Long Beach, CA
Population 458,491 · California
About Long Beach, CA
Long Beach is a major city located in California with a population of 458,491 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $83,969 per year, which is 12% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 36.8 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Long Beach features a median home value of $762,200, which is 211% above the national median of $244,900. This places Long Beach in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $1,803, 55% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 181,469 total housing units, 41% are owner-occupied (69,994 units) and 59% are renter-occupied (101,315 units). The higher proportion of renters may reflect a transient population, younger demographics, or high housing costs relative to income.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Long Beach shows an unemployment rate of 6.5%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 15.0%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Long Beach have an average one-way commute time of 30 minutes.
Education & Demographics
34.8% of Long Beach 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 34.7% White, 3.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.7% Black or African American, and 7.8% Asian residents, with 24.7% of the population being foreign-born.
How Long Beach Ranks in California
Cost of Living in Long Beach, CA
Compared to national averages, Long Beach has a median household income of $83,969 (12% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $762,200, which is 211% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,803 is 55% above the US average of $1,163. Within California, Long Beach's income is 14% below the state average of $97,829, and home values are 17% above the state median of $653,874.
Why Live in Long Beach, CA?
Long Beach offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $83,969, well above the national average, and a well-educated community where 34.8% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher.
Potential considerations include a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $762,200. However, as a major city, Long Beach provides access to a wide range of amenities and services.
Long Beach has a population of 458,491 with a median age of 36.8 years. Compare Long Beach with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in California.
Similar Cities Near Long Beach
Cities in California with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oakland | 438,072 | $97,369 | $924,700 | Compare |
| Bakersfield | 408,366 | $77,397 | $347,300 | Compare |
| Sacramento | 524,802 | $83,753 | $484,600 | Compare |
| Fresno | 543,615 | $66,804 | $348,500 | Compare |
| Anaheim | 344,553 | $90,583 | $771,700 | Compare |
| Stockton | 320,470 | $76,851 | $412,900 | Compare |
| Riverside | 316,241 | $88,575 | $542,100 | Compare |
| Santa Ana | 311,639 | $88,354 | $657,800 | 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 Long Beach With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Long Beach
What is the population of Long Beach, CA?
The population of Long Beach, CA is 458,491 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 Long Beach?
The median household income in Long Beach, CA is $83,969 per year, which is 12% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Long Beach?
The median home value in Long Beach, CA is $762,200, which is 211% above the national median of $244,900. A significant portion of residents rent their homes.
What is the average rent in Long Beach?
The median monthly rent in Long Beach, CA is $1,803, which is 55% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Long Beach?
The unemployment rate in Long Beach, CA is 6.5%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Long Beach, CA a good place to live?
Long Beach offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 458,491 and a median age of 36.8, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Long Beach, CA?
34.8% of residents in Long Beach 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 Long Beach?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Long Beach, CA: median home value is $762,200 (211% above national), median rent is $1,803/month, and median household income is $83,969. The home-value-to-income ratio is 9.1x, which suggests housing may be stretched relative to local earnings.
What is the poverty rate in Long Beach?
The poverty rate in Long Beach, CA is 15.0%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. Residents and prospective movers should be aware of the economic challenges facing parts of this community.
How diverse is Long Beach, CA?
Long Beach's population is 34.7% White, 3.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.7% Black or African American, 7.8% Asian, and 11.5% two or more races. 24.7% of residents are foreign-born.