San Diego city, California Demographics & Population 2026
As of 2026, San Diego city, California has a total population of 1,385,061, the 2nd largest city in California, with a median household income of $104,321, which is 8% higher than the state average. The poverty rate is 11.1%.
Key Takeaways
- San Diego city is the 2nd largest city in California with a population of 1,385,061.
- Housing affordability is a challenge — homes cost 8.1x the median household income.
- One of the most racially diverse communities in California (diversity index: 70/100).
San Diego city Quick Facts
How San Diego city Compares
Median Household Income
Median Home Value
Economy & Housing
Household Income Distribution
Employment
Housing Overview
People & Demographics
Age Distribution
Race & Ethnicity
Diversity Index
This community is exceptionally diverse, with no single racial or ethnic group dominating the population.
State average: 69 | National average: 60
Education
Educational Attainment (Adults 25+)
San Diego city Rankings in California
Explore California Rankings
Cities Similar to San Diego city
These cities in the same state have comparable population and economic profiles.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | Bachelor's+ | Poverty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| San Jose city | 990,054 | $141,565 | $1,187,800 | 46.5% | 7.8% |
| San Francisco city | 836,321 | $141,446 | $1,380,500 | 60.1% | 10.6% |
| Sacramento city | 524,802 | $83,753 | $484,600 | 36.4% | 14.4% |
| Los Angeles city | 3,857,897 | $80,366 | $879,500 | 37.8% | 16.6% |
| Fresno city | 543,615 | $66,804 | $348,500 | 24.9% | 20.9% |
Population Overview
San Diego city is a major urban center located in California. The total population is 1,385,061. It ranks as the 2nd most populous out of 1,577 cities and towns in California.
Age Demographics
The median age in San Diego city is 36.0 years. This is 4% lower than the state median of 37.6 years.
Economy, Income & Housing
The median household income in San Diego city is $104,321. This is 8% higher than the state median of $96,334. Compared to the national median of $78,538, household income here is 33% higher. The poverty rate stands at 11.1%. This is 7% lower than the state poverty rate of 12.0%. The unemployment rate is 5.9%. This is 9% lower than the state rate of 6.4%. The median home value is $848,500. Housing costs are 22% higher than the state median of $695,400. The home-value-to-income ratio of 8.1x suggests that housing affordability is a significant concern for many residents. 47.6% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 15% lower than the state average of 55.8%.
Race & Ethnicity
San Diego city is a highly diverse community where no single racial or ethnic group constitutes a majority of the population. Hispanic or Latino residents account for 29.6%.
Education
49.9% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 37% 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 90.2%. Notably, 21.1% of adults hold a graduate or professional degree, indicating a highly educated workforce.
Data Sources & Methodology
All demographic data for San Diego 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 San Diego city, California?
San Diego city, California has a population of 1,385,061 according to the most recent U.S. Census ACS 5-Year Estimates.
What is the median household income in San Diego city, CA?
The median household income in San Diego city is $104,321, which is 33% higher the national median of $78,538.
What is the poverty rate in San Diego city, CA?
The poverty rate in San Diego city is 11.1%. This means approximately 148,864 residents live below the federal poverty line.
What is the racial makeup of San Diego city, California?
San Diego city's population is 41.4% White, 5.4% Black, 29.6% Hispanic/Latino, and 17.3% Asian.
What is the median home value in San Diego city, CA?
The median home value in San Diego city is $848,500. The home-value-to-income ratio is 8.1x.
How educated is San Diego city, California?
49.9% of adults (25+) in San Diego city hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 21.1% hold a graduate or professional degree.