Sacramento, CA
Population 524,802 · California
About Sacramento, CA
Sacramento is a major city located in California with a population of 524,802 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $83,753 per year, which is 11% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 35.7 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 Sacramento features a median home value of $484,600, which is 98% above the national median of $244,900. This places Sacramento in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $1,694, 46% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 210,621 total housing units, 51% are owner-occupied (102,651 units) and 49% are renter-occupied (96,750 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Sacramento shows an unemployment rate of 6.2%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 14.4%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Sacramento have an average one-way commute time of 25.6 minutes.
Education & Demographics
36.4% of Sacramento 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 24.1% White, 3.8% Hispanic or Latino, 0.9% Black or African American, and 4.4% Asian residents, with 21.3% of the population being foreign-born.
How Sacramento Ranks in California
Cost of Living in Sacramento, CA
Compared to national averages, Sacramento has a median household income of $83,753 (11% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $484,600, which is 98% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,694 is 46% above the US average of $1,163. Within California, Sacramento's income is 14% below the state average of $97,829, and home values are 26% below the state median of $653,874.
Why Live in Sacramento, CA?
Sacramento offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $83,753, well above the national average, and a well-educated community where 36.4% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher.
Potential considerations include a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $484,600. However, as a major city, Sacramento provides access to a wide range of amenities and services.
Sacramento has a population of 524,802 with a median age of 35.7 years. Compare Sacramento with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in California.
Similar Cities Near Sacramento
Cities in California with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fresno | 543,615 | $66,804 | $348,500 | Compare |
| Long Beach | 458,491 | $83,969 | $762,200 | Compare |
| Oakland | 438,072 | $97,369 | $924,700 | Compare |
| Bakersfield | 408,366 | $77,397 | $347,300 | 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 Sacramento With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Sacramento
What is the population of Sacramento, CA?
The population of Sacramento, CA is 524,802 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 Sacramento?
The median household income in Sacramento, CA is $83,753 per year, which is 11% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Sacramento?
The median home value in Sacramento, CA is $484,600, which is 98% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Sacramento?
The median monthly rent in Sacramento, CA is $1,694, which is 46% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Sacramento?
The unemployment rate in Sacramento, CA is 6.2%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Sacramento, CA a good place to live?
Sacramento offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 524,802 and a median age of 35.7, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Sacramento, CA?
36.4% of residents in Sacramento 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 Sacramento?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Sacramento, CA: median home value is $484,600 (98% above national), median rent is $1,694/month, and median household income is $83,753. The home-value-to-income ratio is 5.8x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Sacramento?
The poverty rate in Sacramento, CA is 14.4%, 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 Sacramento, CA?
Sacramento's population is 24.1% White, 3.8% Hispanic or Latino, 0.9% Black or African American, 4.4% Asian, and 11.7% two or more races. 21.3% of residents are foreign-born.