Palmdale city, California Demographics & Population 2026
As of 2026, Palmdale city, California has a total population of 165,487, the 32nd largest city in California, with a median household income of $81,151, which is 16% lower than the state average. The poverty rate is 14.6%.
Palmdale city Quick Facts
How Palmdale 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+)
Palmdale city Rankings in California
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Cities Similar to Palmdale city
These cities in the same state have comparable population and economic profiles.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | Bachelor's+ | Poverty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lancaster city | 170,013 | $76,083 | $409,100 | 20.1% | 15.5% |
| Salinas city | 161,993 | $89,150 | $610,900 | 15.5% | 14.2% |
| Garden Grove city | 170,603 | $90,166 | $765,500 | 24.9% | 12.2% |
| Ontario city | 178,347 | $82,806 | $568,000 | 20.7% | 12.7% |
| Oceanside city | 172,542 | $93,724 | $702,000 | 34.3% | 8.1% |
Population Overview
Palmdale city is a major urban center located in California. The total population is 165,487. It ranks as the 32nd most populous out of 1,577 cities and towns in California.
Age Demographics
The median age in Palmdale city is 33.2 years. This is 12% lower than the state median of 37.6 years. With 29.1% of the population under 18, Palmdale city has a notably young demographic profile, suggesting a family-oriented community.
Economy, Income & Housing
The median household income in Palmdale city is $81,151. This is 16% lower than the state median of $96,334. Compared to the national median of $78,538, household income here is 3% higher. The poverty rate stands at 14.6%. This is 22% higher than the state poverty rate of 12.0%. The unemployment rate is 7.4%. This is 15% higher than the state rate of 6.4%. The median home value is $435,300. Housing costs are 37% lower than the state median of $695,400. The home-value-to-income ratio is 5.4x. 66.2% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 19% higher than the state average of 55.8%.
Race & Ethnicity
The largest racial or ethnic group in Palmdale city is Hispanic or Latino, making up 62.8% of the population. White (non-Hispanic) residents account for 17.0%. The White (non-Hispanic) population (17.0%) is well below the state average of 34.6%. The Black or African American population is significantly higher than the state average (13.0% vs 5.3%). The Hispanic or Latino population is significantly higher than the state average (62.8% vs 39.8%). The Asian population (4.3%) is well below the state average of 15.0%.
Education
16.6% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 55% 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 77.0%.
Data Sources & Methodology
All demographic data for Palmdale 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 Palmdale city, California?
Palmdale city, California has a population of 165,487 according to the most recent U.S. Census ACS 5-Year Estimates.
What is the median household income in Palmdale city, CA?
The median household income in Palmdale city is $81,151, which is 3% higher the national median of $78,538.
What is the poverty rate in Palmdale city, CA?
The poverty rate in Palmdale city is 14.6%. This means approximately 23,963 residents live below the federal poverty line.
What is the racial makeup of Palmdale city, California?
Palmdale city's population is 17.0% White, 13.0% Black, 62.8% Hispanic/Latino, and 4.3% Asian.
What is the median home value in Palmdale city, CA?
The median home value in Palmdale city is $435,300. The home-value-to-income ratio is 5.4x.
How educated is Palmdale city, California?
16.6% of adults (25+) in Palmdale city hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 5.2% hold a graduate or professional degree.