Poway city, California Demographics & Population 2026
As of 2026, Poway city, California has a total population of 48,515, the 194th largest city in California, with a median household income of $143,825, which is 49% higher than the state average. The poverty rate is 5.2%.
Key Takeaways
- Household income is 49% above the state average — one of the wealthiest communities in California.
Poway city Quick Facts
How Poway 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+)
Poway city Rankings in California
Explore California Rankings
Cities Similar to Poway city
These cities in the same state have comparable population and economic profiles.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | Bachelor's+ | Poverty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rancho Santa Margarita city | 47,257 | $146,827 | $907,900 | 48.8% | 5.1% |
| Cerritos city | 48,340 | $133,953 | $908,600 | 57.1% | 5.9% |
| Aliso Viejo city | 51,320 | $137,970 | $863,800 | 57.1% | 5.2% |
| Cypress city | 49,531 | $124,167 | $870,100 | 49.1% | 6.8% |
| Brea city | 47,337 | $124,837 | $874,300 | 50.2% | 6.4% |
Population Overview
Poway city is a mid-sized community located in California. The total population is 48,515. It ranks as the 194th most populous out of 1,577 cities and towns in California.
Age Demographics
The median age in Poway city is 41.9 years. This is 11% higher than the state median of 37.6 years.
Economy, Income & Housing
The median household income in Poway city is $143,825. This is 49% higher than the state median of $96,334. Compared to the national median of $78,538, household income here is 83% higher. The poverty rate stands at 5.2%. This is 56% lower than the state poverty rate of 12.0%. The unemployment rate is 5.3%. This is 18% lower than the state rate of 6.4%. The median home value is $971,500. Housing costs are 40% higher than the state median of $695,400. The home-value-to-income ratio of 6.8x suggests that housing affordability is a significant concern for many residents. 75.7% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 36% higher than the state average of 55.8%.
Race & Ethnicity
The largest racial or ethnic group in Poway city is White (non-Hispanic), making up 59.6% of the population. Hispanic or Latino residents account for 16.8%. The White (non-Hispanic) population is significantly higher than the state average (59.6% vs 34.6%). The Black or African American population (2.5%) is well below the state average of 5.3%. The Hispanic or Latino population (16.8%) is well below the state average of 39.8%.
Education
53.4% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 46% 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 93.8%. Notably, 22.1% of adults hold a graduate or professional degree, indicating a highly educated workforce.
Data Sources & Methodology
All demographic data for Poway 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.
Free data download: Get all California city and county demographics as CSV. Download Cities CSV | Download Counties CSV
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of Poway city, California?
Poway city, California has a population of 48,515 according to the most recent U.S. Census ACS 5-Year Estimates.
What is the median household income in Poway city, CA?
The median household income in Poway city is $143,825, which is 83% higher the national median of $78,538.
What is the poverty rate in Poway city, CA?
The poverty rate in Poway city is 5.2%. This means approximately 2,503 residents live below the federal poverty line.
What is the racial makeup of Poway city, California?
Poway city's population is 59.6% White, 2.5% Black, 16.8% Hispanic/Latino, and 13.2% Asian.
What is the median home value in Poway city, CA?
The median home value in Poway city is $971,500. The home-value-to-income ratio is 6.8x.
How educated is Poway city, California?
53.4% of adults (25+) in Poway city hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 22.1% hold a graduate or professional degree.