Carson, CA
Population 93,523 · California
About Carson, CA
Carson is a mid-sized city located in California with a population of 93,523 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $107,391 per year, which is 43% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 41.9 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Carson features a median home value of $645,600, which is 164% above the national median of $244,900. This places Carson in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $1,914, 65% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 27,713 total housing units, 74% are owner-occupied (19,537 units) and 26% are renter-occupied (6,869 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Carson shows an unemployment rate of 6.9%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 9.0%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Carson have an average one-way commute time of 26.8 minutes.
Education & Demographics
29.1% of Carson residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This is in line with national trends in educational attainment. The community's demographic composition includes 32.3% White, 2.5% Hispanic or Latino, 0.3% Black or African American, and 6.0% Asian residents, with 35.2% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Carson, CA
Compared to national averages, Carson has a median household income of $107,391 (43% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $645,600, which is 164% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,914 is 65% above the US average of $1,163. Within California, Carson's income is 10% above the state average of $97,829, and home values are 1% below the state median of $653,874.
Why Live in Carson, CA?
Carson offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $107,391, well above the national average, and a low poverty rate of 9.0%, better than the national average.
Potential considerations include a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $645,600. However, as a mid-sized city, Carson provides access to a wide range of amenities and services.
Carson has a population of 93,523 with a median age of 41.9 years. Compare Carson with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in California.
Similar Cities Near Carson
Cities in California with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Compton | 93,525 | $74,270 | $546,700 | Compare |
| Redding | 93,268 | $69,443 | $363,800 | Compare |
| San Marcos | 94,078 | $105,286 | $792,400 | Compare |
| Mission Viejo | 92,415 | $136,071 | $946,300 | Compare |
| South Gate | 91,836 | $71,315 | $608,500 | Compare |
| Chino | 91,775 | $103,845 | $641,500 | Compare |
| Tracy | 95,358 | $118,253 | $653,900 | Compare |
| Santa Monica | 91,535 | $109,739 | $1,810,200 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in California
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Carson With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Carson
What is the population of Carson, CA?
The population of Carson, CA is 93,523 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a mid-sized city in California.
What is the median household income in Carson?
The median household income in Carson, CA is $107,391 per year, which is 43% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Carson?
The median home value in Carson, CA is $645,600, which is 164% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Carson?
The median monthly rent in Carson, CA is $1,914, which is 65% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Carson?
The unemployment rate in Carson, CA is 6.9%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Carson, CA a good place to live?
Carson offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 93,523 and a median age of 41.9, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Carson, CA?
29.1% of residents in Carson aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The educational profile reflects the area's industry mix and employment landscape.
What is the cost of living in Carson?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Carson, CA: median home value is $645,600 (164% above national), median rent is $1,914/month, and median household income is $107,391. The home-value-to-income ratio is 6.0x, which suggests housing may be stretched relative to local earnings.
What is the poverty rate in Carson?
The poverty rate in Carson, CA is 9.0%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Carson, CA?
Carson's population is 32.3% White, 2.5% Hispanic or Latino, 0.3% Black or African American, 6.0% Asian, and 22.3% two or more races. 35.2% of residents are foreign-born.