National City city, California Demographics & Population 2026
As of 2026, National City city, California has a total population of 55,960, the 165th largest city in California, with a median household income of $64,248, which is 33% lower than the state average. The poverty rate is 14.0%.
Key Takeaways
- Household income is 33% below the state average, indicating significant economic challenges.
- Housing affordability is a challenge — homes cost 9.0x the median household income.
National City city Quick Facts
How National City 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+)
National City city Rankings in California
Explore California Rankings
Cities Similar to National City city
These cities in the same state have comparable population and economic profiles.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | Bachelor's+ | Poverty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Colton city | 53,798 | $69,581 | $411,100 | 16.7% | 15.3% |
| Cathedral City city | 52,047 | $67,031 | $420,700 | 25.8% | 15.3% |
| Huntington Park city | 53,658 | $56,952 | $557,600 | 8.7% | 17.6% |
| Highland city | 56,690 | $77,979 | $455,200 | 22.8% | 16.7% |
| Paramount city | 52,546 | $70,912 | $500,400 | 13.1% | 13.3% |
Population Overview
National City city is a mid-sized community located in California. The total population is 55,960. It ranks as the 165th most populous out of 1,577 cities and towns in California.
Age Demographics
The median age in National City city is 36.6 years. This is 3% lower than the state median of 37.6 years.
Economy, Income & Housing
The median household income in National City city is $64,248. This is 33% lower than the state median of $96,334. Compared to the national median of $78,538, household income here is 18% lower. The poverty rate stands at 14.0%. This is 17% higher than the state poverty rate of 12.0%. The unemployment rate is 7.5%. This is 17% higher than the state rate of 6.4%. The median home value is $580,900. Housing costs are 16% lower than the state median of $695,400. The home-value-to-income ratio of 9.0x suggests that housing affordability is a significant concern for many residents. 34.2% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 39% lower than the state average of 55.8%.
Race & Ethnicity
The largest racial or ethnic group in National City city is Hispanic or Latino, making up 65.8% of the population. Asian residents account for 16.8%. The White (non-Hispanic) population (9.4%) is well below the state average of 34.6%. The Hispanic or Latino population is significantly higher than the state average (65.8% vs 39.8%).
Education
16.9% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 54% lower 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 76.5%.
Data Sources & Methodology
All demographic data for National City 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 National City city, California?
National City city, California has a population of 55,960 according to the most recent U.S. Census ACS 5-Year Estimates.
What is the median household income in National City city, CA?
The median household income in National City city is $64,248, which is 18% lower the national median of $78,538.
What is the poverty rate in National City city, CA?
The poverty rate in National City city is 14.0%. This means approximately 7,672 residents live below the federal poverty line.
What is the racial makeup of National City city, California?
National City city's population is 9.4% White, 4.3% Black, 65.8% Hispanic/Latino, and 16.8% Asian.
What is the median home value in National City city, CA?
The median home value in National City city is $580,900. The home-value-to-income ratio is 9.0x.
How educated is National City city, California?
16.9% of adults (25+) in National City city hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 3.9% hold a graduate or professional degree.