San Bernardino, California Demographics & Population 2026
During the 2020–2024 ACS period, San Bernardino, California had a total population of 222,724, the 18th largest city in California, with a median household income of $67,415, which is 32% lower than the state average. The poverty rate is 18.6%.
Data vintage: U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2020–2024 5-Year Estimates · refreshed July 2026 · Methodology & source notes
Key Takeaways
- Household income is 32% below the state average, indicating significant economic challenges.
San Bernardino Quick Facts
How San Bernardino 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 | 221,774 | 222,724 | +0.4% |
| Median household income | $63,988 | $67,415 | +5.4% |
| Median home value | $384,900 | $422,300 | +9.7% |
How San Bernardino 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
Moderate diversity with one or two groups making up the majority.
State average: 70 | National average: 61
Education
Educational Attainment (Adults 25+)
San Bernardino Rankings in California
Explore California Rankings
Other Cities in San Bernardino County
| City | Population | Median Income | Poverty | Home Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fontana | 214,169 | $102,821 | 9.9% | $586,800 |
| Ontario | 180,547 | $88,941 | 12.4% | $607,600 |
| Rancho Cucamonga | 175,411 | $111,895 | 8.0% | $740,200 |
| Victorville | 137,627 | $74,410 | 18.4% | $385,600 |
| Rialto | 104,143 | $88,857 | 12.7% | $487,900 |
| Hesperia | 100,775 | $72,160 | 17.0% | $409,000 |
| Chino | 92,652 | $104,682 | 8.0% | $683,400 |
| Upland | 79,257 | $105,830 | 9.3% | $739,400 |
| Chino Hills | 77,927 | $126,334 | 7.6% | $874,900 |
| Apple Valley | 75,473 | $69,882 | 16.6% | $407,400 |
Cities Similar to San Bernardino
These cities in the same state have comparable population and economic profiles.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | Bachelor's+ | Poverty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Modesto | 219,215 | $79,891 | $442,700 | 21.2% | 13.3% |
| Moreno Valley | 211,666 | $93,222 | $503,700 | 17.8% | 11.7% |
| Fontana | 214,169 | $102,821 | $586,800 | 21.4% | 9.9% |
| Oxnard | 200,928 | $96,212 | $652,700 | 19.5% | 11.1% |
| Glendale | 190,748 | $88,393 | $1,102,300 | 47.2% | 12.9% |
Population Overview
San Bernardino is a major urban center located in California, within San Bernardino County. The total population is 222,724. It ranks as the 18th most populous out of 1,570 Census-designated places in California.
Age Demographics
The median age in San Bernardino is 32.2 years. This is 15% lower than the state median of 37.9 years.
Economy, Income & Housing
The median household income in San Bernardino is $67,415. This is 32% lower than the state median of $99,122. It is also 16% lower than the national median of $80,734. The poverty rate stands at 18.6%. This is 55% higher than the state poverty rate of 12.0%. The unemployment rate is 6.1%. This is 7% lower than the state rate of 6.6%. The median home value is $422,300. Housing costs are 43% lower than the state median of $734,700. The home-value-to-income ratio of 6.3x suggests that housing affordability is a significant concern for many residents. 50.0% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 11% lower than the state average of 55.9%.
Race & Ethnicity
The largest racial or ethnic group in San Bernardino is Hispanic or Latino, making up 70.2% of the population. White (non-Hispanic) residents account for 11.9%. The White (non-Hispanic) population (11.9%) is well below the state average of 33.8%. The Black or African American population is significantly higher than the state average (10.6% vs 5.2%). The Hispanic or Latino population is significantly higher than the state average (70.2% vs 40.2%). The Asian population (3.6%) is well below the state average of 15.3%.
Education
13.1% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 65% lower 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 74.2%.
Data Sources & Methodology
All demographic data for San Bernardino, 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 San Bernardino, California?
San Bernardino, California has a population of 222,724 according to the most recent U.S. Census ACS 5-Year Estimates.
What is the median household income in San Bernardino, CA?
The median household income in San Bernardino is $67,415, which is 16% lower than the national median of $80,734.
What is the poverty rate in San Bernardino, CA?
The poverty rate in San Bernardino is 18.6%. This means approximately 40,316 residents live below the federal poverty line.
What is the racial makeup of San Bernardino, California?
San Bernardino's population is 11.9% White, 10.6% Black, 70.2% Hispanic/Latino, and 3.6% Asian.
What is the median home value in San Bernardino, CA?
The median home value in San Bernardino is $422,300. The home-value-to-income ratio is 6.3x.
How educated is San Bernardino, California?
13.1% of adults (25+) in San Bernardino hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 3.8% hold a graduate or professional degree.