San Clemente, California Demographics & Population 2026
During the 2020–2024 ACS period, San Clemente, California had a total population of 63,273, the 145th largest city in California, with a median household income of $140,062, which is 41% 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 41% above the state average — one of the wealthiest communities in California.
- Housing affordability is a challenge — homes cost 10.0x the median household income.
San Clemente Quick Facts
How San Clemente 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 | 63,510 | 63,273 | -0.4% |
| Median household income | $134,735 | $140,062 | +4.0% |
| Median home value | $1,220,500 | $1,398,400 | +14.6% |
How San Clemente 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 Clemente Rankings in California
Explore California Rankings
Other Cities in Orange County
| City | Population | Median Income | Poverty | Home Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Anaheim | 344,521 | $95,227 | 12.4% | $831,200 |
| Santa Ana | 312,534 | $93,999 | 10.8% | $713,000 |
| Irvine | 311,690 | $136,719 | 10.8% | $1,191,500 |
| Huntington Beach | 195,240 | $120,919 | 7.8% | $1,100,000 |
| Garden Grove | 170,964 | $92,174 | 12.3% | $814,100 |
| Fullerton | 140,968 | $104,286 | 12.3% | $902,600 |
| Orange | 138,266 | $117,113 | 9.5% | $945,800 |
| Costa Mesa | 110,330 | $111,505 | 9.1% | $1,115,100 |
| Mission Viejo | 92,151 | $136,123 | 5.6% | $1,009,600 |
| Westminster | 89,860 | $85,541 | 14.4% | $858,300 |
Cities Similar to San Clemente
These cities in the same state have comparable population and economic profiles.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | Bachelor's+ | Poverty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Laguna Niguel | 64,139 | $140,452 | $1,190,900 | 59.8% | 6.4% |
| South San Francisco | 64,305 | $136,578 | $1,188,800 | 40.8% | 6.7% |
| Castro Valley | 65,001 | $142,779 | $1,104,600 | 44.5% | 6.7% |
| Brentwood | 65,208 | $142,494 | $836,600 | 39.3% | 8.3% |
| Union City | 67,464 | $133,715 | $1,104,900 | 45.1% | 7.2% |
Population Overview
San Clemente is a mid-sized community located in California, within Orange County. The total population is 63,273. It ranks as the 145th most populous out of 1,570 Census-designated places in California.
Age Demographics
The median age in San Clemente is 45.6 years. This is 20% higher than the state median of 37.9 years.
Economy, Income & Housing
The median household income in San Clemente is $140,062. This is 41% higher than the state median of $99,122. It is also 73% 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 4.6%. This is 31% lower than the state rate of 6.6%. The median home value is $1,398,400. Housing costs are 90% higher than the state median of $734,700. The home-value-to-income ratio of 10.0x suggests that housing affordability is a significant concern for many residents. 66.5% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 19% higher than the state average of 55.9%.
Race & Ethnicity
The largest racial or ethnic group in San Clemente is White (non-Hispanic), making up 71.6% of the population. Hispanic or Latino residents account for 17.0%. The White (non-Hispanic) population is significantly higher than the state average (71.6% vs 33.8%). The Black or African American population (0.9%) is well below the state average of 5.2%. The Hispanic or Latino population (17.0%) is well below the state average of 40.2%. The Asian population (4.4%) is well below the state average of 15.3%.
Education
53.8% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 45% 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 94.5%. Notably, 20.8% of adults hold a graduate or professional degree, indicating a highly educated workforce.
Data Sources & Methodology
All demographic data for San Clemente, 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 Clemente, California?
San Clemente, California has a population of 63,273 according to the most recent U.S. Census ACS 5-Year Estimates.
What is the median household income in San Clemente, CA?
The median household income in San Clemente is $140,062, which is 73% higher than the national median of $80,734.
What is the poverty rate in San Clemente, CA?
The poverty rate in San Clemente is 5.8%. This means approximately 3,664 residents live below the federal poverty line.
What is the racial makeup of San Clemente, California?
San Clemente's population is 71.6% White, 0.9% Black, 17.0% Hispanic/Latino, and 4.4% Asian.
What is the median home value in San Clemente, CA?
The median home value in San Clemente is $1,398,400. The home-value-to-income ratio is 10.0x.
How educated is San Clemente, California?
53.8% of adults (25+) in San Clemente hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 20.8% hold a graduate or professional degree.