban center located in California. The total population is 3,857,897. It ranks as the 1st most populous out of 1,577 cities and towns in California.
Age Demographics
The median age in Los Angeles city is 36.9 years. This is 2% lower than the state median of 37.6 years.
Economy, Income & Housing
The median household income in Los Angeles city is $80,366. This is 17% lower than the state median of $96,334. Compared to the national median of $78,538, household income here is 2% higher. The poverty rate stands at 16.6%. This is 38% higher than the state poverty rate of 12.0%. The unemployment rate is 7.9%. This is 24% higher than the state rate of 6.4%. The median home value is $879,500. Housing costs are 26% higher than the state median of $695,400. The home-value-to-income ratio of 10.9x suggests that housing affordability is a significant concern for many residents. 36.3% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 35% lower than the state average of 55.8%.
Race & Ethnicity
The largest racial or ethnic group in Los Angeles city is Hispanic or Latino, making up 47.2% of the population. White (non-Hispanic) residents account for 28.3%. The Black or African American population is significantly higher than the state average (8.2% vs 5.3%).
Education
37.8% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 4% 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 79.3%.
Data Sources & Methodology
All demographic data for Los Angeles 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 Los Angeles city, California?
Los Angeles city, California has a population of 3,857,897 according to the most recent U.S. Census ACS 5-Year Estimates.
What is the median household income in Los Angeles city, CA?
The median household income in Los Angeles city is $80,366, which is 2% higher the national median of $78,538.
What is the poverty rate in Los Angeles city, CA?
The poverty rate in Los Angeles city is 16.6%. This means approximately 625,774 residents live below the federal poverty line.
What is the racial makeup of Los Angeles city, California?
Los Angeles city's population is 28.3% White, 8.2% Black, 47.2% Hispanic/Latino, and 11.8% Asian.
What is the median home value in Los Angeles city, CA?
The median home value in Los Angeles city is $879,500. The home-value-to-income ratio is 10.9x.
How educated is Los Angeles city, California?
37.8% of adults (25+) in Los Angeles city hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 13.3% hold a graduate or professional degree.