San Jose city, California Demographics & Population 2026
As of 2026, San Jose city, California has a total population of 990,054, the 3rd largest city in California, with a median household income of $141,565, which is 47% higher than the state average. The poverty rate is 7.8%.
Key Takeaways
- San Jose city is the 3rd largest city in California with a population of 990,054.
- Household income is 47% above the state average — one of the wealthiest communities in California.
- Housing affordability is a challenge — homes cost 8.4x the median household income.
- One of the most racially diverse communities in California (diversity index: 70/100).
San Jose city Quick Facts
How San Jose 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 Jose city Rankings in California
Explore California Rankings
Cities Similar to San Jose city
These cities in the same state have comparable population and economic profiles.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | Bachelor's+ | Poverty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco city | 836,321 | $141,446 | $1,380,500 | 60.1% | 10.6% |
| San Diego city | 1,385,061 | $104,321 | $848,500 | 49.9% | 11.1% |
| Sacramento city | 524,802 | $83,753 | $484,600 | 36.4% | 14.4% |
| Fresno city | 543,615 | $66,804 | $348,500 | 24.9% | 20.9% |
| Oakland city | 438,072 | $97,369 | $924,700 | 47.9% | 13.7% |
Population Overview
San Jose city is a major urban center located in California. The total population is 990,054. It ranks as the 3rd most populous out of 1,577 cities and towns in California.
Age Demographics
The median age in San Jose city is 38.1 years. This is 1% higher than the state median of 37.6 years.
Economy, Income & Housing
The median household income in San Jose city is $141,565. This is 47% higher than the state median of $96,334. Compared to the national median of $78,538, household income here is 80% higher. The poverty rate stands at 7.8%. This is 34% lower than the state poverty rate of 12.0%. The unemployment rate is 4.7%. This is 27% lower than the state rate of 6.4%. The median home value is $1,187,800. Housing costs are 71% higher than the state median of $695,400. The home-value-to-income ratio of 8.4x suggests that housing affordability is a significant concern for many residents. 56.0% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied.
Race & Ethnicity
San Jose 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 30.9%. The Asian population is significantly higher than the state average (38.4% vs 15.0%).
Education
46.5% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 27% 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 85.5%. Notably, 20.3% of adults hold a graduate or professional degree, indicating a highly educated workforce.
Data Sources & Methodology
All demographic data for San Jose 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 Jose city, California?
San Jose city, California has a population of 990,054 according to the most recent U.S. Census ACS 5-Year Estimates.
What is the median household income in San Jose city, CA?
The median household income in San Jose city is $141,565, which is 80% higher the national median of $78,538.
What is the poverty rate in San Jose city, CA?
The poverty rate in San Jose city is 7.8%. This means approximately 76,869 residents live below the federal poverty line.
What is the racial makeup of San Jose city, California?
San Jose city's population is 23.2% White, 2.7% Black, 30.9% Hispanic/Latino, and 38.4% Asian.
What is the median home value in San Jose city, CA?
The median home value in San Jose city is $1,187,800. The home-value-to-income ratio is 8.4x.
How educated is San Jose city, California?
46.5% of adults (25+) in San Jose city hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 20.3% hold a graduate or professional degree.