Ontario, CA
Population 178,347 · California
About Ontario, CA
Ontario is a major city located in California with a population of 178,347 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $82,806 per year, which is 10% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 33.1 years is notably younger the US median age of 38.9 years, indicating a younger, often more dynamic population base.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Ontario features a median home value of $568,000, which is 132% above the national median of $244,900. This places Ontario in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $1,916, 65% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 54,951 total housing units, 57% are owner-occupied (30,202 units) and 43% are renter-occupied (22,462 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Ontario shows an unemployment rate of 6.0%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 12.7%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Ontario have an average one-way commute time of 31.6 minutes.
Education & Demographics
20.7% of Ontario residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The lower educational attainment rate may reflect the area's industry mix, with more employment in trades, manufacturing, or agricultural sectors. The community's demographic composition includes 58.9% White, 3.2% Hispanic or Latino, 0.6% Black or African American, and 8.2% Asian residents, with 27.2% of the population being foreign-born.
How Ontario Ranks in California
Cost of Living in Ontario, CA
Compared to national averages, Ontario has a median household income of $82,806 (10% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $568,000, which is 132% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,916 is 65% above the US average of $1,163. Within California, Ontario's income is 15% below the state average of $97,829, and home values are 13% below the state median of $653,874.
Why Live in Ontario, CA?
Ontario offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $82,806, well above the national average.
Potential considerations include a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $568,000. However, as a major city, Ontario provides access to a wide range of amenities and services.
Ontario has a population of 178,347 with a median age of 33.1 years. Compare Ontario with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in California.
Similar Cities Near Ontario
Cities in California with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Elk Grove | 177,221 | $122,229 | $603,400 | Compare |
| Santa Rosa | 177,216 | $97,410 | $685,000 | 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 Ontario With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Ontario
What is the population of Ontario, CA?
The population of Ontario, CA is 178,347 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 Ontario?
The median household income in Ontario, CA is $82,806 per year, which is 10% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Ontario?
The median home value in Ontario, CA is $568,000, which is 132% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Ontario?
The median monthly rent in Ontario, CA is $1,916, which is 65% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Ontario?
The unemployment rate in Ontario, CA is 6.0%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Ontario, CA a good place to live?
Ontario offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 178,347 and a median age of 33.1, the city appeals to young professionals and families.
How educated is Ontario, CA?
20.7% of residents in Ontario 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 Ontario?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Ontario, CA: median home value is $568,000 (132% above national), median rent is $1,916/month, and median household income is $82,806. The home-value-to-income ratio is 6.9x, which suggests housing may be stretched relative to local earnings.
What is the poverty rate in Ontario?
The poverty rate in Ontario, CA is 12.7%, 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 Ontario, CA?
Ontario's population is 58.9% White, 3.2% Hispanic or Latino, 0.6% Black or African American, 8.2% Asian, and 6.0% two or more races. 27.2% of residents are foreign-born.