Oceanside city, California Demographics & Population 2026
As of 2026, Oceanside city, California has a total population of 172,542, the 29th largest city in California, with a median household income of $93,724, which is 3% lower than the state average. The poverty rate is 8.1%.
Key Takeaways
- Housing affordability is a challenge — homes cost 7.5x the median household income.
Oceanside city Quick Facts
How Oceanside 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+)
Oceanside city Rankings in California
Explore California Rankings
Cities Similar to Oceanside city
These cities in the same state have comparable population and economic profiles.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | Bachelor's+ | Poverty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Garden Grove city | 170,603 | $90,166 | $765,500 | 24.9% | 12.2% |
| Santa Rosa city | 177,216 | $97,410 | $685,000 | 34.8% | 9.5% |
| Salinas city | 161,993 | $89,150 | $610,900 | 15.5% | 14.2% |
| Rancho Cucamonga city | 174,693 | $109,511 | $694,400 | 37.3% | 8.0% |
| Ontario city | 178,347 | $82,806 | $568,000 | 20.7% | 12.7% |
Population Overview
Oceanside city is a major urban center located in California. The total population is 172,542. It ranks as the 29th most populous out of 1,577 cities and towns in California.
Age Demographics
The median age in Oceanside city is 38.1 years. This is 1% higher than the state median of 37.6 years.
Economy, Income & Housing
The median household income in Oceanside city is $93,724. This is 3% lower than the state median of $96,334. Compared to the national median of $78,538, household income here is 19% higher. The poverty rate stands at 8.1%. This is 32% lower than the state poverty rate of 12.0%. The unemployment rate is 5.4%. This is 16% lower than the state rate of 6.4%. The median home value is $702,000. Housing costs are about average than the state median of $695,400. The home-value-to-income ratio of 7.5x suggests that housing affordability is a significant concern for many residents. 58.5% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 5% higher than the state average of 55.8%.
Race & Ethnicity
Oceanside city is a highly diverse community where no single racial or ethnic group constitutes a majority of the population. Hispanic or Latino residents account for 38.5%. The Asian population (7.2%) is well below the state average of 15.0%.
Education
34.3% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 6% 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 86.5%.
Data Sources & Methodology
All demographic data for Oceanside 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 Oceanside city, California?
Oceanside city, California has a population of 172,542 according to the most recent U.S. Census ACS 5-Year Estimates.
What is the median household income in Oceanside city, CA?
The median household income in Oceanside city is $93,724, which is 19% higher the national median of $78,538.
What is the poverty rate in Oceanside city, CA?
The poverty rate in Oceanside city is 8.1%. This means approximately 13,953 residents live below the federal poverty line.
What is the racial makeup of Oceanside city, California?
Oceanside city's population is 43.3% White, 3.9% Black, 38.5% Hispanic/Latino, and 7.2% Asian.
What is the median home value in Oceanside city, CA?
The median home value in Oceanside city is $702,000. The home-value-to-income ratio is 7.5x.
How educated is Oceanside city, California?
34.3% of adults (25+) in Oceanside city hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 12.2% hold a graduate or professional degree.