Elk Grove, CA
Population 177,221 · California
About Elk Grove, CA
Elk Grove is a major city located in California with a population of 177,221 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $122,229 per year, which is 63% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 39 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Elk Grove features a median home value of $603,400, which is 146% above the national median of $244,900. This places Elk Grove in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $2,180, 87% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 56,080 total housing units, 74% are owner-occupied (40,448 units) and 26% are renter-occupied (14,259 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Elk Grove shows an unemployment rate of 6.7%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 7.4%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Elk Grove have an average one-way commute time of 32.4 minutes.
Education & Demographics
38.0% of Elk Grove 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 14.3% White, 2.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.4% Black or African American, and 3.2% Asian residents, with 25.0% of the population being foreign-born.
How Elk Grove Ranks in California
Cost of Living in Elk Grove, CA
Compared to national averages, Elk Grove has a median household income of $122,229 (63% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $603,400, which is 146% above the national median. Monthly rent at $2,180 is 87% above the US average of $1,163. Within California, Elk Grove's income is 25% above the state average of $97,829, and home values are 8% below the state median of $653,874.
Why Live in Elk Grove, CA?
Elk Grove offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $122,229, well above the national average, and a well-educated community where 38.0% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, and a low poverty rate of 7.4%, better than the national average.
Potential considerations include a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $603,400. However, as a major city, Elk Grove provides access to a wide range of amenities and services.
Elk Grove has a population of 177,221 with a median age of 39 years. Compare Elk Grove with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in California.
Similar Cities Near Elk Grove
Cities in California with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Santa Rosa | 177,216 | $97,410 | $685,000 | Compare |
| Ontario | 178,347 | $82,806 | $568,000 | Compare |
| Rancho Cucamonga | 174,693 | $109,511 | $694,400 | Compare |
| Oceanside | 172,542 | $93,724 | $702,000 | Compare |
| Garden Grove | 170,603 | $90,166 | $765,500 | Compare |
| Lancaster | 170,013 | $76,083 | $409,100 | Compare |
| Palmdale | 165,487 | $81,151 | $435,300 | Compare |
| Glendale | 192,270 | $84,262 | $1,043,900 | 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 Elk Grove With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Elk Grove
What is the population of Elk Grove, CA?
The population of Elk Grove, CA is 177,221 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a major city in California.
What is the median household income in Elk Grove?
The median household income in Elk Grove, CA is $122,229 per year, which is 63% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Elk Grove?
The median home value in Elk Grove, CA is $603,400, which is 146% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Elk Grove?
The median monthly rent in Elk Grove, CA is $2,180, which is 87% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Elk Grove?
The unemployment rate in Elk Grove, CA is 6.7%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Elk Grove, CA a good place to live?
Elk Grove offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 177,221 and a median age of 39, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Elk Grove, CA?
38.0% of residents in Elk Grove aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This above-average educational attainment often reflects a knowledge-based local economy.
What is the cost of living in Elk Grove?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Elk Grove, CA: median home value is $603,400 (146% above national), median rent is $2,180/month, and median household income is $122,229. The home-value-to-income ratio is 4.9x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Elk Grove?
The poverty rate in Elk Grove, CA is 7.4%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Elk Grove, CA?
Elk Grove's population is 14.3% White, 2.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.4% Black or African American, 3.2% Asian, and 10.5% two or more races. 25.0% of residents are foreign-born.