Poway, CA
Population 48,515 · California
About Poway, CA
Poway is a mid-sized city located in California with a population of 48,515 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $143,825 per year, which is 91% 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 Poway features a median home value of $971,500, which is 297% above the national median of $244,900. This places Poway in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $2,261, 94% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 16,969 total housing units, 76% are owner-occupied (12,412 units) and 24% are renter-occupied (3,991 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Poway shows an unemployment rate of 5.3%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 5.2%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Poway have an average one-way commute time of 24.6 minutes.
Education & Demographics
53.4% of Poway residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This significantly higher educational attainment rate often correlates with access to knowledge-economy jobs and higher household incomes. The community's demographic composition includes 14.0% White, 2.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.6% Black or African American, and 2.1% Asian residents, with 17.8% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Poway, CA
Compared to national averages, Poway has a median household income of $143,825 (91% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $971,500, which is 297% above the national median. Monthly rent at $2,261 is 94% above the US average of $1,163. Within California, Poway's income is 47% above the state average of $97,829, and home values are 49% above the state median of $653,874.
Why Live in Poway, CA?
Poway offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $143,825, well above the national average, and a well-educated community where 53.4% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, and a low poverty rate of 5.2%, better than the national average. Additionally, the city features short commute times averaging just 24.6 minutes.
Potential considerations include a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $971,500. However, Poway’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Poway has a population of 48,515 with a median age of 41.9 years. Compare Poway with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in California.
Similar Cities Near Poway
Cities in California with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cerritos | 48,340 | $133,953 | $908,600 | Compare |
| Ceres | 48,918 | $76,862 | $397,200 | Compare |
| San Luis Obispo | 48,039 | $66,711 | $896,500 | Compare |
| Antelope | 49,080 | $95,102 | $468,200 | Compare |
| North Highlands | 47,900 | $65,090 | $344,900 | Compare |
| Azusa | 49,318 | $85,727 | $607,400 | Compare |
| Cypress | 49,531 | $124,167 | $870,100 | Compare |
| Florin | 49,536 | $66,323 | $359,500 | 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 Poway With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Poway
What is the population of Poway, CA?
The population of Poway, CA is 48,515 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 Poway?
The median household income in Poway, CA is $143,825 per year, which is 91% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Poway?
The median home value in Poway, CA is $971,500, which is 297% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Poway?
The median monthly rent in Poway, CA is $2,261, which is 94% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Poway?
The unemployment rate in Poway, CA is 5.3%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Poway, CA a good place to live?
Poway offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 48,515 and a median age of 41.9, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Poway, CA?
53.4% of residents in Poway 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 Poway?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Poway, CA: median home value is $971,500 (297% above national), median rent is $2,261/month, and median household income is $143,825. The home-value-to-income ratio is 6.8x, which suggests housing may be stretched relative to local earnings.
What is the poverty rate in Poway?
The poverty rate in Poway, CA is 5.2%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Poway, CA?
Poway's population is 14.0% White, 2.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.6% Black or African American, 2.1% Asian, and 2.5% two or more races. 17.8% of residents are foreign-born.