San Francisco, California Demographics & Population 2026
During the 2020–2024 ACS period, San Francisco, California had a total population of 830,235, the 4th largest city in California, with a median household income of $140,970, which is 42% higher than the state average. The poverty rate is 11.2%.
Data vintage: U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2020–2024 5-Year Estimates · refreshed July 2026 · Methodology & source notes
Key Takeaways
- San Francisco is the 4th largest city in California with a population of 830,235.
- Household income is 42% above the state average — one of the wealthiest communities in California.
- Housing affordability is a challenge — homes cost 9.9x the median household income.
- One of the most racially diverse communities in California (diversity index: 71/100).
San Francisco Quick Facts
How San Francisco 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 | 836,321 | 830,235 | -0.7% |
| Median household income | $141,446 | $140,970 | -0.3% |
| Median home value | $1,380,500 | $1,394,500 | +1.0% |
How San Francisco 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
This community is exceptionally diverse, with no single racial or ethnic group dominating the population.
State average: 70 | National average: 61
Education
Educational Attainment (Adults 25+)
San Francisco Rankings in California
Explore California Rankings
Cities Similar to San Francisco
These cities in the same state have comparable population and economic profiles.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | Bachelor's+ | Poverty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| San Jose | 990,138 | $146,427 | $1,233,200 | 47.3% | 8.1% |
| San Diego | 1,389,526 | $108,077 | $906,700 | 51.0% | 11.0% |
| Sacramento | 528,706 | $87,321 | $506,300 | 37.1% | 13.9% |
| Fresno | 545,970 | $70,991 | $374,800 | 25.5% | 20.1% |
| Oakland | 439,418 | $101,600 | $929,900 | 48.8% | 13.4% |
Population Overview
San Francisco is a major urban center located in California, within San Francisco County. The total population is 830,235. It ranks as the 4th most populous out of 1,570 Census-designated places in California.
Age Demographics
The median age in San Francisco is 40.0 years. This is 6% higher than the state median of 37.9 years. Only 13.7% of residents are under 18, indicating fewer families with children.
Economy, Income & Housing
The median household income in San Francisco is $140,970. This is 42% higher than the state median of $99,122. It is also 75% higher than the national median of $80,734. The poverty rate stands at 11.2%. This is 7% lower than the state poverty rate of 12.0%. The unemployment rate is 6.1%. This is 8% lower than the state rate of 6.6%. The median home value is $1,394,500. Housing costs are 90% higher than the state median of $734,700. The home-value-to-income ratio of 9.9x suggests that housing affordability is a significant concern for many residents. 38.2% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 32% lower than the state average of 55.9%.
Race & Ethnicity
San Francisco is a highly diverse community where no single racial or ethnic group constitutes a majority of the population. Asian residents account for 34.9%. The Hispanic or Latino population (16.2%) is well below the state average of 40.2%. The Asian population is significantly higher than the state average (34.9% vs 15.3%).
Education
60.3% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 63% 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 89.0%. Notably, 25.4% of adults hold a graduate or professional degree, indicating a highly educated workforce.
Data Sources & Methodology
All demographic data for San Francisco, 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 Francisco, California?
San Francisco, California has a population of 830,235 according to the most recent U.S. Census ACS 5-Year Estimates.
What is the median household income in San Francisco, CA?
The median household income in San Francisco is $140,970, which is 75% higher than the national median of $80,734.
What is the poverty rate in San Francisco, CA?
The poverty rate in San Francisco is 11.2%. This means approximately 91,125 residents live below the federal poverty line.
What is the racial makeup of San Francisco, California?
San Francisco's population is 36.8% White, 4.7% Black, 16.2% Hispanic/Latino, and 34.9% Asian.
What is the median home value in San Francisco, CA?
The median home value in San Francisco is $1,394,500. The home-value-to-income ratio is 9.9x.
How educated is San Francisco, California?
60.3% of adults (25+) in San Francisco hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 25.4% hold a graduate or professional degree.