Pacifica, California Demographics & Population 2026
During the 2020–2024 ACS period, Pacifica, California had a total population of 37,261, the 229th largest city in California, with a median household income of $160,523, which is 62% higher than the state average. The poverty rate is 5.8%.
Data vintage: U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2020–2024 5-Year Estimates · refreshed July 2026 · Methodology & source notes
Key Takeaways
- Household income is 62% above the state average — one of the wealthiest communities in California.
- Housing affordability is a challenge — homes cost 7.8x the median household income.
Pacifica Quick Facts
How Pacifica 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 | 37,527 | 37,261 | -0.7% |
| Median household income | $156,819 | $160,523 | +2.4% |
| Median home value | $1,211,700 | $1,249,800 | +3.1% |
How Pacifica 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+)
Pacifica Rankings in California
Explore California Rankings
Other Cities in San Mateo County
| City | Population | Median Income | Poverty | Home Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| San Mateo | 103,105 | $153,504 | 8.2% | $1,618,700 |
| Daly City | 101,964 | $123,547 | 7.7% | $1,115,000 |
| Redwood City | 82,447 | $157,814 | 6.3% | $1,801,700 |
| South San Francisco | 64,305 | $136,578 | 6.7% | $1,188,800 |
| San Bruno | 42,307 | $141,272 | 6.0% | $1,207,500 |
| Foster City | 32,792 | $199,143 | 4.1% | $1,838,200 |
| Menlo Park | 32,727 | $210,025 | 5.8% | $2,000,000+ |
| Burlingame | 30,525 | $174,000 | 7.1% | $2,000,000+ |
| San Carlos | 29,614 | $237,470 | 3.3% | $2,000,000+ |
| East Palo Alto | 29,069 | $113,493 | 10.3% | $1,102,600 |
Cities Similar to Pacifica
These cities in the same state have comparable population and economic profiles.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | Bachelor's+ | Poverty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Moorpark | 35,854 | $148,480 | $894,300 | 44.6% | 4.9% |
| Martinez | 36,903 | $127,355 | $859,800 | 46.7% | 6.3% |
| Pleasant Hill | 34,235 | $145,029 | $1,077,100 | 54.6% | 7.3% |
| Claremont | 36,595 | $125,647 | $897,000 | 59.9% | 6.9% |
| Rancho Palos Verdes | 40,864 | $179,623 | $1,609,400 | 70.5% | 4.2% |
Population Overview
Pacifica is a mid-sized community located in California, within San Mateo County. The total population is 37,261. It ranks as the 229th most populous out of 1,570 Census-designated places in California.
Age Demographics
The median age in Pacifica is 44.6 years. This is 18% higher than the state median of 37.9 years.
Economy, Income & Housing
The median household income in Pacifica is $160,523. This is 62% higher than the state median of $99,122. It is also 99% higher than the national median of $80,734. The poverty rate stands at 5.8%. This is 52% lower than the state poverty rate of 12.0%. The unemployment rate is 3.9%. This is 41% lower than the state rate of 6.6%. The median home value is $1,249,800. Housing costs are 70% higher than the state median of $734,700. The home-value-to-income ratio of 7.8x suggests that housing affordability is a significant concern for many residents. 67.7% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 21% higher than the state average of 55.9%.
Race & Ethnicity
The largest racial or ethnic group in Pacifica is White (non-Hispanic), making up 47.0% of the population. Asian residents account for 21.7%. The Black or African American population (1.2%) is well below the state average of 5.2%. The Hispanic or Latino population (19.6%) is well below the state average of 40.2%.
Education
48.9% 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 95.4%. Notably, 18.8% of adults hold a graduate or professional degree, indicating a highly educated workforce.
Data Sources & Methodology
All demographic data for Pacifica, 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 Pacifica, California?
Pacifica, California has a population of 37,261 according to the most recent U.S. Census ACS 5-Year Estimates.
What is the median household income in Pacifica, CA?
The median household income in Pacifica is $160,523, which is 99% higher than the national median of $80,734.
What is the poverty rate in Pacifica, CA?
The poverty rate in Pacifica is 5.8%. This means approximately 2,143 residents live below the federal poverty line.
What is the racial makeup of Pacifica, California?
Pacifica's population is 47.0% White, 1.2% Black, 19.6% Hispanic/Latino, and 21.7% Asian.
What is the median home value in Pacifica, CA?
The median home value in Pacifica is $1,249,800. The home-value-to-income ratio is 7.8x.
How educated is Pacifica, California?
48.9% of adults (25+) in Pacifica hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 18.8% hold a graduate or professional degree.